Reviews

who's the real devil?

I've watched some crime kdramas but this one was quite different. In other series you see a criminal in the end and you get surprised by it. But this series is a complete character development that you see through the show. You see how the devil is made slowly. One decision can effect your whole life and even your loved ones' lives. At first you think it's all about an attractive devil called Seo do-yeong but in the end you realize that the real devil is that simple lawyer who turned into a devil even worse than see do-yeong. It's so realistic you know. It's amazing to show that how power and money can attract people to do all of these devilish stuff.
In the end, I also remembered a quote from one of the Christopher Nolan's movies which was interesting for me to share with you.
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain"
it completely describes han dong-soo...
I don't even mention the great act of shin ha-kyun and Kim young-kwang cause it's so obvious that they did their best.
Also, I wanna say that the OST of this series was the best. It suits the story and the characters so well. I'm still listening to them!
I really recommend this series to those who want to experience a special feeling and want to sink into the story and keep wondering about it.

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Underrated Gem With Powerful Emotions and Storytelling

I’m genuinely surprised I missed this K-drama. It didn’t seem to get much attention or strong word-of-mouth, so it probably flew under my radar. But what an incredible experience it has turned out to be. The storyline is intense, the acting is powerful, and the cast delivers with such authenticity. The show starts off with a seemingly simple plot, but the direction is excellent and the storytelling flows so smoothly that it quickly becomes captivating. It carries a perfect blend of warmth, sadness, jealousy, and emotion that feels incredibly real and relatable. I would definitely recommend this to others. I’m excited to continue watching and see how the story unfolds

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Unnecessary third season

Alice in Borderland is totally awesome. Seriously, both the first and second seasons are mind-blowing!
When the second season ended, I didn't imagine there would be a third, especially since the ending referenced the conclusion of the manga. They announced the third season, and I was excited, but also afraid it would be bad.
I was already disappointed at the beginning because I imagined the story would continue as if they had never left Borderland. Like, why would they want to go back? That doesn't make any sense! Even so, the plot was building up nicely and was actually really interesting, but then, as the episodes went on, it just felt like it was getting more and more boring.
WHAT KIND OF ENDING WAS THAT, THOUGH?! I was expecting something way bigger! So many things were just left hanging, totally unexplained. And that last scene? It totally looked like they're setting up for an American version. I seriously hope they don't do it. I would absolutely hate that with a passion.
Overall, the story followed a completely different path than what I expected.

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7/10 for chaotic charm

I must say the reason why I started this series was because I saw this comment that said. “There’s 3 options, you’re either going to love it or you’re going to hate it or you don’t feel anything about it” so immediately I was curious which set I’d fall into.
I have a hard time focusing and I’m that person who never really finishes watching BLs I still have; Bad Buddy, The Eclipse, The Heart Killers, Love Mechanics and a few more on hold. Not because they were boring, they just didn’t have me hooked enough. But with this one I couldn’t walk away, I couldn’t sleep
When I first saw the title “Battle of the Writers”, I expected fiery rivalries, sharp banter and cutthroat competition. What I got? 5 writers sitting down to collaborate on one story – chaos included

The concept was honestly fascinating: multiple creative voices coming together to weave a single narrative. But the execution? Let’s just say it was unique.
You find yourself thrown into a whirlwind of dramatized enactments from their story, mixed with the behind-the-scenes process of the writers themselves.
Sometimes it felt like I was watching two dramas at once – the book within the show and the show about the book

Was it messy? Yes. Did it always make sense? Not quite.
But did I have fun? Absolutely.
There’s a strange charm in the chaos. The ensemble cast brings a certain energy and even when the pacing dragged or the story got tangled, I couldn’t stop watching. It felt more like a theatrical experiment than a polished drama, which, in its own way, was refreshing.
Personally I only wish they’d cropped out some of the excessive enactments – the series could’ve been sharper as a mini drama and focused more on the love stories because I feel they didn’t get enough time or space for the relationship developments. Still I came out entertained, a little bewildered, but with a smile.
Who should watch: fans of experimental BLs, people who liked lovely writer’s behind the scenes vibes but want something more playful and chaotic
Who should skip: if you prefer tight pacing and consistent storytelling, you may get frustrated

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A Drama You Truly Shouldn’t Miss!

I am not really a person who enjoys sports dramas that much. For example, I once tried watching a Chinese drama about chess, but I found it boring. I also tried a drama about e-sports, and it didn’t suit my taste either. But when it comes to basketball, I am truly a fan.

What makes this drama different is how the story flows with a mix of sports and romance. The romance here isn’t vulgar—it grows naturally, just like life itself. You feel as if you’re following someone’s journey from childhood, crawling and growing, through adolescence, youth, and maturity—psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, and even physically. Watching it, you feel joy, you smile, you get sad, and you cry as well.

It’s like being reminded that you were born into this world with a purpose: to experience life, to love, and to learn. And even if your emotional relationship is broken, you try to fix it—or sometimes make the tough decision to end it for the good of both. This drama makes you feel so much that you forget everything else while watching. Time passes so quickly that when it ends, you feel an emptiness, like you’ve lost a part of your life.

I actually came across this masterpiece by pure coincidence. I was going to watch another drama with the same title from the year before, but with a completely different plot. Choosing this one instead was the best decision—I felt I had given sports dramas a second chance.

And honestly, I think I will definitely rewatch it, 100%. Whenever I want to lift my mood or relive the feelings, this drama will be my go-to choice.

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a war conflict mixed with explosive chemistry

finished 8.5/10
Overall, I think the drama fulfilled its purpose: it presented us with a plot full of international espionage and suspense... The acting was well executed, and I was pleasantly surprised by the romantic arc of the leads and the excellent chemistry they had on screen... without a doubt, one of the best I've seen in recent years.
Now, let's talk about the script. At times, it seemed somewhat implausible and tended to imitate the trends of international series, deviating a bit from what we're used to seeing in a kdrama. Personally, I didn't like the ending very much, not only because of its open ending but because I would have preferred Munju to put aside the politics that were undoubtedly a very painful part of her life, but I'm just giving my personal opinion... Recommended if you want to see something full of action and adrenaline + an explosive couple in many areas.

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Mediocrity saved by the chemistry and star power

If u put two hottest and popular star in one project then it should blast like atom bomb. But did it blast like atom bomb? Big No. If u see the series then it can be feel that it is inspired by Mr and Mrs Smith and House of cards. If u see genre of this series it says thriller, mystery and romance but neither its thrilling nor mysterious except short romance. Yeah chemistry, acting, kiss scene were insane but story was too weak. It was very predictable. Within 10 mins u can guess what will happen and who is the main villain. Mediocre Korean version of mr and mrs smith with some changes. Yes kang dong won is insanely popular for action movies but he rarely appears in series, and we all know jun ji hyun is one of most versatile actress in korea, whether u see her romantic movie or action u can see that this lady so clever coz she knows how to choose script. But this time story was very flat and this series is saved by the star power of main lead. Direction, VFX, were good. So i can give 10/10 only because of chemistry, star power and acting. Obviously can they can be dubbed as Brangelina on the screen. I hope to see them in romantic series but i don't we will ever get to see kang dong won in romantic series. Anyway if u r fan of the star then u can watch it otherwise there is nothing to see.

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A Refresh look at China's modernization of the manufacturing industry in the 90s.

Created in China is a modern business drama about the rise of China's manufacturing industry in the 90s, starring Zhang Xin Cheng and Song Er. The acting and on-screen chemistry between Zhang Xin Cheng and Song Er were good. It was great to see the struggles, the rise, and the fall of doing business in China, where Lin Jun wanted to modernize it, but faced resistance from the old generation.

One of the disappointments of this drama is that Song Er's character, Cui Bing Bing, did not appear until the midpoint of the drama.

Synopsis: In the late 1990s, Liu Jun, who studied in Germany, returned to his hometown of Donghai. Following the tide of the times, he is determined to modernize his father's old machinery factory with leading technology. As a private enterprise, Liu Jun struggles to secure capital, establish connections, and acquire technology. However, his friend Qian Hong Ming's import and export businesses, as well as his real estate ventures, are flourishing at this time, and the two come to look out for each other. Liu Jun becomes acquainted with Yang Xun through technology, yet their falling out is also a result of the same. Fortunately, Song Yun Hui, the head of the Donghai Group, favors Liu Jun and provides strong backing for the development of the Tengfei Factory. Despite his skills, Liu Jun remains down-to-earth as he adapts to the local environment while attempting to break through technical barriers. While working hard to complete the transformation of the Tengfei Factory, Liu Jun comes to realize his own value. Tengfei Factory also strives to lead the torrent of China's manufacturing industry.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8.5
2. Script: 7
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 7
5. Cinematography: 7
6. Rewatchable: 7
7. On-screen Chemistry: 7

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Historical CSI genre is over saturated that it lost its originality and storyline.

Coroner's Diary is a historical CSI drama starring Landy Li and Ao Rui Peng. The acting and some of the CSI cases were interesting. Still, the pace and repetitiveness of various cases made the drama seem draggy and uninteresting to watch by the midpoint. The romance was quick, but it developed into a slow burn afterward. It is watchable but not engaging.

This type of genre is another one that has been done too many times in Cdrama, to the point where it has lost its originality. I may not revisit it again in the future, like the Xian Xia and Republican Era genres.

Synopsis: The story follows Shen Wan, the daughter of Shen Yi, a high-ranking official of the Supreme Court, whose entire family is massacred after being implicated in the Prince of Jin case. Shen Wan escapes to Jingzhou by disguising herself as Qin Wan, the Ninth Lady of the Qin family, where she learns all about medicine and how to perform autopsies. She not only excels at healing the sick and saving lives but is also skilled in her professional role as a coroner, investigating crimes. During her investigations, Qin Wan meets Yan Chi, the crown prince of King Rui. Yan Chi is determined to clear the Prince of Jin’s name, an ambition that aligns with Qin Wan’s own mission to vindicate her father. The two return to the capital together, solving a series of strange and mysterious cases along the way. After returning, the discovery of a skeleton leads to the reopening of the Prince of Jin case. As they delve deeper, Yan Chi and Qin Wan gradually uncover the truth and ultimately expose a shocking secret buried deep within the palace.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 6
3. Music/OST: 6
4. Production Quality: 6
5. Cinematography: 6
6. Rewatchable:5
7. On-screen Chemistry: 6

Overall Rating: 6

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Another good iQiYi short series about crime drama. Lou Jin and Wang Zi Wen were awesome

Beloved is a crime drama starring Luo Jin, Wang Zi Wen, and Yu Nan. There were a few twists in the crime drama that I didn't expect, as Luo Jin portrayed double characters, playing twin brothers. One was blind due to jealousy that his old classmate tried to kill him, was kind and gentle, whereas his twin brother is more ambitious and conniving.

The acting ensemble was good, especially Lou Jin and Wang Zi Wen. iQiyi short series always do well.

Synopsis: At the turn of the century, due to the water storage requirements of water conservancy projects, a small riverside town was about to be submerged. People were in full swing in the construction of a new city and population migration. In the summer of 2002, Dongjiang City experienced heavy rainfall. A bizarre murder case came to the police's attention. A dead lover and a disappeared and resurrected husband were both the "murderer" and the "dead." Finally, under the unremitting investigation of the police, a past that had been long forgotten was brought to light. The complexity of human nature has often blinded many people, but the truth remains unshaken. Everything you can see is sunshine.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8.5
2. Script: 8
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 7.5
5. Cinematography: 7
6. Rewatchable: 7
7. On-screen Chemistry: 7

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Can we move on from Republican Drama? Same old story and lack originality

A Love Never Lost is yet another Republican Drama about the Japanese invasion. I have watched numerous dramas about this era of Chinese History, and to be honest, I am growing increasingly tired of them. Many platforms share similar stories, offering nothing new or original. As much as I like Li Xian, after investing my time and watching 8 episodes, I can no longer find it intriguing to continue. I am dropping the drama.

Synopsis: Following the Boxer Rebellion, the Qing Dynasty sought to rejuvenate itself by sending promising young men to military school in Japan. Among them were Qing aristocrat Liang Xiang, revolutionary Yang Kai Zhi, and Beiyang Army soldier Li Ren Jun. On the voyage to Japan, they met revolutionary Wu Tian Bai and merchant daughter Xie Qiu Hong. Representing different political factions, each with a distinct vision for revitalizing China, the fates of these five individuals would be intertwined on the road to revolution.

My Reviews:
1. Acting:7
2. Script: 4
3. Music/OST: 4
4. Production Quality: 6
5. Cinematography: 6
6. Rewatchable: 0

Overall Rating: 4.5

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Inoffensively OK

In some ways it's better than the two seasons of previous adaptations of the same books.
It's more cohesive, there's less wasted time and it's more of a complete story.
It also starts pretty great - everything feels quite gritty and real, the locations are cool and the older actors well selected. (this iteration of badass gritty Panzi is probably my favourite)
But when we go inside and stay with the Iron Triangle only, it gets into the same old rut - mainly running or walking through dark hallways.
I think my main issue with this season is the main trio - they're only "fine".
You want each actor hitting character-specific traits and all three having good chemistry.
These three guys are not the worst I've seen in these roles, but they're not the best either.
In the end I'm left with "Yeah, I've seen this before, this version is ok."
Minor nitpicks:
- I didn't like A Ning - too soft and idoly for my taste. Not a believable mercenary.
(EDIT: !!!! I just realized she's played by Daisy Li, who I ADORED as Yan Zi in "Weasel Grave". Goes to show how much a type of the role matters for an actor. I just rewatched WG and she was so fun in that. Man, I did NOT recognize her.)
- I was constantly put off by really really subpar ADR - the voices were just too off.
I'll still watch more if they make more with this cast. It'd be neat to get more seasons with the same actors.

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