Reviews

It’s a heavy romance (bit cringy for me) with happy ending..

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : Love O2O – 2016 (Complete 30 Episode)
Personal Rating : 7/10

This is a romantic drama mixed with online games.

Xiao Nai / Yi Xiao Nai He (played by Yang Yang) A 4th-year computer science student and member of the basketball team. He is also the CEO of Zhi Yi technology company. He appears to be gentle and kind but hides his intellect, creativity, and academic personality.
Known by the web name "Yi Xiao Nai He", he is a famous figure and top player in the game A Chinese Ghost Story. In real life, Xiao Nai is also the most popular guy on campus.

Bei Wei Wei / Lu Wei Wei Wei (played by Zheng Shuang) A 2nd-year computer science student, who is considered the "belle" of the computer science major. She placed second in a beauty voting that took place online within the student community. She is bright, smart, helpful, and aspires to be a game designer.
Known by the alias "Lu Wei Wei Wei" in A Chinese Ghost Story, she is the only female player in the Top 10 PK ranking. She catches Xiao Nai's attention unintentionally as she is playing the game in an internet cafe.

This drama is about a ML falling in love with the FL at first sight while playing an online game (both played the same game). ML pursues her in the game and eventually in real life. This drama is light. It’s a typical school drama where there is always a mean girls and popular handsome ML. It’s a light drama but heavy on romance.

I watched this because at that time it was very popular, and I need to break from kdrama land. At first, I was stunned by how the story goes because they are also part of the online games which they don’t have in kdrama so it was very funny and new for me.

Overall, the drama was okay for me but not going to rewatch it. This is my first Chinese drama that I watch from the time of the release. So it has been 7 years. 😁😁😁 It’s a heavy romance (bit cringy for me) with happy ending..

GENRE – Modern, Romance , Online games

CAST – Yang Yang , Zheng Shuang)

#loveo2o #YangYang #ZhengShuang

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Riveting revenge drama with tight screenplay & spectacular acting all under 90 minutes

I was recommended this drama by a reddit user. Thank gawd I watched this drama because this is a great quality production. I have a weekly column on subreddit, in which I write about my favourite item from vertical dramas. This drama fits well in my posts about my favourite dramas under 90 minutes & my favourite revenge dramas without rebirth trope.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - The MOST brutal revenge plan ever. Best part is that ML got someone else's hands dirty.
2. Acting - Spectacular acting by Ye Ting & Tian Yu. This is my first time watching Ye Ting's acting. Wow he was believable as cold & calculative husband who had been massively betrayed. ​​It had been awhile since I last watched Tian Yu's dramas and she excelled as antagonist. Someone on youtube said that Tian Yu doesn't have a cunning face to play a villain but I think being a villain / antagonist doesn't require a cunning face. Sometimes villain / antagonist hides in plain sight aka they look like everyday, normal people.
3. ML characterisation - I loved that ML was morally ambiguous. He was an anti-hero. I didn't agree with his course of action but I understand the hurt & humiliation that he was going through.
4. FL characterisation - I pitied FL for awhile when she was pressured by her husband but let's face it, she didn't take any accountability. She rather saved her sorry self than faced the consequences of her affair. She was definitely a villain because of the continuous, unforgivable bad decisions that she made. She deserved the comeuppance and this is one of the rarest antagonists I love to hate.
5. Supporting characters - Clever use of SFL even though her role in the set up was minor because she represents us, the audience. ML told her (indirectly us) about his revenge plans. Now FL's family was Insufferable. They were more concerned about saving face & materialism than the welfare of FL.
6. Editing - Riveting storytelling done in 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Endings don't need to be neat but this open ending made me want more! What really happened there?

Favourite scene
When FL threatened ML who then responded with a chilling counterattack
​​

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Ryan Ding / Ding Yuxi as Demon King is ❤️

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : Love You Seven Times - 2023 (Complete 38 Episodes)
Personal Rating : 9/10

Ryan Ding / Ding Yuxi as Demon King is ❤️🐱

Love You Seven Times is a Chinese Xianxia drama about the love story between the God of War and a Fairy with seven interconnected and parallel lives together.

I love every tribulations they been through.. and my favorite is the THIRD TRIBULATION -- ShengLing Sect --. I love how she cant live without Chu Kong even without her memories of heavenly realm and love the friendship of the 4 of them in this Sect.

Every tribulation is satisfying and Ryan Ding gave a top notch performance on this. He embodied the different characters in different tribulations. This is the first time I watch the FL Yang Chaoyue so I can't say much about her but her acting skills here are okay to me unlike the ones that I read that she is not good in acting.

Honestly, I watched this because I like Ryan Ding from Romance of Tiger and Rose and this drama show another great acting of Ryan Ding, his acting here is way more better than ROTR. 😍

Overall, LYSV on is on my re-watched list. I think I watched this more than 3 times already. 😁 It is a romantic comedy with happy ending.

Which Tribulation is your favorite?

1st Tribulation -- Boar & Tiger (both have memories)
2nd Tribulation -- Lu Changkong & Xiangyun ( Xiangyun have memories)
3rd Tribulation -- Chu Kong "Sheng Ling Sect" & Xiao Xiang ( Chukong have memories)
4th Tribulation -- Chu Kong "General" & Xiangyun ( both have memories )
5th Tribulation -- Chu Kong & Canghai ( both drink the river of forgetfulness )
6th Tribulation -- Chu Kong "Demon King" & Xiangyun ( both have memories)
7th Tribulation / Life -- Ruyi & Jixian ( both have memories )The costumes and CGIs are really great!

OST -- Only Love by Faye -- is amazing.. I got hooked immediately and search the singer then I came to know she sang the OST of Love Between Fairy and Devil too.. 💕

GENRE -- Romantic Comedy with Happy Ending drama

ACTOR -- Ding Yuxi , Yang Chaoyue

#LoveYouSevenTimes #chinesedrama #xianxia #DingYuXi #YangChaoyue

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Dao Ming Si of MG (Taiwan) and Shan Cai of MG (China) finally happened.❤️

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : Count Your Lucky Stars – 2020 (Complete 34 Episodes)
Personal Rating : 8/10

Lu Xing Cheng (Played by Jerry Yan) is the editor-in-chief of a well-known magazine. Despite being known for being arrogant, Lu Xing Cheng was already considered an expert in the world of fashion. Apart from that, he is also a very lucky man and is used to having everything he wants.

Tong Xiao You (Played by Shen Yue) is a less famous fashion designer and often experiences bad luck. Until one day, their fate was swapped in an instant because of an accidental kiss. Lu Xing Cheng lost it all, whereas Tong Xiao You suddenly became famous.

The Dao Ming Si of Meteor Garden (Taiwan) and Dong Shan Cai of Meteor Garden (China) finally happened. I was eager to watch this drama ever since and their chemistry didn’t disappoint me. I am a big fan of both, that’s why I am very excited.🤩 There’s a lot of backlashes on this drama because some viewers have a issue with Shen Yue's and Jerry Yan's age gap of about 20 years but to tell you honestly you can’t point it out or feel it because they are good at their roles. Tong Xiao You being the young, adorable, hardworking aspiring fashion designer and Lu Xing Cheng being the cold king of fashion world has just perfect chemistry and balance for the story. The lovey-dovey, flirting, sweet scenes are way too cute and heart-fluttering. Lu Xing Cheng may not be the perfect guy, especially when it comes to his temper and his tendency to say things he doesn’t really mean, but his actions always speak louder than his words. He’ll always be there for Xiao You and those she cares about, and she the same, and that’s all that really matters. But sometimes both of them are really annoying.😅😁
My only concern here is the dubbing part and the last episodes I feel that it is dragged to make the drama longer. If it is only 24 ep it will be perfect, but the rest are all okay.

Overall, it is an okay drama, not that great but okay maybe because I expect more on the story so please lower your expectations so you will not be disappointed.😅😁
The chemistry is superb without feeling awkward or cringe because of the age gap. ❤️This is a light, romantic, comedy drama about chasing your dreams whatever happens.

And of course! Jerry Yan being Jerry Yan will always have an oozing charisma. 😍😍😍

GENRE – Business, Comedy, Romance, Life, Drama , Modern

LEAD CAST – Jerry Yan , Shen Yue

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Hu Yi Tian is so freeeakkkkingg handsssommee..!!!?

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : Blossoms in Adversity – 2024 (Complete 40 Episodes)
Personal Rating : 8/10

Hua Zhi (played by Zhang Jing Yi) is a smart, calm and brave eldest granddaughter of the high-standing Hua family. She is expected to keep them under wraps – and play the part of a “good partner” to her intended husband Shen Qi till a devastating tragedy of asset forfeiture suddenly befalls the Hua family. She have to step up her game and protect her family.

Gu Yan Xi (played by Hu Yi Tian) is a from a Royal family raised by his uncle the EMPEROR. At a certain age he moves to the Northern Border to watch over it. Soon he was asked by his uncle to return to the Imperial Capital to be the Commander of the Security Bureau which is known for their brutality. But later on, things have change because of his kindness. He can be brutal to the real enemy but not on the community.

Hmmm.. Normally I don’t watch a trailer or even read the synopsis or spoilers to get me excited. To be honest I expect a lot from this drama because of the hype in some groups but it fell short for me.. I’m not saying it’s bad.. It was okay.. the storyline is okay.. the way she handles her family and the problems that comes with it is a standing ovation.. even she struggles a lot she always put her family first and never gave up.. How Mr. Yan and Hua Zhi relationship blooms from friendship to romance is cute and fluttering.. Their relationship is ssoooo matured..🤎 They respect and trust is each other.. Gu Yan Xi always support & protect Hua Zhi as much as possible even from his scary uncle EMPEROR.. One of the good things about this drama is its not heavy.. and there are no heartbreaking or stressful scenes.. maybe I was more into more romantic comedy than romantic that's why I feel different.. 😅😁 I like the FL and ML chemistry.. They are gorgeous..🤩 I love the 2nd couple more.. there are so cute and funny.. There is no dull moments on their scenes.. 😍🤩

Overall, I am rating it 8/10.. It is a happy ending light romantic drama that anyone can enjoy without getting their heartbreaks.. and Hu Yi Tian is so freeeakkkkingg handsssommee..!!!😍

FAV OST – Flower Print by Mika & Lai Mei Yun / NIGHT AND DAY by Liu Zhijia & Baby J

GENRE – Romance, Costume, Family Affairs

LEAD CAST – Zhang Jing Yi & Hu Yi Tian

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"A record is there to be beaten"

A Tale of Archery at the Sanjusangendo was a rare period drama from director Naruse Mikio. Filmed during WWII, Naruse managed to side-step overlaying his film with heavy propaganda. In fact, the lessons involved were of sharing information and being okay with another’s success. “You don’t need to be in a hurry to die.”

Seventeen-year-old Daihachiro has been secretly living at an inn under the care of the owner, Okinu. His father had once held the record at the Sanjusangendo Temple archery contest. His record was broken by Hoshino. Pressured to win back the honor, his father tried but failed, committing seppuku afterwards. For the past five years Okinu has been pushing Daihachiro to excel at archery so that he could win back the title. The poor kid is starting to crack under the life-or-death pressure, not helped by ronin attacking him. Out of nowhere, a skilled samurai appears at the inn offering his protection and help with Daihachiro’s archery training. It seems almost too good to be true…

I enjoyed this shorter film by Naruse featuring archers. Daihachiro’s doubts and people calling him a coward could be wearing. His doubts were understandable though. He was a teenager being asked to break a record and failure could tarnish his father’s death which would also lead to his own. Okinu was shown as being overprotective but at the same time her actions could be leading to the teen’s death. Into this pointy deathtrap sauntered in Kanbei who was completely unflappable with a word of wisdom for every crisis. His identity was revealed early on to the viewer. He stood ready to protect Daihachiro even from his own family. Most importantly, he tried to teach the boy what real honor was and that competition wasn’t a death sentence. My biggest complaint would be the awkward dumping of 20 pp of exposition on the viewer during the first six minutes of the film. After that, the pace of the story evened out.

AToAatS was simplistic yet also entertaining, largely due to Hasegawa Kazuo’s smooth samurai that understood honor went far beyond holding records. Tanaka Kinuyo’s role could have been played by a number of actresses, she of course, gave the limited character a modicum of emotional depth. Daihachiro was the last role for Ichikawa Sensho who died at the age of 29. While this was a departure for Naruse, I found it interesting that much like in other films of his, unruly family members were put in their place while the odd person out found their independence and own path. Worth a try if you are a Naruse fan and want to see a different effort from him.

4 June 2025

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Dark Twists Are Coming

I’m really wondering if there are good people in this world! It’s like a now reflection of South Korean society, very interesting.

Well I’m here for great actors/acting, direction, story telling but most of all THE DOLLS lol.

The jump rope song is scaaaary already. Is Cheol-su going to have crazy eyes like his girlfriend Young-hee? What treachery does he posses and is Thanos/T.O.P. Really back in 2 episodes as flashbacks ‘Let’s getit’.

Here’s the trailer if you missed it.

https://youtu.be/zgGTVaG2UiQ?si=qZB5OkuQIuqlt_cw

Squid Game 3 director Hwang Dong-hyuk and stars Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Kang Ae-sim, Park Sung-hoon and special Season 2 guest T.O.P. watch and react to the final season's trailer for the first time. T.O.P. just says Thanos lines the whole time 🤣😂😅.

https://youtu.be/wQ2ShvYOuqk?si=FPN_rDz-ZvFA2qea

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Every Episode is a hit!

C-dramas often have a pattern: a strong start, a shaky middle, and then a rushed ending that tries to tie everything up. But this drama breaks that mold completely.

From the very first episode to the last, there’s a clear structure, consistent pacing, and unwavering quality. I watched it as it aired, and not once did I feel like dropping it or even hesitating to hit “next episode.” It held my attention from start to finish.

The protagonists were compelling and easy to root for—but what truly stood out were the villains. All three were incredibly well-written, layered, and deeply impactful. They weren’t just obstacles for the leads—they were characters with motives, emotions, and presence. Honestly, they might be some of the best antagonists I’ve ever seen in a C-drama.

There was a moment when the Marquis tried to manipulate Zang Hai, and I genuinely felt like I was being manipulated through the screen. That’s how powerful and immersive the writing was. He was absolutely despicable, yet somehow the story made me pity him at times. That’s the hallmark of great storytelling.

This drama flows like a river through a valley—rapid, full of twists and sharp turns, never predictable. And when it finally reaches the end, there’s a sense of calm and closure. But even then, there are hints—like hidden undercurrents beneath still water—that suggest more could be lurking below the surface. I can't help but wonder if a Season 2 might be coming. The story certainly left doors open, and if you know anything about rivers, you know stillness doesn’t always mean safety. That said, even if it ends here—and I’d honestly be more than satisfied if it does—this was an excellent conclusion. Yes, there are a few things I would’ve liked to see fleshed out—lingering questions, small moments—but that’s life. As viewers, we don’t need every detail handed to us. In fact, sometimes overly conclusive endings make it feel like the characters simply vanish once the credits roll.

But an ending like this—hopeful, slightly open, but grounded—gives the sense that the characters are still out there somewhere, living on. And that, in its own way, is more comforting and real than tying everything up with a neat little bow.

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Feels artificial

Dropping it on ep17, I just can't watch it any more

If you want unbiased review from a non-novel reader, here it is. I had no idea about the actress's no kissing rule, I haven't read the novel and started watching it solely because of Wang Anyu. And so far he's the only good thing in this drama.

The romance. I don't understand how exactly fl fell in love with ml. She seemed so nonchalant and then, suddenly, in love. I do love Liu Haou Cun's acting BUT only in scenes when she's on her own. I don't see fl's feelings towards ml at all. I only see the yearning and love from Wang Anyu's acting

But that wouldn't be a problem if they had some physical intimacy to SHOW that they're in love not tell. And that's when they failed. Because we have no feelings from fl's side, no physical intimacy to show that they're in love and no plot/certaim circumstances for them to get closer and fall in love

That "no plot" is another separate issue because it all started with ml's mother but then it got resolved VERY quickly and we didn't get any tension from that, then the separation ended quickly and again no tension/anticipation. And finally she forgave him for a basically non-existent problem very fast. And here's the question: what should keep the viewers engaged? Usually it's one of these 3 things: chemistry/good acting, physical touch, plot

For example, another Wang Anyu drama "Forever love" which I think is very similar to this one. That one had very little physical intimacy scenes but there was a great acting from fl and Wang Anyu, and the plot actually made you engaged.

Another example - Hidden Love, this one has all 3 things, or another Wang Anyu drama "Falling into you", too, has all 3 aspects

And when you have none of them, I don't know what you need to do to keep viewers happy, really

Maybe I'm dropping it too soon, maybe they'll do better at their actual dating era. But I think it should be engaging from the start, you, as a viewer, should feel excitement when you think about them finally getting together. But I personally don't, and it's sad

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Miss Qiao's Top White Moonlight (2025) is a revenge romance miniseries with Yang Han (as Qiao Rong Chuan) and Meng Lu (as Qiao Xing Ye) in the leading couple’s role. The cast did a good job bringing their characters to life and the leading couple has very good chemistry. The lead actors romance is slow burn but their interactions were emotionally intense and their romantic scenes were nicely done. Qiao Xing Ye was betrayed by her fiancé and mistreated by her family but that was the beginning of her fighting back the grievance that she suffered during her lifetime. Qiao Rong Chuan finally finds her, and once again, he becomes her greatest ally and protector while making sure that they will stay together for the rest of their lives. This drama, even with the revenge plot, gives the viewer a strong, zealous and heartwarming love story between Qiao Rong Chuan and Qiao Xing Ye.
For the meantime, this drama can be found on YouTube under the caption: “CEO took in a homeless girl, she found real family and got betrayed, he took her back, spoiled her” or “Family favored nanny's daughter. Break off relations with them, I was spoiled by CEO.They regretted it”

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I was about to drop it, but then it changed completely

I was about to drop it becuase I found both acting and story boring, but halfway everything changed and I couldn't stop watching any more.
The story became more deep, the acting so natural and sincere, it felt like watching a real story, with real people simply being themselves.
The ending could have been better, but all in all it was right like this.
I didn't enjoy much the second couple storyline, it felt too awkward and a little forced. Not counting the fact that the hearing imparing was completely useless and incredibly solved in a second with a hearing aid. If you wanted to brush it off like this, you had better not put this element in the first place.

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This One's a Must-Watch!

Okay, K-drama fam, what are you even doing if you haven't started Nine Puzzles yet?! I was hooked from the opening action. I realized I desperately needed it only when I started watching this drama. It’s been rough these past few years in the K-drama world. Nine Puzzles immediately draws you in with its dark and compelling central mystery. We meet Yoon Ena (Kim Da-mi), who, as a high school student, finds her uncle murdered next to a peculiar puzzle piece. The kicker? She has no memory of how she got to the crime scene, making her the prime suspect in the eyes of the lead investigator, Detective Kim Hansaem (Son Suk-ku). The case goes cold, but the shadow of suspicion never leaves Ena.

Fast forward ten years, and Ena has become an exceptionally talented criminal profiler for the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Just when she thought she might escape her past, a new string of murders begins, each victim found with a similar, eerie puzzle piece. These new crimes are undeniably linked to her uncle's cold case, forcing Ena to confront her buried memories and team up with the very detective who once suspected her. Fueled by past trauma and present urgency, their tension is palpable and makes for incredible viewing.

I absolutely loved how the drama weaves a complex web, promising a deep dive into psychological thrills. It's not just about finding the killer; it's about uncovering a decade-old truth, understanding trauma, and navigating the blurred lines of trust and suspicion. The casting of Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku is nothing short of brilliant. Their dynamic is the absolute heart of this show. The last time I saw Kim Da-mi in a drama was in Our Beloved Summer, but she first made a profound impact as Yi Seo in Itaewon Class; she was top-notch. And it is the same here. She is simply captivating as Yoon Ena, and I am not surprised that she is; she is a seriously gifted actor. She brings her signature intensity and raw vulnerability to the role. Ena isn't your typical profiler; she's burdened by her past, emotionally guarded, yet incredibly sharp and almost unnervingly direct. Da-mi perfectly portrays Ena's internal conflict – the trauma of her forgotten past battling with her present brilliance. There are moments where her quirky, almost detached demeanor belies a deep well of pain and determination. Her expressions, especially in her eyes, convey so much about a character who has lived under a cloud of suspicion for so long. She’s the kind of complex female lead I crave in crime thrillers, and Da-mi delivers her with an impressive nuance that makes you both root for her and question her at the same time.

And then there's Son Suk-ku as Detective Kim Hansaem. Oh, my goodness, he's just phenomenal! Hansaem is a meticulous, driven detective who has never let go of Ena's uncle's murder—his first unsolved case. I have to admit he is the reason I watched this drama. He's pragmatic, cynical, and initially views Ena with a heavy dose of skepticism, if not outright suspicion. Suk-ku embodies Hansaem's weariness and dogged determination with such precision. His ability to convey so much with minimal dialogue, using subtle shifts in his gaze or posture, and even his hat, is truly remarkable. The push-and-pull dynamic between Hansaem and Ena is electric; it's not a romantic tension, but a fascinating blend of professional respect, lingering suspicion, and a shared, desperate need for the truth. Their scenes together are a masterclass in subtle chemistry.
While the focus is rightly on the leads, the supporting cast also adds significant weight. Actors like Kim Sung-kyun and Hyun Bong-sik add their considerable talents to the ensemble, adding even more complex character interactions as the mystery deepens. The cameos, oh, my God, star-studded showcasing Hwang Jung Min, Lee Sung Min, Ji Jin-hee, Lee Hee Joon, Ok Ja Yeon, and Park Woong—were also fantastic, adding star power and intrigue.

So, if you are still asking yourself why you should watch Nine Puzzles, I will tell you. The core puzzle concept is brilliantly executed. The clues are unsettling, and the connection between the past and present cases is genuinely chilling. Exceptional leads in Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku are a dream team. Their performances alone are enough to make this drama a must-watch. It delves into the trauma of its characters and the complexities of human memory and perception, elevating it beyond a simple crime procedural. Yoon Jong-bin directs the icing; the cinematography, pacing, and overall atmosphere are top-notch, ensuring a gripping viewing experience.

This drama did not disappoint, not one bit. It delivered in every way possible. It is one of the strongest K-drama thrillers of 2025. It's dark, intelligent, and perfectly cast. If you love a drama that makes you think, keeps you guessing, and features incredible acting, do yourself a favor and start binge-watching Nine Puzzles immediately.

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