Reviews

Love, Loyalty, and Betrayal — A Drama That Refused to Be Boring

From the very first episode to the thirty-ninth, not a single moment dragged. The power struggles between the royals and the influential figures were gripping—sharp, emotional, and full of tension.

The male lead is one of those actors who doesn’t rely on exaggerated expressions. He plays it cool, subtle—but when he does show emotion, it hits hard. His rare smile? Melts hearts. You just want more of that quiet fire behind his eyes.

The female lead is already a well-known powerhouse, especially in costume dramas. She doesn’t usually dive deep into romantic scenes—maybe a brief hug here, a gentle kiss there—but it’s part of her charm. She carries herself with restraint and grace, letting emotion speak louder than touch.

This drama never once bored me. Every twist kept me guessing—who would rise, who would fall, who would betray. The royal princess, though, stole the show for me. She was ruthless, calculating, and fierce—a woman who knew exactly what she wanted, no matter the cost. Once her backstory unraveled, her bitterness made sense. You almost can’t blame her for the choices she made.

Even the side stories had weight and heart. Everything tied together beautifully… until the last episode.

Ah yes—Episode 40.
That one left me torn.

The male lead sets off to quell an uprising after the prince’s failed coup. Before leaving, he plants a tree with the female lead and promises to return when it’s in full bloom. But the ending? It’s vague—painfully so. You see him surrounded by enemies after his loyal guards are killed. Then suddenly, the female lead runs to the tree… and he appears.

Was that reunion real, or just her dream? Did he die and return to her in spirit? The drama doesn’t say, and that open ending left my heart hanging.

According to the novel, they eventually have a child—but the drama doesn’t make clear if the child was born while he was away, or after he came back. I would’ve loved to see that closure onscreen.

Still, despite the uncertain ending, this drama was pure brilliance—emotionally charged, beautifully acted, and impossible to forget.

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Strong women in the face of it all

I will keep spoilers out of the beginning of this review, but if you want to know if this is a happy or not happy ending, scroll to the last sentence of my review.

Great acting! But I didn't feel a connection between many of the characters (as in, feel the relationship between them) until about halfway through the drama. I kept watching because I loved how the main lead, Duanwu, kept being so strong in the face of everything, and seeing a woman struggle in the world of men (being blocked from being successful on her own) spoke to me. I admired her courage and persistence and really appreciated her character.

I really enjoyed the sibling relationship with Shrimp and Duanwu and thought that was the most realistic. The romance didn't feel as close and I wasn't feeling much of a connection between the main characters for a long time, until maybe the last story arc or so. Maybe it was just because I thought the male lead was heartless in the beginning and I couldn't understand how anyone could get past that horrible attitude.

Overall, the music was pretty good (except one track was kind of overdramatic and it even made me laugh out loud once), the sets were beautiful, the costumes were beautiful, and I thought the plot and premise was pretty interesting. However, the last episode seemed a little rushed, which is a bummer.

SPOILER:
If you want a super happy ending where everything is rainbows and puppies, don't watch this drama. I still think it was worth the journey.

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I didn't expect much from this half-hour film, and my surprise at the end was even greater. The film, which doesn't have a high rating and may be condemned by many viewers because of its sensitive subject matter, surprised me in a good way with its complete authenticity, a natural look at one boy's coming of age, regardless of how old or young he is on paper, and let's not deny that many boys feel that way. I'm also satisfied with the ending of the story. And why do I only give it a "rather recommend" rating even though I give it a high rating? Most of those who read the film's description will probably understand that.

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I had fun.

You can't just put him in a sweater and call him a twink. I remember what he looks like shirtless. I remember the baps.

This show has a very intense plot subject that got maybe 20% of its work done. There already wasn't enough run-time for them to really flesh out this plot, and on top of that, they are constantly planting little seeds of plots that don't go anywhere (unless these are references of some sort I'm not getting), like one scene near the end with the RA guy. I thought I was going to get more information. Or I expected more "signs" and whatnot related to their destinies or about the past. That said. I knew what to expect from this type of show out of Taiwan, very dramatic for no reason, and I eat it up.

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⭐ 10/10 ⭐
ABO: Desire the Series completely exceeded my expectations. The story is addictive, emotional, and beautifully written. Every episode kept me hooked, and the chemistry between the characters is unforgettable. Sheng Shaoyou, played by Kipuka Qiu, truly stole the spotlight, his acting is raw, powerful, and full of heart. The production, soundtrack, and cinematography are stunning, making the whole drama feel like a masterpiece. This isn’t just a romance, it’s an emotional journey that explores love, pain, and growth. Absolutely worth watching, easily one of the best series of the year!

Sheng Shaoyou team fr 😻
Love all cast tho

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Immaculate Sci-Fi of 2025

Mobius plotline is very, very fascinating. Usually I would be tired of loops, but the thril and intensity of each episode kept me going no matter how many loops there were.
I really enjoy the story, because of the focus on biotechnology and what it can do for patients, granted this drama shows us that it can be exploited and used for evil doings as well. It doesn't seem to stray too far from reality to be honest.

On the other hand, Bai Jingting's forte is definitely in urban settings rather than costume dramas. I've always enjoyed watching him kick ass, so hot! The action choreography in the drama was exquisite, like a cherry on top when the enemy was taken down. His acting is still amazing as per usual, nothing bad to say honestly.
I have not seen the other casts' members dramas (or don't remember much since it's been a while) except for a veteran HK actor, but other than that everyone did well!
However, Maggie played by Chutimon was the blackhole of the cast - I could obviously tell she was just a model and not an actress honestly.
Anyways, I feel like I was watching a TVB police drama with all the Hong Kong actors and actresses especially when they speak in Cantonese! Even the comedy is quite hilarious; I loved it when the Cantonese speakers tried to speak in Mandarin and Bai Jing Ting tries to speak in Cantonese - each side had their accents which added some humor points.
The villain was interesting suffice to say. I understood why he was the villain in the end, but the way his path went askew was quite upsetting though.
I hope there's a season 2 because they CAN NOT end on a CLIFFHANGER!

Would I recommend? Yes! It's only 16 episodes - pretty short for a cdrama of such quality!
If you're looking for something thrilling, action, and intense, watch it!
If you're looking for romance, eeeh I don't think romance was the focus, but there is some.
If you enjoy biotechnology or just sci-fi in general, definitely watch it. lol

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"If life knocks you down, get back up"

Karate Kid: Legends was the sixth addition to the franchise that began in 1984. Full of nostalgia by calling back old familiar characters and tropes, KKL didn't exactly pave a new cinematic experience but as a popcorn movie it delivered some fun moments for fans.

Li Fong is training under sifu Han in Beijing, China. He’s working to overcome his feelings of guilt about the death of his brother who had been attacked and killed. His mother doesn’t want him to practice kung fu, fearing she’ll lose a second son. When she lands a job in New York City, she makes Li promise no more kung fu. When attempting to order a stuffed crust pizza at a local pizzeria (sacrilege in NYC!) he meets Mia and her dad who owns the place. The two hit it off, something her ex-boyfriend and brutal MMA fighter, Conor, is none too pleased about. In order to help Mia’s family and himself, Li may have to break his promise to his mother.

KKL’s poster prominently features Jackie Chan/Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso). The two don’t really show up until nearly an hour into the film. The first hour sets the stage for Li’s motivation to fight in the Five Burroughs Tournament. The second half is mostly training montages with the two mentors flipping poor Li Fong all over Fetterman’s garden roof.

Mr. Miyagi’s family was retrofitted to have a connection with the Hans-“Two branches, one tree.” I wasn’t disappointed that the two teachers weren’t more prominently featured, this was Li Fong’s story. Plus, Jackie is getting older and Ralph is an actor, not an accomplished martial artist. The elders provided humor for the film and gave Li the support he needed to heal and compete. I thought Ben Wang as Li Fong was utterly charming and his authentic martial arts skills helped to sell the fights. Sadie Stanley was one of the better girlfriends and better actresses in the franchise. Wen Ming Na (Disney’s first Mulan and Agents of Shield) didn’t have nearly enough to do. I always enjoy her presence in films and television shows. Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek and Fringe) added another fight style as a retired boxer who was in debt to loan sharks.

The plot followed much of the original’s framework---a fish out of water with a single mother who had to deal with a violent opponent and ex-boyfriend to the girl he had a crush on. The evil gym “We don’t fight for points, we fight to kill!” was badly underdeveloped. Aside from one run-in with Conor and his Demolition posse, Li didn’t suffer much as the new kid in a strange land. He had a supportive mother, girlfriend, girlfriend’s father, and not one, but two mentors! Thankfully, the infamous and totally useless Crane Kick was not used. The equally useless Dragon Kick was but at least they figured out how to make it workable. I loved that Daniel-san made the comment that you can’t teach someone karate in a week. Say it ain’t so---“Wax on, wax off!”

At ninety minutes, the story flew leaving precious little room for character or story development. This was a stream-lined film that often used the familiar characters and plot points to take shortcuts that weren’t completely satisfying. The original Karate Kid was a 1980’s cheese fest with a heart of gold. 2025’s Karate/Kung Fu Kid lacked the original’s heartwarming moments like Daniel had with Mr. Miyagi (d*mn to the depths WWII internment camps!). Just like we probably didn’t need multiple Rocky or Jurassic Park films, we probably didn’t need another addition to the KK family. However, if you enjoy the Karate Kid paradigm, Legends would be one to add to your watch list. It might not have been memorable or groundbreaking but it was 90 minutes of mindless entertainment that kept the fists, kicks, and gentle humor flowing.

30 September 2025

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The drama is really good, you have to watch it, highly recommended

The drama is really good, you have to watch it, highly recommended for those who like drama trailers, mysteries, this drama is full of unexpected plot twists, I feel the ending is very neat and happy, don't forget to watch it because it is very good, and the acting of the players is very good and natural. This drama also really inspires us to trust each other and be loyal to our partners, learn to be good parents for their children, and be patient. I highly recommend this drama to you, it is very exciting and I don't feel bored when watching it, I am very excited to watch the next episode and until the end. This drama is made with an interesting and very good storyline, I really like this dramavery good

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The Definition of "Tolerable"

With a mix of multiple tropes from various big name Xianxia-type shows, this show manages to be "watchable".

There are absolutely periods of time where the level of investment was higher but then the story would shift focus again and go in another direction. If there were anything positive to say about doing this with so many IP homages, it's that there was a level of not 'quite' knowing where the story would go next in a definite sense.

Watching this with bullet comments enabled does add a level of humor to the show as people who have already watched point out JUST how wet and/or greasy the MLs wig looks, and JUST how much the script reminds them of a Wattspad fanfiction written by a teenager.

The acting goes from not bad and actually sort of good, to 'Please close your mouth when you're not talking'. Personally I found the chemistry lacking for much of the show until the last life.

By and large I felt little with each life's death as it was a "rinse and repeat" story plotline delivered with no emotional buildup. If you know that the cycle repeats, basically per episode at one point, why should the audience care?

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For Dessert Lovers

If you were looking for a full course menu with this special episode, I have to truly wonder if we watched the same series.

The one thing that I've come to love with the My Stubborn franchise is that it truly doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it really is. Was the special ep going to be riveting plot wise? No. Was it going to solve major world issues? No. But was it going to be a fun time? Absolutely.

The script largely felt improvised... and you know what? I'm not mad at it. Both Boat and Oat have truly mastered the art of NC scenes and I think that's enough for their target audience (read: ME). They're not cringey and are packed with a lot of heat and passion.

And it's exactly what I ordered off the dessert menu: Sticky, sweet, and left me wanting another 100 special episodes.

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GMMTV's BEST BL series.

I’ve said it and I’ll say it again. “He’s Coming to me” is one of the most UNDERRATED MASTERPIECES IN BL HISTORY.

I can't remember how many times I've watched this series already, but the feels, the emotions, and the tears were still there same the first time. Ohm's acting is superb and award-worthy. Ohm and Singto's chemistry is a eureka. I am not convinced why this show did not get the hype it deserves when it was this masterpiece. I am happy though that those who get the chance to see this have the same thoughts and admirations as I have for the series.

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It's about the third season!

this show was literally the best one ever. honestly, i can say this japanese drama is one of the greatest of all time 🫶. and season 3 has to be my absolute favourite — not just because it was the last, but because the ending made it one of the best seasons ever 😭😭. especially when everything was over in borderland and arisu returned to the real world… his very first thought was usagi 🥹. the way he cared for her was just so pure and heartwarming, that’s what made him the best “husband of the year” 😤. he’s always been the best one for usagi 😭. the devotion arisu showed for her was just too sweet, and i loved him so much for that 🫶.

and yes, the fact that we also got a proper ending for our old cast members made me so happy. watching them talk so comfortably with arisu again was so good. tbh i just want to say thank you to @shin_sato_angle, the director of this incredible show, for giving us the best season ever. alice in borderland isn’t just about the amazing story — it’s also about the stunning cinematography, the scenes, the fight sequences, and most importantly, the bonds between the characters that words can’t even describe.

i honestly felt so empty after finishing season 3, maybe because i knew i was going to miss them. i kept thinking about the whole show even after completing it 😭. i’m sure i’ll rewatch it sometime this year for sure. this show feels like home to me, and i know i can always find comfort in it whenever life hits me hard.

thank you to all the actors, the crew, and every single person behind making this masterpiece. 🫶

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80% Cooking – Food cinematography is great and the over-the-top tasting reactions were fun and entertaining. But the show leaned too heavily on cooking, leaving little room for meaningful character growth.

10% Romance – The love story never reached that “soulmate” depth. It felt more like “you’re my type, let’s see where this goes,” rather than a bond powerful enough to alter fate.

10% Palace Politics – The political intrigue was shallow and underdeveloped. Threads were left hanging, missing the chance to add richness and tension to the story.

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