Reviews

Your Eyes Tell

This drama has undeniable strengths, particularly in the chemistry between the leads and its beautifully crafted romantic scenes. However, I felt it often missed the mark when it came to storytelling. The sheer number of misunderstandings—many of them exaggerated and unnecessary—made the plot feel frustrating at times. For example, the ml often seemed on the verge of opening up, only to be silenced or interrupted, which became repetitive and tiresome. While his reserved personality explains some of this, the continued lack of honest communication even after reconciliation felt unrealistic and unnecessarily dragged out.

The use of clichés such as “I’m leaving you to protect you” or “I can’t tell you the truth for your own good” also made the story feel outdated. That said, the show still has merit. Its shorter length keeps the pacing tight, and I particularly appreciated the fl bold and expressive character. Their relationship, while often frustrating, could also be seen as a realistic portrayal of couples who miscommunicate, act selfishly, and struggle to balance honesty with vulnerability. In that sense, the imperfection of their dynamic might resonate with some viewers.

Casting-wise, I was convinced the male lead was the best fit for this role, emphasis on his “deep, affectionate eyes.” While the leads spent much of the drama in conflict, their undeniable chemistry was what kept me invested. Fortunately, the series concluded with a satisfying, full-length happy ending episode that gave their relationship the resolution it needed.

Surprisingly, the real MVP for me were Kai Kai and Tai Ming. Their comedic timing and performances were outstanding, adding much-needed levity and balance to the drama. I also enjoyed the second lead storyline, particularly the scenes involving the kid, though I found myself curious about the couple’s careers and financial stability, which were left somewhat ambiguous.

While I found myself criticizing certain aspects more than praising them, I still believe this drama is worth watching. It offers a mix of romance, comedy, and realism, and while it doesn’t always execute its themes perfectly—such as its brief nods to mental health—it remains engaging overall. If you’re looking for a cdrama that balances heartfelt romance with moments of frustration, humor, and relatability, this one is a solid choice.

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Cute but lacks chemistry

Love both leads but found they lacked chemistry compared to their other movies and characters. Their romance felt forced, and not romantic. I never really rooted for them. . I enjoyed the romance between the other attorney (he was hilarious), and the person playing her sister. The supporting cast was excellent also.

Sloppy story writing. I hate when the FL starts out ditzy. She was an attorney but acted like an administrative assistant. She put up with his blatent bullying and office abuse and fell for him?? He had looks and money, but zero respect for others. No HR to control this man. The cases where clients died and no investigation. The conflict of interest with the pregnant mistress, absurd. Even the first case. Everyone could see the set ip but her.

Need better writers and leads with chemistry together.

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Trash and anyone who says it’s good is lying cause they ruined the whole show.

This show went from mind blowing to absolute trash, overnight it turned into a love story and usagi and arisu personal story about their lives and their so called baby. The old characters were barely shown, close to none like they didn’t want them to take the attention from usagi and arisu. The new characters you don’t really feel their death as they were just introduced. This show is a disappointment in every way and I don’t know how they ruined the whole thing overnight. The games weren’t as intense, over explained and too much about the new characters lives as they wanted to fit their backstory in 6 episodes but we barely know them which made the experience boring and a waste of time. I would’ve rather went on without watching this season.

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Liked it very much!

After Twilight Jimmy and Sea became one of my favorite BL couples. The dynamics and chemistry between them are so good.
Sea is an amazing actor, in this drama his acting skills are proven once more. When he cries you can't help to cry with him because you just feel his pain, but he also nails other emotions like being drunk, happy etc.
Jimmy is also a very good actor, they are a perfect match!

I liked the story, i really like magic related stories. The music and visuals were beautiful.
And i always like it when a series has little eastereggs at the end of an episode. The overall acting was very good.

The second couple didn't really deliver for me. They were not bad, but also not very rememberable.

Definatly a must watch!

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THIS DRAMA FELT REAL IN EVERY WAY

A calm and deeply sincere story about people who feel stuck and tired of their daily lives. It follows three Yeom siblings and Mr. Gu as they face loneliness, frustration, and the desire to break free from their routines. A drama that focuses on emotions that feel close to real life, and that’s what drew me in.

I connected the most with Mi Jeong. She’s quiet and keeps everything inside, but I could feel how much she wants to be understood. Her bond with Mr. Gu, a man with a painful past, isn’t about epic love story, I’d rather explain it as poetic, very poetic and has depth.

What I liked most is how real everything felt. There were moments were I felt seen, especially through Mi Jeong’s thoughts and Mr. Gu’s silence.

The cinematography and OST were really good. The empty roads, train rides, and fields feels like almost poetic. Maybe it’s just me but I think the weather seems to mirror the character’s emotions. Everything works perfectly, it’s just brilliant.

I liked that it’s an open ending story, I feel like hopeful and I feel like their stories are still unfolding somewhere off screen. The pacing can be slow and it might not be for everyone. But for me, that’s what made it hit deeper.

Plot 9.5/10
Acting and Characters 10/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 10/10
Pacing 9/10
OST/Score 9/10

Overall 9.5/10

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Easy entertainment with a goodish bit of depth, just how I like it

"Dating Game" combines two of my most favourite romance tropes: One of them is "fake dating" and the other ... would be a major spoiler. Overall, it's a sweet, easy-to-watch rom-com with experienced actors and solid direction. Don't expect drawn-out external conflicts, but do expect a consistently developed love story of two endearing men with some depth for those who appreciate it.

As I see it, the series can be read on three levels:
1. As a tropey and fun rom-com, where the tropes are used in fresh and occasionally unusual ways.
2. As a sweet love story about people who were hurt in the past and find comfort and complete trust in each other.
3. As a reflection on identity, homophobia and the social construct of "gender", the difference between parasocial and real relationships, the importance of companionship and what it means to love a person.

Each of the three possible readings is as valid as the other two -- and I think that's the intention. The depth of the third reading is cleverly hidden in the spaces between the tropes and the sweetness. It never overpowers the easy entertainment of a weekday evening series (it aired on Mondays at 21:30 Thai local time); it's spelled out in the first episode, but in a language only accessible to those who have already learned not to judge; it's hinted at in the following episodes, and with the reveal of the second major trope (see above) and the following conversations between Hill and Junji; it's made very clear again for those viewers who like to find a bit of depth in their romance.

A drama like this needs to be character-driven, and this is where "Dating Game" shines: Both of the main leads are extremely well written -- every action has a reason, and their development follows a gentle and consistent logic that leads us through tropes and beyond clichés. Junji, for example, seems to be just the usual tsundere, or maybe a stereotypical "reserved Japanese man among exuberant Thais", an impression that is strangely at odds with Junji's remarkable choice of wardrobe. I myself thought that Mukai's acting was feeling a bit stiff, or maybe awkward, and his pronunciation of the Thai language was halting, as if he wasn't quite comfortable with the Thai style of acting -- but then in one of the later episodes we get to see *why* -- not spelled out in words, but still very obviously shown.
March Chutavuth and Mukai Koji both bring in every ounce of their experience to deliver subtle and moving performances. (In Mukai's case, it's so subtle you don't even see his personality until he chooses to show it to us -- or if you already know what to look for.)

But, alas! The second couple is not as well developed. Their actors, Fluke Natouch and Judo Tantachj, both do their very best -- but the characters are simply not well written. Phat's character and his background would make a great lakorn with all its twists and turns and family shenanigans, whereas Bay has no character at all. They follow every standard cliché of a (Thai) BL couple, from the stereotypical seme/uke characteristics to the episode 11 curse -- and their story only touches on the themes of the main story peripherally, and overall has a very different feel to it. To be honest, it feels as if they are only there to fill time, so the series has its standard twelve-episode format.
It's a shame because both Phat and Bay are interesting characters in their own right and would have added to the main plot — but as individuals, not as a couple.

Was it good?
This is Thai entertainment at its best: "Dating Game" balances goofy humour and heartfelt emotions, sometimes within a few minutes. And in typical Thai fashion, the series hides life-important thoughts about companionship, love and identity under the facade of easily digestible weekday entertainment. The main story was solidly written and the cast, main and supporting actors, performed well.

Did I like it?
Yes! While I was watching it, I had certain ideas about where the story was going (or rather, where it should go) and what message the writers wanted to tell us -- so I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would have. Once I understood the direction and rhythm, I loved it.

Who would I recommend it to?
To viewers who are not prone to judge others' life and passion and those who don't call actions of other people "cringe" just because they don't understand them.
To viewers who want a endearing and loving couple on screen, whose relationship is built on trust and honesty.
And to people who also like to see to have some depth in their romance.

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Soft stupid silly dudes being guys

This was so soft and comforting. No big drama, nothing too frustrating. Just a sweet little thang.

Acting:

It’s a college rom-com about a bunch of pals who are dudes being guys who like their pals who are dudes being guys, so the story doesn’t necessarily ask for too much complexity in the acting. I think everyone did a good job in their roles here, though. For sure without a doubt my favorite Pond and Phuwin series and lowkey can say the same for the Aou and Boom dynamic here. Everyone was lovable and annoying but like it was endearing enough for them to get away with their antics. Solid portrayal of college pals and their young love.

Writing:

Smooth sailing type storyline all around, which I usually don’t like, but I think it worked well because there was always so much going on. If this were a one-couple/one-character focused series, I don’t think it would have worked without a serious conflict. Love a love story starting with a meet-ugly, too. I think the characters were all unique which was also an important part in making this series work. The “wait, is this love” and “playing hard to get” tropes get a bit old, but it didn’t piss me off too much because they shifted focus in the plot often enough for me not to dwell on the frustrating bits. Nothing really stood out as ultra dumb in the plot, it was all just very soft and fun.

Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:

My top Pond and Phuwin series, I think. They worked better here than in other series, in my opinion. The whole meet-ugly to mutual bullying to wait why do we not hate this to oh no we like this a lot to situationship to lovers worked quite well for them. Aou and Boom worked really well here, too idk why they just did. Like Aou was so annoying but also so endearing and it fit Boom’s character and they portrayed it well together. Not my favorite Winny and Satang on-screen couple, I liked their story, I just don’t think it fits them as well as MSP. This was a cute little rom-com; it worked well. The kissing hmm… Sometimes, maybe, the actors perhaps came off as a bit not entirely relaxed and comfortable with the kissing. Not Aou or Boom or Pond, but maybe everyone else a bit. I don’t want to nitpick or be ridiculous, it’s just hard not to notice, ya know. Like relax, lil guy, I promise it’s gonna be okay lmao.

Music/SFX:

Obligatory corny rom-com music, no surprises there. Obligatory goofy GMMtv rom-com SFX as well, no surprises there. The random cat meow will always confuse me, but whatever, not a big deal.

This was just fun all around. I really enjoyed it, especially after having seen the mess that was My Stand-In recently.

Now, for some highlights from my notes:

- Phuwin with the little water fountain top pony so precious
- Pond always gotta be sporty
- Art prodigy Winny<3
- Smitten Satang, my love
- Aou, the chaotic boyfailure
- Pretty accurate representation of the walk back from a bar in college
- Mom wanted you to study medicine but you chose fine arts oof… THAT must have been a rough dinner
- How you gonna leave my boy like that
- An apology?? Check the sky for pigs, bro
- The “wait, is this love?” trope will kill me one day
- Ya’ll have both initiated and reciprocated kisses with each other lmao what are we doing
- Situationship type shit
- This was so soft I forgot to write anything else oops

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A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Disappointment

I wanted to give 9 stars, but the ending of the last episode took this 9th star away... I've just finished watching and I really don't know what I feel now. It's just a mix of disappointment and sadness. Anyway, I've already watched so many brilliant dramas with a richly deserved 10, I cannot give it here even a 9. 对不起。

The story is about – well, what do you know? So surprising! – the triumph of good over evil. But for me, the deeper meaning is you cannot judge someone from your first impression, cause you can be mistaken about this person. Those who look vicious can turn out quite good and the other way around.

The whole drama is very uneven. There are some great episodes and some boring ones, where the action's moving so slow I was fast-forwarding... The first episodes were not something I'd expected. The plot twisted at the 32nd episode, making the drama go on in an interesting way. But the ending was not as joyful as probably most of the viewers expected.

I highly appreciate the fighting scenes. Cheng Yi is still irreplaceable in acting out martial arts in the best way. Even when he was injured while filming, he continued. I take my hat off to him.

On the character front, my feelings are mixed. Liu Sui Feng is a character I ultimately could not understand. He had potential, but finally turned out to be a monotonous figure with only one expression. Similarly, the main hero, Xiao Qui Shui, wasn't very interesting or surprisingly acted for me. This was in stark contrast to his second brother, who pretended to be calm, protective, and lovely, but turned out to be... well, you'll see for yourself ;)

Ultimately, my absolute favourite is Li Chenzhou. There's something very mystic in his composure, calm demeanor, and deep voice. (And that white hair... ;)) What I loved most was that his profound love for his wife never needed grand confessions—you could simply feel it in his every action and silent gaze. It leaves you wondering about the man behind the mystery: just how many years of life and loss are hidden behind that timeless, dignified presence?

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Lakorn storyline with a Chinese taste :)

PLOT: FL, a pastry chef in France, returns to China to be reunited with her boyfriend (they've been together at the orphanage, then in a relationship for 10 years). But he dumps her because he wants to climb the ladder and is dating the daughter of his company's president - FL2. The ML (the President's son, a rebel and fighter) and the SML (his rich friend, a "neighbor" at the FL's father's restaurant) witness the breakup and support the FL during this time. The FL becomes the ML's assistant, despite the machinations of the ML2 and FL2. In the process, ML & FL fall in love, are separated by an unspeakable secret, and try to forget each other (in vain :).

+++ I really like the two leads (especially Sun Shao Long, whom I'd like to see as a main lead more often).
+++ Lots of excellent actors, talented and convincing.

### I understand why this series was recommended by my friend, JulesL: the storyline is almost a lakorn. We get the twin sisters (separated), illegitimate childrens (but who don't know it), the CL who think they're siblings, the crazy Great Villain, the kidnapping, etc.
In short, let's add some drama to the melodrama :(
### 65 episodes is way too many! I really liked the first few episodes, then I did some FF, and finally, I skipped (｡•́︿•̀｡)

=> Watch at your own risk, only if you have a lot of patience!
***********************************************************
Lakorn à la sauce chinoise :)

PLOT/ La FL, pâtissière en France, rentre en Chine pr retrouver son boyfriend (ensemble à l'orphelinat, en relat° depuis 10 ans). Mais celui-ci la largue car il sort avec la fille du Président de sa Cie - FL2 (veut grimper l'échelle). Le ML (fils du Président, rebelle et lutteur) et le SML (son ami riche, "voisin" du restaurant du FL's father, assistent à la rupture et soutiennent la FL pdt cette période. La FL devient l'assistante du ML, malgré les manigances du ML2 et de la FL2. Ils tombent amoureux, sont séparés par un secret indicible, essaient de s'oublier (en vain :).

+++ J'aime bcp les 2 leads (particulièrement Sun Shao Long, que j'aimerai voir comme lead plus svt).
+++ Bcp d'excellents acteurs, talentueux et convaincants.

### Je comprends pourquoi cette série été recommandée par JulesL : la storyline est presque un lakorn. On a droit aux sœurs jumelles (séparées), aux enfants illégitimes (mais qui ne le savent pas), au CL qui se pensent frère & sœur, au Great Villain cinglé, au kidnapping, etc.
Bref, rajoutons du mélo au mélo :(
### 65 épisodes là-dessus, c'est bcp trop ! J'ai bien aimé les 1ers épisodes, puis j'ai fait du FF, et pr finir du zapping (｡•́︿•̀｡)

=> A regarder à vos risques et périls, seulement si vous avez bcp de patience !

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So boring that even Ryan Cheng can’t save it

I had high hopes for this drama. Two beautiful and not over exposed rising stars. The story started well but very quickly turned silly because the director is expecting us and every smart character in the drama to be so stupid to believe that

1) a person with super skinny female physique without a hint of workout / muscle to be a bad ass fighter and war hero- general who can best the physically stronger men. I am a very skinny and petite woman. Not disrespecting the physique for sure but I know the limitations of my size.

2) Just because FL wears a mask all her life when her identity was stolen everyone believed that her brother is her. How? This is a man’s physique, a deeper voice. It makes it sound like everyone only looks at a mask to identify a person. Can’t they at least try to work into the story for her to physically disguise herself with thicker clothes higher shoes etc to make the contrast less obvious?

On top of the above issues there is no real storyline except a stolen identify, the usual c drama corrupt Minister, and the FL going around a cold face ML. And of course a love triangle with a love sick 2nd ML. There is constant conflicts and wars that never lead to anything specific.

I tried very hard to keep going to see them getting together but even that desire can’t keep me committed. So what if they get together. They don’t seem to have much chemistry. They tried to act in love but it’s not convincing.

I still like Ryan Cheng Lei for his good looks and composure. But unfortunately this drama is not good for Zhou Ye. She has become annoying

Don’t recommend at all.

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Has flaws but still an enjoyable watch

There was a lot of things they could of done differently for this drama and it would of been perfect but I still didn't find it that bad to watch even with the flaws.

I really enjoyed watching Ryan Cheng and Zhou Ye in this and loved their chemistry together. The fights scenes were also really good to watch with the ones that they did put in. They really could of done more fight scenes that is probably one of the biggest flaws in this drama. It is supposed to be about a legendary female general and they didn't really show that. Its really a let down cause the fight scenes were so good that they did show. I still think the ML and FL are still worth watching in this and I didn't think the story was that bad it kept me watching till the end. It is a slow burn romance the leads don't get together right away but the scenes they have together are so good, and when they do get together they really have beautiful scenes together that I really enjoyed. I think watching the 2 leads is what really did it for me with this drama. I also really liked watching Bai Shu play the villain role and wished they would of done more with his character.

I think the one thing that really annoyed me was in the last three episodes and it may be spoilers but it is so predictable and I hate seeing it done is they make the 2ML dumb. It is the same old jealousy cliche they do in a lot of dramas. The 2ML was so smart through most of the drama and then they have him make a stupid decision based out of jealousy for the FL. It drove me crazy and I hated to watch it I would of rather they kept him smart and got over the FL it would of actually been refreshing for a change. It has flaws but if you can get through them and enjoy the leads I don't think its a bad watch.

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realistisc and perfect ending!! Can‘t wait for season 2

I don’t understand the harsch critic. We got soooo much out of this Special Episode.
1. We saw them more and more in love. They were sooo Sweet and in love. I also loved how their relationship deleveloped in the season, but Everything here was a plus and you saw the grow of love and the pain was perfectly acted when Joke died.
2. i rather have an Open ending then a closed one, because for me the Story was soooo good that i couldn‘r accept the ending is Season 1.
3. i love group and every time they Are in Action and Saving each other. Such a good squad and actually true friends After all the betrayal.
4. i don‘t believe Jack finds someone new. He will be in pain all the time. I think it‘s realistic that Joke looses his memory and became a thief and That’s the way the group finds our he is alive. Someone make use of his amnesia.
5. aren‘t you curious what’s going to Happen between Arun and Tattoo? I love that they didn’t made Thema couple but already teased in the Special episode that something is going on between them. So their love Story can develope more in Season 2. Same goes for Save and Hope.

To Conclude, I‘m thankful they still gave us this Special episode. We got to See Jack and Joke truely and love and the Potenial of other couples. Also we saw the squat (4 pigs or what ever there Name was 😂) in Action again which i love Most about the Story. When they constantly Save each other. And we saw a potenial Next season which I can‘t wait to See.
Thank you War and Yin for this series. I honestly loved you in love of Mechanics and was waiting for a another Series with you two starring in it. But i couldn‘t Imagine this masterpiece😍. Please Continue and also please work with the Same Person (actor, Director, Producer, cut, costum). The series was honestly in every aspect perfect.

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