Reviews

A Majestic and Gripping Journey

As an avid fan of intelligent, intricately woven revenge dramas like Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life, I’m always on the lookout for something that can match their depth and storytelling brilliance. After Blossoms last year, I had been eagerly waiting for a drama that could fill that void. Being a long-time admirer of Xiao Zhan, this particular series had been on my radar from the moment the first teaser dropped. The posters, the tone, the ensemble cast—all pointed towards something promising. And now that I’ve watched it, I would say, It was a nice drama but had potential to be so much more.

THE GOOD

This drama completely pulled me in. It strikes a perfect balance between clever storytelling and emotional depth. What really stood out was the focus on the Imperial Astronomical Bureau—a refreshing and mysterious setting I’ve rarely seen explored in historical dramas. The revenge arc is so well done—full of twists, secrets, and suspense that keeps you guessing. I actually liked that the romance was understated; it felt real and added depth without taking over the plot.

Xiao Zhan as Zang Hai is the heart of the show. His journey is powerful, and his performance—especially in Episode 7—is just incredible. You don’t see the actor, you see the character living and breathing. Other characters like the Marquis of Pingjiyin and Cao were also memorable, each growing in unexpected ways. Even the antagonists are written smartly, which makes every confrontation feel intense and earned. The visuals are stunning—some scenes are just pure art—and the pacing never drags. Every episode has purpose

THE NOT SO GOOD PART

The cracks begin to show in the final six episodes. Up until then, the story had introduced us to a sharp, calculated protagonist who felt fully in control—but in the end, that consistency faltered. I was expecting a climax that would be grand, impactful, and emotionally resonant. Instead, what we got felt underwhelming and overly dragged out.

The pacing slowed, the editing lost its tightness, and the once-intelligent plotting gave way to convenient resolutions and reliance on external help or luck—something that didn’t align with Zang Hai’s character as established. It’s not a bad ending, just not the kind of finale that leaves you awestruck or satisfied. When you set the bar so high, the landing needs to match—and here, it didn’t quite stick.

### Final Thoughts

While the ending didn’t quite hit the high notes and dragged a little, the journey was still gripping and emotionally satisfying. Xiao Zhan truly carried the show—his performance as Zang Hai was powerful, nuanced, and one of the biggest highlights. It’s not a flawless drama, but if you’re into well-crafted revenge stories with heart and style, it’s definitely worth the watch.

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Kid in that Mysterious Village doesn't AGE!? An Interesting watch!

To my surprise, it's Very Interesting to Watch!

A Good Horror story with Supernatural entities!
It's exactly like Scary Folklore Horror stories that are shared in villages
Or like the Horror Ghost Stories that we share at nights in childhood in group meets n get scared for no reason :) and I love such horrors!

***
EVERY SCENE from the beginning IS MYSTERIOUS and EERIE .
No jump scares (like usual horror movies) but Scary enough!

The premise of the plot is interesting to watch but COULD BE BETTER.
Anyways, a good horror to pass the time.

The Story is about Past Mysteries of 30 primary school kids in a village, missing 30 years back.

The Mystery and the Suspense of what happened in the past and what & who are those kids in the present, are well maintained.
The Horror of the supernatural entities visiting, is Scary enough.
(Imagine, U meet a supernatural entity in human form, one day :O -- Chills in the spine!😨, right? Haha )

*** STORY:
The movie starts with a kid being killed and in his autopsy, a strange truth is out that all his internal organs are missing.

The Main Lead is a reporter to cover this strange case.
When he meets the examiner for information, both of them experience something strange - the kid's dead body wakes up from dead, runs into the alley and vanishes.
Further investigation leads to the past mystery and that the kid is one of the 30 missing school kids and he hasn't aged from past 30 years :O

Then, the actual scary story begins :)
What happened back then,
who are those kids,
why are their organs missing,
why is everyone abandoning the village,
why only few elderly parents stay in the village,
why are the kids visit their parents every year only after the rains etc.

***
Direction, Pacing and Story Narration are Good (Suits to 2000s movies)

Special Mention:
I found it funny that ML n FL met just once and travelled to the mysterious village for a day and the next day, both of them moved in together -- Fastest Love story! 😂

*** WHAT DISAPPOINTED ME:
1) Plot is too simple, I expected something more Gripping n Compelling Storyline.
U can predict about who those kids actually are.

2) I expected that there will be few scenes showing what happened back then, how the kids met such eerie circumstances and lost their organs etc.
To my surprise, there is absolutely no scene about the Past or what happened 30 years ago.

***
My RATING is 8 / 10.
(Since it reminded me of ghost stories or folklore stories, monsters in human forms mingled with humans etc, that we share in childhood to scare each other :) )

Horror Genre Lovers, especially who love to watch every type n a variety of Horror concepts, Watch this, U'll not be bored! :)

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Overused Plot With Little to Recommend It

Honestly, I only finished this show as a part of a challenge to watch a show that completed its run before 2009. If not for this, I likely would have dropped this show. The plot is the same as ten thousand other Wuxia dramas and nothing happens with any logic. Things move forwards because of happenstance and the main character has so much plot armour it’s hilarious. And I’m not usually one to complain about realism because shows don’t have to be realistic to be good, but this show honestly would have worked better as a cartoon with the hijinks that they had the main character pull. The cast was good, though. Energetic and committed to the comedic bits. Which were worth a decent laugh. I’d say this one is completely skippable, though, unless you really love that classic period revenge story.

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Was not what I expected

The acting was great. Especially Lee Ji-hoon and Seo Ji-hye. MY first Song Seung-hoon show and he's gorgeous in that classic way - they are a good pair. The story and plot were good until about episode 12 and then the FL did something infuriating. I just had to speed through to the end to finish the show - the only saving grace is that they (except once and briefly) did not overuse the breakup/misunderstanding trope to keep the couple apart (they used other tropes, but that's a different story).

Lee Ji-hoon was honestly a revelation - he was able to project a sense of menace to us, while feeling relatively harmless to the other characters (especially FL who seemed completely infuriatingly oblivious, though she did do all the right things always). And I saw Son Na-eun in Agency and loved her there, so that colored how I viewed her here. She walked the line of petulant and entitled very well.

I didn't really enjoy the side plot of "Keanu" and Ms. Nam - though, the other characters were memorable and well thought out (Lee Mun-jeong, Geon-woo, work colleagues etc).

I thought this would be a typical plot, and didn't expect the 2nd ML/FL to be such a large part of the story. Some may find them both repetitive and unnecessary, but their acting made it really worthwhile and different.

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It’s Not Perfect, But It’s a Bloody Good Time

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed My Golden Blood. While the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, it’s still engaging and fun to watch. It strikes a balance between drama, romance, and supernatural elements, making it a solid pick for fans of the genre.
However, I did notice some oddly timed cuts throughout the show. At times, scenes felt abruptly shortened or transitioned too quickly, which occasionally disrupted the pacing.
As for the acting, I personally didn’t find it deserving of the criticism I’ve seen in other reviews. No, it’s not Oscar-level, but it’s more than adequate for a TV series of this type and far better than many others I’ve seen.
The CGI and special effects were admittedly a bit dated and occasionally clunky, but oddly enough, that added a sense of nostalgia for me. It reminded me of some of Thailand’s earlier supernatural dramas, there’s a charm in that slightly rough-around-the-edges feel.
What absolutely cannot be denied is the chemistry between the two leads. Their connection is palpable and carries much of the emotional weight of the series. It’s that dynamic that really keeps you invested, even during some of the more cliché or corny moments, which, let’s be honest, are almost expected in a vampire-themed show.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed My Golden Blood. Yes, it has its flaws, but it also has heart. If you’re a fan of vampire stories, don’t let the negative reviews deter you. Give it a chance, you might end up liking it as much as I did.

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A Slow-Burn Mystery with Deep Emotions and Symbolism

Nine Puzzles is a psychological thriller that immediately draws you in with its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning tension, and intricate mystery. From the beginning, the story revolves around a series of murders, each accompanied by a small jigsaw puzzle piece – a symbolic clue that sets the tone for the entire drama. While it initially seems like a straightforward crime investigation led by a skilled profiler, the deeper layers reveal emotional wounds, hidden connections, and complex motives.

The pacing of the drama is deliberately slow, allowing the viewer to absorb subtle details and gradually piece together the bigger picture. Every episode adds a layer to the narrative, challenging the viewer to think beyond the obvious and consider the emotional undercurrents driving the characters. The writing is clever and restrained, leaving breadcrumbs that only make sense in retrospect.

One of the drama’s strongest elements is its portrayal of trauma and how it shapes people over time. The characters are not one-dimensional heroes or villains – they are deeply human, shaped by loss, guilt, and memory. The emotional core of the story is tied to childhood events that echo into the present, and the drama handles these themes with care. You can feel the lingering pain and confusion, especially in how memory, regret, and longing influence behavior.

Visually, Nine Puzzles stands out with its muted color palette and symbolic imagery. The recurring motif of puzzles is not just a plot device, but also a metaphor for identity, understanding, and healing. The production design helps build a world that feels both realistic and haunting.

While I won’t go into spoiler territory, I will say that the reveal near the end is both surprising and emotionally resonant. It’s less about shock value and more about the realization of how everything connects. The final episodes are especially poignant, with moments that are heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

The drama ends on an ambiguous note, suggesting that the story might continue. A new crime surfaces, with a puzzle piece hinting at a potential sequel or a broader mystery yet to unfold. This open-ended finish leaves room for speculation and invites viewers to keep thinking even after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Nine Puzzles is a haunting, intelligent drama that explores grief, memory, and the darker parts of human psychology. It’s ideal for viewers who enjoy mystery dramas that go beyond the usual detective tropes and dive into emotional and philosophical territory. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates slow-burn thrillers with depth, symbolism, and strong character development.

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REWATCHED IT FOR THE NTH TIME

The Prisoner of Beauty is a C-drama that effortlessly blends romance, suspense, comedy and emotional depth—and it absolutely does not disappoint. From the first episode, you're pulled into a world that’s rich in storytelling and stunningly executed, with the kind of slow-burn chemistry between the leads that leaves your heart racing.

The drama follows a seemingly classic premise—a beauty trapped in a complicated situation—but what sets it apart is the raw intensity between the main characters. Their connection is electric. Every glance, every touch, every word is loaded with emotion and unspoken tension. The chemistry between the leads is so insane that it feels less like acting and more like you're watching two souls genuinely collide. Whether they’re in moments of passionate confrontation or quiet vulnerability, the sparks never stop flying.

The story itself is tightly written, with twists that are actually surprising and stakes that feel real. There’s no drag in the plot—each episode builds upon the last, making it near impossible to stop watching. The pacing is sharp, and the emotional beats hit exactly where they need to.

Production-wise, everything—from the cinematography to the soundtrack—elevates the narrative. But it’s the performances that really shine. Both leads give nuanced portrayals that make their characters unforgettable, showing depth, pain, love, and growth in ways that feel authentic.

In short, it is a must-watch. It’s a drama that delivers not only on romance but also on storytelling, character development, and raw emotional power. If you're a fan of intense love stories with strong leads and magnetic chemistry, this drama is everything you’ve been waiting for.

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Witty Khanin and Stealth-mode Charan Cruising through Power Dynamics

The Next Prince has not ceased to startle me with meaningful details, shake me with striking quality of production, and shock me with twists and turns.
The seasoned casts' portrayal intriques me whether the 4 clans aim towards the public's benefit(s) or personal gain(s). Whilst following the dynamics among family members, I am thriled to witness the royal competition for the throne heating up all woven connections. On the other hand, it is enjoyable to witness the couples steer their romances into varied directions; one shaken evidently, another unpredictable, and the other two budding quietly.
The series entertains my eyes with its magnificent presentation of astonishing cinematimography, gorgeous locations, meticulous costumes, regal moods and tones any my ears with beautiful original soundtracks and crafted scores throughout.
I have rewatched the aired episodes and appreciated the new interpretations every time I have uncovered new angles.

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Better than my expectation

I use to scroll through when i saw this drama on Netflix and just pick another drama. I decided to give it a try after watching 'the good manager ' and I'm happy i did.
It's better than most sports dramas I've watched and this is my favourite sports genre kdrama.

The story was not rushed, it had depth and wasn't boring at all. There was different emotions when watching. I gave the story 9.5 only because i wished Mr Baek had stayed with the Dreams after àll he went through to save the entire team.

The casting was spot on. There's no bad actors/actresses. The ML, Namkoong Min is a seriously great actor. He really brought General Manager Baek to life. I hope he got awards for portraying this character.

Overall, I really love, love, love this drama. Don't skip it and i guarantee you won't regret it.

I'll be rewatching again 🤪

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Deserves A Class Unto Itself! A Masterpiece!

This series is so near perfection that it almost belongs in a separate category. Wow! (However, I do think it is infelicitously titled). I had almost given up on Thai BLs until by happenstance, I came across this discovery. I was so enthralled from its beginning that I binged watch it from start to finish with just a small break in between. An exceptional rarity for me. It captured me on every level and seized every fiber of my being. I cried. I laughed. I felt joy. I encountered pain. I understood. Most of all, I regarded each and yet both. I perceived two individuals destined to be together. They made their journey so credible, real, genuine, and most of all sincere. They gave us passion, devotion, and an unwavering sense that the only thing that mattered was each other. And they did it without sacrificing their own sense of who they were or diminishing their own connection to humanity.

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A little stupid but its fun to watch

I truly gotta say this drama is rated higher than it deserves. the logic and storyline is weak and so is the overall story.
I really liked the sets, costumes and the music, especially music was so well integrated into the show. The fairy was as usual stupid and the male lead was as usual cold a very familiar story. I wouldnt really say it was ground breaking in any way but i kept waiting for next episode.

The way love was portrayed was truly questionable though i think all the people are dumb in terms of love- their love for each other is too intense that its almost unbelievable. The kissing scenes were a little wierd ngl and super forced without emotions that follow. The politics for a historical drama is too weak- almost taking a back seat. The purpose of actions of political figures was vague and not strong enough to set the stage for war. People put themselves in dumb situations and do dumb things for a motive thats not strong enough. almost all side charecters had an unsatisfying ending. the ending was so forced it made me laugh!

Overall its not as angsty as your average historical cdrama but the situations are just entertaing and kind of immature. Somehow i had fun watching people do stupid things but script could have made so much difference coz this show had everything right. plus fave charecter has to be the black dragon guy like he was ITT!

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