Reviews

Anyone who likes suspense and law related kdramas should see this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S ONE OF THE BEST LAW DRAMA EVERRRRRRRRRRRR
NONE OF THE EPISODES WERE BORING.
IT HAD SOOOOOOOOO MANY TWISTS AND SOOOOOOOOO MUCH SUSPENSE THAT I DID NOT STOP WATCHING IT.
IT HAS AMAZING STORY LINE.
SOOOOOOOO FREAKING AMAZING COURT SCENES.
buttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt
IT HAD A BIT OF ROMANCE AS WELL B/W KANG SOL A AND HAN JOON HWIIIIIIIIII
THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS REALLY CHEMISTRYING.
AND THE LOOK HAN JOON HWI HAD WHENEVER HE LOOKED AT HER.
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, I LOVED HOW HE ALWAYS SMILED AT HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY WERE SOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD
BUT SADLY THEY WEREN'T A COUPLE.😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

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A Charming, Bite-Sized Romance: Why Time Travels Backward Is One of the Best Minidramas Out There

If you're bored, short on time, and looking for something cute, light-hearted, and quick to watch, this mini drama is exactly what you need. Time Travels Backward (2025) is genuinely one of the best minidramas I’ve seen so far.
(Light spoilers ahead.)

Our FML is an absolute delight — fun, adorable, endlessly gluttonous, and unapologetically herself. Some of her mannerisms even reminded me of Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Despite coming from the countryside and being clueless about certain social norms, she never lets anyone walk over her. She stands up for herself, refuses to be bullied, and has a refreshing backbone rarely seen in those typical timid, “please-rescue-me” female leads. Characters like her are exactly what I love.

The ML is also a standout. He’s extremely handsome — tall, sharp-eyed, and effortlessly charismatic. Honestly, I hope he lands a main role in a full-length drama soon because his acting here was surprisingly solid. Even though the engagement between them happens suddenly and he initially disagrees with it, he never mistreats the FML. On the contrary: he falls for her fast. He tries (and fails) to hide it, but it’s very clear that he favors her from early on.

One of the most pleasant surprises is how the drama handles the ML’s “childhood savior” subplot. At first, he’s borderline obsessed with finding the girl who rescued him when he was lost in the woods as a child with a broken leg. When the FL enters his life, he’s determined to ignore her and continue his search. But as the story progresses, he naturally develops feelings for her — and even when someone shows up claiming to be that childhood girl (and successfully convinces him), he still chooses to protect and prioritize the FL.
(Yes, he really does fall first… and falls hard. :D)

Overall, Time Travels Backward is short, sweet, and surprisingly charming. If you want something quick but satisfying, with great chemistry, a lovable heroine, and a swoony male lead, this one is definitely worth your time.

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I read the series differently.. Really enjoyed it from start to finish. I agree it had its problems but still didn't put me off watching it. The 2 main leads were made for each other.. They didnt come
across as cringey or over the top. Two different characters.. Pheem cruel manipulive and Than
so in love with Pheem he would have gone to the ends of the earth for him. Anyone in their sane mind would have walked away. Being manipulative
cruel.. deceitful.. using someone to get what they want didn't bother me at all in this BL. Life isn't always rosy.As for Chet the brother I actually turned the sound down when he appeared because the overreacting and his screaming and ranting really was a turn off.. The series lived up to its name "Wicked Game" The title said it all so I knew it would nt be a walk in the park.. Shame it had so many negative comments because I've watched a lot worse than The Wicked Game. Loved the series.
Everyone gave their all.. Will I watch it again Yes.

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I have a feeling my Wednesdays will take a while to feel as captivating again

It has been quite some time since a Korean drama truly captured my attention, except for a few rare exceptions. The Manipulated was one of those rare moments.

Ji Chang Wook is a fully accomplished actor—this is an undeniable fact. With a strong supporting cast, a renowned screenwriter like Oh Sang Ho, and a high-budget production, there was little room for failure.

This is an intense drama, emotionally stirring at various points, with a brilliant beginning, a tense middle, and a very satisfying ending. I have a feeling my Wednesdays will take a while to feel as captivating again.

The fight scenes were so stunning that I often found myself covering my eyes out of sheer immersion. The visual effects were so impeccable that, at times, I even wondered if they could teach Chinese productions what real blood is supposed to look like—though I acknowledge the comparison may sound humorous. Of course, this does not apply to many Chinese dramas, nor does it justify praising one production by belittling another.

The Manipulated has more than enough merit to stand firmly on its own.

My only reservation regarding many of the comments I read after the finale is that I disagree with the interpretation of the ending as something definitive.

Everything suggests that the story will continue. And if that is the case, I will certainly look forward to the opportunity to appreciate this outstanding production once again.

An excellent and engaging watch.

Note: I only refrained from giving it the highest rating because a few aspects left me slightly unsatisfied. The elderly blind housekeeper, the ailing mother of the main psychopath, deserved a more conclusive ending, and the insecure, doubtful fiancée—who chose not to believe in or wait for Park Tae Jung—should have at least made an appearance in the finale, even if only to die of frustration.

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MASTERPIECE!

It's the most brutal drama, but it's superbly produced! The gorgeous cast, acting, the plot, the shooting, the music - everything is ideally matches the genres presented. Full disclosure of the plot, while not a single episode was boring, interest did not disappear for a second!
!The most important thing! If it's hard for you to look at the blood and see the super cruelty in the frame, it's better not to start watching it, because there's too much of it! This is really not a drama for the faint of heart!
Ji Chang wook is just a diamond of Korean cinema, masterpiece after masterpiece! Always masterfully reveals his characters! How hard it was for Park Taejun, he had to go through so much injustice, even though he lived peacefully and happily, and at the moment he lost everything. And the prison scene… just no words, only pain.
Kyung Soo is a completely unknown actor to me, but no one will deny his masterpiece performance. I was scared to look at his crazy eyes, the cruelty of his character, the word "madman" always popped up in my head - it all speaks to the level of his acting in the role of the antagonist.
You believe in acting of all supporting actors! Istg the acting is amazing!
A lot of work has been done on the project, which can be included in the list of the best dramas of 2025!

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An empaths nightmare

If you’re a very empathetic and sensitive person I don’t recommend watching this. Honestly this drama is very good but for me it really messed with my emotions and stressed me out TOO MUCH so I had to give it up on the 6th episode.

It’s interesting however it’s a bit chaotic too and I can’t help but feel so bad for all the characters to the point I’m picking my hair out from the stress it’s causing.

If you can handle difficulties happening in shows then it’s a good watch but for someone very sensitive and cares about the feelings of each character it’s very not easy to watch. They aren’t joking when they say it’s ktrauma💔

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Nice surprise

Do you know when you feel bored so you pick a random movie to watch and it surprises you...

That's one of them, I didn't know what to expect really, I felt sorry for everyone and all the characters are really pitiful tbh.

I can't really say it's a slice of life movie, that's a hell of a life, but it generally gives this vibes.
It's very Melo and dramatic but in a light way, you won't bawl your eyes out or anything but you will feel some sadness.

I don't know how to explain it but it ended with good terms, at least at the best scenario possible for everyone ~

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Love, Power, and Tragedy Beneath the Crown

A sweeping historical romance that balances political intrigue, heartbreak, and destiny, Moon Lovers pulls you into the brutal world of royal power struggles while weaving a deeply emotional love story. The drama shines in its exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the heavy cost of the throne. The shifting dynamics among the princes are gripping, especially as trust turns into rivalry and strategy overtakes emotion.

The romance is intentionally frustrating at times, driven by misunderstandings, timing, and prophecy. This adds to the tragedy rather than weakening it. The 4th Prince’s emotional arc is the most powerful...his transformation from rejected royal to feared ruler is both painful and compelling. The final episodes deliver devastating emotional weight, with a conclusion that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

The soundtrack elevates every major moment with haunting beauty, and the visual tone complements the melancholy atmosphere. IU brings emotional vulnerability to her role, embodying fragility and quiet resilience.

While the drama occasionally feels emotionally sparse in its detailing between major events, its core tragedy and performances make it unforgettable.

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Pretty good best strategies .

Actually this drama have 2 endings Happy and sad one but it's youku and production team who selected the sad one,

This one have best fight scenes so cool , chemistry is fire 🔥 best strategies,ml always ahead of his enemies.but he loves his cang cang (FL) Soo much that you can't even imagine.
Story is pretty good but it's screen writer , director and production team fault with the camera angle ,edits issues , overall its pretty good.
I think this drama have not that much mis understanding. As I see a lot of misunderstanding dramas where other person keep making ml and FL against each other is more frustrating.
‎But in this one FL is confused but doesn't hate him or putting him in danger . She wants to believe him but the matter is the evil one is her own family. But still she never plot any thing against him
‎So what I want to say is misunderstanding in this drama is normal because she still with him and no other person turn her against ml and didn't said anything bad about him . And if they do she doesn't make a scene.When I see a lot dramas where other person keep ml and FL apart that's more frustrating.
‎And they get back together at 15 ep and before that they are still together but misunderstanding.
‎So it's just FL is a emotional person easily trust.

‎they should give us special ep of HE .

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Entertaining with good cases and solid historical backing

The third installment of this show is currently trending, so I decided to start from the beginning.

As the name implies, this is a detective show set in the Tang Dynasty featuring cases with eerie, fantastical elements. The supernatural elements are more a reflection of the common peoples’ interpretations than reality; this is ultimately a historical and not a fantasy. While some things are left unexplained, and some explanations are plausible but not actually realistic (eg very specific drugs or human skin masks), there are no actual ghosts or monsters.

I have to thank another review for informing me that Detective Di was a historical figure who inspired lots of detective stories, otherwise I would have wondered why they keep namedropping a random person who never shows up. He is only alluded to, but this show does feature other real historical figures like the Crown Prince and his aunt the Princess. Their power struggle is not the central storyline, but our protagonists can’t help but get caught up in it; it is woven skillfully into the story.

All the necessary historical and political background is adequately conveyed by the show, but it’s still fun to read up and compare (Princess Taiping’s wiki page is helpful, if anyone’s interested). The show seems to stay pretty true to history while embellishing around the details. I especially like the portrayal of these historical figures- calculating, ruthless, decisive, but still human, a mix of good and bad. Unlike caricature rulers fabricated by dramas that can, they are exactly what I imagine real historical rulers to be like.

Su Wuming, main protagonist and disciple of the famous Detective Di, is very likable. He is smart, thoughtful, and calm, the kind of person who always says and does the right thing. He is also lowkey hilarious, like BS-ing his friends with a straight face kind of funny. He’s the kind of character you aren’t worried about, since you can’t imagine him ever failing.

On the other hand, the other main protagonist, Lu Lingfeng, is not so likable. He is arrogant, prejudiced, and rash, and some of his initial work is classic bad investigation. It didn’t bother me too much, though, because with Su Wuming around to gently guide him, he rarely gets away with it. Jerk behavior is much less annoying when it gets called out. Overall he’s not that bad- think difficult person who’s trying to do good- and is willing to admit mistakes, clearly a total setup for character growth.

As for other characters, Pei Xijun gets off to a rough start in terms of audience likability. She is obsessive and rather bratty at her introduction. She later improves and even finds a way to add value- the screenwriters come up with all sorts of creative ways to utilize her artistic abilities (some of which were a little hard to believe, I'll be honest). I ended up finding Xijun tolerable, but she never really grew on me. Probably because her annoying habit of fawning over a guy, though significantly toned down, continued to persist, thus so did my bad first impression.

Xijun’s romance is not that important, but I found it a little cringe when it did show up. I didn’t really like how the male characters have so much going on, but female characters come with romance plots attached. Perhaps this is more historically accurate though, when marriage was a relatively bigger part of women’s lives. I did not particularly like the romances in this show, but at least they aren’t too played up.

The band of friends also includes a few other characters with distinct skills and personalities. Chicken Fei, for example, is the doctor and resident drunkard; Xue Huan is the cute and lovably earnest kid; Yingtao joins later, and it’s nice to have another capable female character but her role isn’t that big.

The characters are decently crafted and some have progression. But for some reason, I had a hard time feeling any particular emotional connection or investment in them. I liked them enough but did not particularly feel for them. So this show ended up being, for me, just about the curiosity of the mysteries and watching them get solved, rather than an emotional, inspiring, or thought-provoking journey.

The plot covers 8 different cases. With 4-5 episodes each, none of them are simple; I enjoyed watching the methodical investigation and the intricate truth slowly emerge. They are interesting, well set up, and well presented, with enough details given for the audience to follow along.

The cases are pretty much independent but have an overarching umbrella in the progression of the characters’ careers and any personal growth. Maybe because of this structure, the show stays strong to the end, finishing with just another case rather than trying to tie up some grand plot.

That said, the last case was not my favorite. Its villain isn’t really developed as a character so I had no strong emotions, besides feeling a little sorry for him. Like the rest of the show, it’s more about watching them uncover clues and solve the case.

Overall, although the cases are entertaining to watch, I still felt like this show is missing something, perhaps some greater depth or meaning. It seems more procedural. I’m not sure if it’s just me not connecting with the characters, or maybe the lack of any consistent themes- the only one I can maybe think of is “Serve the country”, which isn’t really that interesting. Or Lu Lingfeng learning not to be a jerk, which is obvious. Some of the cases have decent emotional depth within them, for the characters involved, but it only lasts for those episodes and then they are gone. There's no common thread or deeper insights carried beyond. I think such a vibe makes sense for a show like this, but personally I like something more thoughtful and personal.

Acting-wise, I thought everyone did well. Yang Zhigang as Su Wuming is notable; his slow and distinct speaking style is good acting, but it also kind of took a long time and I found 1.25X speed is perfect for listening to him talk. This doesn’t have idol drama vibes so there is thankfully not much of actors trying to look cool, overacting, slow mo scenes, etc.

The fighting is not too flashy or elaborate, but it’s pretty solid. The costumes are realistic. Some of the CGI looks fake, but it’s not a big deal. The background music is pretty good for setting the tone, but I don’t actually remember it that much; the music didn’t really stand out. Maybe more music would have helped me feel more emotionally connected, but it’s hard to say.

This show is definitely worth a watch if you like mysteries or relatively accurate historicals, just don’t expect some emotionally deep or thoughtful journey.

ENDING – READ AHEAD ONLY IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, CONTAINS SPOILERS





Not surprisingly, happy ending, the case is solved and Lu Lingfeng gets great honors. 20 min or so of wrapup, including a few minutes of cute vignettes at the end that might have been cuter if I actually liked the love stories.

This show already has a sequel and a threequel, so clearly the fun continues. It doesn't really matter how satisfying an ending is when you know there's a follow up.

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Disappointing end to the Dhevaprom series with boring romances and uninteresting characters

Subjective Gut Rating: 6.75

“Dhevoaprom: Poncheewan” is the last drama of the Dhevaprom series and it was a disappointing end as well. I’ve watched all but dropped “Laorchan” and out of the four I completed, this is the weakest in terms of romance, main leads chemistry, main lead characterization and plot.


Let’s start with what I don’t like:

Male and Female Leads
Unfortunately, I never warmed up to Saruj as the male lead and Cheewan as the female lead. Saruj is a very bland and boring character. The drama can’t keep on using the excuse that he’s a diplomat thus, he can’t show his emotions. You gotta give me a better reason. Besides, Kao’s acting is not helping either as he was unable to show any subtle expressions. He just has this fake, plastic, handsome look on most of the time. Female lead Cheewan is too over-the-top for me. Her character is very similar to Kwanrueai, female lead of “Dhevaprom:Kwanruetai”. They are both young teenagers attracting the affection of the older cousins. I’ve grown to like Kwanruetai, but that didn’t happen for me with Cheewan. I can understand she’s young, thus boisterous and hyperactive in the early episodes. But she continues to make dumb and reckless decisions, and doesn’t seem to have grown much.

Main Romance
If I don’t like the male and female leads and also don’t like their romance, this drama is guaranteed not to get a high rating from me. The romance lacks chemistry and any form of intelligent exchange or conversations. Both characters are wishy-washy, and the romance dragged on forever. It was repetitive with Saruj trying to court Cheewan, and she repeatedly pushes him away and being non-committal. On top of that, Saruj gives out mixed signals and can’t set clear boundaries with his ex. This is a very frustrating romance to watch. Additionally, the main romance has to share 50% screentime with the second female lead’s story. I guess that’s why the two female leads’ names are so similar: Poncheewan and Poncheewa…setting the stage for them to share screen time equally.

Secondary Romance
I would be more tolerable of Cheewa (2FL) taking up so much screen time if her romance is actually well-written. Even though what she has gone through is more interesting than what Cheewan has gone through, the romantic journey is lacking. I would have loved to see better romantic development between her and her two men. It’s especially disappointing when this childhood connection isn’t written well, and the change from being family to lovers feels awkward and out-of-place. Although I like Creamy’s acting better than PP, and Saint’s acting better than Kao, their romance still lacks chemistry.

Meddlesome characters
There are so many annoying and frustrating characters who are nosy and want to meddle in other people’s business. Veena is annoying and is the default evil female character in a lakorn. FL’s mom though isn’t as bad, but is still meddlesome and likes to stir up trouble and force her values on her daughter. FL’s family and friends don’t respect her view on marriage. Additionally, characters don’t speak up and defend others against annoying characters such as Veena. But I do have to say, compared to the other Dhevaprom dramas, this one does not have the absolute evil parent, just annoying ones.

Plot holes
There are so many incidents where the writers don’t make sense. Someone possibly got drugged, yet no need to go to a hospital or see a doctor. Just need someone to stay up all night watching over them? Do we need that many accidental kisses without adding much to the progression of the main romance? Sometimes everyone respects the noble family, other times they’re insulted and disrespected. You can have the water broken, but no contractions when about to give birth. Characters take matters into their own hands by risking their lives, making dumb and lousy decisions by putting others and themselves at risk. They could have easily called on the professionals to take care of the criminals, but no, they gotta take care of it themselves.


Let’s see what I actually like:

5 Monkeys + Significant Others
It’s great to see the 5 cousins together. Scenes of the 5 handsome guys are the best and they seem to have more scenes doing stuff, instead of just sitting around chatting. It’s also nice to see their lovely wives/girlfriends again. These women are all GORGEOUS! It’s interesting to see Kwanruetai all proper and ladylike, when she was a wild teenager in her own drama.

Switzerland
All the scenes in Switzerland or Europe are nice with beautiful scenery. It’s great to be out of Thailand and have the drama started in a foreign country. I wish the drama had spent more time during their college days in Switzerland before coming back to Thailand. I think if the main leads have more time developing their relationship, it would have a stronger foundation for what’s yet to come.

Venus + Nop
These two are so adorable. Venus is hilarious yet so dumb, but not as innocent as she seems. Nop is adorable and sweet. They are a very cute pair and I wish we had more scenes of them together.


I am quite surprised I did not drop this drama. I guess as much as I didn’t quite connect with the leads, their first impression was still better than the leads in “Laorchan”. I was watching the drama at 1.25x speed and 16 episodes of a dragged-out romance is too much. It doesn’t quite have an interesting non-romance side plot, compared to the other dramas of the series. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this drama. If you are going to try out the “Dhevaprom” series, I recommend “Dujupson” or “Kwanruetai”.


Completed: 12/2/2025 Review #649

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Worth Watching for the Stellar Performance from the Leads

Despite receiving criticism and negative feedback from viewers who were not satisfied with this drama, especially the ending, I found it to be enjoyable for its quality content and brisk, watchable pace. It is not a perfect drama but definitely worth watching if you are a fan of the main lead actors because their performances will not disappoint. The drama skillfully weaves together elements of palace intrigue, thrilling swordplay, and heartfelt romance. Each aspect is given careful attention, resulting in a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The tension of palace politics is artfully balanced with dynamic action scenes, while the romantic subplot adds emotional depth to the story.

The acting throughout the drama is superb. The chemistry between the main leads is undeniable, and their performances contribute greatly to the show's effectiveness. Their dynamics make the characters’ journeys captivating and emotionally resonant as they navigate intrigue, danger, overcome conflicts, misunderstandings, learn to trust each other and stand united in achieving the same goals and purpose. Both RJL and PXR deliver nuanced and brilliant acting, elevating the drama beyond its flaws. Their portrayals bring out the angst and tension present in the early stages of their characters' relationship, making these moments compelling and memorable. PXR is noted for her beauty and talent in expressing her character’s emotions, which adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the narrative. The scene in which her character wakes up after being poisoned demonstrates the actress’s emotional depth and range. Her reactions are layered, conveying heartbreak, pain, and inner turmoil as she confronts the reality of her situation. Despite the distress caused by her husband giving her an herbal concoction intended to prevent pregnancy, she chooses to drink it. The camera lingers on her face, beautifully framed in tears, allowing viewers to witness the full extent of her suffering, fragility, and despair. Throughout her ordeal Cang Cang never wavers from her principles, she may be hurt and betrayed but never broken.

RJL masterfully brings to life an emperor living a double life, one who is perpetually engaged in a strategic battle to outsmart his adversaries. Surrounded by enemies both inside and outside the palace, he must always remain vigilant, anticipating threats and maneuvering to stay ahead in a tactical political chess game. His leadership is marked by a shrewd and calculating approach, showcasing his ability to survive and thrive in a treacherous environment. Xiao Huan’s character stands out for his unwavering steadfastness in the face of adversity. As events unfold, he consistently demonstrates resilience which earns him public recognition. Over time, he learns to bear the weight of both the crown and his conscience. Despite his ruthless tactics against his foes, the emperor reveals a compassionate side in his personal relationships. He earns Cang Cang’s trust and reconciles with her through sacrifice and transparency. From the time he recognizes his love for her, he is determined to shield her from the painful truth of her father’s betrayal and carefully stages her rescue on several occasions. This protective instinct, however, comes at a personal cost, as his actions often lead to misunderstanding and resentment from his wife. His willingness to bear this emotional burden underscores his deep sense of loyalty and devotion. The emperor’s complexity is further highlighted by his treatment of those he cares about. While he is unyielding in eliminating his enemies, he shows remarkable leniency toward loved ones. This is exemplified by his relationship with his half-sister, who, despite her repeated attempts on his life, continues to receive his forgiveness and restraint. His capacity for mercy, even in the face of betrayal, sets him apart from the typical image of a ruthless ruler.

Many viewers have commented on the perceived lack of romance in the drama. However, this criticism often stems from the absence of kissing scenes and overt physical intimacy. Viewers familiar with RJL’s career know that he typically avoids roles focused on pure romance and prefers to perform tender kisses rather than passionate ones out of respect for his wife. Romance is not solely defined by physical displays; the drama effectively conveys love and devotion through the characters’ actions and willingness to make sacrifices for each other.

The depth of the main leads’ affection is portrayed through nuanced acting, such as longing gazes, gentle caresses, and heartfelt hugs. These subtle gestures are powerful indicators of their connection and enhance the emotional impact of their relationship. The visually gorgeous onscreen presence of RJL and PXR is so enticing that they make every scene consequential, so much so that I the supporting cast failed to hold my interest. As a result, I often skipped episodes that did not feature the main leads, underscoring the strength and appeal of their performances.

While there are noticeable script and editing issues, the overall quality is redeemable due to several outstanding elements. The drama starts out strong and manages to keep the momentum all the way until episode 20 before stalling which is common many C-dramas, although this was primarily because the storyline focused more on the supporting actors. However, it was short-lived and the drama resumed its footing again after episode 25. The ending was deliberately left open leaving viewers to question whether it set the stage for a potential sequel.

In summary, while the drama may not meet every viewer’s expectations for romantic content, it excels in delivering a heartfelt story through exceptional performances and emotional subtlety. Ultimately, its unique approach to romance, production design, and OST make it a standout experience for those willing to appreciate its depth and can put up with the adaptation liberties as well as an ambiguous ending.

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