Reviews

Entertainment at it's finest!

My curiosity was worth it! The rave about this drama made me curious and it was worth it! It was wholesome and entertaining! The story has an unexpected depth into it, but it somehow fumbled in the end, it would have been nice if they polished it even more to give proper and satisfying closure. But I guess they wanted to add the charm of an open ending. But I must say it takes a lot of skill and talent to be able to reach and convey that aspiration of open endings. I must say in the story an open ending was only a tease they could've packed it up nicely but the decision to go to the former has added popularity and intrigue to the already entertaining story.

I must say the 4 leads chemistry is the best! That's really hard to achieve cause not a lot of dramas with main and 2nd leads have successfully achieved such chemistry! They all work well effortlessly good together that they even have reality show just for the fans of this drama alone!

If you are looking for a break from the usual costume dramas this one is a must try. Entertaining with bits and pieces of lessons to live by!

Read More

Potential that just deflated into very little.

I'll start and bizzarely say I recommend it, but not for the right reasons. It's a good piece of media to watch to get the idea of what potential there is and look on it as a think piece of how to improve it. If that's not something you want then you won't miss much avoiding this to be honest. If you like arty short films, maybe try it, but it's a shell of what could have been a great short film.

This is a film where you kind of wish there were more competent people at the wheel, because there was some really good ideas in there that just did not work in execution. It's an interesting watch, that's for sure, but that's all I can say.

Saitoh gave a good performance (he usually does with any give role though) but it just lacked a spark. It needed a bit more to it and he just didn't quite deliver. I'd chalk it up to the director seeing that he does spectacularly elsewhere however.

The way it was all shot was very nice, it kept that gloomy atmosphere and did sell you on how apocalyptic the whole thing was, but beyond that, it doesn't really do any more to a film that had wonky execution to begin with.

There were good concepts all over that didn't quite hit the mark. It needed more to all of them, they mostly just all fizzled out except for a few nice ideas that kept up. It give the energy of someone wrote it in a single afternoon and then said to hell with it let's make a short film. Don't do that. Do more work on it please.

The message of the film was nice in the end though, so I suppose I was left satisfied with that? Everything else, not so much. Watch if you feel like it, but otherwise easy miss.

Read More

Nice premise wrong execution

While the premise is quite novel, the story wasn't well-told. SML and SFL transmigrated into the book to drive the plot, and their perspectives were clearly those of the viewers – just like us. However, the limited runtime meant that developing the main characters' story while also introducing the second leads felt rushed, leaving neither aspect fully explained. Compared to the cast, the plot was weak, focusing primarily on the conflict between the main characters and their stepmother, with very little development of the main couple's romance. There was almost no emotional build-up or sweet moments, somewhat wasting Liu Qing and Bai Yan's acting talent.

Secondary couple felt more like spectators, failing to even advance the plot; the main characters had to rely on their intelligence to resolve the crisis. The actress playing the stepmother overacted;her exaggerated facial expressions always made me sigh.

Don't watch unless you want to see Liu Qing and Bai Yan romantic moment.

Read More

Underrated GEM!

Oh my where do I even begin? I started watching this without any expectations. I watched a drama of Wang Churan and loved her in Fireworks of my Heart and so I was brought to watch another drama of hers.

And this was one was really good! 1st episode and I was seated, the way the introduction of characters was laid out was really intriguing hence it made a good buildup of the story. I must say I stayed even more of the unconventional flow of the story and the good chemistry of the actors! The ML and FL have really good chemistry they were equally good in playing their roles and you can see how their relationship developed as the story moved on. I wish also they could have expounded on the side of the story of the female lead her life and how she eventually becomes the famed person/ "the one" that they've been talking about it really is interesting! But I guess time and budget won't allow it but nevertheless-this story still delivered. The action scenes of both leads were really attractive, oh how well they acted, not overly executed but just the right amount of emotions and exquisite movement. And of course would I forget the unexpected chemistry of both leads they complemented each other really well!

If you're looking for a surprise, this is a good one you will never regret giving it a try!

Read More

Main Actor Saved It

I'm not saying that the story is bad, or it isn't worth it, it's not like that, but I think that Ji Sung saved the whole drama. I'm suspicious on saying that bc I really love this actor, but I think if it was not for him, I wouldn't watch even episode 3.
The drama takes a really slow turn, with things really happening on episode 3 at least, it isn't a bad thing tho, but you must be patient.
And we can laugh a bit after the main character returns, bc after that, the drama kinda turns more like a comedy one.
The story is good, but we don't have that "suspense" we like on policial plot, at least, not yet. The protagonist always remember the cases and how to solve them, so I hope we got to see him taking cases he doesn't know what to do, so we get that suspense we like so much.
anyway... it's worth it... but in my opinion, only bc of Ji Sung's work as a actor.

Read More

A slow start but engaging story of vengeance

Without spoilers I'll just say there's a lot of build up to pay attention to in the beginning that got me feeling bored. Then there's a point in the series almost midway that just flips the entire thing over and I was incredibly engaged like how they went with the story was contrary to a lot of shows in China.

I won't spoil what but it's pretty obvious what happens to the main character.

There's a handful of things that take a bit of just TV magic so I had to quench my thirst of complaining like I'm no fan of how certain more realistic shows end up doing some bullshit science which I won't say what but it's also pretty obvious since it's the first few episodes where I was like are you kidding me...but it does have something to do with a Nobel.

They reused the same bullshit science later on which annoyed me but otherwise the story came together and wrapped up nicely.

There is no love story here which is perfect like I'm so tired of that kind of theme.

Actors all played their parts like no one I found annoying, the main character is a strategist and he plays the "genius" role very well unlike the main character from Treasure at Dawn. Supporting cast all did their parts too. Even the bad guys like I never really felt they were bad because this whole show isn't about good vs evil just everyone involved has their own personal agenda and why they do what they do.

This is definitely not suitable for people who want light heated drama or something funny or cute. There's nothing cute here. This is about vengeance.

Read More

From Daydream to Drama

Speed and Love follows the lives of two siblings whose paths split early and collide again years later. Jiang Mu, affectionately called Mu Mu, grows up sheltered and adored, while her brilliant older brother Jin Zhao, affectionately called Zhao Zhao, is forced to grow up fast. When Mu Mu is nine, their parents’ divorce sends Jin Zhao and their father to Thailand, effectively severing the bond between the siblings and placing them on two very different life tracks. Years later, Mu Mu learns a life-altering truth: Jin Zhao is adopted. Determined to reconnect, she travels to Thailand alone, only to discover that the elegant, gentle boy she once knew has transformed into a rough-edged young man shaped by street life, underground racing, and boxing. His world is fast, dangerous, and wildly unfamiliar to her.

Instead of backing away, Mu Mu steps forward. With her natural warmth, empathy, and quiet determination, she gradually integrates into Jin Zhao’s life and their father’s new family. As Jin Zhao’s co-pilot and emotional anchor, Mu Mu becomes his perfect navigator, both on the road and in life. Seeing him trapped in a cycle of danger and self-destruction, she resolves to pull him out and bring him home. Fate, however, has other plans. An accident separates them once more, forcing Mu Mu to shoulder responsibility for the family while carrying forward their shared aerospace dream. Years later, after graduation, Mu Mu returns to China, where destiny gives the siblings one final reunion in Nanjing—this time as changed adults, shaped by love, loss, and longing.

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: the chemistry is chemistry-ing. From the very beginning, Speed and Love thrives on its leads’ electric dynamic. The cute, heart-fluttering moments between Mu Mu and Jin Zhao were plentiful and dangerously addictive. Every smile, lingering glance, and quiet moment felt intentional, making it impossible not to root for them. Add in a surprisingly lovable ensemble cast, and the drama quickly becomes something you emotionally settle into. Visually and stylistically, the drama delivers. The fighting choreography and racing scenes were exciting and well-shot, giving Jin Zhao’s world an edge that contrasted nicely with Mu Mu’s softer presence. Costume, makeup, and hair were consistently on point, and I especially loved how the outfits subtly evolved to reflect different phases of the characters’ lives. Thailand-era Jin Zhao and China-era Jin Zhao almost feel like two different brands of masculinity, each with their own charm and appeal.

What makes this contrast even more compelling is why Jin Zhao feels so different in these two phases of his life. Growing up poor, his body was his only asset, his pride, and his means of survival. In Thailand, Jin Zhao’s sense of masculinity was rooted in physicality through racing, fighting, and endurance. When the accident took that away from him, it did not just leave him injured. It stripped him of his identity. Losing his strength meant losing the one thing he believed made him worthy, which explains both his physical and emotional withdrawal and why he chose to leave Mu Mu for six years. In his mind, he had become something broken and unfit to stand beside someone as pure and promising as her. What makes Jin Zhao’s character arc especially satisfying is how he rebuilds himself afterward. In China, he forms a new identity through intellect and stability by continuing his studies, opening a café, and creating a future that no longer relies on brute strength. His masculinity shifts from body to mind, from survival to purpose. Thailand Jin Zhao was defined by what his body could endure, while China Jin Zhao is defined by what his mind and heart can sustain. Once you see this shift, his choices feel less frustrating and far more tragic.

That said, the Thailand setting itself was… questionable. The city often looked overly staged, almost theatrical, which broke immersion at times. Supporting characters also felt oddly out of place, with an overwhelming number of Western extras when Thai or more Asian-looking characters would have made the setting feel more authentic. There were also noticeable technical hiccups, like the camera slip in episode 10 during Lin Sui and Mu Mu's drifting lesson, and unnecessary lighting movements in certain scenes (looking at you, garage scenes). The editing didn’t always help either, with obvious skips that made the story flow feel jumpy.

Story-wise, let’s be honest: this drama is basically a y/n daydream turned live-action. One of Speed and Love’s biggest strengths lies in how perfectly Esther and He Yu embody two completely contrasting vibes, bringing Mu Mu and Jin Zhao to life. Much like Mu Mu, Esther feels like a ray of sunshine, radiating purity, innocence, youth, and quiet resilience. In contrast, He Yu mirrors Jin Zhao’s aloof, bad boy, street-hardened masculinity with effortless ease. This sharp contrast is exactly what hooks viewers, especially hopeless romantics who live for the bad boy good girl dynamic. It creates that addictive tension that keeps you watching episode after episode. Their personalities clash in the most delicious way, and the slow-burn pursuit in Thailand was peak tension. Both characters yearned deeply, just in different ways, and their love felt passionate, almost combustible. I found myself cheering Mu Mu on more than once, mentally yelling, “YES, YOU GO GIRL, GET YOUR MAN.” The romantic payoff? Worth it. Episode 15 was unbearably cute, with tension so thick it practically filled the room. The kissing scenes were filled with longing, desire, and raw emotion.

That is also why, personally, the latter half of the drama did not give me the same adrenaline-pumping fangirl energy as the first half. When Jin Zhao’s personality shifted from dangerous bad boy to more golden retriever energy, some of that edge was inevitably lost. I will admit, I came for the bad boy good girl trope. Still, I stayed because beneath the change, Jin Zhao remained hungry, aloof, and devastatingly soft only for Mu Mu, which kept their romance emotionally satisfying. Episode 26, right before that moment, deserves special mention. The push-and-pull, the hunger, the barely contained passion—absolutely feral. That pre-boom-boom scene rivals some of the best in recent C-dramas (yes, even that Wei Shao and Man Man scene).

However, the drama does stumble when you look too closely. Jin Zhao being in Mu Mu’s life since before she was born makes the romance slightly uncomfortable if you overthink it. Despite not being blood-related, the fact that they’ve been in each other’s lives since day zero makes them feel like siblings—but oh well. This is definitely a “don’t dissect too hard” kind of show, though ironically, dissecting individual scenes actually deepens your understanding of the characters’ emotional states. Mixed signals, but we move. Some creative choices were simply unnecessary. The bathtub scene felt random and incomplete, likely a casualty of censorship. Instead of enhancing intimacy, it felt awkward and out of place and would have been better cut entirely. The ending also felt rushed. After reuniting following a six-year separation, Jin Zhao is shown struggling physically, only to magically recover within two months and sprint like nothing ever happened. For a modern drama, that was a glaring realism issue. And for a story filled with nonstop yearning and timeless love, we really deserved a proper wedding celebration at the end.

One thing the drama absolutely nailed was its OST usage. Every track felt purposeful and iconic. You could practically predict the emotional tone of a scene based on which OST started playing—whether it was yearning, passion, ambition, or romance. Few dramas manage to assign musical identities to emotional beats this clearly, and Speed and Love deserves credit for that.

In the end, Speed and Love knows exactly what it wants to be: a fast-paced, emotionally charged romance driven by yearning, passion, and contrast. It isn’t perfect. It’s messy in places, rushed toward the end, and occasionally indulgent in fantasy. But its strength lies in its vibe, its leads, and the way it makes you feel. Sometimes, that’s more than enough. This is an easy-to-watch, kind of cliché drama that makes you fangirl, giggle, cry, laugh, and yearn. If the pseudo-siblings angle doesn’t make you uncomfortable, this drama is definitely recommended!

Read More

Thais know how to make BL ;)

Thai adaptation of the manga (Japanese BL)... and the Thais know how to make BL ;)

PLOT: Achi, the ML, a shy and discreet employee, lacks self-confidence. Still a virgin at 30, he acquires the power to read minds and discovers that the super-competent "hottie" in his department has a crush on him. The two gradually grow closer, and Achi eventually falls in love himself. Jinta (Achi's best friend) is an introverted novelist (with the same power) who falls in love with his delivery man (a young dancer who wants to make his debut).

+++ A lot of good-looking guys!!
+++ The storyline remains the same, but [probably due to cultural differences] the events are more logical, better presented, and the behaviors seem more natural.
+++ The direction is effective, intelligent, and addresses family problems, acceptance of others, tolerance, gay marriage, etc.
+++ Here, the interactions within the CL are natural, the chemistry is obvious, and there is a ton of kisses and skinship (which seems natural when you're in love :).

=> For me, by far the best version!!
***************************************************
Adaptat° thai du manga (BL japonaise) ... et les Thai savent faire de la BL ;)

PLOT: Achi, le ML, employé timide et discret, manque de confiance en lui. Tjs vierge à 30 ans, il acquiert le pouvoir de lire les pensées et découvre que le "beau gosse" super compétent de son service, a un crush sur lui. Les 2 se rapprochent peu à peu, et Achi finit par être en amour à son tour. Jinta (Achi's best friend) est un écrivain introverti (avec le mm pouvoir) qui tombe amoureux de son livreur (jeune danseur qui veut faire ses débuts).

+++ A lot of good-looking guys !!
+++ La storyline reste la même, mais [sûrement en raison des différences culturelles] les faits sont plus logiques, mieux amenés, les comportements semblent plus naturels .
+++ La réalis° est efficace, intelligente, aborde les pb familiaux, l'acceptat° de l'autre, le mariage gay, etc.
+++ Ici, les interactions au sein du CL sont naturelles, l'alchimie évidente, et le spectateur a droit à un tas de kisses et de skinship (ce qui semble naturel qd on est amoureux :).

=> Pour moi, la meilleure version de très loin !!

Read More

One of the reason I switched to Chinese Vertical dramas is because I love Chinese stories the most but I always struggle to finish full length dramas, I think they have many filler episodes and I kinda lose interest in the middle, but to me Chinese stories are the best.

And don't look down at these vertical dramas because of it's reputation for being badly acted with cliché and unrealistic plot, some of them are great, even at par with some full lengthed ones, you just have to pick the right drama.

This one was great, nice story, not original but still enjoyable, the two leads were fantastic, flawless chemistry and despite being slightly redundant it was very enjoyable from beginning to end.

I loved the FL, I believe I saw 2 dramas fro her and she is great actress, this is probably the first thing I see for the ML and he also did fantastic job.

I highly recommend this one if you like VD, this one was nice ~

Read More