Reviews

The Perfect Chemistry Between Akin and Jin

The chemistry between Akin and Jin in Top Form is something special. I absolutely love the dynamic between them, especially considering the age difference and Akin’s years of experience in the industry. Akin has been in the entertainment world for so long, and seeing him interact with Jin, who is just starting out, adds so much depth to their relationship.

What really stands out is the fact that Jin's journey into the entertainment world is tied to Akin—Akin was the one who inspired him to pursue it. The dedication and admiration Jin has for Akin make their bond even more meaningful. It's not just about romance; it's about growth, learning, and finding inspiration in someone you admire.

And then there's Akin, the "crybaby" of the pair, which adds an unexpected layer to his character. Despite being the older, more experienced one, his vulnerability and emotional moments make him feel more real and human. It’s refreshing to see the older character in a more emotionally open light.

Their interactions feel natural, and watching their bond grow throughout the series has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the drama for me.

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I always like Liu Yu Ning, recently he has great dramas that impressible but as it progress might not as good as I thought it would be (like the Pearl Girl with Zhao LuSi). Enough suspense, character development is very poise, story flows very smoothly, everybody seems to know how to act and what their character should be. It's the story of Xiao Qiao Man, a clever girl from the Qiao family, marries Wei Shao, the sharp and kind master of the Wei family, as part of a family alliance. Wei family has hatred for the last 14 years as Qiao family betrayed Wei and their brotherhood, with option to create peace in two powerful families, they're agree to form marriage alliance. The title of this drama is fitting with the synopsis; they both prisoners of each other. As a wife Xiao Qiao is restricted and she's under surveillance because of her birth name, trust must be earned. Wei Shao is captivated by her beauty, a prisoner in domesticate way.

The two started with distrust, wary but they know their marriage will eventually happen. Wei Shao would rather get rid of her than marrying her that bring out the saddest memory of losing his grandfather, father, & brother. Liu Yu Ning has great posture with power and charisma, looking real good with his costumes, he has preserved face expression. I love the ep 1 when he open curtain to see ManMan (Song Zu'Er) for the first time, he has that little jolt on his eyes indicating he surprise seeing her beautiful face. Liu Yu Ning is great on that. Song Zu'Er also has young cute voice, beautiful make up. She came toward to her grandfather, give an approval of marriage arrangement with Wei by blinking her eyes as signal. I think she did well.

As episode progress, it's too much of PDA for me. I am okey with little romance but not too much of it. I am kind of pull back with so much 'wooing' or 'bonding' or 'courting' the love interest. Ep 15 on ward slows me down, start tiring me with all loving scenes, they spent too much air-time in romance & domestic scenes. I think her cousin Da QIao Fan (He Hong Shan) has great acting on ep 30 when she refused to lend her husband's soldiers to help Wei Shao because she presumed it's a hopeless war she didn't want to lose a husband General. No longer loving cousins they were after that. This drama has postpone it's airing by few years because of Song Zu'Er tax scandal so it just suddenly premier. I like her, she has 2 dramas back to back, she also did good with Allen Ren in the Demon Hunter's Romance' too. One thing though, she cute but can't dance can't do fighting scenes....she's stiff like wood.

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The Untamed Review

The Untamed is a rare gem in the sea of fantasy dramas—a live-action adaptation of Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) that retains the heart, soul, and complexity of the original novel. While rooted in BL, the series transcends genre boundaries, offering an emotionally rich narrative about friendship, morality, loss, and redemption.



Despite the limitations of censorship, the adaptation is remarkably faithful, preserving the novel’s spirit through nuanced storytelling and compelling character arcs. Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo breathe life into Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, delivering performances so emotionally resonant and perfectly matched that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in these roles.



The plot, though intricate and multi-layered, unfolds with precision—revealing deeper themes of justice, sin, and the moral ambiguity that defines human nature. More than just a fantasy epic, The Untamed is a philosophical exploration wrapped in hauntingly beautiful visuals, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll.



This is a drama that doesn’t just entertain—it captivates, challenges, and stays with you.



Rating: 10/10

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Villans!

So much took place in 12 episodes. One thing is for certain is that no one's hand is clean in this drama except the police for once. I didn't really care about who did what because the why's were just so unexplored.

Do jin woo was hands down my favorite character along with the FL's best friend. It's so sad that they're characters were never explored especially Do jin woo. His backstory would've been elite, but they limited it and instead used the time to run around with the villans. I would much rather they answer questions about his background than to have seen the barking they did at each other (I'm talking about the FL's side versus the 'bad' guys)

FL and her daughter were alright. I didn't see much chemistry between them sadly. There was more between her daughter and husband. I have so many questions at the end too. Nothing felt completed. I want to call this an open ending. There is not a lot of action in here, just a lot of talk.

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Class of Lies: Where Power Hides the Truth

Class of Lies is a K-drama that almost discouraged me at the beginning. The first few episodes were slow and a bit confusing – I even thought about stopping. But gradually, the plot started to get so interesting that I didn’t even realize when I got completely hooked. Each episode uncovered new clues, new suspects, and new mysteries, pushing me to keep watching.

The story follows Gi Moo Hyuk, a lawyer whose career is ruined by a scandal. Under a fake name, Gi Kang Jae, he infiltrates an elite high school to secretly investigate the murder of a student and clear the name of a boy he believes is innocent. But the deeper he digs, the more he realizes that the school isn’t just a place for education – it’s a battlefield ruled by power, secrets, and fear.

What makes this drama truly intense is how much influence the powerful figures – especially parents from wealthy families – have over everything. But it’s not just them. Some teachers and school staff seem to go along with whatever those families want. Whether it's to protect their own positions, keep the school's reputation intact, or out of fear, their silence and actions play a big part in allowing the darker things to happen. There’s a sense that some of the adults have simply given up doing what’s right.

The students reflect that system too. Some act as if they're above the rules, using money or influence to hide their wrongdoings. Others get caught in the crossfire, victims of bullying or pressure they can’t escape. You often get the feeling that everyone’s playing a role – and very few people are willing to face the consequences of their actions.

The most unforgettable character is Yoo Beom-jin, played by Lee Jun Young, who gives an absolutely amazing performance. He’s calm, polite, and always seems to have the right answer – but the more we learn about him, the more questions we have. He’s one of those characters that keeps you guessing the whole time. Just when you think you understand him, something shifts.

And then there's the final episode. (light spoiler) Something unexpected happens right at the end, leaving things open and slightly unsettling. It gives a sense of resolution, but not the full kind of justice you’d hope for. It’s a happy ending in some ways, but not for everyone – and that’s what makes it feel real and bittersweet.

Class of Lies is a gripping, psychological thriller with powerful social commentary. It’s not just about solving a crime – it’s about corruption, fear, and what happens when truth gets buried under power. If you're looking for something smart, suspenseful, and emotionally deep, this drama is worth every minute.

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Trilling, Compelling and Gorgeous - The Glory

A very richly detailed Revenge drama. From costumes, make-up, music and story, this show is mystery finely layered with elegance and balance. All key characters are multi-dimensional and complex, with individual character arcs that push the story narrative effectively. It keeps the pace and tension effectively balanced so the audience doesn't get too anxious but remain engaged to see what happens next. I particularly loved that the lead characters grow and change in response to events in the plot. They develop from their mistakes and outcomes. Wen Zheng Rong is brilliant and gives a master class in acting as Ruan Xi Wen.

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Top Form is a standout Thai BL drama that masterfully blends the allure of showbiz with a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and emotional connection. Starring Boom Raveewit Jirapongkanon as Akin and Smart Chisanupong Paungmanee as Jin, the series delves into the evolving relationship between a seasoned actor and a rising star, set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry. There, Boom and Smart’s, on-screen pairing becomes a catalyst for personal and professional development, as Jin’s initial lack of focus is challenged by Akin’s dedication and guidance. This dynamic fosters a compelling mentor-mentee relationship that gradually deepens into something more profound. The chemistry between Boom and Smart is the best , bringing authenticity and depth to their characters’ interactions. Their performances capture the nuances of a relationship that evolves from professional collaboration to emotional intimacy, resonating with viewers, which also made me squeal over how cute they were, and adding layers to the narrative, and their connection.

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So much to Love but a Little too Long

This show is gorgeous with incredible cinematography, costume design and is very well acted. You are quickly drawn into the stories of the key characters and supporting cast. It drives the audience to want to know what's going to happen and how the the conflicts are going to resolve. The Antagonists are compelling if mostly one dimensional. Which is probably why the show feels too long. After 30 episodes, the tensions caused by the Antagonists are starting to wear thin and some things feel repetitive but there's still 10 more episodes. Over all, this show would have benefited from tighter story editing to reduce plot elements and use the stronger ones more effectively.

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Sweet fluff with a slightly iffy start

This is one of those easy to watch drams at least for those who love workaholic bickering leas and sides with spunk. However it starts off showing the male lead digging holes in Africa , where in Africa we do not know but it is clear that there is a yeloow filter and slight saviour complex with it. Knocking off a star and indeed distracting those first minutes. I remember this being highly criticised when the show was released which is probably why I kept off watching it for so long. That said I have seen a lot worse in dramaland and I am going to believe that they meant well etc.

Once we passed the little awkward start, I got to see a whole bunch of fan characters. Though the acting varied in cringe and quality sometimes, no one annoyed me to the point of wanting to skip their scenes. The three best friends are really cool and have this great respect towards each others boundaries. Fun to watch in every scene, and to be honest the friendships especially the journalist best friend as well as the lawyer dude and the cappuccino where a lot more fun to watch than our main leads.

The little drama that wa sin this felt kind of meeh, but the characters and romance was good so forget the plot and jus twatch it for the bickering, the sweet fluff and mindless fun.

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A Wild Ride with a Bittersweet Ending

I finally finished this drama, and wow what a wild emotional ride! I absolutely loved it. The ending definitely left something to be desired, especially for our two main leads. While it wasn’t a completely tragic ending, I was hoping for a bit more closure between them. That said, I'm glad most of the side characters made it through the end alive and for the leads, the ending felt more like an open ending to a possible reunion rather than a definitive goodbye. Still, it would’ve been nice to have a more satisfying conclusion, which is why I knocked off one point from my overall rating.

Even with that, I don’t regret watching it at all. I’d definitely recommend it because, aside from the ending, the drama delivered on what it promised. The performances were solid all around, and I was hooked from start to finish, constantly on the edge of my seat eager to see what would happen next. Plus the demon cases they tackled were really intriguing, and I enjoyed most of them a lot!

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Better than RMP

Compared to Red-Moon Pact, Love in Pavilion is definitely a step up. From the casting to the story execution and even the fight scenes—this installment feels more put-together. But even with the improvements, it still didn’t completely pull me in.

With the plot this time around, the story was clear from the start: unite the demons and humans, and take down the Black Fox. Unlike the first installment, where it constantly felt like we were guessing the direction or waiting for the story to kick in, this one actually had structure. The stakes were understandable, and you could follow the bigger picture. The fight sequences were also miles better—well-choreographed, intense, and actually exciting to watch. Action-wise, this drama delivered.

Casting-wise, Liu Shi Shi as the female lead was a better than Yang Mi in the first installment. She brought a quiet elegance to the role, which suited the character—but to be honest, it got repetitive. Her character was too composed, too calm, and frankly, too bland. She rarely spoke, always looked like she was exhausted or over everything, and her overly arched posture to appear graceful just felt unnatural after a while.

Leon Zhang, playing opposite her, was more engaging. His character had emotional weight—reckless, passionate, and deeply conflicted. As the leader of both the Yiqi Alliance and the Masked Group, his decisions weren’t always the smartest, but they were human. He definitely carried the emotional side of their dynamic. Their romance was a slow burn, but very slow—I honestly didn’t feel anything between them until the very end. By then, it was too little too late.

The supporting cast, however, had some real standouts. Wangquan Zui and Yang Yitan, as well as Qingmu Yuan and Zhang Zheng, had natural chemistry that was way more compelling than the leads’. Their connections felt real, their scenes had tension, and their deaths—cruel and honestly meaningless—hit hard. I found myself caring more about their arcs than the main one.

One thing I wish the drama had done better was showing more of the Masked Group together. They’re supposed to be this tight-knit, elite unit, but it often felt like only one or two members had any real connection while the rest were just kind of... there. More group scenes and bonding moments would’ve made their teamwork and sacrifices land more emotionally.

Overall, Love in Pavilion is a more cohesive and polished drama than its predecessor. The plot is clearer, the fight scenes are more exciting, and the casting choices are stronger. But with a flat lead character and romance that barely sizzles, it still didn’t manage to fully pull me in.

Rating: 7.5/10 — better in many ways, but still lacking that spark.

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Love is the Cure

Much touted revenge-themed period drama with smart leads navigating venom-laced paths together under the weight of a bitter past and heavy familial burdens.

Though forced together by an awkward alliance to sooth the terrible betrayal years back, both leads know nothing good would come of the wretched union. Yet, mutual attraction seems thinly-veiled — 5 eps in and we see gradual understanding and respect despite what is deemed irreconcilable differences. There were some good moments- a great sign hopefully of what’s to come!

The tension in the story is kept taut, and the layers are coming off bit by bit. Characters are being nicely developed with backstories and side stories. So far, very good!

Liu Yu Ning’s character reminds me of the one he played in The Story of the Pearl Girl - brilliantly savage yet kind but to only a few. Song Zuer is fun to watch as she flits from one emotion to another, but is steadfast in her pursuits.

A priority on my must-watch list!

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#proposal

I appreciated the beautiful locations, like the boat at the beginning or Budapest (not so used usually), the soundtrack well adapted to the scenes, a fantastic cast always well dressed, a singular plot.
Choices, sacrifices, emotions, misunderstandings... all in one.

It all starts when Xi Yi wants to propose to his girlfriend Anna on a cruise boat, but the girl thought well to put her career before her life as a couple and agrees to go dancing in Paris and leaves him alone on the ship. On the other hand, Jia Xin, this simple girl spends all her money to offer this cruise to her boyfriend, but she will be disappointed to find out he was a liar and cheating on her with his lover. So these 2 find themselves consoling each other. They will later discover that they are legally married and that she is also pregnant. He loves Anna, but he is also a responsible man who takes care of others and has decided to live with his "wife" until she has the baby, then divorce and be with Anna.
But... Months pass and the time will come to choose between these two women: one, his first love, a selfish girl who puts her career before him, or the other girl who carries his child in her womb and does everything for him.
When he chooses the second, the first fights strenuously to win back his love.
Jia Xin feels guilty for having "stolen" her boyfriend.
Something bad happens and this boy is left alone, only this so-called "friend" by his side and the memory of his great lost love. A very sad moment.
After 3 years, when he goes on a business trip to Hungary, he will find himself face to face with his ex-wife and try to reconnect with their lost relationship. Very difficult with the memory of the past and two friends like Anna and Dyland, false and manipulative.

What can you learn from this story? If you are a very kind person, people take advantage of you and most importantly, you can't love someone on command.

I liked the funny and combative couple of friends, as well as the grandmother version of cupid. Above all I loved the character of Wang Xi Yi, a man who is upright, sensitive and so in love that he wears his wedding ring even after 3 years since he was dumped. A man who channeled his pain by continuing to write the diary, making her plans come true, refusing to sign the divorce papers.
I was moved when he confessed to her that he had also suffered and had hard times and that she wasn't the only one who had pain. She has always been altruistic but in that case she has been 100% selfish.

I was afraid that 36 episodes were a lot but I watched them in just 5 days, I was really addicted to this series.
A small note: I would have avoided putting the image of their wedding under the opening titles, it ruined the surprise.
Then I would have avoided putting Anna among the wedding guests. The way she behaved, a simple "Sorry" was not enough at all compared to the pain she caused. Even if they are good, I don't think I would have forgiven her.
Instead, I found the final scene on the ship to be the right conclusion, like a circle closing.

NB: The Eternal Love (2017) has the same two lead actors. News from August 2024 says that after 7 years they will also get married in real life.

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