Reviews

A Masterclass in how to make an unwatchable mess

This series is propaganda so blunt it could be considered a new form of martial arts. The story is a baffling, illogical mess, and the production is so cheap, you'd think it was made in 1993 not 2013. The culture and religious practices are so far off the mark they must have been sourced from a distributed pamphlet.
The acting was mid but I wouldn't blame the actors with such a shallow and artificial plot. While the music is good and is probably the only really nice aspect in this whole shenanigan.

In short, Anarhan is a clumsy, cynical, and deeply unfunny piece of work that is a complete waste of time.

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Skip it if you have a chance!

What a mess this drama is! I don’t even know where to begin. I liked the idea behind it, even the trailer was convincing. But, when it came to finally watching it... Such a wasted potential! Most of the time, it seems like the story is going on; however, nothing is really happening. The only reason I watched it till the end is that it’s only 8 episodes. And teasing us with the 2nd season of this chaos - they really have guts...

What pissed me off the most is why the introduction of the 12 Angels is in ep 8? Why not start the drama with this? Not to mention, the introduction wasn’t proper cause until the very end, I was still confused who represents which animal. Why make it complicated?

The cast is doing everything they can, but it’s just some dirty work to try and make them carry the whole show on their backs. Seems like the production forgot that, beside famous actors, they also have to focus on the script and production.

Also, I don’t get the point of a non-verbal character being a foreigner. The other actors having to say her lines was so annoying. It looks like Regina Lei is there just to grab some of the Taiwanese audience so that the producers earn extra cash. If you’re hiring a foreigner, at least give them the opportunity to act! Just awful, awful money grab I see here. (This is in no way hate towards Regina, but is it really worth the effort if you're just gonna say literally one word?).

I would say fight scenes were ok, but they were not. I enjoyed Ogwi vs Samin, but the rest looked very fake. Like it's really been a while since I saw fights that bad. And in Korean dramas? Where the standard is usually quite high?

And poor PHS - he was supposed to look like a real badass not like a Temu version of it. They made him look so old. The makeup was awfully unflattering, not to mention they made his face whit but forgot about the neck... It was so bad I feel like I need to avenge him.

I'm tired of writing what's wrong with this drama, but I'm struggling to find any positives... I really can't rate it more than 4/10. And this is me being nice.

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Twelve Letters Later: Pass Me the Tissues and Some Ice Cream

OMG this drama totally wrecked me. I went from aww, that’s sweet 💕 … to oh no, please no 😭 … to full-on ugly crying with hiccups and puffy eyes. Honestly, I had to fast-forward some scenes because the abuse and pain were unbearable, but then their tender moments made me pause and rewind like a fool.
It’s not your typical romance. It’s raw, tragic, and somehow still breathtakingly beautiful. The leads? Their chemistry is like soul-mates who can’t catch a break but still shine through the darkness. The ending -brace yourself -both of them die 😱💔… but weirdly, they also get their happy ending together. Don’t ask me how, just watch and you’ll understand. It’s devastating yet strangely comforting.
And the side message? Family isn’t always about blood -it’s about who chooses to stand by you. That hit me harder than I expected.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5/5 — half a star deducted for the emotional trauma, but hey, totally worth it. Bring tissues. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate. 🍫😭

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When 2 Vengeful People Fall In Love

Apparently this was low budget, but I didn't really notice honestly.

They wore the outfits and sets were beautiful. It didnt bother me that they didnt have 20 places to use. What was seen suited the plot. That condensed feeling to a mansion and a few palace places was suitable for the characters and their desires to escape.

We start off with Shuan having the upper hand. He helps Ziang escape from a failed assassination of his brother, the Crown Prince, only for Ziang to be told to go back and get close to him, as another way to kill the CP. This backfires tremendously as Shuan already recognises him, and strings him a lot for his own plans to avenge his mother.

But all this quickly falls away as soon as the two begin to fall in love. It is fast and tense, and before I knew it, all revenge plans had been scattered to the wind, and the two were just trying to escape the CP. This all leads to a desperate rebellion and the inevitable scene on the bridge. After there, the ending was the only way it could end.

Shuan couldn't forgive Ziang, and Ziang lost his mind in an attempt to be with him again.

The Crown Prince and Shuan loved each deeply growing up, and they had plans to support each other when the CP became emperor. But for some reason Shuan gave CP the cold shoulder, and distanced himself from CP, making him suspicious of him. I interpreted it as he was ready to begin his vengeance plan and didnt want him getting involved. His plan was never made clear. I imagined it was just simply to take down the ministers in court who were responsible for his mother's death. But the Cp felt he was being betrayed and losing his position. Spurred on by Minister Gu, he descends into a paranoid desperation to get rid of his own brother, and finally leading to the rebellion when all his plans fail.

I believe Shuan took CP's side in the end, simply because he loved his brother. He knew what he had become but couldn't let go of the version he knew. When all is destroy, Ziang takes all the blame. His revenge plan was forgotten because Ziang wanted to get close to him.

And the hate just got worse. Shuan refused to co operate with Ziang, pushing him over the edge, and leading to his own fall, where all he could hope for was death.

It's like two people, who were dynamite to those around them. Wanting revenge for the people they love, fall in love with each other. When trust is broken, all that anger and pain, is naturally directed to each other.
Dying in each other's arms feels like the most natural end when you have to lead characters like this. One proud, dedicated and spoiled, the other a highly trained soldier ready to risk everything for what he wants, these two in their setting, I dont think could have a happy ever after.

I think, did the writer add in Ziang's failing health because she knew that Shuan could never live peacefully with him? What would hurt more, Shuan dying and leaving Ziang to his grief, or giving them both peace in their passing?

Nothing felt forced. One decision was the result of the one before.

For the leads, it was Shakespearean. For the others though, I felt information had been edited out. Towards the end, the editing did get quite jumpy. I wanted to know what happened to Minister Gu, did Huo travel the world with Shen? I would have liked more info on the side characters.

I also would have liked to have seen a shot of the two meeting in another life, as their hair was tied together. Since it was mentioned, I feel like the final scene should have been that, just to lift the mood a little.

It wasn't perfect but has left deep impression on me and I now feel a little haunted. I dont normally like sad endings but since this is a rare chinese bl, with a historical setting, I had to give it a shot and dont regret my decision.

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Wonderful

I'm not a big fan of Thai BLS but this one was pretty good. The acting was amazing and the concept was new and refreshing, cinematography on point. The plot wasn't confusing, yes at first it is a bit weird after episode 5 but I'm slow as hell and figured it out pretty quickly. I do have to say I do not like the fact that there's a lot of NC scenes. If I knew there were that many I'd just watch the cut version, it was just unnecessary. There were so many storylines and characters, I'd rather have more of the main couple I'm not even going to lie. Otherwise this bl is very good. I wouldn't watch it again though.

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The Journey of the Pocket Watch

The Story
This drama is set during the Republican era—a turbulent time in China when ordinary people were faced with limited choices, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. The director has done an excellent job in creating a realistic portrayal of that period, supported by a well-written script that thoughtfully explores the political climate of the time. The inclusion of romance helps to soften the heaviness of the historical and societal themes.

The life stories of three generations are anchored around the old Lin family home, which evolves over time from a residential house to a hospital and later to a fabric factory that doubles as a residence. The romance of three generations of women in the Lin family, spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s, begins with Lin ShiYun, the granddaughter of the Lin family. After studying abroad and becoming a gynecologist, she returns to China with modern thinking and a bold spirit. She challenges her family’s traditional views and navigates the troubles caused by her irresponsible, gambling brother. Lin ShiYun is a strong-willed, clear-headed, and courageous woman—her personality is very likable. Once she sets her mind on something, she is determined to see it through.

I haven’t watched many dramas featuring Jelly Lin, and her performances usually didn’t captivate me. However, in this role as ShiYun, she truly fits the character and made me believe in her.

She meets Cheng Ao, a gangster lawyer played by Ryan Cheng. Though raised in a family with gangster roots, Cheng Ao was educated abroad and upholds patriotic values passed down by his adoptive father. He is the male lead in the first arc—a righteous, intelligent, and principled man who complements ShiYun’s strong personality perfectly. Ryan Cheng shines in this role, and I believe it’s his best performance to date, especially compared to his other recent leading roles in two major “S” Wuxia/Xuanhuan productions.

The first arc tells the story of Cheng Ao and Lin ShiYun finding love amid political turmoil, staying true to their beliefs, and making difficult life choices. They are among the lucky ones who survive the war and migrate overseas. I thoroughly enjoyed their romance—it felt inspiring and meaningful.

The second arc begins from episode 12 and centers on YiYi, ShiYun’s niece, who is deeply influenced by her aunt’s worldview. YiYi is widowed at a young age and faces discrimination from a conservative society. Her quiet, non-confrontational nature makes her a target of prejudice, but with determination and resilience, she finds her voice and love again. YiYi pursues her passion for clothing design and eventually thrives in the fashion industry. Her romance with a Communist Party minister, Wen Pu (played by Liu YiJun), is touching and layered with social tension. As always, Liu YiJun delivers a solid performance.

YiYi is portrayed by Tong Yao, an up-and-coming actress who feels very natural in this role. Although the second arc takes time to pick up—partly due to YiYi’s withdrawn personality—her quiet strength and artistic soul grow on you. As you begin to understand her grief and emotional depth, you can’t help but empathize with her and even wish that others would leave her alone. The side characters are frustrating at times, but they serve as realistic representations of the extreme ideological views present during early Communist China. The second arc concludes in episode 21, highlighting the hardships faced by YiYi and Wen Pu.

The final romantic arc follows YiYi’s granddaughter, Ye XiNing, whose love story begins with a chance encounter with schoolteacher Xiang BeiChuan. After being falsely accused and losing her job, XiNing’s journey is about rebuilding her career and discovering love. Among the Lin women, she is probably the most unlikable at first—impulsive, dramatic, and outspoken. However, she is also hardworking, resilient, and maintains a positive outlook. From working in a small jean factory to running an international clothing business, her growth is admirable.

XiNing and BeiChuan are complete opposites: she is loud, emotional, and blunt, while he is quiet, cautious, and principled. At times, it’s easy to feel sympathy for BeiChuan as XiNing’s dominating personality overwhelms him. But their romance grows as they work through misunderstandings and eventually commit to each other. Spoiler: this couple is the only one we see getting married on-screen.

A beautiful touch in the story is the symbolic passing of a pocket watch—from Cheng Ao to Lin ShiYun, then to YiYi, and finally to XiNing—representing the passage of time and the enduring values passed down through generations.


My Thoughts on the Couples (CPs):

Many viewers came to this drama for Ryan Cheng, who only appears in the first arc (up to episode 11). I particularly liked his role here, so I wanted to share my thoughts on the romantic arcs:

CP1 – Cheng Ao & Lin ShiYun

Their story is about spontaneity, contrasts yet shared values, courage, and remaining true to one’s roots. It’s a tale of ordinary people becoming heroes in extraordinary times.

CP2 – YiYi & Wen Pu

This is a story of forbidden love and defying social norms. It highlights the limitations imposed by society, and the endurance needed to triumph over adversity.

CP3 – Ye XiNing & Xiang BeiChuan

Their romance shows how love can blossom under unlikely circumstances. It’s about opposites attracting, seizing opportunities, holding onto beliefs, and striving for success while staying grounded.

All three love stories are intricately woven into the fabric of time, each representing a different response to the challenges of their era.

There are many powerful and thought-provoking lines in the drama about relationships, choices, and the consequences of decisions made. I truly enjoyed this drama and hope that more people will come to appreciate its depth, storytelling, and emotional richness.

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a nice story about pure heart

The drama follows Tian Yao, a dragon spirit betrayed and left in pieces, and Yan Hui, a spirited young woman who stumbles into his quest to recover his dragon bones. What begins as a reluctant partnership evolves into an adventure of trust, healing, and romance.
Yan Hui becomes Tian Yao’s true “heart protection,” guarding him not just physically but emotionally, helping him heal from betrayal and loneliness.
this drama is about love Heart Protection as follow:
Second chances — even a betrayed dragon spirit can find trust again.
Healing romance — love as mutual protection rather than sacrifice.
Partnership — the FL is not a damsel; she actively shapes the journey.
During this journey, Yan Hui often risks herself to protect Tian Yao, and he, in turn, becomes her shield — emotionally and physically.
What amaze me is the test for a couple in order to get the book of ghostly theology, this test make yanhui reconsider what happened before.

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Ragebait or Masterpiece?

How do you even put it into words when you love and hate something at the same time? That’s exactly what this drama was for me. A 15 hours of pure ragebait that I couldn’t stop binge watching.

I loved the overall aesthetic of the show. The plot was well written, and I liked how it took us through every stage of the main leads’ lives while also touching on the stories of the supporting characters.

Now let’s talk about the second female lead (SFL). Whew. She drove me crazy. The way she treated the first female lead (FFL) was infuriating, and what made it worse was how the FFL just let it slide for so long. But then the second half hit, and the FFL finally clapped back. That shift was so satisfying.

The thing is, nobody in this drama is perfect. Everyone’s flawed, sometimes to the point where you want to throw your laptop, but honestly, that’s what gave it depth. The romance, too, was compelling. It carried that nostalgic spark of first love, and Kim Go Eun and Kim Gun Woo delivered outstanding performances. Still, like many first loves, theirs was imperfect and painful.

Now… I still don’t know how the FFL managed to forgive the SFL. Like, yes, she was sick, but after everything? Personally, I could never. That girl needed therapy, not endless passes to dump her issues on everyone else. But the show made a point both the FFL and SFL only got to where they were in life because of how much they pushed (and sometimes broke) each other. Messy, complicated, necessary. A frenemy arc that could only end the way it did.

By the end, I realized this drama mirrors the FFL and SFL’s relationship itself. Just like they couldn’t decide if they loved or hated each other, we might feel the same about the show. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick with you.

Would I recommend it? Yes… but also be ready to scream at your screen.

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It comes in at the right time in my life (I was facing transphobia..). I watch it in one sitting

A real queer story about acceptance, coming out and friendship.
"The pandora's box we could only open on the rooftop" what if I CRY?!!

They did really a great job on portreying queer people who struggle with their identity - even though I'm not a big fan of "they are homophobic because they are queer too" and "they bully you because they love you".

It's very japanese in the way they act, it's not bad, just a observation. I loved it.

If one day I'm too happy, i'll re-watch it to remember how sad life is.

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Troublesome misscommunication is the better title!

I really regret watching this drama!! It had so much potential..
The first 3 episodes were interesting but started to go downhill afterwards. yet I really hoped that the last episode makes it worthwhile but turns out it's just a frustrating shit show!

If you are here for romance, just run.. run far away from this mess.

ml's acting is stiff, fl is not bad.
they lack chemistry.
to be honest 2fl didn't fit the role. she did not look cute at all (considering how much emphasis was put on her cuteness).. her acting was meh as well.

without spoiling anything I could say that Some of the problems are rooted in fl's insecurity but ml's actions does leave room for assumptions!
If only the leads communicated....

the drama makes it look like fl is the problem with her insecurity and overthinking yet ignoring how ml's actions are as well a problem. (his actions are cheater-coded!)
why do they always keep fl in the dark? then blame her for becoming restless.
even when she voices her worries it doesn't get dealt with properly.

the drama title refers to a sentence that escalated the misunderstandings to the max! troublesome fiancee.. yet in my opinion their whole engagement was troublesome! not for them but for me! watching the painfully easy to solve issues turn into some big unsolvable problem. then blame it on fl!

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