This review may contain spoilers
Romanticized Abuse & Stockholm Syndrome
This show almost got it. It was so close! But they ruined it by romanticizing abuse (both romantic and parental).One of the main characters is kidnapped and held hostage for years by a man who made her "into a play thing," which means he was sexually assaulting her. While in captivity, she swore to kill him. But here comes the Stockholm Syndrome. She goes to hell to break him out of his prison. Once he's free, he immediately tries to harm her. Despite all of this, she tries to sacrifice herself to save his life. In the end, she locks arms with her abuser, signifying their future relationship. What the actual hell?
A father wouldn't help his son get out of a life-threatening situation, but it's shown as justified.
Why do so many C-dramas have these really messed-up dynamics?
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SECRET RELATIONSHIPS - REVIEW
Story: Secret Relationships is one of those dramas that constantly keeps you second-guessing everything you think you know. Every episode reveals another layer of the characters, making it almost impossible to view them the same way from beginning to end. What I loved most is how the series isn't afraid to explore darker, more uncomfortable themes. Every relationship is messy, intertwined, and deeply toxic in its own way, yet the writing makes you understand why the characters make the choices they do. No one feels completely innocent or entirely evil, and that's what makes the story so compelling.The flashbacks are also one of the drama's biggest strengths. They aren't just there for exposition—they gradually provide the missing pieces, showing how these relationships were built, how they flourished, and ultimately how they fell apart. Every revelation adds new context and completely changes your perspective. While it's not a light or easy watch, it's an emotionally gripping drama that rewards your patience with excellent storytelling and complex character development. If you enjoy psychological relationship dramas where every character has depth and hidden motives, this is definitely worth watching. Overall a captivating and well-written drama that proves not every relationship is meant to be healthy, but every story deserves to be understood.
Acting/Cast: The cast delivered strong performances across the board, making every episode engaging and emotionally intense. Each actor brought depth to their character, allowing the tension, manipulation, and emotional conflicts to feel believable and keeping me invested from start to finish. The standout for me was Kim Ho Young. His performance was captivating, especially as his character gradually unmasked his true identity. Every revelation was executed with precision, making him the driving force behind many of the series' most memorable moments.
My only criticism is that the romantic aspect felt underdeveloped. While the psychological drama and character dynamics were excellent, the romance lacked the same emotional weight and chemistry, making it less impactful than the rest of the story. Overall, the outstanding performances easily outweigh this minor flaw, making the acting one of the drama's strongest assets.
Music: The soundtrack did its job in supporting the mood and emotional tone of the series, but it never stood out as a defining element. None of the tracks were particularly memorable or left a lasting impression after I finished watching. While the music fit the scenes well and never felt out of place, it was more of a background complement than something that elevated the overall experience. Good enough for the story, but ultimately not a standout aspect of the drama.
Rewatch Value: Despite already knowing the outcome, Secret Relationships has a high rewatch value because of how cleverly the story is structured. The flashbacks at the end of each episode become even more rewarding on a second watch, as they provide the missing context, reveal the characters' backstories, and explain why each of them has such a powerful emotional hold on Jung Da On.
What initially feels confusing or ambiguous gradually makes perfect sense once all the pieces come together. The final episode, in particular, delivers a memorable twist that completely recontextualizes the story and leaves a lasting impression. It's the kind of series that's worth revisiting—not just to relive the suspense, but to catch the subtle details and foreshadowing you likely missed the first time.
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Healing and emotional drama
For anyone who has struggled or is struggling to make their dreams come true, I suggest watching this drama. This demonstrates realistic portrayal of trying to find footing in the film industry filled with people with jealousy and resentment. There will be many tears but also hope and relief. Finding solace in someone else who is also struggling and being there for each other is the ultimate cure for depression. The touch on mental health theme can be heavy but it can also be healing.The acting of the staff was wonderful. They will be sweeping every award next year. Overall loved this drama and can’t recommend it enough.
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This review may contain spoilers
Trite Melodrama
The plot is a badly thought out fustercluck, the cast is way too big, and a lot of time is wasted on terribly directed, dead end intimate scenes, with zero intimacy. Only half of the lead couple can deliver a line, but the other half is very good at looking like a thwarted child and hanging off his love interest like an oversized handbag. The resolution of the brother’s thread at the end was farcical, though he was a slight consolation for the hero. The villain was a highlight, in a cartoonish way too, and very ornamental. The father did what he could with a terrible script, but could only do so much. I would just give this one the go by. it’s not good, even by the standards of vertical dramas, and the upside is that it’s not gAI slop.Bad-bad-bad! 😳
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? Bring Headphones… The Chemistry Is Explosive! ?
Wow… just wow! 🔥 This BL drama is so hot, romantic, and completely addictive. Damn! 😅 Every single episode is full of fireworks. I absolutely love both storylines, they’re equally captivating.The chemistry between the leads is amazing! I honestly don’t know how they managed to film those scenes with straight faces. I would be laughing the whole time… and I’d definitely need tissues in every episode (not for tears 🤣).
The scenes are soooo hot… deeeem! 🥵 Definitely use headphones (or earbuds) 😅🤣. The passion and tension are beyond my expectations. Just wow!
I can’t wait for each new episode! ❤️
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The drama is shown in iQIYI.
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This review may contain spoilers
Engaging but Never Gripping
The drama serves as an interesting, casual watch that easily holds my attention, even if it never quite hooks me enough to make me binge-watch it. The absolute peak of the series is the heartbreaking and intense sequence where Ye Li remembers the tragedy at Mount Li. It is a beautifully poignant moment that genuinely moved me to tears, and the OST playing during that scene was excellent.While the main characters have a convincing bond, the lack of romantic scenes left me wishing for more. Because both Ye Li and Prince Ding are victims who share a common enemy, they could have made a truly spectacular team; instead, they go about their revenge in their own separate ways. The pace definitely dragged during the final three episodes, but it wasn't a total loss—just an okay finish.
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This review may contain spoilers
If God Teaches Us to Love — Then What's the Point?
The series has become a massive global phenomenon, breaking records and sparking conversations in more than 160 countries—and honestly, it's not hard to understand why. It's visually stunning, full of careful symbolism and subtle visual storytelling. One shot that immediately stuck with me is when Barth tells Tanrak they're completely alone, only for the camera to slowly pull back and reveal Jesus on the cross behind them. They're never actually alone. It's a beautiful reminder that, in Tanrak's eyes, God is always present—even in the moments he's trying hardest to hide.The visual storytelling is consistently this strong. Tanrak presses every daisy Barth gives him between the pages of his Bible and, with each bouquet, quietly paints another flower onto the ceiling above his bunk—the same bunk he's slept in since arriving at the seminary, where nothing in his life had ever truly changed until Barth walked into it. Even the bathroom becomes symbolic: it's where Tanrak retreats whenever his world begins to fall apart. It's where he first seeks refuge during his crisis of faith, desperately trying to find comfort in the only thing he's ever known.
Episodes five and six completely broke me.
Watching Tanrak burn the notes they wrote to each other, the pressed flowers hidden inside his Bible... I couldn't stop thinking about how much fear, shame and guilt someone must carry to believe they have to destroy something as innocent as the proof of their first love.
The series also handles Father Arnon brilliantly. He begins as a calm, compassionate mentor, almost a father figure. But as Tanrak's feelings for Barth deepen, Arnon slowly transforms into something far more intimidating. The scene where Barth and Tanrak hide between the stacked mattresses while Arnon's shadow creeps across the wall—introduced only by the shine of his leather shoes—is genuinely unsettling. He becomes almost ghostlike, constantly watching, constantly present. More than anything, though, it's a reflection of Tanrak himself. The institution that once gave him purpose slowly becomes the very thing he fears most.
Kongdech's confrontation with Tanrak hit just as hard, albeit for very different reasons. When he tells Tanrak that what disappoints him most isn't being lied to, but the fact that Tanrak apparently no longer wants to become a priest alongside him—and then asks, "Don't you want to see your parents in heaven anymore?"—I honestly had to pause the episode.
What an unbelievably self-centred thing to say to someone who's already drowning in guilt.
Instead of asking his best friend what he's going through, Kongdech unknowingly reinforces every fear Tanrak already carries. You can literally watch Tanrak break under the weight of those words.
What surprised me most, though, is that this isn't actually a story about religion rejecting queerness.
It's a story about two boys falling in love.
That distinction matters.
The series never frames Tanrak's love for Barth as something inherently wrong. He never denies loving him. He never even denies desiring him. His struggle isn't that he believes love itself is sinful—it's that he fears abandoning the people and the life that shaped him. Over time, his feelings stop being framed as lust and become what they've always been: love.
By the final episode, Tanrak doesn't choose between Barth and God.
He chooses both.
I can absolutely understand why this series has resonated so deeply with queer people who grew up religious. For many viewers, I imagine it feels genuinely healing to see faith and queerness coexist without one destroying the other. Even the inclusion of the trans woman in the finale quietly reinforces that idea: faith can still belong to people who've spent their entire lives being told otherwise.
For me, however, it's a little more complicated.
I didn't grow up religious—if anything, the opposite—and my relationship with the Catholic Church has always been deeply sceptical. Because of that, the ending felt just a little too optimistic.
Throughout the series, Tanrak's shame feels painfully real. His fear feels earned. His guilt feels believable. But when everything is finally resolved, it almost feels as though the institution quietly steps back and says, "We never actually had a problem with your sexuality. That was simply your interpretation."
That was the one moment where the series lost me.
I would have preferred it if the Church had remained exactly what it often is for many queer people: an institution capable of causing profound harm without needing to be redeemed by the narrative. Sometimes the damage is real. Sometimes the shame isn't self-inflicted. Sometimes it's taught.
There's one scene in the finale I still can't get out of my head.
After Tanrak and Barth spend the night together, Tanrak wakes before Barth, walks silently into the bathroom and begins holding the cross of his rosary against the flame of a lighter. The scene cuts away before we see what happens next.
My interpretation was that he was trying to punish himself.
It's such a devastating image of internalised shame that the almost utopian ending which follows feels like it's happening to a different version of Tanrak altogether.
Even so, I think Ticket to Heaven is one of the most impressive Thai BLs in years. It's beautifully acted, visually confident and emotionally fearless. It isn't perfect, but it's the kind of series that stays with you long after it's over—not because it has all the answers, but because it's willing to ask difficult questions.
And there's one line I don't think I'll forget anytime soon:
"If God teaches us to love, but we're not allowed to love each other, then what's the point of having God in this world?"
That one sentence alone captures everything the series is trying to say.
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I loved this show!
Just a heads-up: I watched this drama quite a while ago, so this review is based purely on my goldfish memory.I'm an absolute sucker for twin-swap stories. If a drama has that trope, there's a good chance I'm going to eat it up. I loved Sprite so much ♡ he was so funny!
The only thing that really bothered me was Zee. I understood why he was upset but he was low-key being petty as hell. What pissed me off was how he treated First and that made it difficult for me to sympathize with him. 😒
Overall, I had a really good time with this drama. It's definitely one I'd recommend if you enjoy twin-swap plots, lighthearted BLs, and don't mind a little bit of drama along the way. Even though it's been a while since I watched it, it's one that has stuck with me, which says a lot.
I wasn't a fan of Jack and Mike's ending.
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Amazing Drama
This drama is incredibly captivating. Both lead actors portray their characters in a way that feels so real and true to life. The male lead is an exceptionally well-written character, and Bai Jingting brings him to life perfectly with his outstanding performance.As for Zhang Ruonan, she never fails to amaze me. She portrays Wen Yifan's sadness with such depth and authenticity that I found myself crying through many episodes because of her emotional acting.
The two leads are a perfect match for this drama. Their on-screen chemistry is natural, heartfelt, and one of the biggest reasons the story is so enjoyable to watch.
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the best drama I've watched so far
The incredible plot and amazing actors and actresses. I just found out about this movie 2 years after the release, but I never though finding a gem. A very underrated movie I've watched so far. I could feel the tension and feeling from both Male Lead and Female Lead. The story are very funny aswell, not only about romance but there is a hint of comedy which was very interesting. I hope they could work together again in the future. Zhang Ruo Nan is a very excellet actress when never see show up in the movie, I always feel like watching her, her inner beauty shines. And in this drama Chen Xing Xu completed the drama even more, the chemistry between two of the sky rocket, I was giggling so hard watching this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
AMAZING!!!
I loved this!!!! The leads had amazing chemistry. She was strong and determined. He was vulnerable and just really likeable. I thought a few parts were a little bit silly and not well thought out, but it didn't spoil the story at all. All the characters were believable and played their role to perfection. Will definitely watch again :)Was this review helpful to you?
it was good until it wasn’t…
writing this as I’m watching the last episode because it’s lost my interest but I’m almost done so.the first 5 episodes were almost brilliant. depictions of very graphic abuse, the victims who suffer, the bystanders that permit it, and the impact it can have on those around the person. it handled such a difficult discussion really well.
seeing Eun-su do everything she can to help her friend, Hui-su, get out of the DV she was experiencing. inspite of what happened in her past, she was determined to help - and seeing that come about was masterful. how the both of them carried out the plan to free her was meticulous yet believable. it didn’t feel like an exaggeration even though it still is a “drama/thriller/mystery” esque show. everything felt very appropriate.
until it didn’t. spoilers: but making Jang Kang return was such a foolish move. it took the spotlight from a victim who would’ve finally have found a life for herself free from the violence that she once would experience everyday to a full fledged mystery drama. had the show chosen down its initial path, it really could’ve said something productive about the severity DV survivors may go to to escape their abuse all because of the world that ignores their suffering. there was sm that couldve been happened outside of the whole noh jin young covering everything for a promotion plot. honestly that second half was not even worth the time watching, it felt so messy and rushed just adding details to make it reach the 8 episode mark while still being “interesting” (which it could’ve been had they decided to focus on hui su instead of characters that were initially unimportant).
it’s unfortunate, it had great potential to be something really well done with such a stacked cast and great beginning plot. had it not tried to outdo itself with plot twists and suspense it could’ve prevailed in demonstrating meaningful commentary about abuse victims and the way they are silenced.
Lee you mi’s performance is absolutely commendable that’s fs. even playing a role like this must’ve been so mentally difficult and to do it as well as she did is just… wow. I cried so hard.
overall I think the first few episodes may be worth it but afterwards it falls off really hard. can’t say if it’s worth the watch because again the first few episodes are so raw and emotional but after that don’t be afraid to drop, it doesn’t get better than that.
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This review may contain spoilers
I watched this drama because of Zhao Lusi and Xiao Hou, but it turned out to be unentertaining.
The story forces the audience to love the Communist Party way too much; the love for the party feels staged and forced without any proper character development or backstory.As for Xiao Hou, he plays such a genuinely good man that it makes me wish I could find someone like him from that era. No matter how much money he makes, he gives it all to his lover without keeping any for himself. Yet, no matter how many times he proposes, the wedding keeps getting postponed. In real life, anyone would have probably given up and lost heart by now.
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