This review may contain spoilers
A beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption, with a dash of magic realism
This is so deep and beautifully portrayed. While the story appears to revolve around two sweet love stories at the surface, its soul runs deep and brings out several philosophical life questions around love, loss, regrets and redemption.BL-Needle Score: 7.5 Reasonable BL-ness
He Xiang Yong and Chen Hao Wei were school-day friends with a promise of becoming more, but a misunderstanding around Chen Hao's behaviour, intentionally complicated by a girl in their class, leads them to fall apart. He Xiang Yong leaves behing the friendship and also their island home to work in the bigger main island and they no longer remain in touch. Cut to the present, He Xiang Yong comes back home after complications at his workplace and is afraid to share the truth with his father, who he sees as overtly critical of him. But he comes back and finds that Chen Hao is working with his father at their guesthouse. Chen Hao seems to be looking for his old friend, among other things. But He Xiang Yong and his childhood friend Le Wang Zhe, both seem frustrated with their lives and in a state of drunken frustration wish for what's troubling them most to go away - He Xiang Yong wanting to no longer live as himself with all the problems of his life and Le Wang Zhe wanting someone to love him truly. They wake up the next day to find their wish fulfilled and all hell break loose!
From hereon the story takes us through an unique experience for both these people who had their wishes fulfilled to realise that their lives may not have been that bad and all the ideas that they had about people in their lives were not correct after all...as they struggle with the changed reality and the absurdity of it all, they find their own wishes backfiring on them...and realise that the price to pay for a fulfilled wish is too high....He Xiang Yong struggles to convince Chen Hao he is He Xiang Yong and the love Chen Hao is waiting for and Le Wang Zhe is afraid that the love from Hama-chan will vanish somehow.
What transpires after this is a beautiful journey of them trying to find their selves back, their memories, families, love...people that love them instinctively feel that they know something , can remember memories that feel more like dreams than actual lived realities...He Xiang Yong understand his father's love and concern for him, Le Wang Zhe gets past his cowardice and tendency to run away everytime something goes wrong, and Che Hao realises that that He Xiang Yong is the same He Xiang Yong that he is pining for, even though he can't seem to remember anything - as if his heart and soul-memory is helping his cognitive senses to reconstruct a reality that didn't exist
The story is portrayed really beautifully.... the doubts, regrets, and frustrations of having lost one's own self and all memories, and emotions connected with that self....the wish to forget and run away, made them realise how much they loved and wanted the life that they were running from and yet, the same life seems unreachable because of their own doing...
I loved the twists, the portrayals, and the deep life questions this brings up. The love stories are cute too, but they are just the surface for this deeper tale. A BL from Taiwan after a long time didn't disappoint. Definitely recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
Finding Your Own Colour
The story follows Song U Yeon, a super shy high school student with a low self-esteem. Her life completely changes when she gets randomly recruited on the street by Koo Seon Ho to join an eccentric drawing club called Spirit Fingers. Enter Nam Gi Jeong, a goofy, stunningly handsome model who also ends up in the club, and suddenly we have a story that is beautifully messy and fiercely authentic.What makes this drama so captivating is how it tracks the heavy, internal weight of emotional repression, jealousy, and inferiority complexes, but balances it with the most spontaneous, affectionate, and protective humour you’ll ever experience. It’s a beautifully immersive, character-driven journey about finding your own colour when the world keeps trying to paint over you.
💖 What I Loved
Nam Gi Jeong’s Whole Existence: I love his character so much! He is a goofy, cheerful guy who has zero tolerance for obnoxious behaviour, but when it comes to the girl he likes? Total lapdog. He is such a cutie, and the way he fiercely protects U Yeon is everything.
Song U Yeon’s Growth: Watching U Yeon’s inner voice manifest and seeing her gradually crawl out of her hole of self-deprecation to stand up for herself was the most satisfying thing ever. Her journey toward actual self-confidence was amazing.
The Spirit Fingers Squad (SF): Mint finger (Geu Rin), Blue finger (Seon Ho), Taeng Ja, and the rest of the crew are beautifully weird. I loved the weekly dress-up themes (Historical drama! Girl crush! Retro!) and the way they unconditionally encourage U Yeon to find her own confidence. They are a literal miracle.
U Yeon's Friends: They're such solid friends. I hate Mi Rae when she's jealous but apart from that? Absolute solid one.
😤 What I Didn't Like
Nam Geu Rin Playing with Seon Ho's Feelings: Geu Rin's behaviour was honestly so frustrating. Constantly rubbing it in Koo Seon Ho’s face that his romantic feelings are "unwanted" while simultaneously treating him like a 24/7 on-call emotional safety net? It’s the height of insensitivity, and it pissed me off.
Koo Seon Ho’s Endless Patience: Bro, please dump her sorry ass! He has been friend-zoned since middle school and yet keeps waiting around while looking completely miserable. It was agonising to watch.
U Yeon's Toxic Parents: U Yeon’s mum constantly degrading her self-esteem, comparing her to others, and literally thrashing her room is vile. I don't like that a mum talks to her kid like that. And the dad? Completely undermining and toxic. The blatant favouritism toward U Yeon's brothers was heartbreaking.
Ahn Ye Rim’s Fake-Ass Mind Games: And U Yeon actually believing her over Gi Jeong at one point had me yelling at my screen.
The Rushed Parent Redemptions: How did the parents' toxic personalities literally change overnight in the final stretch? It made no sense and felt completely unrealistic given how awful they were.
The High School Fat Costume Flashbacks for Geu Rin: I hate when dramas use unrealistic fat suits for backstory character building. It looks fake and completely unnecessary.
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Good
I'm quite curious if Xing Wu and Qing Ye are cousins by blood bcz Xing Wu's mom said that Qing Ye's mom is her sister so i was wondering if they are cousins by blood bcs that wouldn't be appropriate right if they got together and they're cousins by blood. So i was thinking maybe his mom and her mom are like sworn sisters or what.But, after watching just a few episodes i know that I'm gonna be obsessed in this dramaa. As far as i know, this and Speed and Love was written by the same author so I know that is gonna be a HIT one. Although, SAL and Dazzling are different tropes this gives me that same vibe like ML is poor and the FL were rich.
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my absolute favorite obsession ends!
Oh my gosh, this show is an absolute riot! Kim Hyang-gi is pure comedy as a secret BL web novelist, and her crush on her mysterious maths teacher Cha Hak-yeon, is giving me life. The hilarious pettiness over those hidden glasses in the early episodes completely hooked me. I am utterly obsessed! I have written a full review: https://myasianbinge.com/absolute-value-of-romance-review/ if anybody wants to check out^^Was this review helpful to you?
Perfect cannot wait for season 2
I love this refreshing and perfect drama so sad when it ended I cannot wait for season 2!Outstanding cast amazing acting they pour their heart on their acting and we could feel it!
The storyline was so funny and refreshing I’m actually going to rewatch as cannot find another drama that can match it
A huge Thank you to everyone on this production 🫶🏻
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This review may contain spoilers
Do we needed it?
I was not the biggest fan of Your Sky, but I was still curious about that little spin-off. What i liked was that I fellt a little more conected to thomaskongs characters but still it was not that great.I don‘t get the story of AuauSave Characters; I really don‘t get them. It's so sad because I love their chemistry.
For Punlee and Glaijai, I can say at least we saw a bit more of them. I love TeeteePor they are just great but still was everything kinda off sometimes with them as well.
It was okay, but I don't need to see it again ever.
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ITS TIMEEEE!!! FOR ANOTHER MASTERPIECE!!!
JUST WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE AND I CAN ALREADY TELL THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE.After waiting nearly 2 YEARS for Ticket to Heaven we're finally here. And honestly? Just watching the trailer was enough to make me emotional. The way every scene is filled with so much feeling, the cinematography, the acting, the emotions everything looks breathtaking.Of course I'm still heartbroken that there are only 6 episodes after such a long wait because this already feels like the kind of story that deserves so much more but no matter how many episodes it has I already know it's going to leave a huge impact on everyone who watches it.
This isn't just another series. It feels like one of those rare stories that stays with you long after it ends. The kind that makes you laugh, cry, scream, and then stare at your ceiling at 3 a.m. thinking about it and judging by the first episode I already know we're all going to be crying our eyes out.
The wait was long but I truly believe it's going to be worth every second. I'm so excited and soo so nervous to finish this journey with yall!! and our lovely GeminiFourth🩷
PLEASE GO WATCH TICKET TO HEAVEN. Because I have a feeling we're about to witness something unforgettable..
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All for a house? Yes , why not
I was suprised at first , what do you mean , you got married because of house, and have no place to go ?But then , Jiho felt too relatable, she is the every eldest daughter , graduating from big uni and people keep saying that lit / social sciences have no careers . i can understand why her mother was mad , she fought for her daughters's education and her job , so just giving up and marrying feels like a betryal to her . but then i do understand the daughter too , it's hard to meet all the expectations and reach the potiential which everyone thinks of you , you get burned out and tired . but then we see how she stills wants to work , because even though , you got married , got a roof , you still want to work , and it's okay , i agree with it
3rd main couple is deeply suffering from miscommunication , and I find their relationship kinda toxic too. , it tackles topics like why are you still not married even after dating for that long? at first it was misscommunication but then , now that i think of it , i am on the woman side . men really don't want to take responsibilty , what do you mean love and marriage are not the same for you when you both were dating for 6-7 years ?? basturd
The writing of this drama was very well , hoping the writer makes a comeback again
My problem with this show was how last episode was rushed . it felt like the writer wanted to wrap up all fastly .
the love trigangle they tried to make with the cafe guy and then sehee's ex was so unnecessary tho .
also it was frustrating how sehee wasn't able to communicate his feelings until the very last episode
Still i enjoyed watching this show , now it is in one of my favorites
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Stuck in a loop
We get it , you got cheated , now???? Tbh i dragged myself to watch till ep 8 and the story feels too stuck in a loop and boring that i had to drop it . It was good that she made almost everyone regret but i am actually suprised how it's been YEARS and she didn't notice? Men be looking like this , having no stable jobs and having 2 families , cheating on both anyways , what evenWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What is your goal in life?
This is an exceptionally human drama, and I loved it from beginning to end. What impressed me most was how deeply developed the characters were by the end! You can actually feel the momentum of their growth as the story progresses, and that’s something surprisingly rare. Every character changes, struggles, and learns, and those transformations feel completely earned.At its core, the drama is about friendship, ambition, life goals, and the dreams we spend years chasing. Dong-man is such a profoundly human character. He is flawed, desperate, insecure, and often lost, but that is exactly what makes him so relatable. He carries a deep inferiority complex and constantly wants to be seen as an equal to those around him. In his own unorthodox way, he keeps trying to prove his worth, even when his methods are questionable. You can feel how desperately he wants to make a movie and prove himself. Through his journey, the drama explores a truth many people experience: we often believe that achieving a certain goal will finally make us happy, only to discover that reality is more complicated. The accomplishment feels good, but it is not exactly what we imagined. What matters most is the person we become in the process. By the end, Dong-man has truly found himself and finally overcomes many of the insecurities that have defined him for so long.
One of my favorite aspects of the drama was Dong-man’s relationship with Park Yeong-sae. Their friendship feels painfully real. They were best friends when they stood on equal ground, but once one of them became successful while the other was seen as a failure, everything changed. They became competitors as much as friends. They judged each other, compared themselves constantly, and gradually lost parts of the people they used to be. It is an uncomfortable but honest portrayal of how relationships can be affected by success, failure, and insecurity.
His relationship with Euna is also worth mentioning. He genuinely cares about her, relates to her in many ways, and often wants to be her protector. Euna carries her own trauma surrounding abandonment, and it is heartbreaking to watch how much she struggles with her sense of self. Despite her pain, she remains a voice of kindness and empathy. She instinctively understands the feelings of others, even though she has spent much of her life cutting through people’s stories and emotions with harsh honesty—a trait that was even considered a talent in her profession.
As the drama progresses, she becomes increasingly aware of how deeply words can wound others, and there is a visible discomfort whenever she is forced to do that again. At the same time, she struggles to understand her own emotions. She is deeply sensitive and easily hurt by criticism, rejection, and the inhumanity she encounters in others. Her journey is one of self-discovery and emotional awareness. By the end of the drama, her growth is remarkable: she is finally able to recognize, understand, and name her feelings instead of expressing them only through physical symptoms. Her character development is subtle, realistic, and incredibly moving.
The drama understands that life is messy. We all have goals. We all carry trauma. We compare ourselves to others, even when we know we shouldn’t. We are hurt by people’s words, and yet we keep trying. Every character in this story is fighting for something, and every struggle feels meaningful.
The relationship between Dong-man and his older brother was particularly moving. The two brothers are almost opposites. While Dong-man still clings to dreams and possibilities, his brother is focused entirely on survival. His desperation is heartbreaking. He works endlessly just to fill the gaps in his life and keep going. He doesn’t live to enjoy life anymore; he lives simply to endure it. Their contrast feels very true to the experience of many siblings. The older one often carries burdens that are different from those of the younger one, but both are trying in their own way. That simple act of continuing to try becomes one of the drama’s most powerful themes.
If I were rating purely based on rewatch value, I would probably give it a 5/10. Not because it isn’t excellent, but because it is such a heavy and emotionally exhausting watch. You can feel the characters’ desperation, disappointment, and hopes as if they were your own. It activates your empathy in a way few dramas manage to do. I genuinely don’t know if I’ll be able to rewatch it, because it hurts in a way that feels almost too real. 🥲
Ultimately, this is a drama about people trying their best despite failure, disappointment, and uncertainty. It is deeply human, deeply compassionate, and unforgettable. I don’t know if I’ll ever rewatch it, but I know I won’t forget it. Few dramas have made me empathize so deeply with every character’s struggles, failures, and hopes. It hurt, but in the best possible way.
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Unrealistic plot
Too repetitive scenes of the past, wasting time rewatching the past, and not in the characters' evolution, solving situations in a sudden, fantasy way, making it very difficult to identify with.Great cast, great performances, wasted in an unrealistic, impossible to believe, even in the wildest dreams.
They missed the opportunity to develop the growth from childhood dreams to adulthood reality.
It's a shame
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Started really great but storyline just usual cliche
LIKEHilarious the role playing game when Sun Jia Yi choked on her drink and characters paused
When the second Anna character met B team Qin Xiao Yi
When Hu Xiu realised Xiao Zhi Yu rented her apartment and she trolled him lol
The actors so into their role playing
The Haha big fool so funny!!
When Xiao Rou got slapped Guang Ming did not even react
When Hu Xiu vent her frustrations on “QXY”
When Hu Xiu scolded Xiao Zhi Yu during the murder game for being indecisive - I teared
I’m from downstair’s convenience store you just purchased a toothpaste lol
Pei Zhen is actually a good person but with a bad Dad
DISLIKE
Storyline towards the end just the same old plot
MUSIC
Nice but not to my liking
REWATCH VALUE
Five for now
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Should have been 32 episodes - too much cliches
LIKEThe Master of Souls' idea is quite good
Duan Xu got guts woots! One person go to enemy’s camp
When they exchanged five senses hmm quite good each time
When Si Mu got attacked wow that scene
DISLIKE
Mostly quite expected a little disappointed as I'm a Xian Xia's fan
Gui Xu part slowed down a little and I got bored too
MUSIC - personal fav
最后再靠近 Zui Hou Zai Kao Jin - 金玟岐 Jin Wen Qi
引月Yin Yue - LUMi
万灵之上 Wan Ling Zhi Shang - 黄霄雲 Huang Xiao Yun
逢春 Feng Chun - 周蕙 Zhou Hui
若能在你眼中 Ruo Neng Zai Ni Yan Zhong - 刘宇宁 Liu Yu Ning
初醒 Chu Xing - 周深 Zhou Shen
REWATCH VALUE
Five for now
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This review may contain spoilers
Remorse arc was my favourite part of the story
I wrote a review for Huang Bo - Mao Xiang Lin drama on my notebook when I watched it close to 6 months ago. Too bad there are no links for this drama. They collab another time but I think my notes are for this drama because the other drama's opening scene looked unfamiliar to me. Hope this review is for the right drama.What I liked:
1. Remorse - I must say this part of the story was my favourite. ML did his best to make up for his wrongdoings.
2. Acting - My first time watching Mao Xiang Lin and I really liked her acting. Huang Bo was great in particular when his character was remorseful and uncertain.
3. Romance - Second chance romance with ML putting a lot of effort & sincerity.
4. Styling - I liked when FL wore black dress with black hat. Loved her shoes. I also liked Huang Bo's hairstyle.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Xie Ming Chen.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL was pathetic. Taking credit for something she never did & scheming to trap ML & harm FL. Her arc was too long.
2. Kissing - It's weird that kissing scenes were shot with Huang Bo blocking Ma Xiang Lin. Maybe she wasn't comfortable?
3. FL's action - Going alone in Shi Zao Zao presence was bad move.
Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML at the rooftop
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When Gu Xun helped Qian Ling during costume party unexpected so funny
Omg why would Gu Xun say that when he is on a mike let the whole school hears
When Gu Xun found out the truth about Xiao Ma Hua during shooting game lol
When Xiao Ma Hua complained what Gu Xun did - what the boys group said in group chat
Hilarious the passwords for usb
Immortal afraid of cockroach??
Games at KTV quite interesting
Cake cutting seasion HHHHAaaa
Why does the portrait look like Hu Yi Tian omg
Cheesy sia the scenes Hahahahah
DISLIKE
This Qian Ling when she is pretending to be a lovely girl omg I wanna puke hahahah annoying much
I felt the hurt when Qian Ling found out about Xiao Cao
MUSIC - personal fav
你靠近我的身边 Ni Kao Jin Wo De Shen Bian - 蔡旻佑 Cai Min You
With Me - 薛凯琪 Xue Kai Qi
告白画面 Gao Bai Hua Mian - 黄霄云 Huang Xiao Yun
再次遇到 Zai Ci Yu Dao - 牛奶咖啡 Niu Nai Ka Fei, 仙羽 Xian Yu
平行时间的秘密 Ping Xing Shi Jian De Mi Mi - 张星特 Zhang Xing Te
REWATCH VALUE
Shall re-watch when I'm free one day
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