A nice feelgood series
This series was good, i liked it a lot. I just wish they gave us a bit more background story of Victor and Dawin and of the hostile coup.The visuals and music were beautiful. The intro song was ok, but not great.
For me the couple Mond/Ryu was a big masmatch, their dynamics do not work and there is no chemistry. Not to blame Mond, he was trying so hard to make it work.
I liked the dynamics between Neo and Mint.
And i love Winny and Satang, their dynamics and chemistry just work. It isn't the most charismatic couple in the industry, but that's just like real life. Not every couple is extremely charismatic, some coupes are just less expressive and that is fine!
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It wasn't a bad watch
This drama was ok to watch, it didn't keep me very interested, but enough to enjoy it. The whole drama had a bit immature vibes.The overal acting was good, though it felt a bit immature at moments.
The visuals were good, so was the music. It's just a shame, there are enough actors in Thailand that can sing very well, so why use actors that don't sing very well. The playback of singing and using instuments was realy badly done...
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But what hurt me the most was the ending. The last episode felt like they just had to finish the series so they wrapped up everything in just one last episode. It was a hurry. Gou Tu and Wenlang deserve better. They could make the ending better but even if they didn't want to change it then they should've atleast not wrapped up everything in just one episode.
But at last I would say that overall it is a really good series, something I would like to rewatch. Gave 9.5 rating, it wouldve been 10 if the ending was better. If you haven't watched it and reading this, go and watch it. It's really worth the time.
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Truly Marvelous! Society changes when both genders grow with dignity and respect
This drama is best appreciated with life experience and emotional maturity. The ending was perfect, with every character finding happiness. I was deeply moved by the sweetness and depth of this drama. It is truly inspiring and educational—one of the best I’ve seen on personal growth and integrity for both women and men.Historical Context & Key Quotes:
"In the middle and late Qing Dynasty, with the advancement of the Chinese silk tapestry industry in Jiangnan, weavers started to step out of their houses to participate in manufacturing and business. The rise of women's economic status allowed them to have higher status at home and society. It allowed them to gradually get rid of the past being dominated and being sold as an object." (Drama's ending quote)
"I started Jinxi Workshop to reach everyone the skill because I hope that every woman in the world can be good at something. I take them in and teach them the skill because that's the only thing I can do. I hope that they can do Chinese silk tapestry, weave brocade, and do Chinese embroidery so they will not be humiliated or beaten by their family, like drunken fathers, cruel in-laws, gambling-addincted husbands, because they can support themselves. I hope that one day, a woman can also be fearless to live a life of their own and have a place they can call home." (First Femail Lead)
"There is always someone better. If I really considered myself the first in the world, there won't be any room for improvement. Isn't that trapping oneself from improvement? I want to remind myself working on my skills instead of focusing on the title of being the best or getting proud." (Second Femail Lead)
"I think we women live a poor life. Our lives and reputation solely depend on men. If men do whatever they wish, getting involved in corruption or breaking laws, women will have no other choice but face death if they get caught. That's why I want to break rules once to see if a woman like Miss Cao who is dragged by her family and rejected by society has a chance of survival. If Miss Cao does, then all the helpless women in the world will also have a chance of survival." (First Femail Lead)
"Women in this world have no control over our fate, obedience towards father, husband, and son is expected. The fate of the family, husband, and sin decides our fate. But is it a woman's fault that her father, son, or husband committed a crime? Why are we punishing innocent woman then?" (First Femail Lead)
"The concept of compassion is the root for all human beings. Upholding the moral code is what supports society. A righteous man wouldn't bear to hurt an insect. Do not become greedy over a single thread of silk. That is how one contributes to the world and sets an example for the poeple. Compassion and sympathy are the core values of cherishing lives. One must possess the strength to uphold their conscience to become the pillar that supports society". (Second Male Lead - love of the First Female Lead)
"Why can a man marry another woman after his wife dies, but a woman needs to preserve chastity after her husband dies? It's hard to be lonely, but it's even harder to rebel. Humans aren't objects, we all have feelings, there's no gender difference" (First Female Lead)
"Family together can achieve eveything".
"Having a mountain of gold and sea of silver is not as good as having a skill."
"Women lock themselves up in the houses for their survival; to be favored by men we fight to our death. Are women too vicious, or is this world too vicious to women?"
"As long as your heart is calm, you can overcome all obstacles".
Story, Themes & Execution:
The story reflects every aspect of life, with love at the heart of transformation: love between a couple, within families, among people, and the passion for dreams and self-realisation. Even the maids are treated as part of the family, given their own journeys, development, and marriages.
The plot is thoughtful and meaningful, every line of dialogue carrying weight. The directing is excellent, and the village scenery—with its canals, boats, stunning embroidery, and fascinating history—is beautiful. Every character, from the leads to the smallest roles, has a fully developed arc, growing together like an intricate web of influence.
Although it has only 35 episodes, the pacing feels perfect for the characters’ emotional and personal evolution. It feels as if you’ve lived an entire lifetime with them, and not a single moment drags. The drama doesn’t centre on just one or two people, but on everyone, showing how each action affects another, leading to growth, change, or consequences.
Some characters are very traditional, while others are progressive, and those who challenge rigid gender expectations discover freedom and happiness. Staying alive and true to oneself is shown to be more important than conforming to society’s narrow idea of virtue for women.
Men and Women Rising Together:
The relationship between men and women is a powerful catalyst for transformation on both sides. If I had to choose one word to define this drama, it would be integrity. The characters learn from one another, grow through their interactions, and help each other see life from new perspectives.
This drama has become my number one in the inspirational and women-focused category, yet its empowerment is not achieved in isolation. The women rise because the men around them have integrity, believe in them, and offer unwavering support—making it a truly humanity-centered story.
Men in this drama aren’t threatened by strong women. Their integrity feels earned, not perfect. They make mistakes, but take responsibility, reflect on their actions, try to change instead of blaming others.
The drama shows mutual dignity, not dominance. Instead of “woman rises despite the man,” it shows: “woman rises, and the man grows with her.”
Integrity becomes: support without losing self-respect, strength without cruelty, loyalty without possession. Their integrity creates emotional balance, making the story uplifting rather than tragic. In a period setting where men could get away with almost anything, choosing fairness is a conscious moral choice.
Women’s Journey:
The title says it all, referring not only to the characters as written, but to the journey these women undertake. They possess flaws, vulnerabilities, compassion, resilience, and strength, carrying themselves with dignity while giving their best.
This is not a story of “superwomen” nor manipulative schemers. You will find no physical fights or poisoned rivalries. Instead, the women challenge each other with skill, fair play, and mutual respect, growing together through the story.
They flourish not only in their personal lives but also in business, asserting independence and self-reliance without leaning on men.
Balanced Portrayal of Men:
Far from being abusive or unjust, the men are portrayed as ethically grounded, reasonable, and loyal. They admit mistakes instead of hiding them, refuse to take advantage of authority, show self-control and the ability to listen, grow emotionally rather than staying rigid.
Relational integrity becomes the most striking part—treating women as partners, not possessions.
Conclusion:
Marvelous Women is a slice-of-life, character-driven historical drama, not a commercial plot-driven show. It’s a celebration of women’s inner strength, ethical leadership, and emotional depth, offering elegance, introspection, and heartfelt storytelling.
By the final episode, I am left with warmth, respect, and the gentle sweetness of a story that honors growth and humanity—without melodrama or violence. Trully marvelous!
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Perfection!
This was perfect! The chemistry between the ML and FL was insane! Lots of heart fluttering moments and lots of passionate kisses! I loved how the ML was super protective, and jealous! It was adorable! I also loved how he firmly rejected the woman who was trying to take him from the FL…..multiple times!This will definitely be one of those shows that I will rewatch over and over.
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I wanted to love it but....
I think this series has so much wasted potential. The premise was so so interesting, but they delivered it in a way that felt completely flat and shallow. The main plot of the series I guess was suposed to be the romance, but in the end it felt so unimportant to the story because of how poorly it was written and how fast everything happens,. We barely see them spending quality time together without it feeling awkward since the actresses have 0 quemistry in my opinion. Not to mention how bad the acting skills of one of the main leads are. I'm not going to mention which one because I'm not trying to shame anyone but I think because of that the result feels a bit unbalanced, whereas I could feel empathy for one of the main characters whose actress was able to deliver emotions, I couldn't feel any empathy for the other cause the actress couldn't convey anything at all, hence I couldn't have cared less about her character.Anyway besides all that I kinda enjoyed it, the sci-fi aspect of the series was interesting and well integrated with the soulmates element, so I think a score of 6 is fair enough. I would recomend to anyone that wants to watch something a bit different and doesn't mind some poor acting and cringe here and there.
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Beautiful Faces, Gorgeous Tails
This series honestly started off with a lot of promise. The plot felt fresh and unique, especially with the whole mermen angle—it’s not something you see every day, and it immediately caught my attention. The casting was spot‑on too; the actors really looked the part, with their striking faces and lean, athletic builds that made them believable as these mythical sea creatures. The underwater visuals were another highlight. The shots had a nice polish to them, and the mermen tails in particular were well‑designed and looked pretty convincing on screen. But as the episodes went on, the excitement just fizzled out. The story lost its direction and started dragging, almost like the writers weren’t sure where they wanted to take it. Instead of building momentum, it felt repetitive and meandering, which made it harder to stay invested. So in the end, while it had the potential to be a standout series, it ended up being just okay. Not terrible, but not memorable either. I’d give it a fair 3.5 out of 5 stars—worth checking out if you’re curious, but don’t expect it to blow you away.Was this review helpful to you?
A Nostalgia-Filled Journey That Deserved More Episodes
This drama carries a real sense of nostalgia. Its biggest strength is definitely its characters they’re all incredibly endearing, and if you enjoy friends-to-lovers stories, you’ll love this one. The plot itself is very entertaining. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but the relationships between the characters make it flow so well that you constantly want to know what happens next.The story is divided into three arcs: the high school arc (the longest and, in my opinion, the best), the university arc, and the working-life arc, which only lasts about three episodes if I remember correctly. I gave it an 8 because the university and work parts felt a bit rushed, and the added love triangles were unnecessary that’s mainly why my rating dropped.
That’s also why I feel the drama should have had more episodes. With a little more time, the characters could have developed more naturally, and the story could have explored additional themes, which would have been really interesting, especially since so many ideas were already well used during their youth arc. Despite that, it still remains a very good drama.
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An unexpected treasure
I love when I stumble upon a hidden gem completely by accident.I had mentally shelved this drama for a while-mildly intrigued by the premise, assuming it would be a lighthearted watch, but it wasn’t something I was eagerly anticipating this year. I actually started Moonlight Mystique first, but it just didn’t click for me, so I dropped it. Then I picked this up, thinking it would be a calm costume rom-com, and it did start out that way… before becoming so much more.
Before Destined, I wasn’t very familiar with Song Yi’s work, but she absolutely won me over as Yan Nan Xing in Follow Your Heart alongside Luo Yun Xi as Jiang Xin Bai. I’d previously tried First Frost with Bai Jingting but dropped it because I couldn’t connect with the FL. On the other hand, I adored New Life Begins, he played such a charming character as the 6th Prince Yin Zheng, and Tian Xi Wei was adorable as Li Wei. So, I went into this with modest expectations based on those mixed experiences.
But after finishing Destined, this couple completely stole my heart.
The ML begins as somewhat immature, unwilling to shoulder responsibility and dreaming only of wandering the world with his sword. The FL, meanwhile, practically takes it upon herself to help her (not-so-willing) husband grow into a responsible, educated future official. Their dynamic is warm, gradual, and incredibly rewarding.
This drama is wonderfully character-driven, with every character written with intention and depth. The pacing is tight and consistent, divided into distinct, meaningful arcs. I found myself smiling, laughing, crying, and even stressing out right along with the story. I have to give so much credit to the scriptwriters-there are no pointless misunderstandings between the leads. Once they become close, they trust each other wholeheartedly, even before fully realizing their feelings.
The actors made their relationship so heartfelt that even the happiest moments brought me to tears just from the way they spoke to each other. Their quiet defenses of one another, the scenes where one supported the other without their knowledge, and their tender heart-to-heart moments, every bit of it was moving.
As for the ending? I loved it. I really appreciate that it wasn’t open-ended. We got closure, joy, and happy outcomes for all the supporting characters. It’s absolutely a drama I would rewatch.
So let this be your sign, if you haven’t seen it yet, add it to your list and start watching! It’s worth every moment.
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Good story, annoying FL
Dylan did an amazing job with his acting. Loved his character.Only thing I found annoying was the FL. She was dumb and naive and caused lot of problems and back and forth issues.
I wonder what ML saw in her.
The actress was clearly a voice actress. Lot of sounds she made you can hear them back in Chinese games.
Also, the body switch was fine 1 one time. But FL made the continue body switches stupid..
The devil could’ve finished many enemies and calamities and issues long ago if not for the fairy.
It’s also hard to watch she wants to do everything to change him and stop him.
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This drama and DFQC ruined me!!! (In the Best Possible Way)
This one sits in a completely different tier of my heart. Do listen to the raving reviews and go watch it!!! When I say favorite of all time, I mean the kind that rearranges your taste in drama, spoils you for other male leads, and makes every future romance feel a little under-seasoned. I've rewatched this countless times and still laugh, swoon, melt and cry every single time!!What makes it hit so hard is how deeply, intentionally, painfully well-crafted the character arcs are—especially Dong Fang Qing Cang (DFQC). He isn’t just a cold, cruel, untouchable, extremely powerful and sexy ML… he’s the blueprint!!
The writing gives him space to be terrifying, then curious, then conflicted, then undone, then devoted. You feel the armor crack one silent stare at a time. His evolution isn’t rushed or cheesy—it's earned, layered, and honestly one of the best emotional slow burns I’ve ever seen in any fantasy romance.
And Xiao Lan Hua (XLH)—she’s not just the cute, naïve fairy she starts out as. Her arc is a full gradient of growth. She becomes someone with depth, courage, and agency… but she never loses her essence. What I adore is that both leads grow, but neither eclipses the other. It’s a partnership built through trial, devotion, and choices that cost them something real.
Their relationship?
Ugh. The way they love each other is what makes this show unforgettable.
There’s tenderness, there’s pain, there’s sacrifice that feels mythic yet intimate. You watch them become each other’s undoing and salvation in equal measure. It’s epic without being melodramatic, romantic without being fluffy, and tragic without being hollow.
The world-building, the aesthetics, the OST—every piece works in service of that emotional core. But what stays with you long after is how DFQC and XLH change each other. How love becomes something that transforms, not consumes.
If you want a fantasy romance with genuine depth, character arcs that punch you in the chest, and a love story that leave you yearning endlessly and completely ruins you this is the one.
No contest. No hesitation. This is the standard. There's a reason it's often voted and mentioned as the next Xian xia drama even by the end of 2025!!
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This review may contain spoilers
If you want justice in this world watch it then,it's worth your time!
To begin with,the acting was amazing,every actor did dazzling job!It was so emotional and passionately that it felt so real.Especially Jang Seung Jo(No Jin Pyo/Jang Kang) who did two roles,he nailed both of them. It was the first time seen a drama with him,at first i thoung that they were different actors. Jang Kang turned into to be a crazy man who seems at first just a poor man with kind heart. No Jin Pyo was obnoxious and irrigating.His eyes was so passionate when we beat his wife up. Let's move to the two female protagonists. I love both characters,their acting was incredible! Their cooperation,love for each other for their friendship was awesome. And how both wanted to kill Jin pyo and attained it in the end with so many troubles but they were determined for this. Eun Su (Jeon So Nee) (I seen before in melo-movie another amaizng role of her)putted herself after Hui Su(Lee you mi) and did everything to make her happy and set her free from her husband. As for Hui Su i think she was so scared and frightened but she was kind and happy after her husband died. They both had the courage to do this alone (to killed her husband) without told this anymore or asked for help.They were so independent and strong female characters that you rarely see in korean dramas ! Nevertheless,without So Baek(Lee Moo Saeng) help they couldn't do it completely alone,he help them with his strategies and tactics and with his acquaintances of his. In some episode (latest one's) i thought that No Jin Yeong (jin pyo sister) was nice and would help the girls but it turn to want to kill Hui Su and threatened her and her friend...She played a major role in the drama. A BIG thanks to Choi Gyeong Gu( the detective) that was with jin pyo brother but then he found out that she had deleted an evidence. He also played a major role in the drama. All in all the plot was absorbing, 8 episodes was just perfect. In the 5-6 i got a little bored and I was tired of the whole thing but then the real game started, do NOT stop the show if you get bored the ending will satisfy you so much!One of the best korean drams of 2025!!!Special thanks to all the actors,staff,director and all that worked so hard to this wonderful masterpiece!And also a little message if anyone could ever read this till the end:Hope no woman-girl ever again beat up of some stranger or realtive,may everyone live peaceful and not harm someone.Was this review helpful to you?
A Stormy, Intense Romance Anchored by Richard Li’s Standout Performance
Tale of Love and Loyalty is one of those rare mini dramas that hooks you with intensity alone.What makes it special isn’t just the plot — it’s Richard Li’s performance. I’ve now watched several of his works, and this is the drama that really showed me the range he has as an actor.
Here, he steps fully into the role of a commanding, sharp-edged ML — the kind who walks that thin line between domineering and red flag. But instead of feeling one-note or overdone, he plays the character with so much emotion underneath the armor that you can’t help being drawn in. His pain shows, his longing shows, and when his softer moments break through, they hit surprisingly hard.
The FL I found the acting a bit lacking because she didn't show as much range besides angst and tears. But I did love the tender moments between them and the steamy, fiery, tense, and sometimes messy moments too. If you enjoy romances where the emotions run hot, the stakes feel real, and the ML has a storm he doesn’t quite know how to contain… this one delivers.
What impressed me most is how Richard Li pivots between the hardness of his character and the flashes of tenderness and deep ache and pain he shows. He sells the role completely and you can't help but root for him and love him as his layers unravel.
This isn’t a soft, sweet romance, it’s the kind you feel in the chest.
And here’s the best part:
If you want to see Richard Li in a completely different light, strong and commanding but also deeply gentle, devoted, and romantic, you must watch Deliberations of Love!! It shows a whole other side of what he can do, and honestly, it became one of my all-time favorites.
Tale of Love and Loyalty is for when you’re in the mood for intensity.
Deliberations of Love is for when you want to melt. Deliberations of Love is the one I’d recommend everyone watch immediately, especially if you want to see why Richard Li has become the king of mini dramas!
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Deliberations of Love — A Mini Drama That Feels Surprisingly Big
I didn’t expect a 24-episode mini drama—each episode barely six minutes long—to hit me this hard, but Deliberations of Love completely swept me away. I wish it had been a full-length drama because the story had so much emotional depth, and the ML and FL chemistry was honestly better than most long dramas.From the start, I was hooked by the premise, the romance and comedy. Pei Xun instantly became one of my favorite MLs. He’s the exact character type I adore: strong, intense, commanding to the world, but gentle and soft for the FL. Not violent, not abusive, just deeply protective and quietly loyal.
One thing I loved is how early the affection shows. The FL isn’t cold or emotionally unavailable for 60% of the drama like so many others. She inadvertently shows she cares, she reaches for him, and he responds with the softest restraint. Those moments felt so genuine and intimate.
The storytelling moves fast but doesn’t feel rushed. Every episode gives you another emotional beat, another piece of the puzzle, another reason to root for them. And the romance? It’s sincere, tender, and beautifully acted. Even the OST fits the drama’s tone perfectly — soft, nostalgic, and full of longing.
The theme songs are beautiful and on my playlist on repeat! They match the story perfectly too.
Richard Li was absolutely brilliant and the chemistry with the FL was amazing—now I understand why people binge his mini dramas and I'm set to watch all his mini dramas too after this gem!! The FL is really cute, sweet and really good at showing her care and love for the ML.
Deliberations of Love is easily one of my top mini dramas of all time and one of my favorite dramas overall! If only it was a full length drama... I will be daydreaming about the 2 leads being cast in a full length drama because they are just that sweet together!!
Highly recommend, especially if you like romance with sincerity, warmth, comedy, and real heart.
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