Reviews

Not Poor but Weirdly Lacking

With two well known actors as the main couple, it's expected that this drama be one that outshines some of its peers with smaller budgets, cast, and production. Surprisingly (or not), it felt like this drama was lacking something and it just didn't measure up.

First of all, like many of the dramas in recent years, Fight for Love draws inspiration from a CNovel. One of the biggest pitfalls of these sorts of adaptations is shrinking these novels while preserving iconic scenes and arcs as some of these novels are hundreds of chapters long. This particular novel was 174 chapters long which is pretty average as other novels like Rebirth of a Star General (which Legend of the Female General was adapted from) came in at 272 chapters. I found that there was nothing wrong with the way that the script was adapted. No particularly iconic scenes or arcs were cut and there weren't awful time-skips or jumps in the story, yet it still felt like there were too many side characters and too many things going on at the same time. The multitude of side characters which seemingly insignificant roles made it difficult to remember all of them and understand where the plot was trying to go.

Since the end of this drama, there were many articles talking about the lack of chemistry between the FL and ML (which I confess, I agree with) but I think there were a number of issues that contributed to this drama feeling a little lukewarm. Aside from the main couple, the major issue really was the fact that there wasn't a single scene stealer. To put it nicely, everyone on the cast is about the same level when it comes to acting. To be a little more blunt, no one on the cast was particularly good at acting and so there weren't scene stealer moments. You would expect that there would be at least one breakout star in such a big team, but it just felt like they shooed in a bunch of unknown actors to fill roles. (Edit: Joe Chen as the Eldest Princess and her yandere man was actually pretty good)

Ok, so here's the (potentially) controversial part. Many people said that Victoria and Ding YuXi just had too big of an age gap which is why there was no chemistry. but I find that to be only part of the problem. The FL in the novel is supposed to be older than the ML and Victoria has done 'noona' style dramas in the past, but the chemistry is lacking here for a couple reasons. The FL as a character doesn't feel like she's older than ML, whether it was due to the adaptation of the script or due to Victoria's acting. Similarly, ML has moments were he feels younger (more inexperienced) but also too young and naive for someone who is supposed to be from a military family. The fact that Ding YuXi also could pass for a 20 year old also doesn't help in this case. In essence, neither seem like the adult in the relationship so it becomes a bit of a mess seeing them go back and forth.

Production-wise, the budget is large enough that the costumes looked well-made and not too tacky. The music wasn't really highlighted too much but it got us through. There were, however, jarring moments of CG use which made me question the artistic sense of the director and the purpose.

So in summary, a drag-y Sparks Note version of a script, a humongous cast with no real breakout stars, and a main couple with no chemistry really made FFL tank pretty hard especially airing after similar, but far more outstanding dramas in the same year like Legend of the Female General, Dream within a Dream, Legend of Zang Hai, etc.

To be completely fair, looking at the roles by themselves, Victoria Song and Ding YuXi are good fits for the roles. Victoria really stood out in martial arts sequences due to her background in dance and did not waver when performing moves (even with a sword) which is quite rare. Her expression of her character and how her state of mind changes could use work, but visually she fits the role. Ding YuXi also was a good fit for the role, but potentially he could have toned down how young his portrayal of ML was (but that also was partly due to the script) which could have helped make the main couple look more like a couple and not like big sister and little brother (who is way to young for her).

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A beautiful creation

This drama is a great work of art, from the moment it was written to the casting of the perfect actors to bring it to life for the audience, and it is indeed astonishing. I am really a fan of thrillers, mysteries, and action dramas, as they put me on the edge with each scene and episode, and when they uncover hidden clues, it makes me feel a sense of accomplishment, even if I wasn't the one who went to look for clues.

The series covers the theme of deceit, betrayal, and revenge, which is well executed in this series, as the cast makes the audience feel the emotions they act out, engaging everyone.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this series to mystery, drama, and action lovers.

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Melt your heart enemies to lovers romance

I am in love with this historical romance drama. I love a good slow burn done right. And I’ve realized enemies to lovers might be my favorite romance trope.

I thought the ml’s acting skills were superb. He was dense, clueless and innocent when needed, warlord when needed, and sensitive romantic partner. He portrayed all of these roles well. Plus he’s super nice to look at.

The only reason I didn’t give it the full 10 is because in the first half there were a lot of slow parts that I thought could have used some more action. And while the action came towards the end I felt a bit bored with the villains. It was the same song and dance with them and I thought it was drawn out.

All In all though this is DEFINITELY worth watching in my opinion.

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A Story of Great Love Stories

I went into this not knowing anything about the world, and because I had heard so many mixed reviews, I was honestly worried about whether I would enjoy it or regret starting it. But this drama completely blew my expectations away. The first episodes were extremely confusing — I’m talking about the first 5 to 7 episodes where I genuinely had no idea what was going on. I didn’t understand the world, the clans, the relationships, or even the plot. I was so lost that I actually asked around if I should continue. But once you push past episode 7, everything becomes clear, and from that point on, the drama becomes incredibly engaging. It’s fast-paced, full of action, and never drags. There are no unnecessary misunderstandings, no pointless love triangles — just a straightforward, gripping story that keeps you invested from beginning to end.
This was my first time watching Zhang Yuelong, and honestly, where has this man been all my life? He completely stole the show for me. His acting was phenomenal, and he fit the role so perfectly that I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He made me fall in love with the drama through his performance alone. He was stunning in every scene. His makeup was subtle and flawless, his hair just perfect, his costume design was breathtaking, and every look suited him perfectly. And when he transformed into a demon in the beast clan = with white hair and that snake-demon aura? That was one of my absolute favourite moments in the entire show. I was obsessed. Even his cute mask in the beginning added so much charm — it felt like he was playing a whole different version of himself. And once he put on the more elegant mask later, he became even more gorgeous. And don’t get me started on his smile. Every time he smiled, especially because he’s such a serious character, I literally melted. He smiles with his whole face — you feel it.
This was also my first time watching Liu Shishi, and despite the negative comments I had heard, I think she did a greatjob. Her character is meant to be calm, reserved, and composed, and she played that exactly as intended. She and Zhang Yuelong suited each other so well — visually, emotionally, and chemistry-wise. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the main couple as much as I did, but they became my favourite part of the entire show. Their relationship was supportive, loyal, sacrificial, and just beautifully portrayed. The ending absolutely broke my heart, but it didn’t feel rushed or forced. It was painful, yes, but meaningful and beautifully acted. What destroyed me was thinking about how Hongye had already lost his entire family, clan, and friends — and then he had to lose her too. I’ve rarely felt so much pain for a character before. I honestly just wanted to hug him. The only thing that gave me comfort was the way the story gave him his son, giving him a reason to keep going. Without that, I don’t think I would have been able to accept the ending at all.
The side characters also deserve so much praise. Mixing seriousness, sarcasm, and emotional depth is not easy, but everyone pulled it off. One of the most beautiful aspects of the show for me was the bond within the mask group. I adored them. Their scenes were full of warmth, humour, and brotherhood, which made their deaths unbelievably painful. The way they killed each other in that brutal sequence completely crushed me. I kept hoping for a miracle — anything — right until the last moment, even though I knew it was impossible. Their loss hit me so hard. After episode 34, watching Hongye break over and over again tore me apart. The scenes connected to his sister, especially when he held her mask, were some of the most heartbreaking of the entire drama. The moment in the rain when he screamed and his hair turned white — that was truly an award-worthy performance. I genuinely wondered how he would ever stand up again. And the only believable way for him to heal was exactly what the show chose: giving him a child to hold onto. It made perfect sense, and it was executed beautifully.
Overall, the show is incredible. The CGI isn’t perfect, but honestly that didn’t bother me at all because everything else was so beautifully done. The OSTs were gorgeous and fit every scene perfectly. The costumes were stunning across the board, and the masks added such a unique, elegant touch to the world. The cameos were also beautifully done — I have to admit, I originally started the show because of them, but I stayed for the Zhang. The stories of all the couples were touching and emotional in their own ways, even though none of the mask group members got a truly happy ending. When you think about it, even the ones who survived still suffered deeply, and that heaviness stays with you.
I saw a lot of mixed reviews before starting this, which is why I kept delaying it until the end of the year. But I’m so glad I finally watched it. Love in the Pavilion is a beautiful, emotional masterpiece. It’s heavy on the heart, especially later on, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. The performances were exceptional, the acting was powerful, and the story left a lasting imprint on me. Even the villains were fascinating — Ji Huo especially was an amazing character with a surprisingly touching love story despite its darkness. The actor carried that demon-lord energy effortlessly. Ren Feng, however, didn’t interest me, and I can see he’s just an introduction for something else, but aside from him, everyone did an incredible job.
In the end, this drama will stay with. It’s emotional, tragic, beautiful, and absolutely worth the watch.

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Deep, thought provoking, and performed with passion

This is a deep...thought provoking series performed with an artistic passion not often seen in BL series.

The cinematography from the first scene sets the stage for a dark and foreboding story.

It seems that many of the viewers found the end to be confusing. To be truthful, it was a mind bender but after connecting many hints that are given throughout the series, the ending is clear...and happy.

The first thing to establish is that the word Kyu (or the letter Q) is interchangeable with the word reaper in this series. The second thing to establish is that time is not linear...as we have been taught. The past and the future can be fluid...they can even exist at the same time.

It was Sunshine who was Sky's reaper. So...how did Sunshine become a reaper in a past time? When Sunshine started to erase people from the universe he became a killer. There is a scene in the flower shop where Tete tells Sky Kyu that Sunshine determined his own destiny by becoming a killer. Sunshine then wished to erase himself from THIS universe, that was almost like a suicide...and his existence as Sunshine the man ended and his life force became a reaper. Several times throughout the series Sky Kyu tells Sunshine that the past and the future are fluid. So it was entirely possible for the future Sunshine of the present to become Sky's reaper in the past.

On the night when Sky as a man had to choose between his father's death and the death of an anonymous person...and the wind blew out the candle of the anonymous person before Sky could choose...that candle represented Sunshine as a man from the future. And when the wind blew it out, that was the moment when Sunshine from the future had wished for the erasure of his own existence. Past and Future were fluid.

Immediately after the wind extinguished the flame of Sunshine's candle, Sky re-lit the candle, thereby undoing Sunshine's erasure of himself from this universe and setting him back on course with his human life. Sky didn't know Sunshine at that moment. At that moment in time, he didn't know who the candle represented. For him, it represented just another anonymous person whose fate was in his hands.

Sky later chooses to end his life in the river. His past actions of ending the lives of others by blowing out their candles along with his own suicide caused him to become a reaper. He didn't knowingly choose to become a reaper. After his death he was transformed into a reaper by a force of power...a power higher up in a chain of command of the forces that control the universe.

When it was apparent that a reaper would be sent to Sunshine (and we are never told why a reaper was sent to him), Sky Kyu requested to be assigned to Sunshine because he remembered Sunshine as his own reaper.

There were rules, to follow, though. And Sky Kyu could not overtly break those rules. He couldn't directly tell Sunshine about the events of the past...so he told them as a story. But he held firm in not telling Sunshine that in the past he was Sky's reaper. He also could not tell Sunshine that he was the one who brought Sunshine back from human erasure. There were rules...and he could only stretch them so far.

Moving forward.

By the 7th evening when Sunshine still had the opportunity to erase one more person, he knew already knew Sky Kyu's past. Sunshine had been witnessing Sky Kyu's endless suffering as a reaper and wanted to bring him peace. He loved Sky Kyu..and was actually falling in love him. He wanted to erase Sky Kyu's present existence as a reaper. He understood that Sky had died from suicide and that Sky's actions had caused him to become a reaper. Sunshine needed to know that Sky would never forget him no matter what. Once Sky Kyu promised that he would never forget Sunshine...no matter what...Sunshine was then hopeful that by erasing Sky Kyu as a reaper he might return Sky to some type of existence that did not have pain and suffering. He would miss Sky...but he was content with just knowing that he would not be forgotten.

And that brings us to Sunshine and Sky meeting on the airplane while boarding. Sky's existence as a reaper in the present is erased because his acts of killing and suicide were erased. Sky remembers everything except when he was Sunshine's reaper. The only place where Sky's existence as a reaper remains is in Sunshine's memory.

As for Sunshine, even though Sky Kyu's existence as a reaper was erased, Sunshine was still able to remember Sky as his own reaper because of the power of Love. Love conquers all. Sunshine remembers the man that he loves....Sky. Sunshine, though, had no recollection of himself as a reaper.

But...each remembers the other as a reaper. And that is why they both called each other Kyu when they recognized each other in the airplane.

Moving to the final ending. There are enough details known by each of them that together they will be able to place the pieces together...make sense of all that has happened... and move forward with their lives together as couple.

Although it was mind bending to connect the dots in order to understand the final episode, the ending itself was joyous...happy...incredible. And as seen in Sunshine's face...it was ecstatic.

What a plot...what a story. What a mind bender. I have never seen anything like it before. It was absolutely beautiful in every aspect from the cinematography to the lighting to the music to the interesting characters...and finally to the two incredibly handsome main leads.

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the queen’s gambit but make it revenge

I had no expectations when I started this drama because I discovered it one day randomly whilst I was bored scrolling through the upcoming section on Netflix lol

from the first episode it hooked me! I do admit that the short run time did caught me off guard cause I was expecting at least a 40-50 min episode but it did work okay in the beginning but ultimately not much by the end

the revenge was rather disappointing cause in the end it was revealed that he only abandoned her and her mom due to his inferior complex towards his own genius daughter and the drive of wanting to get better but stuck and thinking his family must have been a reason why he couldn’t do his best

in that moment I was like “Ofc it’s that reason, men”
it felt rather anti climatic because by the end for me it wasn’t clear if she has come to love shogi and wanted to continue it basically her goal
it’s like through out her revenge we just lost the goal

I feel like if it was given 2 more episodes or a longer run time than maybe we could’ve gotten a bit more on the story cause the ending it felt just super underwhelming and that’s problem about revenge stories cause it can either be done well or we just don’t know how to write it

it’s a shame tho cause it started off strong only to end up lackluster

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Sweet Revenge in Sweet Love Story

I came across this drama because of the ML Chen Tiang Xiang whom I admire from other dramas especially in Thorns of Desire. I find him very handsome playing the role of Royal Prince or Lord or the Emperor.
The story follows the usual death and reborn by the FL by which she used the opportunity to revenge and turn the table on her tormentors and murderers. The FL is bright, intelligent and exacted revenge with brilliant plans and careful strategies. She succeeded with the help of the ML.
The ML is of course very handsome. His role here however is somewhat different. Instead of being a very powerful Emperor or an overbearing Royal Master he is a Prince who is deeply in loved with the FL. He completely trust her and did everything according to her plans and will. He is also a very competent leader. Intelligent, rich and wise yet he prioritize the happiness of the FL over his own happiness and career and even over his own life. He is so cute acting like an obedient puppy to the FL without lessening his being manly or his royal dignity. It is nice to have an ML completely faithful and devoted to his wife and not vulnerable to the machinations of seducing women or making decisions for power while neglecting the care or happiness of the FL. This Prince is a perfect husband.
The FL reciprocates his love and dedication by her own loyalty and fidelity. She grew deeply in loved with him too. She trusted him completely and confided her plans to him. Joining forces together they succeeded in defeating the evil schemes of the enemies. For my personal taste I do not find the FL beautiful enough for such a very handsome ML but I still find her beautiful though.
The characters of the Grandmother and that of the Emperor are also exemplary.

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Title: Zhao Zhao Yu Li (2025) is a great romance drama with Wang Kai Mu (as Fang Su Li) and Wang Ge Ge (as Xu Wei Zhao) in the leading couple’s role. The cast did an excellent job bringing their characters to life and the leading couple had a splendid lifelike relationship development that lead to great camaraderie and romantic chemistry. The leading couple grew to love and trust each other by honest and open communication. Both the male and female lead characters are strong, direct, and intense with a estimable sense of justice and loyalty that made their relationship development worth seen. Overall, this is a very entertaining and pleasing drama, enjoy it!
In the meantime, this drama can be found on YouTube under the caption: “CEO rejected all women, but fell for the ballet girl who dared to scold him when they first met” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1LZC1MsD40 or “Set up for one-night stand with CEO, she tried to flee but got caught & loved forever!”
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPcU3TJRkZM)

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Maybe the expectations were too high, Thus being lead to few disappointments.

“Would You Marry Me”.

Best way to describe the drama would be, "A Fun Tuesday with great music".
Like when it is mid-week and you feel like the day is going to be normal and nothing usual, but it turns into a surprisingly refreshing day. When you vibe to the music as the day feels the same but there is something about the feeling of being refreshed, maybe because the weather or surroundings decided to be bit more positive than usual.

Although there is criticism, maybe because we had very high expectations which may have led to the feeling of being a bit disappointed.
Even though the story was the most basic and cliched out, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would because I expected it to be an average drama, but it was more fun because of my low expectation.

I am not sure if I would have been able to enjoy it this much if it was some other time of the year, but I am glad it gave the feeling of being refreshed, like it didn't consume my energy of watching it instead it left me feeling more energized.

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Chen Zheyuan and Zhao Lusi literally ATE their roles <3

Broooo this show has had me kicking my feet the whole time 😭 like why was it actually SO CUTE?? Duan Jiaxu was out here being the most perfect man alive, literal green flag behaviour every episode. And Sang Zhi?? My girl carried the entire soft-girl aesthetic, she was adorable without being annoying. The plot is kinda simple but in the best way it’s literally just pure vibes, sweet moments, and that slow burn that makes you wanna scream at your screen. And the chemistry?? HELLOOOOO. Every time they looked at each other I swear the air changed. Not even gonna lie, some scenes were so fluffy I had to pause just to process. And the OST?? hits actually too hard. Overall i would say that its a 10/10 comfort show. Makes you believe men like that exist (they don’t, but we can dream). Chen Zheyuan and Zhao Lusi did amazing at their characters <3 Like actually, they understood the assignment SO WELL. Chen Zheyuan was the perfect mix of soft, warm, protective boyfriend energy every look he gave?? instant heart attack. And Zhao Lusi brought that cute-but-strong energy that made Sang Zhi feel real, not cringey. Their chemistry was insane, like you could FEEL it through the screen. They made every tiny moment even just standing next to each other feel like a whole scene. Honestly, without them the show wouldn’t hit the same. They carried in the most respectful way possible <3

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FL is great, but plot is dumb and annoying

I *hate* to give bad reviews since I know everyone who works on the series puts so much effort into it, but...

First the positive. The FL is truly gorgeous and does a really great job of navigating different emotional elements. The ML does a good job, but his character makes it hard to appreciate him.

The bad:
Not sure if this is my western sensibility (my wife is Chinese so I am not unfamiliar th the culture), but there is so much gripping, yanking, dragging, and treating as an object of the FL that I just couldn't take it. I dropped. Even though I wanted to see how it turned out, I just could not keep watching that. What woman would put up with that sh*t? The FL should have removed sensitive body parts with a butter knife from the guys treating her like that. Or called the police. Or something!

Good setup to the plot, but gads. If you don't want to see woman treated both physically and emotionally like an object, don't watch it.

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