Reviews

I started the series with love and desire. However, I couldn't finish it. I couldn't watch it after the fourth episode. I was bored. There was a slowness in the series, but everything felt rushed. It didn't feel like a solid series to me. The words come out very slowly. The slow pace, long answers, drawn-out movements, you waste time trying to figure out what's happening. There's too much stagnation.
They've also dressed Luo Yun Xi in layers.They expect her to move with those layers of clothing. It doesn't work. You're supposed to think those layers of clothing open, spill out, and become weapons. But in reality, they actually hinder her. No one can do those moves in that dress. She can't jump, turn left and right, swing a sword, or kick. With all due respect, it's just not working. I don't understand what kind of plot or idea this is. It's a shame for the actors. It felt like they couldn't do a proper job with all those good actors. I couldn't get into the plot. I didn't like it. I don't want to disturb the viewers.

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Mobius Strip has 1 side, Ding Qi has many—and all are fun to watch!

I don't usually watch non-romance dramas, but something about time-loop and Bai Jingting gets me hooked for more and I was NOT disappointed at all, in fact I was fed so well!!

Bai Jing Ting was phenomenal in this series, going from a well-trained martial-expert police officer to a silly guy in seconds, and then switching back, all while being extremely natural and effortless about it (I acknowledge it takes efforts—he just does it in a realistic way here.)
Everyone else did great, Peishan's arc was adorable and Fang Lu's was very true-to-her job, Boss Guy was like any trusted authority figure in such shows—willing to trust at risk of being fired.
The one person I didn't like was An Lan, and hear me out here. She was great as her own person, as someone with a complex backstory and her own hidden motive for working at Moma. But, as the female lead/love interest, she was lacking. Ding Qi carried the couples moments and chemistry on his back all alone—An Lan was just a silent, non-participating spectator in their couple moments.

In S2, which I am eagerly waiting for, I hope they forget the romance and go with platonic (very little possibility) or actually do the romance well—I'd hate to see a perfectly good show tank for such stupid reasons.

The music choice, and I usually don't comment on OSTs, was jarring. That random english song was so bad it pulled me out of the moment and had me physically cringing.

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The best C-drama

This is amazing (except the ending but we can make that the last 10 minutes don't exist) like I don't usually watch Chinese dramas but this one is just so good and I love everything about it. Had a hard time finding the soundtrack but I was able to. Didn't found other dubs than Russian so I watched it on that one it was pretty good. All the characters had a good development, and seen from both perspectives (The male lead one and the female lead one). Some scenes made, me so nervous but they were resolved so right and it was always interesting to watch the next episode.

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The Journey To Greatness

Wow, I was not expecting this! The series is hard to describe yet somehow made scrutable by the organic, unadorned human interactions. It is sequences of contradictions composed of oxymoronic concepts. Full of opposites yet seemingly archetypical. The story itself is dark, yet there are always whispers of light coming just around the corner or just over the horizon. There is unfathomable sadness yet always followed by a tactility of frivolity or irreverence, making us feel and see that life must be viewed in contextual terms. Protagonists share long periods of silence between just exposing individual pain that speak volumes of comfort and serenity simply in the way they look back at each other. I could go on, but you get the concept. It is a series that is so unique and one that, in a sense, is seminal, even if it may not feel so.

I did not watch this series; I experienced it. It is a rarity for me to feel characters. Not just the protagonist, but the antagonists as well. All were made relatable, even though I could not link with any of them. I was completely unfamiliar with their world and its culture, which I do not understand and have very little knowledge of. Yet, the story and the organic feel to the acting made it such that I could perceive and discern what the characters were going through. Being unwanted, lost, hopeless, unloved, living like outcasts, or not belonging, and ultimately the inner anxiety about facing the question of why are you even here were portrayed with such deep dimension and personal depth that it draws you in; it absorbs you. The story vividly portrays a setting that feels especially bleak and melancholic, yet it retains a subtle atmosphere that life is still worth living. Even at its lowest points, the narrative never descends into utter hopelessness.

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The script failed it.

I am a romance genre lover+someone who has a high standard when it comes to dramas, so when I say it's good, it's legit good, when I say it's bad— it is, and I could say that this drama is not that worth it. (i haven't finished watching it, nor will I)

First of all, it's production is just like any other drama, the vibes passed, the cinematography passed. The thing is the drama has potential, yet it just lacks polish and a gradual growth in chemistry. And when I mean by that, the events don't even last like more than 1 episode, and it gives the characters no room to develop their personality or to introduce what they're really like or any room at all to build up chemistry and connection between each character. It's very weak on that point, well I can say that on the first 6 episodes since I haven't finished it. It really does have potential considering that I'm already at 6th episode, it really just lacks the gradual build up, like you can't feel any of the emotion at all.

The actors were all right. Their characters are just like any other typical highschool-modern cdrama. They really had potentialllll ughhh😭😢.

It doesn't take you to a journey where you get to see how they fall in love, they just straight out fall in love with each other, and I don't like that sort. It would've been better if it's like a slow drama, but everything just happens abruptly, and it takes out the emotional depth that could've made the drama better. Each challenge or event they face doesn't really have any impact on their relationship with each other.

But yeah, the sequence of the script and it's flow destroyed it, but not fully. You can still watch it though, if you want, I guess I can say that it's not that bad. But not good for me, either. I expected more to it, but oh well.

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NO TIME TO WAIT, THE PASSION IS SO GREAT !!

Wow, the " Master of Romance" is back🥰!! I'm glad JKY returned to rom-com, as his last drama, "Atypical Family," portrayed a more serious and depressed role.

"Dynamite Kiss" is a welcome return to the romantic comedy genre that made Jang Ki- young a global favorite in shows like "My Roommate Is a Gumiho." This newest drama, in which he plays the "Ice Prince melted by a lie," truly gives his fans the charismatic, intense, yet sweet romantic lead we missed! The genre of "Dynamite Kiss" is exactly what I was missing for his rom-com return, showcasing his strength and making for a fantastic comeback for him in the romance department.

Again Wow, the first episode already gives the viewer an explosive dynamite kiss! The one that Jang Ki-young initiated definitely sealed the first episode with excitement and made us, the audience, engage and anticipate the upcoming episodes! The structure of having the major kiss happen so early is what makes Dynamite Kiss drama so compelling from the start. It's a great twist on the usual K-drama formula where you wait ten episodes for the first kiss. Both JKY and AEJ's chemistry is explosive🔥!!

The first episode does a great job of immediately setting up the main romantic premise and the central comedic lie. It's a series that focuses on the chaos and genuine emotion that arises when an impulsive kiss forces two people into a complicated situation, which I think will result in a secret romance later built on a misunderstanding.

I knew that some dramas that have passionate beginnings often lead to tragic endings, However, I have a feeling that
" Dynamite Kiss" is one of those few exceptions and will likely end happily. Its just my perception."Dynamite Kiss*" is a pure romantic comedy. Unlike melodramas, rom-coms are fundamentally more structured around a guaranteed
"happily ever after" (or at least a satisfying one). The conflicts must be external (the lie, the misunderstanding, the ex-rivals) rather than internal/existential (terminal illness, irreversible separation).

The title itself, Dynamite Kiss,
is the hook and the central
comedic premise. So it makes sense why the initial episode requires the passionate scene, as it is the punchline of the story. The tone is set for lighthearted fun, despite the high-stakes lie.

As for the female lead , Ahn Eon-jin is perfect for this character. She brings the perfect balance of sunshine, desperation, and quick-witted charm needed to make the entire premise believable and endearing. She excels at playing characters who are resilient and highly relatable, often facing real-world struggles (like job insecurity).
Her panicked energy and reactions to Gong Ji-byuk's intensity are the source of most of the show's comedy. She knows exactly how to play the frantic, lovable underdog.

While JKY brings the intensity, AEJ brings the warmth and chaos that effectively melts his Ice Prince facade. The explosive chemistry is a two-way street. She is an excellent scene partner for him who can match his dramatic flair with her own brand of charming spontaneity. She has truly shown her versatility in recent years in acting.

Jang Ki-young himself revealed in one of his interviews about this drama that there a lot of kissing scenes ( more than 10, maybe 20) and urged couple to watch and AEJ even rrvealed too that there was an uns ripted kissing scenes in this drama, a significant that the drama is prioritizing the physical and emotional intensity that make their romantic performances shine.

The production team explicity stated they picked JKY on this project because he is the perfect
" romance master" and expected him to spark a Dynamite Kiss Syndrome."🥰

I'm looking forward for the many kisses in upcoming episodes. And how both the main leads navigate each conscious, hidden problem—ML's dilemma of loving "someone's wife" and FL's dilemma of how much she can maintain her lie as a "fake" married woman with a baby for the sake of keeping a job.

10/10 for a starting episode, as it has a strong, vivid introduction!

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Ummm

It's a very lovely series but also very flat and slow.

At first I thought it'd be something like "hidden love" fluffy, funny and romantic, but it was more like " the first frost" more melancholic and healing than fluffy, and tbh up to ep12 it was very enjoyable.

That been said, there is a big difference between showing day to day life of interesting characters and their relationship, and inserting unnecessary obstacles in the life of the leads.

Let me point out what I didn't like about the drama
1- It's unnecessarily longer than needed, we can get our happy end by ep 12 max, yet they have to show weird things and miscommunications happened between the leads to stop any type of closure just to keep the show going, which is tbh really annoying. It happened earlier with the "dad" situation that could be easily solve a whole episode of "sulking" on the FL behalf if she maybe just asked directly about the kid, but no, we have to misunderstanding the situation and get pissed off at an innocent person who BTW was still just a "friend" at this point.

2- too many unrealistic incidents, everyone is connected to everyone in a very creepy way, if I got a penny for each time the two leads meet by chance on the street, I'd be a billionaire, because that's unrealistically too many times, I know that it's supposed to be over a long period of times but still, even a stalker would have a day off or something.

3- lack of communication, I don't know what do writers love about this trope, why can't people just talk and ask questions, including the second couple here, why not just talk, instead of webbing scenarios in your mind and then acting upon it.

4- side characters' story, it was simple friends to lovers but it was pretty odd here, the drama is already longer than needed and they didn't even bother to give them a proper storyline, like they are arguing, sulking, mad, then boom! In a relationship, that happens because they talked it out but seriously?? All this building up to one moment, just like that?? I dare say if they choose the same route for the two leads story and made them talk to eachother, I bet both would get together by ep 5 or something and the drama would be done by then.

I believe this is a nice healing drama, but since I don't watch many Chinese dramas nor am I a fan of long dramas in general I couldn't help but skim through the rest of it.
Would I recommend it? I don't know, maybe give it a try, if you are a fan of Chinese drama this is nice in general but just not for me.

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As an EXO-L, how was I supposed to not watch D.O.'s drama? This drama was fun to watch. I guess I'm all for it just because of the main lead and the funny scenes. That one with the cremation room thing cracked me up!🤣🤣🤣🤣 Do Kyungsoo's versatility in acting is as versatile as his singing. I personally liked his fighting scenes and smirks.😁 The story honestly didn't matter to me while watching because the story wasn't the one I wanted to see but the actor.🤣 Anyway, the twist towards the end during the hearing was pretty relieving. At least, the second lead wasn't an evil self-sufficient badass and the shunned friend of the main lead was still alive.

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By a tad bit, Korean adaptation is better

I decided to give this a try, more than a decade after watching the Korean version. and it's quite similar in execution, but honestly I think the Korean one is better-- less forced reactions and better characters.

First of all, I love a female following her dreams with tenacity, but in this case it was not it. The FL literally made him her whole life's purpose. From the beginning of high school up until her college years, she is obsessed with him. It only gets worse when they start getting closer due to the whole move-in situation (regardless of the setting setup, it doesn't make sense for them to keep living with them for the length of the whole entire drama). She follows him around, asks him rather dumb questions, and even sabotages any meeting he has with a female even after telling him she'll respect his feelings for whomever he has feelings for... I just hated seeing a female lead prioritize a man over herself. Loving someone is great, though sad if it's not reciprocated. But putting your life on hold for another who clearly has no feelings for you and puts you down is a major no. Not to mention our ML 🚩🚩🚩 major red flag. Shows boredom and even annoyance at her, but then leads her on at times. He seems to enjoy the fact that he has her wrapped around his finger, not letting her like anyone else.

Her exaggerated facial expressions were also quite annoying and cringe. Maybe she was trying to re-enact the expressions made from the manga which are obviously very extra, but it did not portray well in the drama itself. She was 15/16 when filming this so I understand her lack of experience, but in the drama she was playing a college student yet still acted like a child so it was hard to picture her as a character who matures over time. Also, is Japan okay with a MINOR filming with a romantic partner literally 10 years older?

Not the worst drama, but I found myself skipping over some parts. The ending is meh too. Portrayed as happy but I would've liked some more conclusiveness of the characters. Seemed like it was just the whole crush coming to an end and that's all that mattered.

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This is a must-see show!

It's unique because it involves the Omegaverse and mpreg. I don't believe that is spoiling anything as that information is available outside of the show. The acting is spot on. The actors really know how to use their expressions and body language to convey the story, along with the script of course. The OST is really beautiful with Eliot singing the main title song. The second couple become just as loved as the first. I do wish they had done more with them. Perhaps they will consider a second season and put them in the lead. It could be a beautiful story. The only complaint I have is I feel they rushed the ending in the last episode.

This show's genre or sub-genre may not be for everyone. If you are okay with it, it truly is worth a watch. Especially since you can binge watch it now.

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A storytelling review!,

First and foremost, I know that this is not a short story so my ratings may not be taken seriously. However, to really make a reasonable rating for the story, I will have to divide the parts into the plot of a short story. At least that way, the best part will be taken into account despite the draggy pacing and unnecessary events that happened.

Exposition/Beginning: 8

The story began interestingly. It was hooky and would try our patience just because we couldn't wait for another episode again. The setting and context of the story were well laid. It was into my liking and it was pretty worthwhile.

Rising Action: The happenings before the climax. 7.8

Poisoning. Peach Village. Parting. The events were pretty much acceptable though some little events felt unnecessary to me. Perhaps the beginning of the story was more memorable to me.

Climax or should I say, Episode 12? Lol. I'm gonna give this an 8.9 rate. It was the best and most interesting part of the story. Purest Sun Flame mastery at the most crucial time, discarding sword, starting anew to wander and see the world that was deprived-- it was a masterpiece. I was particularly hooked and I awaited for much meaningful journey that lies ahead. I wondered how the soldier would warm up to the world. It was so intense. Notwithstanding, that climax couldn't afford to get a 9 from me because, maybe,some dialogues felt off and/or an edit esp. with the PSF wasn't polished enough? Nevertheless, it was still an 8.9 to me.

The events after the climactic part weren't very good to me. Family issues all the way through: QJT and QC; QT being unable to see through her brother earlier; Fugui sent to Western regions, being friends with Fan Yunfei; Rumu assuming the role of the soldier because he was too heartbroken for his cousin; 3rd couple; the conflict between the 3 clans in Western regions and how the love story of the 3rd couple survived the crises---were either interesting or boring. I hoped they resolved QC's issue after an episode or two of being a villain rather than making it too long and deep to show us how evil he in all actuality was. And how about the case of the Mistress of Silk Cave? After being illumined and helping Fugui once, she never appeared again. Only her messenger/s was/were seen. No crucial alliance was formed. Perhaps, the best part among these was the pulling of Heaven-and-Earth Strike. I might as well count the astrologer's dance, Fan Yunfei vs. QC and Fugui vs. the guard parts for these were at least fun to watch. Hihi. Hence, I'm gonna give this a 5.5. It was just underwhelming altogether.

Let's talk about the Myriad Blight Formation (MBF) case. It wasn't impactful enough but was rather unconvincing. Among all the living beings in Western Regions, only the 3 in the MBF, 1 against Gulizan and Fugui against the spreading MBF were there. It was too big of a case to not be noticed by others. Why were there no other beings to give a hand? 🥹 Too bad, it didn't do well to me. It is a 5.

Towards the end- 6.2
The denouement was sad but it wasn't the reason why I gave it 6.2. QJT (I hate him to the bones) "I hate you because you are hateful," said Di Feisheng🤭🤣. Poor decision making was depicted.😁 The ending was peaceful but painful. Yes, I accept such ending but, does the way have to be like that? Was there no other way? Fugui was smart. His character was made smart but, how were those deeds smart?

The beginning was better than the ending.

I don't mind sad endings but, I mind how it turned out that way.

Overall rating for the story: 8, 7.8, 8.9, 5.5, 5, 6.2 will give an average of 6.9. It shall be 7 then.

Note: I love the acting though there were flaws. Cheng Yi acted the emotionless soldier exceptionally. I also loved it when I caught a glimpse of Xuan Ye.😁😁The editing wasn't bad but it wasn't polished enough.

Gonna wait for another actor Cheng Yi's drama. For the meantime, I'll watch his other dramas and surely, will rewatch the ones that I personally favor (TJOL and MLC).

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When a Bodyguard Stole Her Heart

This is a story about how real love can redefine a life. A young woman, Jiang Ying Xian, is chasing fame and wealth while awaiting her marriage to a representative of another wealthy family. They have no feelings for each other, and their marriage is merely a contract that will benefit both families.

Meanwhile, she meets Fu Cheng, a former soldier who had temporarily left the army to pay for his sister's surgery. He becomes Ying Xian's bodyguard, and they fall deeply in love.

Both actors are excellent in their roles. Watching Fu Cheng (played by Hao Fu Shen), you can easily feel how much he loves Ying Xian (played by Hu Yi Yao). His eyes shine brightly whenever he looks at his beloved. You can even feel his utter devotion to her. Their story is full of passion; they share intense kisses every time they meet.

Hao Fu Shen is a young but very talented actor. Moreover, he's handsome and has well-defined lips ;) Hu Yi Yao is a beautiful actress. Together, they make a stunning couple.

This is a beautiful story, but I was hoping for a clearly positive ending. This one is vague and left me feeling uneasy.

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