Reviews

FSMM DISASTER WITH ROTTEN SCRIPT

I thought Red Moon Pact was worse among all installments of Fox spirit matchmaker franchise, but Sword And Beloved proved me wrong,It's even worst.


If you want to watch this drama so badly bcz of cheng yi, just watch the first 13 episodes and STOP THERE & assume It's one of the best dramas out there then move on.I wonder whether the main lead actors & actresses only got this first 1/3rd of the script and accepted their roles bcz no way they could've read the entire scriptbook and still accepted this inconsistent illogical mediocre mess.Such a waste of talented cast.


Main leads storyline - So this drama was supposed to be the story of Male lead Wangquan Fugui And his Heaven & earth sword heart .But his sword meridians were cut off and he was sent to exile with a binding spell then he gradually appears less and less in the screentime that almost felt like he's doing a guest role in his own storyline,later came back with full screentime in the very last episodes to finish off the ultimate villain of fox spirit series, the Black Fox & the Grief tree...Fugui's potential 'beloved' is our Female Lead Qing Tong, who he saved with 10 years of his lifespan (well, no big matter, he also burned out his lifespan for a support role too, Fugui is just too kind in nature) FL also became a side character in the middle of the drama with no major impact in the storyline Except that she incidentally acquired a black grief tree seed (which i personally think was an entire dumb decision for her to follow those ''recipe books'' her evil brother gave to her lol) But then, FL had to sacrifice herself and ML had to kill her in the end for that seed (Did it really have to occur at the pavilion though? when it holds precious memories of us viewers from Love In pavilion, which is somehow a decent drama and the best among all 3 FSMM installments)
Still,Wangquan Fugui is the most watchable character of this drama & barely carried the drama in his back even when writers messed up his character to get it aligned with their shitty plot


2nd leads storyline - 2nd most watchable character of the drama was Quan Rumu,who is the cousin of Fugui, who had a loveline with the last dragon clan descendant demon, which at first looked so good and interesting, but then their story got dragged & i fast forwarded the hell out of it, both of the characters ended up as unnecessary deaths by our clown writers who probably have gone through so much sufferings in real life to venge it through the characters they write.My good advice to the Writers is, stop writing cdrama scripts and go get a life.


3rd leads storyline - Fan Yun Fei, a fox clan demon & Human Li Xueyang had their happy Ending but i doubt if anyone even cared for it in the end.But Yunfei added some comedies in the drama which viewers really enjoyed & he was one of the side characters that made sense,he had some good dynamics with our dear Fugui and Rumu and their scenes were enjoyable.


Main Antagonist - I don't have any energy to talk about that Black Fox and grief tree and seed thing bcz they are always the main villains of the FSMM stories and good characters always had to sacrifice themselves in order to 'purify' the hatred they gathered.This whole repetitive villain arc is boring and uninteresting.Rumu's father Quan Jingting is another loathsome villain who only schemed and Schemed Against his family & yiqi alliance all his life but still wasn’t unalived by the righteous alliance leaders for so many years which made no sense at all, Qing Tong's so called 'brother' Qing cheng who's another villain also got unnecessary long screentimes and angered the viewers in the most annoying ways possible. Only this two characters are Enough to drive the viewers to drop this drama in the Middle. Enduring their cheap dialogues for so long which made little sense probably took some lifespans from my life.


Drama is full of unnecessary side plots and side characters which added no value in the main storyline and not to even mention the plotholes as usual like the other 2 previous installments. Martial arts scenes were less than expected, but done very well by Actors and with good CGI, Emotional scenes literally felt flat so i'd say directions & camerawork were bad,but as the actors were all fine,they somehow managed to create the impact of the scenes.


This is one of the biggest disappointments of 2025 and i'd not recommend this to anyone, it didn’t sadden me a bit with It's sad (or rather open) ending bcz ending was also messy and laughable. i am just relieved that it came to an end, now people won't have to suffer anymore with this Fox spirit matchmaker disaster saga.This is also one of those rare cases ever in my 11 years of watching Asian dramas that i rated a drama 9 at initial episodes but ended up with a 7 in the end,...5 or 6 would be a more perfect Rating but i had to consider the amazing cast list's hard Work and dedications for a rotten stupid script for which i Wonder if they had to nauseate while filming certain scenes bcz they were so badly written.


i sincerely wish cheng yi would choose a good script with good production house and good writers & directors in the future.

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EVERY STORY DESERVES TO BE TOLD!!!

Every story deserves to be told. Every problem deserves to be seen and understood because that’s how we enlighten people about what’s really happening. Yes, domestic abuse is a serious issue, but that doesn’t mean we should stop sharing these stories. Too many people still feel like they’re suffering alone. The more we speak up, the more we remind them: you’re not the only one, and you’re not invisible.

Drama review:
Everyone delivered seriously, I loved every bit of it!! That scene where the officer snatched the cap off that clueless detective head so the press could get a clear shot of her face? Iconic. We need more stories like this. Domestic violence survivors deserve to know they’re not alone. Sometimes, all it takes is one brave person or one decisive moment to change everything. Keep speaking up. Keep walking forward.

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A drama I adored… and also side-eyed

A Date with the Future really surprised me with how much it made me feel. I didn’t just like it — I genuinely loved so many parts of it. It was sweet, heartfelt, and emotionally immersive in a way I honestly didn’t expect. I smiled, I teared up, and yes, I occasionally talked to my screen like an uninvited extra. At the same time, it’s one of those dramas where the more you think about certain story choices, the more complicated your feelings become, which doesn’t erase the emotional impact, but definitely adds another layer to it.

One of the highlights for me was Jin Shi Chuan. Finally, a C-drama male lead who doesn’t fall hopelessly in love after one glance across a crowded street. He’s emotionally guarded, deliberate and actually reflective about his feelings. It made perfect sense that he’d take time to figure out whether Xu Lai’s feelings were born out of love or trauma imprinting from the past. And when he finally decided to love her, he did it like an adult — with honesty, intention, and zero mixed signals. A man who processes emotions like an adult? Practically sci-fi.

BUT… Even with how much I admired his steadiness, one thing about his arc made me deeply uncomfortable: the whole subplot where he conceals his potential disability out of fear of ‘burdening’ Xu Lai ; when he says he wants surgery so he’ll be ‘worthy to stand by her side,’ made me stop in my tracks. I just froze. Worthy? As if losing a leg somehow makes you unfit for love or partnership? The implication is shockingly ableist, and it undercuts the otherwise mature emotional groundwork the show tries to build. Love isn’t conditional on physical “perfection,” and it bothered me that the drama treated this idea like a noble self-sacrifice instead of a harmful mindset.

There’s also a more complicated layer to the romance, the romanticization of trauma and obsessive attachment. Xu Lai’s decade-long fixation, formed when she was fifteen, traumatized, and rescued, can be read less as destiny and more as transference, repackaged as romance. The show frames her determination as romantic persistence, but some of her actions drift into territory that in real life would absolutely prompt a gentle intervention from a friend, if not an actual restraining order. It’s not malicious, just framed a little too sweetly for what it actually is. The drama never really examines that grey area, and once you see it, it lingers. Had the show simply let them bump into each other by chance after a decade, the “destiny” message would have landed far more naturally, and the stalking unease could’ve been avoided.

Some side characters mirror that same pattern — obsession framed as cute or loyal — which, honestly, added to the unease. It doesn’t ruin the drama, but it does complicate how the romance lands. In particular, Huo Yan Zong… Sigh 😩. His obsession with Xu Lai was the most uncomfortable to watch, and when he ultimately “fell” for Shi Shi, it didn’t feel like growth; it felt like emotional whiplash. After spending over a decade chasing a woman who never loved him back, it’s hard to believe he suddenly understood love. It came across like a rebound dressed as redemption, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that poor Shi Shi was more consolation prize than true partner.

The firefighting world was a standout. The show didn’t just name-drop the profession, it lived in it. You feel the brotherhood, the fear, the exhaustion, the quiet bravery. It portrayed duty and sacrifice with such respect that I found myself holding my breath during rescue scenes. It’s dramatic, yes, but it earns that drama.

Xu Lai, on the other hand, cracked me up sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I loved her — she’s resilient, determined, and she knows her worth. But girl… Why was every single one of her reporter features about firefighters? By the third time she pitched another firefighter story, I started wondering why her editor hadn’t gently suggested, “Maybe… one story about something that isn’t on fire? Literally anything else?”

The writing also had its repetitive moments: injuries → hospital → sabotage → repeat. And yes, the final earthquake was dramatic, but also a bit eyebrow-raising in its convenience. Still, despite these issues, I found the leads’ chemistry quietly compelling. Not explosive, but gentle, patient, and full of unspoken warmth. The small smiles and soft glances did more for me than any dramatic kiss (though, to be fair, some kisses could’ve used a little more… lip movement).

The supporting cast brought humor and heart that made the world feel lived-in and comforting. Every time they appeared, something about the drama felt warmer.

In the end, A Date with the Future is a show I genuinely enjoyed — even if some of its foundational ideas feel less romantic the more you think about them. It’s heartfelt, imperfect, sweet, occasionally absurd, sometimes troubling, but always sincere. And maybe that sincerity is why it stuck with me, both for the parts I loved and the parts I question.

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Finding Yourself (Not Romance)

This is a great story about a middle-aged woman finding herself again after giving up her personal dreams when she got pregnant very young. Now after years as a neglected and put-upon housewife, she's trying to improve herself and her life by going to college, which she never got to do. She's being "twenty again."

Her story is heartbreaking. She was once so vibrant, creative, and confident. But that made this journey feel really fulfilling. I loved seeing her get her spark for life back and get back in touch with who she used to be. I loved seeing her son mature and finally connect with and respect his mother.

Unfortunately the romance subplot was really not interesting. It wasn't the focus thankfully, but honestly I don't think it needed to be there at all. They did not have chemistry and I don't think she needs a new romance at this moment in her life.

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Gelboys Got Me Feeling 17 Again (but with Better Nails)

I’ve always wondered what a Gen Z school story would look like without the usual GMMTV sugar-coated drama, and Gelboys finally answered that for me. From the first episode, I was hooked. Everything from the aesthetics, the cinematography, the awkward yet real teenage energy, it felt so fresh and raw. It’s messy, chaotic, and painfully relatable. Honestly, GMMTV would never make something like this, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

New, as Fou4Mod, is an unexpected revelation. I’ve never seen him in any BL or even a series before, but this role feels like it was made for him. His presence is magnetic, looks awkward, confident, and confused all at once, just like any teen figuring things out. His chemistry with everyone around him feels natural, not forced.

Bua and Baabin deserve all the praise, too. They’re the emotional backbone of the story, sometimes messy, sometimes toxic, but always real. Without them, the show would lose its depth. Their characters show the side of teenage friendships and crushes that we often pretend doesn’t exist which are the jealousy, manipulation, and yearning for attention.

Now… about Chian. I get what they were trying to do with the time jump from high school to college, but Pide looks a bit too mature for that high school vibe. Don’t get me wrong—his acting is fantastic, but visually, it’s hard to buy him as a teenager. Still, his performance carries emotional weight and helps anchor the story.

What makes Gelboys stand out is how it captures Gen Z life, everything from TikToks, DMs, and aesthetic selfies to that constant need for validation online. It’s a story about love, jealousy, friendship, and finding identity in a digital world that’s both beautiful and exhausting.

In short, this series is complicated but simple in a good way. It doesn’t try too hard to be deep, yet it hits you with raw emotions when you least expect it.

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Only watching this so i can finish my stupid fic

I already hate it since ep 1 because of Arc BUT!!! I love the ensemble cast and the comedy. Deadass if this was only a comedy series and not a romcom series it would be much more enjoyable.
MY MARCXPOON CRUMBS <3
Normally, my reviews are a bit more polished but I'm working with only the material from episode 1 so I can't say too much yet but I can say that this will be another series to join the 'watch this only at your own risk and at 2x speed'.

And yes that's right this will be my isekai fanfic debut solely because of Arc (and it's not a carnal desire, no siree)

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Of hearts that learn to reign.

Are You the One lingers long after the final episode—an experience that ennobles rather than dazzles, not for its grandeur but for the honesty with which it explores how affections and decisions are forged. The series reminds us that true power is born from quiet renunciations and that personal growth can be, at once, a revolution and a comfort.

At its center lies the bond between Liu Mian Tang and Cui Xing Zhou—a connection that transcends romance to become both a school and a mirror. They move through fractures, lessons, and reconciliations; their relationship feeds on patience and courage, on conversations that refine their character. Their evolution feels gradual and genuine: from the hesitation of the early moments to a shared trust built through trial and tenderness. Within that emotional forge, love emerges as both discipline and refuge—the most gratifying force that sustains the story.

Alongside this, the relationship between Liu Mian Tang and Zi Yu, now seated upon the throne as emperor, adds a powerful undercurrent to the narrative. It is not a simple rivalry nor an unquestioned alliance, but rather a meeting of respect and contrast—an ongoing dialogue between ethics and duty. Zi Yu challenges Liu Mian Tang to weigh conviction against the burdens of governance, while Liu Mian Tang reminds the emperor that true rule requires compassion. Their exchange becomes a lesson in leadership: that politics transforms when authority learns the language of empathy.

Shi Xue Ji, as the empress, stands as one of the most luminous figures in the series. She is both strength and serenity, wielding power without losing grace, and influence without arrogance. Her relationship with Zi Yu shapes not only the throne but the moral rhythm of the palace itself—she becomes the quiet architect of balance and conscience. Each of her gestures teaches that true influence does not always need to be loud. For many, Shi Xue Ji was the soul of the drama—a presence both elegant and enduring.

The supporting cast weaves a tapestry of loyalty, ambition, and redemption. If there’s one gentle critique, it is the wish for more room for the secondary stories to breathe; a few threads seemed to fade before reaching their fullest form. Yet the overall sense is one of fulfillment—each major arc resolves with coherence and emotional integrity.

From its script arise phrases that linger, like gentle truths: “To rule is to care,” or “When truth returns, it asks for tenderness, not punishment.” These lines serve as moral compasses, guiding both the characters and the audience. Are You the One ultimately teaches that the most enduring authority is earned through humility and listening, and that people change most deeply when offered trust instead of control.

Finally, there remains a deep gratitude—to the actors who breathed life into these journeys, to the writers for crafting words that echo beyond the screen, and to the team behind the camera who translated emotion into image. May their work find not only recognition but peace and satisfaction. This drama does more than entertain—it leaves lessons that endure, the kind that transform viewers into grateful witnesses of a story beautifully told.

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A Beautiful Greenery and a Walking Green flag

Love Tractor is a chill and wholesome BL series with a cozy atmosphere and beautiful visuals that perfectly capture the countryside charm.

Yul’s character initially comes across as cold, reserved, and emotionally distant. In contrast, Ye Chan, a 20-year-old who’s talkative, funny, and full of passion, brings a lively and refreshing energy to the story. I found him incredibly cute and likable — his caring nature toward Yul stands out, and it’s heartwarming to see Yul slowly grow comfortable with his presence despite his aloof personality.

I felt genuinely bad for Chan, especially when Yul’s ex appeared and acted two-faced, leaving him disheartened. Chan is such a sweetheart, innocent, sincere, and pure-hearted — only to end up heartbroken.

On the other hand, Love Tractor constantly made me smile, especially during the moments when Chan confessed his feelings and started to flirt with Yul. He’s simply adorable — a walking green flag indeed. I loved his character development, evolving from a shy and innocent boy to someone who’s brave enough to express his emotions.

As for Yul, while he began as cold and distant, Chan’s warmth and love for music gradually broke through his walls. By the end, Yul accepted Chan’s love and opened his heart, making him a much more pleasant character.

Although I’m usually not a fan of slow-burn romances, I truly appreciated how Love Tractor handled its pacing. The love story wasn’t rushed or forced, it unfolded naturally, which made their connection feel genuine. The pacing suits a mini-series perfectly; it’s tight, engaging, and never drags.

Both actors delivered excellent performances that brought authenticity to their roles. The cinematography and OST were also beautifully done, enhancing the overall charm of the series.

Overall, Love Tractor is a simple yet heartwarming mini-series that stands out for its wholesome tone, great chemistry, and meaningful character growth. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling long after it ends.

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So so

I liked it in the beginning... But as I watch I slowly lost interest.

The drama is good, chemistry isn't, story is nice and fluff and Kanada was adorable and funny, I need to see that actor in a comedy role, I'll gladly enjoy it.
But the two leads interaction was slightly off, and intimate scenes were too forced and fake.
Also dead fish kisses were too awkward, if you don't want to add kiss scene, don't!

I remember watching cherry magic, the whole show is without any kisses at all and still it's one of the best Bls ever, so no need for forced kisses which sadly made the whole show worse as we won't believe their strong overpowering love to eachother.

About the story, it shows a little bit of many obstacles and how to overcome them which is lovely and light, also enjoyable.

I wouldn't rate this too high because it got boring after maybe ep9, but the comedic relief and the whole vibe of the show is good.

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A fast, funny, and heartfelt ride with plenty of punch

𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘆 was simply a fun and energetic watch. It’s not trying to be groundbreaking — instead, it delivers solid entertainment through its mix of humor, friendship, and grit. The pacing is sharp, the characters are likable, and the chemistry among the leads makes every scene feel alive.

The drama balances comedy and action surprisingly well. The sports backdrop adds tension and excitement, but what really stands out is the camaraderie and underdog spirit that runs through it. You can feel the 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿, and 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 in every episode, even when things get a bit over the top.

Of course, it’s not perfect — some emotional moments are predictable, and the story doesn’t dive too deep into its themes. But that’s not really a flaw here; it knows exactly what kind of show it is and leans into it confidently. The lighthearted tone keeps it accessible while still offering flashes of intensity and sincerity.

In the end, 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘆 is one of those dramas that makes you laugh, cheer, and enjoy the ride. It’s energetic, feel-good television with just enough substance to keep you hooked.

Pros:
✔ Great 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 between leads
✔ Balanced 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗼𝗿 and 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
✔ Feel-good underdog energy
✔ Fast-paced and never dull

Cons:
✘ Some predictable emotional beats
✘ Doesn’t dive deeply into character backstories

Would I rewatch?
Yes — it’s light, exciting, and fun enough to enjoy again when you need a good mood boost.

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Shen Yue is so brave!

Ive been a fan of Shen Yue for many years and for everything shes gone through shes still herself, she wants to be better, she wants to work harder but some people can be cruel but she keeps walking forward. I really enjoyed Season two, I wish to go back and watch Season one also but i cant find it with english subtitles. There are many parts of this show when I laughted and cried and sang with the cast as they explored new places and have many adventures. I really love that there friendship has grown stronger as they have all changed and grown up. I really hope theres a season 3🙏 I look forward to more great adventures, more friends and more happy memories ❤️

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Sooo good

The first half of this show up until ep 12 or something was a solid 9/10. It was light-hearted, funny, well acted. Sure some scenes were cheesy as hell but it was great fun. Then the mystery plot started. It wasn't bad and I was invested in it since it affected our characters and the comedy, which is the show's true strength still existed, albeit muted due to the gravity of the murder investigation plot.

Once the killer was revealed, which was so predictable, because there was literally no other character who it could have been, things went downhill really fast. It was as if the show was written by completely different person, nothing made sense, it was suddenly so full of illogical plotholes. I didnt understand how our FL could see his blackscreen once he was revealed, but not before when she kept touching his bum at multiple junctures. The fact that she can now hear sounds during that blackscreen is also a convenient new development. Why do they see the blackscreen because of the sunglasses? Its supposed to be darker, not completely black, especially when he was out there attacking people in the streets where there was street lights. If the logic is that the FL can see whatever the person whose bum she's touching sees, then logically she should have been able to see through the sunglasses as well.

Why was the killer killing people? It seems like he said he wanted revenge initially, but then he liked the act itself. That sounds like a cop out because there wasnt much motive for him to go from never having killed for 40 or so years of his life but suddenly he can read minds and he felt like he needed to go on a killing spree. Whatever happened to his young son?

Honestly the last few episodes were so bad that I couldnt even find any motivation to watch ep 16, but it was something I had to do, to finish. I docked 2 points from my earlier rating and lament the fall of what was prob one of my most enjoyed show so far.

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That’s how you do enemies to lovers romance!

This was really good. And I mean REALLY GOOD.

I was literally floored after I finished it. Admittedly this was my first Chen Zhe Yuan drama (I had never gotten on that Hidden Love bandwagon when it came out). And oh boy! The man can act. He is perfect for historical bad a$$ leads.

Things I loved:

Great character development, and in general character arcs for every character, including all the villains, made total sense. I liked that most of them were toeing in the shades of gray.

Great quality production too. Awesome fight scenes. Very, very impressive. Beautiful sets and costumes.

The romance part of the show was my favorite. The enemies to lovers’s vibe was real and so delicious to watch. Even though it started off quite violently, the way Fu Yi Xiao and Feng Sui Ge supported each other through the drama once they started to warm up to each other was very satisfying to watch.

This is basically everything I want from a historical drama. Heart pounding, dramatic, romance, and exciting execution of popular tropes, along with healthy relationship between the lead couple. Supporting characters all had great back stories. I was invested in many, wanting to know how it ends for some.

As far as entertainment value goes, it was just what I needed.

I do think some villains didn’t need to have that many draggy scenes. And the last few episodes could have been longer to flesh out certain events, but overall one of the better costume dramas I’ve seen this year. Plus, it has a happy ending for our lead couple. This is all I need.

Fated Hearts absolutely deserves the high ratings.

P.S. I’m totally enjoying all the new empowering female leads in C-dramas in general this year. I’m glad the immature bubbly ones are fading away.

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