Especially to those who believe there’s more to love and destiny than meets the eye.
“But above all, I wish that God may take care of you and continue to protect you, even beyond the limits where I can no longer go…”This was one of the phrases I once received from a dear friend in the past, and I have carried it with me, close to my heart, wherever I go… That is more or less what this drama represented to me. A message of immeasurable love, one that neither time nor space can ever erase.
It began as just another Xianxia, filled with revenge, melodrama, sovereign gods, terrifying demons, and stylish celestial battles, but slowly it transformed into one of the sweetest love stories among the latest c-dramas.
Rarely have I had the pleasure of following such a captivating couple. Affection, tender touches, and kisses were present in nearly every episode from the moment they first came together. In a few words, I can say it was intoxicating, charismatic, and truly addictive.
I’ve thought this before, and every time I watch a production like this, I can’t help but think it again: even if I spend the next tem years of my life watching Chinese dramas, I will still not truly grasp this culture, this spectrum of productions, and this vast range of artistic talent that sustains them. It’s surreal!
As for Arthur Chen, this god of beauty—majestic and imposing no matter the role—this was actually my first time watching one of his dramas. I’ve been eagerly awaiting China’s release of *Immortality*, na original BL work (censored, of course, but adapted as bromance) based on the web novel *The Husky and His White Cat Shizun* by the phenomenal author Meatbun. In that story, Arthur Chen plays Mo Ran, disciple of Chu Wanning. I’ve read the books and I’m waiting with great anticipation for the drama.
So, when I saw that *When Destiny Brings the Demon* starred Arthur Chen, I decided to watch it in na attempt to ease my anxious wait a little. To my surprise, I ended up falling equally in love with his partner in the story. Wang Yinglu plays three different characters, and she is absolutely dazzling. Beautiful, funny, moving, and with a unique chemistry alongside Arthur Chen. I had also never seen any of her works before, and I don’t know much about her other roles, but here she was simply wonderful.
It’s true that in the first arc of the story, both Arthur Chen and Wang Yinglu faced a greater challenge, since it was longer and more intense, but I loved all three arcs almost equally, as well as the changes in their characters.
If I have one complaint about the production, it would be the distribution of time between arcs. The first, in the Immortal Realm, was perfect. The second, in the Demon Realm, could have been shorter. The third, in the Mortal Realm, was not enough. The story set in the empire was intriguing and deserved better development. And the time given to their reunion in the modern era was far too brief. I wanted more, much more.
Yes, the plot had a few flaws—it’s true—but the main elements were completely satisfying: from the costumes, setting, and OST, to the dialogues and directing. At first, I thought of giving it a nine, but in the end, I gave it a tem. It’s not every day that a drama holds you from beginning to end with such lovable characters and moments of pure delight.
As always, it’s hard to say goodbye, but what can we do? As the story itself showed us on many occasions, no pain surpasses the pain of parting. I’ll continue here on my solitary journey, hoping that the wait will one day end in a destined reunion.
A beautiful drama. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially to those who believe in things far beyond what our eyes can see or our imagination can reach.
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This review may contain spoilers
One episode left!
Bracing myself for a sad ending in episode 12. I don't see how the two main characters can make their love story work with so many obstacles. Even if they are together, they won't be able to forgive each other or love fully. Their love is so tainted. It's tragic that what started out as pure love could go so wrong. But I really hope I'm wrong about the ending and that somehow they'll surprise us with a happy one eventhough I cannot see this happening.Was this review helpful to you?
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Great xianxia with a lovely 3-lives romance (and a Must for Arthur Chen's fans)
PLOT:[eps 1-19]: The ML, super-powerful and last descendant of the Sima family, is "chained" in his tower by the eight great families (for his blood and spiritual veins). The FL (a disillusioned office worker who had an accident) finds herself, a weak spirit, sent by her clan to serve this terrible master. She gradually heals him of his darkness and tries to help him defeat the Great Villain.
[eps 19-26]: 18 years later, the ML awakens (with difficulty coming to terms with the fusion of the two spiritual fires) and the FL, suffering from amnesia, is in the demon realm. The Great Villain pretends to be her father and trains her to kill. Several villains still want to kill Sima Jiao (fake father + demon Preceptor + love rival).
[eps 26-29]: Now a frozen fish (killer), the FL, loses control and seriously injures Sima Jiao. She becomes the Mistress Daemon and tries everything to save him. However, the ML ends up dying.
[eps 30-33]: The FL eventually finds the amnesiac ML among mortals. He's a young emperor threatened by his uncle (helped by You Yan, the spirit of the late demon king who has taken another body).
+++ A super cute CL with Arthur Chen, absolutely magnificent, powerful, and charismatic, and Wang Lin Yu, very natural. The chemistry is top-notch!
+++ Many excellent actors, very convincing in their roles.
+++ Well-written story, effective and fast-paced direction, superb cinematography, OSTs well-suited to the emotions, high-quality CGI.
### Lots of sweet scenes (Arthur Chen is a king kisser :), but the narrative is slow at times.
### CLICHE: Why do powerful MLs always have to be weakened by illness/poison/... and become vulnerable??
### CLICHE: Villains are always better informed/in the right place/luckier... than the good guys.
### Happy End but the ending is a bit rushed (I would have liked it to see a little longer in real life)
=> EXCELLENT ... and superb performances from the two leads.
*****************************************************
Xianxia et ICK très réussi
PLOT:
[ép 1 - 19] : Le ML, super puissant et dernier descendant des Sima, est "enchainé" dans sa tour par les 8 gdes familles (pr son sang et les veines spirituelles). La FL (employée de bureau désabusée ayant eu 1 accident) se retrouve esprit faible envoyée par son clan, pour servir ce terrible maitre. Elle va peu à peu le guérir de sa darkness et essayer de l'aider à se défaire du Great Villain.
[ép 19 - 26] : 18 ans + tard, le ML se réveille (avec des difficultés à assumer la fusion des 2 feux spirituels) et la FL, amnésique, est au royaume des démons. Le Great Villain se fait passer pour son père et l'entraine à tuer. Plusieurs Villains veulent tjs tuer Sima Jiao (fake father + percepteur des Démons + love rival).
[ép 26 -29] : La FL, poisson givré, perd le contrôle et blesse gravement Sima Jiao. Elle devient la Mistress Daemon et tente tt pour le sauver. Cpdt, le ML finit par mourir.
[ép 30 -33] : La FL finit par retrouver le ML amnésique chez les mortels. C'est un jeune empereur menacé par son oncle (aidé par You Yan, l'esprit du vieux roi démon ayant pris un autre corps).
+++ Un CL super cute avec Arthur Chen absolument magnifique, puissant, charismatique, et Wang Lin Yu très naturelle. L'alchimie est top !
+++ Bcp d'excellents acteurs, très convaincants dans leur personnage.
+++ Story bien écrite, réalis° efficace et rythmée, superbe cinématographie, OSTs bien adaptées aux émotions, high quality CGI
### Bcp de sweet scenes (Arthur Chen is a king kisser :), mais des lenteurs par moments dans la narration.
### CLICHE : Pourquoi faut-il tjs que les ML puissants soient fragilisés par maladie / poison / ... et qu'ils deviennent vulnérables ??
### CLICHE : les Villains sont tjs mieux informés / au bon endroit / plus chanceux ... que les gentils.
### HE mais ending un peu hâtive (j'aurai aimé un peu plus long dans la vie réelle)
=> EXCELLENT ... et superbe performance pour les 2 leads.
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It was a bit toooo silly :3
I normally like most cringy bl’s and I personally wouldn’t call this one cringy since it’s not that bad. But the humour in it gave me second hand embarrassment. Actually not only the humour but also Almond acting all innocent even though we all know that feels forced.Overall, i loveee the plot but it feels to embarrassing to watch. I did really enjoy it though because it’s pure humour! It was also really cute! My other reason for disliking this one, is that i didn’t feel so connected to Thanwa and Peak. I was sooo into the story of Almond and Latte though! I just totally forgot about themm…
Anyways, i wouldn’t say it’s bad and i would recommend it to the right type of people, but i think this is a very specific genre of bl’s. Have fun!
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Easy to watch palate cleanser
There is no point in comparing this little production to a mega hit. It is only 8 X 20 mins episodes. The simple love story is delivered competently as you'd expect from a Japanese production. Other than a hint of a SML and a touch of sibling rivalry, there is little resistance to the blossoming romance of our leads.If I'm honest, everything is understated. The love story and the setting are all standard issue. The meet-cute centred around "cold hands, warm heart" is just a low hanging fruit.
Acting is decent, ditto the production. The small amount of skinship is done by the book. It is fluffy and easy to binge. Nothing will disturb your inner peace. A palate cleanser before you jump into the next makjang extravaganza. Peace.
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Beautiful Mind is one of the most underrated K-dramas out there
Beautiful Mind is one of the most underrated K-dramas out there. It’s dark, intelligent, emotionally layered, and led by an unforgettable performance from Jang Hyuk. What starts as a medical mystery slowly evolves into a psychological character study—one that explores what it means to feel, to connect, and to live with emotional isolation.Jang Hyuk plays a genius neurosurgeon who lacks empathy—literally. His character, Lee Young-oh, is emotionally detached but hyper-intelligent, and watching him navigate a system built on lies, power, and manipulation is fascinating. You don’t expect to root for him at first, but by the end, you're deeply invested in his growth and pain.
Park So-dam is also fantastic—grounded, warm, and compassionate. Her presence balances out the darkness of the story and gives the drama an emotional anchor. Their chemistry is unusual but deeply satisfying, not in a traditional romantic way, but in how they slowly learn to understand and challenge each other.
The writing is sharp, the medical cases are tied into bigger themes, and the pacing is surprisingly tight—especially considering it was cut down to 14 episodes. The emotional payoff comes not from melodrama, but from the quiet transformation of a man who believed he was incapable of love.
Pros:
✔ Jang Hyuk delivers a career-defining performance
✔ Deep psychological exploration of trauma and empathy
✔ Tight pacing with minimal filler
✔ Refreshing romance built on emotional growth, not fantasy
Cons:
✘ Early episodes can feel cold or clinical
✘ Some viewers may find the mood too dark or detached at first
Would I rewatch?
Yes—especially for Jang Hyuk’s performance and the layered character work.
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This review may contain spoilers
BADASS ZHOU YE & POWER COUPLE
oh my lordie you know i love a good zhou ye drama!!! wow this was great. the comedy was there. the girlboss was top tier. they were so cute together—i LOVED the slow burn yearning period + when they pretended to be a couple era. HEART HURT. ugh and how the general kept her secret and protected her in the dl. and how he was so down bad. and would love her no matter what. and how even tho she’s a higher ranking general, he still protects her. SIGH. i hate the second lead bruh. but this was so good. i love zhou ye but that’s already been established. this was so cute and so lovey and the politics was actually followable. revenge went crazy.Was this review helpful to you?
Decepcionante
Durante muchos años he visto muchos kdramas y todos los que he visto los he disfrutado y los he considerado muy buenos pero al ver Twelve puedo decir que es la primera vez que veo un kdrama tan malo y que no tiene ningún sentido por ningún lado, al ver cualquier episodio te sientes incómodo y quieres que termine rápido porque no tiene coherencia ni atractivo de ningún tipo, pienso que este kdrama es una burla para los actores y no comprendo como pudieron aceptar un trabajo tan malo y sin sentido, acaso no se dieron cuenta en el momento que estaban actuando? Este trabajo da mucho que pensar ante el profesionalismo y la ética del elenco y definitivamente aunque la culpa es de los guionistas y producción, será una mancha para los actores ya que se nota que no tienen ningún criterio para tomar un trabajo que si valga la pena.Was this review helpful to you?
A Heart-Pounding Historical Romance You Can’t Miss
From the very first scene, this drama grabs you and doesn’t let go! Every episode is packed with high-stakes battles, breathtaking visuals, and emotions that hit hard. The fight scenes? Absolutely jaw-dropping — intense, cinematic, and impossible to look away from.The ML commands the screen with pure charisma — smooth, confident, and dangerously charming. Every flirtatious glance, every lingering kiss, and every heated moment with the FL… you feel it. He owns his role completely.
The FL, already unforgettable from “Scent of Time”, delivers another brilliant performance. Her expressions, her strength, her vulnerability — she pulls you right into her world. Together, the chemistry between ML and FL is electric.
The supporting cast isn’t just background noise; they bring depth, heart, and tension that make the entire story stronger. And let’s talk visuals — the stunning historical backdrops and gorgeous filming locations across China make every shot a feast for the eyes.
This isn’t just a drama. It’s a battle for love, loyalty, and destiny. A fearless heroine standing up for what she believes in, and a man who risks everything to stand beside her.
Final Verdict: If you want passion, action, and a story that stays with you — watch it. Now.
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You can’t spell pissing me off without Pi
WHELP. That was a show, for sure. No denying that.Acting:
It was alright given the absolutely horrid roles and story that was provided. For their roles, their acting was solid, can’t really complain too much about that aspect. They were clearly asked to be a bit odd for the most part and they delivered on that.
Writing:
Okay… It was fine at the beginning, nothing revolutionary, but still a decent start. Then it just went from like 75 to 0 so quickly and never got back up to speed. That was ROUGH. Everyone in this show pissed me off except Nan. Pi was a middle schooler, Mork was a flat character with little to no backbone and his decision making skills were trash, the brother was entirely unlikeable, Meen was boring, etc. I don’t see how I was supposed to root for anyone in this show. If anything, I was rooting for Mork to fall for someone else and Nan to find the love of his life. The script was rough overall too. I feel like I was fighting against this becoming a hate watch by episode 8, because I wanted it to be better. Honestly, why did we make the main character have the same ability to deal with their emotions as a 13 year old with self-esteem issues. And this was based on an edited and published piece of literature???
Chemistry/Romance/Kissing:
They had a little chemistry, as much as you could get with a story like this I guess. The real issue is that this is a HORRIBLY executed romance overall. The kissing was fine, nothing really to note about it.
Music/SFX:
Music was good, nothing stood out as odd. SFX were mostly fine.
I am so very disappointed in this. I wanted it to be good, I really did. I like the actors a lot and the concept well enough, but WOW this was a rough watch.
Now, for some highlights from my notes:
- Mix, my beloved
- I get it. If Mix smiled at me I would instantly fall in love as well
- This calls for a MAKEOVERRRR
- Cyberbullying people you know in college in the year 2021 is so wild and cringe like what
- You printed out his fb profile pic and put it above your bed??? Bruh
- Satang so cuuuuuute
- Istg if they keep interrupting the main plot with this fuckass brother’s story I’m gonna snap
- Ahhhh the secondhand embarrassment is getting to meeee
- Bro is delusional, seek help
- This little stalker creep
- If someone’s reaction to my confession was “I don’t think you actually do” I would probably spiral real hard
- Nan such a good guy
- I can’t stress enough how much I don’t care about the brother’s story
- “I can be your vaccine” is so goofy, what are we doing lmao
- Why is everyone so creepy and nosy
- What in the world, these are some real saesangs
- I wish we had some background on Mork, his character is pretty flat
- Pi is getting on my last nerve here
- Does he have a kind heart, though…? He’s childish and selfish in every possible way
- Enter female character A whose only purpose is to cause MC to be jealous
- Everyone pissing me off rn
- Girly is more annoying than Pi somehow
- This jealousy plotline is so absolutely annoying and dumb
- This went off the rails real quick, huh
- Nan always in the middle of things
- Pi seems like he’d be a really shitty boyfriend, though
- I don’t see how all of that made you fall for him
- I’m team let Pi be lonely and get Mork a fitting partner at this point
- We love a ridiculous group dance moment
- Ugh a probational love contract
- They both pissing me off
- This dropped off a couple episodes in and never recovered
- Let’s switch this up to Mork x Nan, I’m done with this Pi character
- Not the brothers in love with each other’s brother trope
- Bro has the emotional maturity of a 13 year old and the general maturity of a 16 year old
- Both brothers suck
- Not only did he not reach out and say happy birthday, but he’s also being a dick
- Can’t spell piece of shit without Pi
- Mork the masochist ig
- Mork needs a backbone fr
- ABSOLUTELY hate this fanclub situation especially being at the birthday party
- Why isn’t Nan a this party? I miss his face
- What is this bullying plot…? Why isn’t Mork doing anything…? Why are these people at the party…?
- Obviously Mork didn’t post that shit why are we being dumb
- This is a middle school plot 100%
- Now girly is the villain this is DUMB
- This is the plan…?
- So many birds and fish were killed in the making of this
- Nan go get your star bb
- Oooh a time skip
- *ka-ka-karma's a bitch*
- 2 years together and they still act like this
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The story follows Mei Zhuyu (Xu Kai), who’s a serious celestial master by day, and Wu Zhen (Tian Xi Wei), a witty princess who also secretly runs the Demon Market at night. Basically, they both live double lives, and that’s where all the tension and charm come from—sometimes lovers, sometimes opponents. Their chemistry is honestly the highlight of the show for me. The banter, the subtle romance, the “partners-in-crime” vibe… it felt very natural and refreshing.
Visually, it’s gorgeous—the costumes, the sets, the way the drama shows Chang’an by day and the demon market by night—it really pulls you into the world. I also loved all the supernatural touches (talking objects, quirky spirits, demon politics)—it gave the show a unique flavor beyond just being another historical romance.
That said, it’s not perfect. A few episodes dragged a little with side plots that didn’t feel super necessary, and I did wish Xu Kai’s character was written with a bit more emotional punch compared to Tian Xi Wei’s super lively performance. But honestly, those are minor complaints.
Overall, Moonlit Reunion is one of those dramas that makes you smile while also keeping you curious about what’s happening in the background. It’s got heart, humor, and a sprinkle of magic. If you’re into fantasy romance with great visuals and a couple you can root for, this is a solid pick.
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This is the Assassin we needed - Beauty, brains, and a body count. My kind of heroine. and That eerie, echoey trap beat that plays when she wipes out a room? Gives chills. Like death has a soundtrack.
I hope we see more female leads like this! Okay now for my review
Journey to Love is a refreshing take on the wuxia/romance genre that blends action, strategy, and heart into a compelling story. The drama follows Ren Ruyi, a skilled assassin bound by duty, and Ning Yuan Zhou, a principled leader, whose paths intertwine as they face betrayals, shifting loyalties, and dangerous missions.
What makes this drama stand out is its well-rounded characters. Ren Ruyi is not your typical female lead—she’s sharp, resilient, and carries the scars of her past with grace. Ning Yuan Zhou’s calm yet determined nature balances her fiery spirit, and their chemistry feels natural and emotionally deep. Supporting characters, especially those in the Six Realms, also shine, each with their own motivations and struggles that add layers to the story.
The romance is subtle but powerful—it doesn’t rely on clichés, instead growing out of mutual respect, shared burdens, and unspoken emotions. Their relationship develops quietly against the backdrop of political intrigue, making every moment between them feel earned.
Visually, the show is a treat: the fight choreography is fast, fluid, and beautifully shot, while the cinematography captures both the vast landscapes and the intimacy of character-driven scenes. The costumes and set designs are elegant, enhancing the drama’s immersive quality.
If there’s a downside, it’s that the pacing slows in some middle episodes, where political maneuvering overshadows the main storyline. Some viewers may also wish for more lighthearted moments, as the tone leans on the heavier side.
Verdict:
Journey to Love strikes a rare balance between wuxia action and heartfelt romance. With strong performances, sharp writing, and a relationship that feels authentic, it’s a drama that lingers long after the final episode. A must-watch for fans of mature, emotional storytelling.
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One of the biggest strengths of this season is the character growth. Fan Xian is no longer just a witty outsider with modern knowledge—he has matured into a strategist who can hold his own against the Emperor and princes. The Emperor himself remains a fascinating figure, pulling strings from the shadows and keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions. Supporting characters like Chen Pingping, Wang Qinian, and the Crown Prince all add depth and tension to the unfolding drama.
The writing and dialogue remain sharp, filled with humor even in tense situations, which keeps the show’s unique charm alive. The political battles are clever and layered, rewarding viewers who enjoy intrigue and strategy.
That said, Season 2 isn’t without flaws. The pacing feels uneven at times, with so many characters and subplots competing for attention. There's also distracting product placements and even a few production goofs, which occasionally broke immersion. Certain relationships, especially the romance between Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er, take a backseat to palace politics—leaving us wanting more emotional moments.
Visually, the production is still strong, with beautiful costumes, grand sets, and striking cinematography. And once again, the season ends on a cliffhanger—reminding us that the full story is still far from over.
Verdict:
Joy of Life Season 2 might not recapture the exact magic of the first season, but it delivers a smart, entertaining continuation filled with intrigue, humor, and unforgettable performances. Despite its flaws, it proves why this series is one of the most popular Chinese dramas in recent years—and leaves fans eagerly awaiting Season 3.
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The story follows Fan Xian, a young man who possesses modern-day knowledge in an ancient setting. His journey through court politics, family secrets, and power struggles is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The series combines elements of mystery, strategy, and romance, while also sprinkling in clever dialogue and unexpected humor that makes the characters relatable.
The cast delivers outstanding performances—Zhang Ruoyun shines as Fan Xian, capturing both his intelligence and mischievous charm. Supporting actors like Chen Daoming (Emperor) and Wu Gang (Chen Pingping) elevate the drama with their nuanced portrayals of power and loyalty. The chemistry between Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er adds warmth to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Visually, the production is top-notch, with beautiful cinematography, detailed costumes, and an immersive soundtrack. The pacing is strong, though the political dialogue can be heavy at times. The season ends on a massive cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for Season 2.
Verdict:
Joy of Life is not just another historical drama—it’s sharp, funny, and emotionally rich. If you enjoy clever storytelling with layers of suspense and heart, this is a must-watch. 10/10
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wasnt bad until the mid end
The show was going great until around ep 25. At first, it was all nice and lovey and great but then they decided to kill the 2nd couple (qian n the bandit). but before that happened, it already went downhill because like idk, i felt like they gave random ppl more screentime or it was repetitive. for example, when prince li tried to find the crown prince n failed. he tried again n again. I kept going because I wanted to see cheng lei in his dark outfit and role which felt like foreverrr. im not a huge fan of song yi but she is watchable, considering follow your heart. that is where i found my shang bieli! Waiting for lu xin n mo yin get together was such a hope for me but i didnt get to see it cs i dropped it. anyways, 7.5 stars, was great but went downhill around ep 20(20 smth).Was this review helpful to you?
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