Reviews

Cute and sweet : very shojo in its core.

This series was a breath of sweetness, each episode felt like a nice treat in a shiny packaging. The premise was definitely refreshing at first with the main lead way of dressing. However, the story felt less novel in its last arc with the script hitting all the usual beats of the standard shojo romance.

Characters were very likeable which is foremost thanks to the solid acting of both main actor (Matsumoto Leo) and main actress (Osaki Ichika). Matsumoto Leo is incredible playing this multi faceted role. He really stands out and I will be looking forward for more with him. Osaki Ichika managed to make her role super endearing despite the character being quite hair-headed : she never felt annoying. The weakest point might have been the more intimate scenes, it felt so cute but at the same time I was expecting some range and evolution as the story progressed. However, the passion never really came.

I would recommend this to people looking for a very relaxing and feel good show. Even if the story is kind of classical for a shojo once you look past the interesting premise of the main lead, it never bothered me and always brought me joy to watch.

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Ai Long Nhai: A Calm But Uneventful Ride

Episodes: 12

Duration: 43–44 minutes per episode


This drama can be described as average — not particularly good, but not terrible either. I personally felt a sense of boredom while watching it, as the sequence and development of events were quite slow. At times, it also felt like certain events were skipped, which made some scenes confusing and hard to follow.

When it comes to the acting:

Aiyaret / “Ai” had moments of great performance, but other times it seemed as though the scenes were rushed just to wrap up his parts.

Chen Nhai came across as childish and whiny, and at some points, it looked like he wasn’t fully satisfied with the role—as if he was forced into it. In certain moments, the chemistry between him and Ai was good, but in others, it felt detached and lifeless, like they just wanted the scene to end quickly.


As for the supporting characters, some stood out and delivered their roles well, but others seemed to be there merely to fill space. Their presence lacked depth, and they didn’t get proper focus. It was also disappointing that other couples were introduced but not given any meaningful development—no emotional depth, no scenes to show the evolution of their relationships.

Rajeen’s role was infuriating in the best way possible. Her limited scenes were impactful, but her character was truly despicable. The fact that she only remembered her son when she needed to exploit him for her daughter made her character even more loathsome.

On the other hand, Jaonan (“Nan”) and Sippakorn (Ai’s father) were a highlight for me. Their chemistry was soft, warm, and genuine. The way they understood and supported Ai, and how they interacted with each other, added a beautiful and comforting layer to the drama.

Overall:
It’s an okay drama. You might find yourself getting bored and pausing it from time to time, but it’s easy to come back and finish it later. I wouldn’t recommend watching it with high expectations, though — it’s more suitable for when you’re in the mood for something light and slow-paced.

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A bit long winded but ok. Not much romance

I remember thinking the male lead was incredibly boring when I first watched "Hidden Love"—but in this drama, I actually quite like his portrayal of the Crown Prince.
I had to tell my brain to forget the first episodes where both leads tortured each other bloody. How could a relationship start from that? Well, that is drama logic.

But I do feel like I've seen these "female general" dramas countless times. And why do they always spend half the show seriously injured, disabled, and in need of help? Surprisingly, her arm surgery this time successfully restored her strength. At least, I think she's portrayed one of the better female generals.

I think the biggest problem so far is that the plot has dragged on too long. She spent several episodes questioning her ex-lover about why he wanted to kill her, before finally giving up.

The show also gives us a sneak peek into the internal struggle between the King of Jinxiu Kingdom and his brother—but gets pushed to the back if your mind for a while.

As a result, many of the villains' motivations have become vague or even forgotten (for example, the death of the Prime Minister's son is only briefly mentioned in the first few episodes).

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Okay but FL pisses me off

I enjoyed the story overall and I liked the revenge plot. But the main reason I decided to write a review was to vent my frustration of the FL.
She supposed to be a special agent. She supposed to have skills to protect the president and other government officials. Granted she does save people and fight sometimes but when it comes to herself and protecting herself, it's giving I'm a woman please save me strong man! Girlie how many times do you have to get kidnapped for you develop instincts in this. Like if the show just showed us her fighting tooth and nail to escape the men kidnapping her I would be less pissed off or annoyed. Instead most of the time, she doesn't fight back.

Also, she should have been fired when she got her gun taken away from her. She had dumb mistakes before and this should have solidified that shes bad at her job and be fired. These are people's lives at stake and she messed up again and again with putting people in danger and leaving her post.

It's like shes only good at her good those few times because shes the FL lead and the writers are go be like "see! See! She great FL and she's a badass! Expect when we have to have the ML save her which is 99% of the time!"

Anyway other than that it was okay story and plot. Wish they expanded on the drug empire stuff and consequences of that.

Also honestly the FL and ML didn't have much chemistry so it was hard to watch their scenes together. I enjoyed it more when weren't interacting. I actually hoped that they did not end up together.

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BEST ROLE OF ZHAO LUSI !

I waited for this drama with incredible anticipation... The kind that makes you dread disappointment once it's released. And yet, against all expectations, it was quite the opposite: it was absolutely PERFECT!

With each episode, I felt like I was watching a real movie, not just a drama. The visuals are breathtakingly beautiful, every shot is meticulously crafted, the music—all without exception—is incredible (it immediately went on my playlist!). Nothing is left to chance: the looks, the gestures, the silences, the emotions... everything is meticulously orchestrated.

Because yes, Love Ambition is a true emotional whirlwind for whoever watches it. I personally experienced a whole range of emotions, trying as best I could to anticipate what would happen next and understand the motivations of each protagonist.

Haoming was a puzzle to me, sometimes cold, calculating, arrogant, and obsessive; sometimes gentle, affectionate, protective, clumsy, almost funny! It took me a while to understand his true intentions and to warm to him, as his writing was so rigid and devoid of transparent feelings. There are still some early actions I don't understand, like his indifference, but little by little, his true self revealed itself, becoming someone more authentic and humble. His relationship with the boy evolved as much as his relationship with his wife. Overall, he benefited from good development, and I found William ultra-charismatic; even if I prefer him smiling and cute to charismatic and closed-minded.

Zhao Lusi as Xu Yan was exceptional! I was finally able to see in her the woman I'd been waiting to see: Strong, firm, and determined, to the detriment of the humor we love so much, but it was necessary to reach a new level!

And what a level! All her emotional scenes are full of soul! I felt like she was giving us a gift and a nod to each difficult script (filming took place before her burnout). At first, her character had toxic traits. The life she had built for herself gave her a false and materialistic image. But her rebirth truly proved her worth and changed the trend, making her character more empathetic, much like Haoming in the end. The same! For me, it's her best role!

But the best development belongs to Haoming's MOTHER!!! Her evolution was incredible! She went from a mother stingy in appearance and social status to a truly empathetic, gentle, and humble mother. Deep down, the Xu family was transformed thanks to Yan. She saved them by saving herself. She was a true role model. Also for us, the viewers, because she shows that success can be achieved by ourselves, regardless of the starting point and the obstacles. I really enjoyed their time with their family, as well as with Haochen.

The moments that really left me behind my screen were the ones at the beginning with his grandmother. The only times Yan showed his true colors and simplicity were with his grandmother. I was deeply touched by her devotion and sense of responsibility.

How sad to see your children reject their own child...

The supporting couple, whose actors I adore, left me NEITHER HOT NOR COLD. I found them cute together but almost boring!! It's silly to say, but several times I cursed the writing of the ex-boyfriend character for not having a real developmental process in order to win back his beloved. This love triangle didn't appeal to me at all because, once again, beauty is prioritized over a more ordinary physique. The girl who always ends up with the hot doctor...

And finally, that young lady, Haochen's aunt, super beautiful but also super annoying, who often annoyed me and whose writing was poorly constructed, putting too much emphasis on obsession, so much so that sometimes it made no sense!! Everything about this character was a joke! If I were the screenwriter, I would have made her an ally, a friend, not an enemy who tries to repent, but ultimately, she's a false joy, she still has a bad card to play... anyway, next!

Overall, Love Ambition is a luxurious emotional roller coaster, an experience that takes us deep within ourselves and pushes us to reflect on essential, sometimes even existential, questions.

It's not just a romantic drama—in fact, at heart, it's not really one. It's above all an introspective adventure, a quest for self that explores family, love, friendship, trust, creativity, a certain form of feminism, but also traditions, culture, ambition, and, quite simply, the pursuit of happiness.

For me, it's the best modern romantic C-drama of the year. It draws its strength from a striking authenticity, carried by a precise, touching, and profoundly human performance.

I recommend it 200% - don't miss it! 20/20 !

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Second Chance of Doom

This was a very easy watch, the episodes' duration is short, and the story was interesting enough for me to finish in one day.
In the beginning, you'd think you'd be watching the 100 ways Ritsu ruined Masumi's life. The audacity of that man knows no end, and you'd probably want to shoot him multiple times watching this. I do have to give credits to the actor for pulling off his character, and making him as charming and manipulative as he was. Soon, you'd realize while Masumi is a kind and understanding person, he also had his flaws and grey areas, so in a way I felt they deserved each other even though we all agree Ritsu is the one in the wrong. Masumi's actor also did a fantastic job, he's very expressive but not exaggerated.

This is a story about the end of the world, so I was glad to see the message of how we should go out to places we wanted to see, try more to connect to people, and focus on doing the things we "want" and not what's needed or expected from us. Accompanied by good cinematography, script, and music, so I was all in all satisfied.

Another great dynamic was the temporary "found family" that was established between the two main characters and our boy Yuma. He's a great character and the life of the trio.

We also met Meguru, I kinda wish we saw more of her backstory, but there were plenty hints for us to connect. It wasn't hard to get into her character. It really did feel like they were all fated to meet.

If there were any issues I'd say I had, it's probably that I wish we would have seen more of Ritsu's backstory. We could see that he went through things (I won't spoil) but I wanted them to connect his experiences to his behaviour, so we can trust that he isn't going to go back to his old ways. As for the "open ending" issue, it really isn't that vague, you could come up with the conclusion on how it ended easily.

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my top 1 forever!!!

Eu sempre soube que eu amava esse drama mas só confirmei depois de reassistir! Realmente, eu amei demais! Slow burn romance,mas com muita química do casal principal! Um romance lindo que super vale a pena! love love love love love love love love
Haein é lindo e atua perfeitamente! ……love love love love love love love love
Haein é lindo e atua perfeitamente! ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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don’t expect too much

It started off strong for the first four episodes, then completely lost its spark. I honestly don’t understand how the ratings are this high for such a dull, directionless show. The female lead supposedly comes from the future, yet her character contributes nothing — just endless cooking scenes with no real impact.

I went in expecting a witty, lighthearted drama in the vein of Mr. Queen, but what I got was a tedious mess. The last two episodes were painful to sit through. I was frustrated, disappointed, and honestly a bit insulted that something this flat is being praised so highly.

The only redeeming factor is the male lead — he’s charismatic and even has a bit of a Xu Kai vibe — but that alone doesn’t save it. Don’t waste your time because of the ratings. If you really must watch it, go in with rock-bottom expectations.

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A Bold, Emotional Dive into Instinct, Identity, and Power

ABO DESIRE completely exceeded my expectations. The acting in this drama was genuinely top-tier every emotion, every glance, and every silent moment between the characters felt real. The cast carried the story with such depth that even the quiet scenes had weight. Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu’s chemistry was undeniable, and you could feel their connection growing stronger through every episode.

But honestly, the second lead deserved so much more screen time. Their character had layers and such strong presence that every time they appeared, the energy shifted. It’s one of those cases where you can tell there’s a whole story behind them that never got fully explored and it’s a shame because they added balance and emotion to the main dynamic.

The reunion scene between Shen Wenlang, Gao Tu, and their child was the most emotional moment of the series for me. It was such a beautiful closure tender, heartbreaking, and full of unspoken love. Seeing them finally together after everything they endured felt like a reward for all the pain and longing that built up throughout the story.

Overall, ABO DESIRE is powerful, emotional, and beautifully acted. The cast deserves all the praise, and I truly hope we see more of these actors again maybe even a spin-off giving the second lead the story they deserve.

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Muito bom, mas realmente... uma mistura de sentimentos

Mistura de Sentimentos é um drama curto muito bom, que começa como uma história de vingança de uma protagonista feminina mas logo evolui para uma história de romance. Inicialmente, ela é traída pelo namorado que na verdade tramava para alcançar o sucesso às custas dela. a partir disso, ela resolve ser forte e revidar, tentando seduzir o CEO da empresa, chefe e tio(mas bem jovem) do seu ex namorado. Após a metade, o plot já está irreconhecível. A "outra" e o próprio ex namorado já não estão mais na história, mas outros mistérios e personagens se instauram. Não digo que isso seja negativo, mas realmente é uma loucura, inúmeras reviravoltas acontecem durante a série. Não esperem um drama simples. Foi divertido e fácil de assistir, também, ótimo para treinar um pouco do mandarim.

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Watchable drama! Could have been great!

I would have rated the drama 9.5 or 10 if they had addressed some issues in the couple's relationship like her past (the reason why she had to lie), his cold attitude towards her (and their marriage) as well as the quasi infidelity with Fang lei...

Both were flawed individuals and could have been a good match after discussing issues between them. However, the actors did a good job with the story/script they were given.

I think this drama had two writers, one to adapt the first part of the story with well deserved angst and another to create a different ending from the novel (fair, the novel ending was horrible) but the problem was that it felt like 2 writers that did not communicate with each other causing it to have the feel of entering a new drama mid way into the story leaving many issues unaddressed.

Overall, Zhao lusi and William Chan did wonderful specially the dramatic parts. Special mention to the actors playing Haochen and the mother in law.

I recommend watching it!

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Started with skepticism. Ended with a lump in my throat

I’ll admit it — I was hesitant to “listen” to An Ancient Love Song. After being burned by a few overhyped short-length C-dramas, my guard was up. Add the umpteenth time-travel premise on top of that, and I was fully prepared to half-watch this one on 2x speed while folding laundry. But lo and behold, this drama had the audacity to earn my full attention. The concept may sound familiar, but the execution? Surprisingly convincing — a rare case where time travel doesn’t feel like a gimmick, but a bridge between two fully realized worlds.

The balance between past and future was masterfully done — complex enough to be engaging without spiraling into a convoluted mess. Each timeline carried its own ache, its own emotional weight. Shen Bu Yan and Lu Yuan’s love story was quietly devastating, echoing across lifetimes without losing clarity. Even though the ending was shown at the start, the journey still managed to surprise me — not with twists, but with sincerity. It’s the kind of emotional payoff that sneaks up on you, then lingers.

What truly sets this drama apart is its precision. No filler. No fluff. Every scene matters. The lore, the pacing, the cinematography, the acting — all chef’s kiss. Even the secondary couple’s arc left a bruise. It’s proof that perspective, not budget, makes a story resonate. It’s a rare short-form drama that punches far above its runtime, delivering more emotional payoff than some 40-episode epics. I almost overlooked it out of cynicism—and that would’ve been a mistake.

If I had one tiny caveat, it’s the ending. Personally, I’d have stopped at the museum reunion. The final scene with middle-aged Shen Bu Yan meeting child Lu Yuan, while poetically intended, lands in slightly murky territory. It’s not a dealbreaker—just an eyebrow-raiser.

Final Verdict: This is how dramas should be done — concise, heartfelt, and crafted with care. A rare gem that proves emotional resonance doesn’t need runtime bloat or flashy tricks. Just intention. And this one had it in spades.

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