Reviews

Great Acting, Lovely Story, Super Cute & Funny

The xianxia genre is hugely popular among younger viewers, so I’m surprised this series isn’t rated higher on MDL. On other Chinese platforms, the ratings are even worse. Personally, I loved "Love Never Fails"—the story is intriguing, the acting is excellent, and the writing is coherent. Though it has similar vibes, for me, this story is so much better than "Ancient Love Poetry" and rivals "Love and Destiny" and "Eternal Love". The only reason I can think of for the low ratings? The leads, though seasoned actors, aren’t idol stars that younger fans usually go for.

The Story
This is a love story between a god and a young camellia (a red tea plant) demon girl. They meet across lifetimes and realms, falling in love again and again—only for each reunion to end in heartbreak, loss, and death. Their love leaves scars, yet every time they reincarnate, they’re drawn back to each other.

Multiple antagonists try to tear Jin Xiu and Hong Ning apart, but their love endures. With each lifetime, more of the grander plot is revealed. There’s a conspiracy lurking beneath the surface, and the show slowly unravels it. For example, Jin Xiu is said to be the Heavenly Emperor’s son… but also not. Even the empress doesn’t know his true origins; Hong Ning is called a powerful demon king, yet she’s just a love-struck girl trying to protect the one she loves. By Episode 35, we still don’t have all the answers—and that’s part of the fun.

In her first life when she first falls in love with Jin Xiu, Hong Ning was heartbroken and jumps into the Cleansing Well, losing her memories and cultivation to be reborn as an ordinary human in her second life. Meanwhile, Jin Xiu is banished to the mortal realm as punishment for defying the Heavenly Emperor. He keeps his memories and becomes Hong Ning’s protector while running a cultivators’ academy. Fate brings them together—she becomes his disciple, they fall in love again, and get married. But their happiness is short-lived.

In their third life, Jin Xiu loses his memory and becomes a general, while Hong Ning (now a demon catcher) remembers everything, harboring a love/hate feeling for Jin Xiu for what he had done in their previous life, which was utterly a misunderstanding manipulated by the villain. Despite the initial hatred from Hong Ning, they fall in love again, and join hand to take down the devil demon and save the town.

After completing their trials successfully, they return to heaven. Hong Ning becomes the Flower God and Jin Xiu is preparing for the future Heavenly Emperor role. But power isn’t what they wanted. All they ever wished for was to love each other freely. Unfortunately there are more mysteries to unravel and pain to endure.

Characters & Acting
Jin Xiu (Liu Xue Yi) – A powerful god, heir to the Heavenly Throne, and the feared Punishment God. But his true form? A golden peony. As a child, he saved a dying camellia plant (Hong Ning’s soul) and sent it to nurture and grow in the demon realm.

Jin Xiu is disciplined, dutiful, and stoic—until Hong Ning crashes into his life. Liu Xue Yi’s acting is phenomenal. He nails the intimidating god everyone fears, then flips to being awkward, silly, and hopelessly in love. His expressions—whether embarrassed, smitten, or heartbroken—are perfect. You can’t help but feel for him.

Hong Ning (Hu Yi Xuan) – A camellia demon saved by Jin Xiu. To repay him, she cultivates, rises to the heavenly realm and boldly declares her love. Even after losing her memory and power during her first trial, she finds him, and continues finding him—whether as a disciple, a demon catcher, or a goddess.

Hu Yi Xuan shines in this role. She transforms from a naive, bubbly demon to a grounded disciple, then a sharp demon catcher, and finally a composed goddess. Each version feels distinct, and she plays them all flawlessly.

Many viewers complain about Hong Ning's naive character in the beginning and give up on the drama before seeing her remarkable growth. This is a shame because Hu Yi Xuan delivers an impressive transformation, taking Hong Ning from a lovestruck girl to a powerful goddess. The character development is actually one of the drama's strongest points - if only more viewers had patience to see it through.

Kun Lun Jun (Ao Rui Peng) – The adorable, mischievous little brother everyone wishes they had. Jin Xiu dotes on him, even when banishing him to count flower petals as punishment. Throughout his tribulations in the human realm, he's still as adorable and mischievous, and becomes Jin Xiu disciple in one lifetime, and cousin in another.

Ao Rui Peng is hilarious—his character is a walking disaster, but so lovable. He brings chaos and laughter every time he’s on screen, yet his growth into maturity feels natural.

Final Thoughts
Despite some confusing moments (like the dream arc in Episodes 8-9) and occasional pacing issues near the ending, Love Never Fails remains thoroughly engaging and delightfully humorous. The drama masterfully balances tension and comedy—one scene shows Jin Xiu intimidating his disciples with his stern presence, while the very next reveals those same disciples clowning around behind his back.

I firmly believe Love Never Fails deserves to stand alongside xianxia classics like "Love Between Fairy and Devil". In fact, I found it superior to "Ancient Love Poetry" in nearly every aspect—its storytelling feels more cohesive, the acting more nuanced, and the character development significantly deeper.

What makes this drama even more impressive is its behind-the-scenes story, which was brought to my attention by one of the viewers (see comments below): Filmed three years ago, it faced major setbacks when the original female lead (Yuan Bing Yan) was replaced due to legal issues. Hu Yi Xuan stepped in and reshot all the previous scenes—often working solo with green screens, juggling multiple character versions day and night. The fact that this seamless transition isn’t noticeable across 40 entire episodes speaks volumes about her professionalism and the production team’s skill. Knowing this only deepens my appreciation for Hu Yi Xuan’s phenomenal performance and the drama’s against-all-odds quality.

At its heart, this is a drama that blends swoon-worthy romance and laugh-out-loud comedy with the bloodshed and tragedy of classic xianxia. If you’re a fan of the genre’s emotional depth, intricate mysteries, and powerhouse performances, ignore the underwhelming ratings. This hidden gem isn’t just entertaining—it’s a testament to artistic resilience.

Strongly recommended!

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a wild tourism ad (watch suggestions)

Overall: we have a tourism ad (sightseeing, taking pictures, eating) with some very explicit NSFW thrown in. Kiseki chapter 2 (my review https://kisskh.at/759779-kiseki-chapter-2) is the first one though you don't need to watch it to watch this. 8 episodes about an hour each. Aired on GagaOOLala (worldwide except South Korea, Thailand, Japan) https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5312/season-of-love-in-shimane-2025-e01 ; uncut on WeTV https://wetv.vip/en/play/w7dp20ytapqvued/w4101uahlor-EP01%3A_Ai_no_Kisetsu_in_Shimane ; full version for members on 9NAA YouTube (I think the full version on YouTube is also cut) ; cut on YouTube (not available in SE Asia) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96wlltW_5o and also on Viu (likely Thailand). The production company 9NAA made: Kiseki Chapter 2, Venus In The Sky, Check Out, Skinship and I Am Your King.

Cut vs. Uncut - watch uncut not on YouTube because episode 3 was 53:48 on Gaga but only 46:12 for the full version on YouTube which was the same run-time as the two parts on YouTube.

Watch Suggestions (focuses on cute/steamy parts)
- episode 1 watch 14-17:50
- episode 2 watch 3:50-4:35, 12:10-14.35, 23-23:50, 33:10-38:35, 47:40-end
- episode 3 watch beginning-3, 6-9:15, 20:30-25:30, 44:45-end
- episode 4 watch 25:10-45:30
- episode 5 watch 6:10-10:20 and 29:30-end
- episode 6 watch 3:20-6:45
- episode 7 watch 21-26 (or thru 32:40), 39-43 and 51:05-1hr3m25s
- episode 8 watch 3-the end (steamy scenes around 13 minutes)

What I Liked
- scenery
- P has fantastic acting with his eyes, he conveys: jealousy, flirtiness, love and so much more
- steamy parts (hoping they had an intimacy coordinator this time and I could have done without the black socks on his feet in episode 3)
- role playing in episode 5, talking about what the other person likes
- consent in episode 7
- the product placement at the end of episode 7 was hilarious
- episode 8 was nice touring/doing date things around Bangkok

Room For Improvement
- it was pretty slow paced and I found it difficult to get through even watching at a faster speed
- love rival/jealousy
- did not need the bathroom scenes in episode 1, nor the other times they mentioned their bodily functions/toilet humor
- comedy sound effects did not make things funny
- odd in episode 7 why one guy never took his sweater off
- I normally like natural kissing noises but it was too loud in episode 7 (the first NSFW scene)

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okayish

“even if you see a tiny shred of hope, hold on to it. and do not let it go.”

“in dubio pro reo, nemo praesumitur malus — when in doubt in favor of the defendant, no one is guilty”

the selfie he took in his jail cell was the funniest shit ever 😭😭😭

WTF THEY LITERALLY HAD NO REASON TO KILL JITAE LIKE HELLO??? i loved him he was so cute and their friendship was EVERYTHING 

anyways ngl the first few episodes were so boring i almost stopped watching it multiple times but the court episodes made it soooo worth it

also the acting is INSANE, especially the prosecutor omg like it’s either she’s that annoying and punchable irl or she’s just a great actor bcz i felt like killing a bitch  

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comforting.

this drama is so comforting. It’s just what I hoped for. Shin PD really never fails. every drama made by him is always good.

i really liked how the characters grew. Yiyoung used to always want to quit, but now she enjoys being a resident. Namkyung learned a lot from her patients. Jaeil studied hard to become more helpful. And Sabi now feels more like a real, normal person.

Resident Playbook is not just about doctors, but about their personal growth and daily lives. It shows their struggles, their small victories, and their friendships in a very warm and quiet way. watching them made me feel comforted and calm.

it’s a slow and gentle drama, but that’s what makes it special. it reminds you that it’s okay to grow slowly, to feel tired sometimes, and to find happiness in small things.

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just don’t

This show was shockingly bad. I completed it, thinking it was going to be an interesting show about love and death and it turned out to be ridiculous.

Mio has no backbone at all. no personality. no dreams. no desires. no wants. she’s a shell of a human and it’s weird how she’s supposed to be toe main character but has no drive at all whatsoever.

the ML has no charm, no charisma. I was left wondering why anyone would think he’s special. I don’t know why anyone would like him. there was no likable quality. he was controlling, he wasn’t all that attractive. he didn’t even have a personality. even the most villainous characters have a personality. it seemed like he was never home. He gave mio a shred of attention and she was willing to give her life up for him??? those drugs must’ve been EXTRA strong because I don’t know how anyone would fall for him at all.

the plot could’ve been so much better if instead of just seeing why/how he killed people, we also saw why mio loved him. there’s no emotional investment at all. but somehow women were going crazy for him???

not a good plot and the acting couldn’t make up for it.

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Captivating and Engaging!!

I’m not usually one for subtitles, but for The Untamed, I gladly made an exception. And I’m so glad I did. This was one of the best movies I’ve seen, delivering a captivating, engaging, and easy-to-follow storyline.

The film’s true magic lies in its characters, masterfully brought to life by Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo. Their performances were nothing short of mesmerizing, making it impossible not to fall in love with both their characters and them as actors. The emotional depth they brought to their roles made certain scenes gut-wrenching—you’ll need to brace yourself for moments that will have you crying, screaming, and clutching your heart.

I sincerely hope for a sequel. A continuation of this story would be a dream come true, allowing us to delve even further into the world and relationships that made this film so unforgettable. And wouldn’t it be amazing to see The Untamed adapted into an English-language version? It would introduce this masterpiece to an even wider audience.

Whether you’re a fantasy, drama, or beautifully crafted storytelling fan, The Untamed is a must-watch.

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Definitely cried every single time with them, watching a medical drama is not for the weak, since a patient dies every viewer cries. Overall i loved everything just there were a few things that i hated about the ending, like for the story of pyo nam kyung and intern's, and of kim sa-bi and um jae il's they definitely deserved more screentime, also oh yi young and dowon definitely needed more dating era moments., in season 2 definitely wish to see more depth to their relationships, all of them deserved so much screen time! But a thing i deeply loved was that oh yi young's sister didn't have kid, i mean in a good way because it was visible how mentally exhausting and frustrated she was during the whole process, and during times like IVF or unable to naturally concieve it makes a women hate herself so much, the way she compared how others could have a kid but she couldn't broke my heart so in season 2 she definitely deserves a kid. I do agree myeong (idk the name so sorry if i spelt wrong) she definitely deserved karma, beating anything would work but then again this is the spin off of hospital playlist so like parents like kid, we basically ignore bad people and move on. But overall loved it, oh right hated how pyo nam kyung's very first patient died, the patient was the one which made nam kyung want to quit but she was also the one who made her change her mind, totally felt bad for her when she learnt about her, but the way where someone died another one took birth, the scene was potrayed so beautifully, it was also painful since this is the reality of doctors they don't have time to cry for patients or feel for patients they have to get up and still work. So loved the drama so much.

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It started off good and then I got bored. I feel like this show had potential but everything just felt so underdeveloped. I wished Rio had a bit more of a personality. After a while, she started to feel so bland and a little too damsel in distress. I also didn't felt the romance between her and Daiki. In fact Daiki lowkey had better chemistry with his police partner Kuwata. I still think Kuwata had a crush on him or something.

This show had too many characters but because it's only ten episodes, a good chunk of them are underdeveloped. I'm not too surprised about the ending reveal but seeing that the victim was a rapist and his father was a rape apologist, I don't feel bad for their deaths. I do feel bad for the reporter though. The best parts of the show was Rio and her brother Yu's relationship. I love how loyal and caring they are towards one another. I also love Kase's protection of Rio and Yu. For a second I thought there was going to be a love triangle between Rio/Daiki/Kase but luckily none of that happened.

I wish the show had better writing because it could've been a lot more interesting than what it actually was.

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Quietly Snuck Up on Me!!!

Dear Hongrang is one of those dramas that quietly sneaks up on you and lingers long after the final scene. It’s a historical genre, one of my favorites, that manages to blend rich storytelling with restrained elegance, never overdone yet deeply affecting.

The plot unfolds slowly, but deliberately. Set in the Joseon era, it follows a young nobleman navigating a forbidden love, personal identity, and societal expectations. The pacing may feel deliberate at first, but that’s part of its strength—the story gives each moment space to breathe. Nothing is rushed, and every scene feels purposeful. Instead, what could’ve easily turned into melodrama becomes a layered exploration of longing and restraint.

Acting-wise, the cast delivers some truly standout performances. The lead actor brings a quiet intensity to the role, and so much is conveyed through subtle expressions and silences. It's the kind of performance where you feel the weight of unspoken words. The chemistry between the leads isn’t explosive but simmering—tension, vulnerability, and deep emotional undercurrents all come through in beautifully nuanced ways. Supporting roles are equally well-cast, grounding the world with emotional authenticity.

Cinematography is another strength of this drama. The use of light, shadow, and natural settings is breathtaking. Scenes often feel like moving paintings, with soft colors and elegant composition heightening emotional weight. There's a poetic quality to the visuals that perfectly matches the tone of the story. Costume and set design are subtle yet detailed, immersing you without being showy.

Emotionally, Dear Hongrang hits in a quiet but powerful way. It’s not about dramatic declarations or sweeping moments, but the ache of things unsaid—the kind of love that’s more about presence than action. By the final episode, you're not just watching characters—you feel like you’ve lived their sorrow, tenderness, and hope. It’s haunting in the best way.

This drama isn’t for those looking for high-speed plot twists or flashy romance. But if you appreciate storytelling with emotional depth, strong performances, and visual grace, Dear Hongrang will stay with you.

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Real Slice of Life Drama with a Romance and Laughter

As a hospital playlist girly I watched that too many times and resident playbook did not dissapoint, Im not a medical practitioner but I know there are some flaws yet its not the main point of the story. The plot, romance, build up and even the cameos are so good. This is also the first kdrama of 2025 that I got to finish and that is saying something. The osts are topnotch having DK and D.O and many others, and the whole mido falasol crew 💅🏻❤️‍🔥 I was so happy for the team, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have to rewatch this sooner or later, Its very light to watch and recommendable.

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"Your love has made me human"

Dear Hongrang was a dark, twisty, tropey drama featuring two of my favorite Jae Wooks. Instead of the familiar fight for the throne and court politics, this fight played out within a wealthy merchant family that’s made a deal with the devil. When a long-lost son returns it sets a powder keg of greed and avarice on fire.

Jae I has spent the last twelve years searching for her lost younger brother Hongrang after the family mostly gave up on him. Her stepmother wants her dead. Her father only sees her worth in the columns of assets and liabilities. Her older adopted brother Mu Jin is being groomed to take over the family business and has a not so secret crush on her. One day a stranger with no memory of his childhood is brought in who turns out to be her brother Hongrang. Or is he? And what murderous mysteries are hidden behind the expensive walls and hanboks of the wealthy and nobility?

Dear Hongrang takes a strong stomach to watch. Children were kidnapped and tortured in painful and vile ways. Wives who no longer fell into the asset column were taken out to be murdered. Slaves and those without power or prestige were considered less than human and expendable while those with power often walked a fine line between sanity and insanity with overtly sadistic tendencies. Into this bloody mess Jae I and Hongrang went from being adversaries to allies, and “siblings” with complicated feelings for each other.

The cinematography, lighting, and music were overtly gloomy and melancholic. One particular scene went ATLA Tui funeral with red lighting. Deceptive sunshine only gave the viewer a breath to brace for upcoming pain. The sole spoilery comment I’ll make is that you need to prepare yourself for a high body count, many of which you’ll hope will be boiled in bronze. I didn’t find the drama particularly suspenseful as most of the turning points were well foreshadowed. I did, however, find it entertaining largely due to Lee Jae Wook and Kim Jae Wook’s performances. Kim has definitely found a niche for himself playing handsome, criminally maniacal characters. While this short nightmarish drama will not be for all tastes, it managed to tell its gruesome tale without overstaying its welcome.

18 May 2025
Trigger warnings: Dismemberments, more gruesome deaths than an average Kdrama, torture scenes, and child torture scenes

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Love Squares and Manipulation

Secret Relationships is a total roller coaster of emotions.

It’s not your usual BL series, it’s full of toxicity, possessiveness, and seriously flawed characters, but that’s what makes it so engaging. Without all the messiness, it would’ve been flat and boring.

What makes it even more intense is how possessive the characters get, even when they’re not in a relationship.

This show definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll either love it or absolutely hate it—no in-between.

And forget love triangles… this story gives us love squares.

If you’re into sweet, wholesome romances, this probably won’t be your thing. But if you’re in the mood for something messier and a little chaotic, it’s worth a watch.

Hints:

Guy 1 - the person who they fall in love with
Guy 2 - calmed yet manipulative, and also unreasonable, the craziest of all 3.
Guy 3 - possessive and violent
Guy 4 - green flag but kissed Guy #1 when he was drunk.

The cast may be underrated, but they seriously delivered excellent performances.

I do wish it had more episodes or maybe even a second season, but honestly, I’m happy with how it all wrapped up. If you're looking for something different from the usual BL dramas, definitely give this one a try.

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You have to love the craxy

So I would recommend this if you like short dramas and all the dumpster fire craziness that they bring. It is a complete guilty pleasure but I do love this kind of drama. It's short, it's crazy and most importantly fun and entertaining. The chemistry between the leads was on fire. I wish I knew who directed it because I would totally look up the next one they did, it was beautifully shot. And lastly I wish that long dramas would take some cues from this kind of format because watching leads kiss - all that money and it's like watching someone kiss a dead fish. You certainly don't have that issue with this kind of drama. Also they're not related to each other and that's all I'm going to say about that. Definitely will rewatch when I want something fun and slightly wrong.

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Good to pass the time

If you're looking for something quick and light to pass the time, then this drama is for you. Its storyline is really not that deep, although it seems like that in the beginning. I would honestly say that my theory of the plot twist was much more interesting than the plot twist itself. The acting was mostly fine, though quite stiff from ML and Ji Wu Huan. I really enjoyed Xiao Lian though. The romance part was quite underdeveloped in my opinion, although they spend quite some time on it. There are other mini-dramas that managed this much better. It's good to pass time, but don't expect too much of it.

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