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Toxic ah relationship
I'll keep it short and simple.Toxic, possessive, and unemotional weather man with his toy housewife/man submissive slave that has the conviction of a wet towel are madly in love (?) ... There was so much chemistry between those two guys that they survived through their absolute inability to communicate their feelings, needs ... or anything... FOR YEARS of living together.
if that's the type of show you want to watch ... sure go for it ,enjoy your Japanese BL manga tropes queen
but it was not for me
p.s props to the actors they were amazing made the plot bearable !
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Shadow Love Made Me Fall for Cheng Lei All Over Again
I started watching Shadow Love mainly because of Cheng Lei and Song Yi, and honestly, it did not disappoint at all. Some people were leaving hate comments saying their chemistry wasn’t working, but to me it was totally there. The tension, the banter, the little emotional beats, they nailed it.One of the biggest highlights for me was Cheng Lei’s acting upgrade. He didn’t just play one character, but three completely different ones: Xuan Yike, Jin’an, and Duan Aodeng. Each role felt distinct, and it really showed how much range he’s built as an actor. Among them, Jin’an stood out for being both intense and hilariously awkward 😅 sometimes I even felt embarrassed for him. His struggle with Yulinglong, especially the scenes where he’s tempted to drink Shuang’s blood, gave the drama so much edge.
Story-wise, Shadow Love feels like a breath of fresh air. I’ve seen plenty of Chinese dramas, but I honestly haven’t come across one like this before. The concept is unique, the pacing is engaging, and it balances action, humor, and romance in a way that makes it super bingeable.
That being said, my ultimate favorite character has to be Duan Aodeng, a.k.a. Annan Wang. Even though he only really shines from episode 30 onward, his presence is unforgettable. Out of all the characters Cheng Lei has ever played, this one tops my list, mysterious, impactful, and just impossible to ignore.
And about the ending, it’s a happy ending, and I absolutely loved it. It tied everything together while still leaving me with the urge to rewatch. In fact, I already know I’ll go back to episodes 31–35 because that’s where Duan Aodeng dominates the screen.
Overall, Shadow Love is definitely one of those dramas I’ll keep coming back to. Exciting plot, strong chemistry, and a performance that proves Cheng Lei is leveling up big time.
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Great Acting With An Implausible & Sick Story!
Yet again, this is another example of a potentially good BL series that went awry. There is a lot of good acting in this series. The issue is, it was wasted in a noxious story. I want to cry over the content (or lack thereof) that is being used to construct BL stories. While I know there ought to be no topics off limits, I do wish more positive representations of ‘Boys Love’ could be portrayed. Or at least ones that are not always so pessimistic in nature and content and/or surrounded by such ugly and negative dimensions. Generally speaking, Korean BL tend to be dark and broody; this one was exceptionally morose and despairing, sprinkled with a mixture of odd personas that sometimes worked. And sometimes not.This is good acting wasted on a silly and sick story. You can't find better story ideas?
You can read the full review of this well acted but implausible story at BLBliss.com.
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Two Kinds of Love, One Lasting Heartache
The balance of comedy and romance in True Beauty is both charming and heartfelt. While it begins with the familiar makeover trope, the arrival of two ex-best friends falling for the same girl creates genuine suspense. What makes the love triangle unique is how we witness two distinct forms of love and care directed toward Ju-kyung: Su-ho’s steady, protective devotion and Seo-jun’s warm, selfless support.Although the choice between them seems obvious from early on, Seo-jun’s unwavering love leaves a lasting impact. Viewers find themselves not only rooting for Ju-kyung and Su-ho’s romance but also yearning for Seo-jun’s happiness — a longing that carries over even into his appearances in other dramas. This makes the ending feel bittersweet: satisfying in its resolution, yet tinged with the ache of Seo-jun’s unfulfilled story.
What stands out most is the humanity of every character. There are no true villains — even Kang Su-jin, whose betrayal stems from insecurity, earns empathy by the end. Ultimately, True Beauty reminds us that love can take many forms, and sometimes the most touching stories are those that don’t end in “happily ever after” for everyone.
However, it is not the strongest rewatch drama, as the story is fairly predictable once you know the outcome. Its real strength lies not in surprise twists but in the feelings it stirs — the warmth, longing, and bittersweet ache that stay with you long after the credits roll.
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The EPIC masterpiece!
I'm a core, die-hard fan of xianxia dramas and when the destiny brings the demon has my heart and everything !the gratitude, the way the production team delivered at the end had my whole respect.
The cast: they are the chef's kiss! what a coherent cast. For sure no other cast group could've done it better that this one 😭🥹
The acting: They are the definition of acting! how well they have delivered their roles in all the very episode.
This is my kinda drama where I cannot miss them too much cuz they just gave every single scene which we crave, how well the outcome have come, just everything.
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One of the most disappointed reality survival show that i ever watched in 2024
Some of the contestants are half baked artist that need help from guider to show their power, however, it is not the case.The torturing for the first elimination is a bit boring, as some of the judge does not do dance.
The first and second public show is quite good, but the third public show, down hill quite fast, as many good contestant QUIT without any others leaving behind the so-so artist.
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When Food Outshines Everything Else in a K-Drama
After 6 episodes, one thing is very clear: this show is only about food. There’s no real story, no acting depth, nothing beyond the gastronomy. The slapstick comedy feels like the thousandth recycled version of similar shows, and the acting isn’t helping either—especially Yoona, who has been exaggerating her expressions since the very first episode. Once or twice it’s tolerable, but all the time? It quickly becomes tiring.Lee Chaemin is decent so far, and since this is his first lead role in a major production, I don’t want to scrutinize him too harshly—I’ll wait to see how he progresses.
Now to chemistry, the dynamic between the leads feels more like siblings squabbling than a couple in the making. If the story does head toward romance (if there even is one), I’m not convinced they can deliver the needed intensity. At best, it may end up looking like two attractive actors sharing the frame rather than two characters genuinely in love. And honestly, that has always been the case with Yoona—her on-screen chemistry often feels more hyped than real, usually reduced to how well her visuals “match” with her co-star rather than any genuine emotional connection. Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself here.
The reasons people like this drama are simple: (1) "The Food". The gastronomy scenes are beautifully shot and guaranteed to make you crave something to eat. Most of the online comments under this drama are about how delicious the food looks and how well it’s presented or eaten—hardly anyone talks about anything else.
(2) "The Timing". With all the major dramas scheduled for mid-to-late September, this show has no real rivals. By the time the competition arrives, this one will be wrapping up, so it’s enjoying a free ride on timing and food appeal.
And now, the elephant in the room: I wish the creators had been clear about which Joseon king they based this on. If it really is the problematic figure people are speculating, then the whole premise is disturbing. How can anyone, even in fiction, imagine falling for a rapist and murderer? What were the creators thinking? 🤨 Even worse, audiences are raving about this show without considering what kind of message it sends.Honestly, it’s disappointing.
Overall, this is a no-brainer watch. If you like food, you’ll enjoy it—because the food is excellent here. But beyond that, the show offers nothing substantial, and I highly doubt that will change in the upcoming episodes.
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Not Every Drama is Romantic but helps you to understand what is LOVE better
This drama felt less like a simple series and more like a beautiful storyteller weaving emotions, values, and life lessons into every frame. From the very beginning, the director and writer proved their vision was not only clear but deeply impactful, creating something that resonated with millions of viewers around the world. It was not just entertainment, it was an experience that touched the heart and made me reflect on love, emotions, and the essence of life itself.One of the most striking aspects of this drama was how every single episode carried meaning. There were no fillers, no unnecessary detours just a consistent delivery of messages that stayed with the audience long after the credits rolled. Each episode contributed something unique, whether it was a touching emotional moment, a powerful moral lesson, or a reminder of the beauty of human connection. This ability to make viewers feel and think at the same time is what truly set the drama apart.
However, as much as I adored the series, I couldn’t bring myself to give it a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, and that was largely because of the ending. The finale, though not entirely disappointing, felt slightly rushed and incomplete. It left me wishing the drama had been given more space to breathe perhaps an extension beyond just 12 episodes would have allowed the story to conclude more naturally and meaningfully. A longer run might have tied up the loose ends and provided the closure that the characters and the audience truly deserved.
Despite this minor shortcoming, the drama remains a remarkable piece of work. It succeeded in teaching valuable lessons about love, life, and emotions, and it left a lasting impression on me. Very few dramas manage to balance storytelling, emotional depth, and moral lessons so effectively, and this one did it beautifully. It may not have been flawless, but it was still a journey worth taking a drama that will remain in my memory for a long time.
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The Perfect Match
I followed this drama because of Song Wei Long as the ML. He is so handsome and really play well as the Prince. He is very kingly in appearance and in bearing. The FL is correct in describing him after he get up from bathtub: "His physique is great, his face like a chiseled jake, his every move is perfection..." Super handsome and manly actor and very good in subtle acting. Few words but he can express his mind and heart through looks and actions.I found the FL very beautiful and with refreshing beauty. They are really a perfect match. I love how they tried to tease and seduce each other as husband and wife with boundaries but growing in love for each other. They are both pure and chaste and hesitant to make the first move.
I love the main characters. The ML is a great prince and general but he is not obsessed by power and greed but really focusing on the welfare of the kingdom, eradicating corruption and serving faithfully the Emperor. Despite him having a ruthless reputation he is actually a good person who is loving and caring to his soldiers and to the people in general.
The FL character is so nice. She has innocent beauty which looks young but very intelligent and always reason out. Her love of her father is very deep and is managing the household property with efficiency. It is also noteworthy that she respects people including the maids and the servants with respect.
The love story is very beautiful. It is a match of two noble families and of a young man and woman with both goodness in their hearts. The interchange of politics with tensions due to corruption and power is also very nice. The sword actions by the ML is also excellent. Even the love story of the second leads are very beautiful and touching such as the funny love-hate relationship betweem Mimin and Lord Zhang as well as the touching love between YiYin and Lord Zhu.
The secondary actors too are excellent. The Marquis General father of the FL is so wonderful. The villain Prime Minister is subtle and looks nice but brilliantly cunning. The generals and adviser friends of the ML are great actors too. This is an excellent drama worthy of the status of Song Wei Long. The music is so beautiful and touching. The actions in battles are very good.
I feel sorry for the young and very talented deputy commander whose father was murdered and he died at the end. Glad that he got his justice though. The villain is so cunning and so evil. So happy for the happy ending.
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A "secret" historical romance
Such a nice change for a gmmtv series. This historical approach was refreshing for me. The gentle love, all the yearning. My heart melted each time. Although I started it bc of AouBoom (wish we got more scenes of their couple, for me their story was more interesting) i enjoyed GreatInn enough as well. Their story was so sweet. Thee valued and loved Rati with his whole heart and he made it loud and clear. He has fallen so hard for him! They both waited for each other. Even after their separation they truly stood by the "my heart belongs to you and only you". Every scene was full of emotions that you had to read them in their eyes and gestures.We got a glimpse for both economical statuses at the time. The wealthy ones and the ppl that worked for them. AouBooms couple was a great way to show how each one valued money. While Dech took part in muay matches for fun, Mek did it to get more money exposing his body in danger when he should be taking better care of it bc his strength was what was keeping him into work. I loved the fact that all Mek needed was a chance into education to get him do great stuff. He prooved that poor ppl are also intelligent when given the right tools.
My only complain is that we didnt get to see Thee's father relationship with his other son. I wanted to see them get even closer then just one dinner together. And also get a lityle more development on the brothers character too.
For me the rating isn't unfair. Having more subtle shows isn't bad. It was serious and romantic at the same time. While we also got some funny moments from MekDech (classic AouBoom that teases each other on their own way and we love that).
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Not Good Enough
Korean Drama 'Nine Puzzle' is an investigative drama that centers around a serial killer and a complex criminal story.The latter had many suspects, characters, and twists, and the ending was intense.
However, the investigation part was boring, and the main characters didn't flow well together. The leading lady, being all quirky and dark, didn't really fit her and was not handled well. The performances, however, were all great by every actor and actress in the cast.
So, overall, five out of ten.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama 'Kick Kick Kick Kick' is an office comedy.The drama has many interesting characters, with the two main leads and their dynamics being the heart of the story. The latter was entertaining, with okay jokes, but some heartwarming plotlines. The pace was also fast and it suited the drama well.
The performances were all great as well by every actor and actress in the cast.
However, the ending was rushed, and the romance could and probably should have been omitted.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
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Buy 1 get 2 FREE! (I want them all)
This drama adaption took the novel and made it better imo, it has more depth to the characters relationships, have more of a cast + their development arcs while not cutting off the novel’s main plot lines. The show shines in its costumes (very important as it easily shows the significant distinctions from all 3 personas of the main lead), fight set pieces (we literally have a vampire superhero with magical super strength & healing) & good balance between funny, emotional & serious scenes.This definitely can be considered as Cheng Lei’s best work, all his personas are so different, just his gaze can make even a random person watching know which character he is. I know he worked really hard on his body for Xuan Yike’s scenes and it’s so so worth it! He had such great chemistry with every character, especially his girl besties Qiao & LuXin, LiTing & MoYin, even his love rival MuYang. Song Yi I think shone best in emotional scenes but her fight choreo was good as well. I think she got a brunt of criticism due to archery logically not being very General-esque style. People think she should be more manly/brolic but they heavily implied that she’s more strategic leader & never had a manly look even in the books. She’s always wanted to be feminine, but never had the opportunity or felt like she could. A very effeminate General is something we need, not just tomboyish ones. Also, her personal female army was so good & diverse.
Something positive can be negative as I really thought the drama did well by adding scenes to develop Jin’an & Shuang’s romantic relationship. But I think they spent a little too long on it (maybe 1-2 epis). They kept “telling” us about Shuang’s problems of being beholden to her adoptive family rather than showing us. But the story really got going after Jin’an remembered his true identity of Prince Aodeng. The angst part at the end & the funny shenanigans at the start are the best parts of the show. You can taste a variety of flavours of tropes and makes me want to rewatch it all!
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Good Enough
Korean Drama 'Hyper Knife' is a medical criminal drama.The story is quite complex, and it centers around the two surgeons who are both geniuses in their field and, thus, both similar. The drama is not afraid to dig deep and to present a morally gray character who has her own way of thinking when it comes to life and death.
However, and even though the story was moving at breathtaking speed, the drama, despite all the twists and turns, had a messy ending, and it got tiring to follow the two main leads. So, a strong start, but a weak ending for this drama.
The performances, on the other hand, were all strong and great.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama 'Heavenly Ever After' is a fantasy comedy with a lot of drama elements.The story is original and interesting at first, with the comedy being mild and not a laugh-out-loud kind of comedy, but enjoyable enough. The characters were interesting as well, and they were endearing. The romance was lovely and sweet as well and there were a lot of emotional moments. The fantasy element was, moreover, entertaining.
However, the story was not handled well. It was tiring after a while, the ending was rushed, and the melodrama didn't blend well with the comedy part.
The performances, finally, were all great.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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