Reviews

Visually stunning with fantastic supporting cast

When I first started watching this drama, I honestly thought a lot of it was a bit corny. It seemed to be a typical xianxia setting and plot, and whatever humour they had in it just seemed forced. However, as time went on and the episodes progressed, I realized how very wrong my first impressions were.

This drama had so much heart - it wasn't so much that the plot was groundbreaking, but that every scene was crafted with care, and where every character had their own complex personality that made everything emotionally moving. It wasn't just about romantic love, but also about familial love and the theme of found family.

The chemistry between everyone was great, but special shoutout to the leads who played the intricacies of a couple so well. Sometimes it's the small things that make a drama, and the casual intimacies between the two of them as well as the persevering openness and trust between them, is what makes this a standout amongst the many xianxias that thrive on misunderstandings and miscommunication.

A big kudos to the whole cast and production because this was one of the most visually beautiful xianxia I have ever watched, from the costumes (well, okay, maybe not the Lanling sect), to the makeup, to the sets, to the cgi. The opening OST with the voiceovers was also maybe one of my favourite openings in any drama ever.

This truly has become one of my top xianxia. If you're a fan of the genre, this is, in my opinion, a must watch.

Read More

No big Drama - but a Story about simple Life and Love

I like it. Short sentence, but big Meaning.

Its a series about Life and Love. Its easy und slow, but completly right for times, when you only want to sit und watch a series, without thinking. A series to relax.
I think, we need this example of series.
About the acting is nothing to complain. They do it good.

Its a little difficult for me, because the happiness and die positve future is nothing, i knew for me, but i like to watch it. You can imagine, that this positivity can really be like that. That there are people, which a really so. We all know, life can sucks a lot und for me, this kind auf happiness is not a normal occurrence.
But bnecause of that, i love to watch this kind auf series.

For many people is "We are" boring, but for a lot of other people is it like a nice book, where you can dive in and put your own world aside. And you are happy with the main protagonists und how the story ended.

So, yeah. I like it :-)

Read More

A must watch!!

The love triangle in this series created some of the best funny moments I have ever seen. The romance was definitely a highlight for this series. I enjoyed the whole series from start to end. The ending was very satisfying and left nothing more to desire. A must watch!!!
If you want to laugh a lot with the characters, if you want to get emotional and if you like the cliché moments that makes you fall in love, you should definitely check out this drama. Ignore the low ratings, most refer to one of the characters not getting more what he deserved, which I agree, but giving a 5 or 6 is even more unfair, especially when you consider the whole drama.

Read More

A controversial drama

When the trailer came out, I had really high expectations for this drama. But after watching it, I was so disappointed. Instead of focusing on how the police caught the criminals, the drama spent most of the time showing the killer's life, even trying to make them seem pitiful and giving excuses for why they killed people. They also use one of the killer's names as the victim's father's name. Since this is based on a real case, it's really disrespectful to the victims.

On top of that, the way they marketed the cast, calling them "F4 meat processing factory" and picturing Esther Wang holding the spatula that was used to abuse victims- was just so disgusting.

This is probably the first drama I've seen that glorifies the killer so much. I’m definitely avoiding anything from this director and screenwriter in the future.

Read More

A Thrilling Masterpiece: Bloody Game*Season 3

If you think you've seen it all in survival variety shows, *Bloody Game* Season 3 will make you think again. As a long-time fan of strategic Korean variety shows, I can confidently say this season is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Cast: A Perfect Blend of Chaos and Brilliance
One of the biggest highlights of this season was the casting. Bringing together the legendary Jang Dong Min, with his sharp wit and unparalleled experience, and Hong Jiho, whose calm, calculated strategies are always unpredictable, was a genius move. These two powerhouses, alongside a diverse cast of other contestants, created an electric atmosphere that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between the cast members was both tense and entertaining, leading to some of the most memorable alliances and betrayals I've ever seen.

The Plot and Games: Beyond Imagination
The production team outdid themselves with the intricate plotlines and brilliantly designed games. Each challenge required a perfect blend of strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking. The twists and turns in the storyline were so unpredictable that I found myself constantly on edge, trying to anticipate what would happen next.

From psychological games to physical challenges, every episode pushed the contestants to their limits, both mentally and emotionally. The pacing was perfect each round built up tension, and the revelations were mind-blowing. I particularly loved how the games tested not only individual skills but also the ability to manipulate and influence others.

Strategy, Tactics, and Betrayals: A True Battle of Minds
What makes *Bloody Game* unique is the depth of strategy involved, and Season 3 took this to a whole new level. Watching the contestants outsmart one another, form temporary alliances, and then backstab when it suited their agenda was thrilling. The mind games and betrayals were so intense that it felt like watching a high-stakes chess match, where every move could make or break someone's game.

The balance between psychological warfare and emotional connections among the contestants added a human touch to the chaos. It made me question how I would react in their shoes. Would I trust someone or play it safe? This relatability made the experience even more immersive.

Why This Season Stands Out
The decision to bring back fan-favorite contestants like Jang Dong Min and Hong Jiho was a stroke of brilliance. Their history in the genre gave them an edge, but they still had to adapt to the unique challenges and unpredictable cast dynamics of this season. It was fascinating to see veterans and rookies clash in a game of pure survival.

Additionally, the production quality was outstanding. The visuals, music, and editing amplified the tension and drama, making each moment feel cinematic. The storytelling was so well-executed that even the smallest interactions between players carried weight.

Final Thoughts
*Bloody Game* Season 3 is, without a doubt, one of the best survival shows I have ever watched. It combines sharp strategy, unpredictable twists, and unforgettable characters into a thrilling package that leaves you craving more. If you're a fan of intense mind games, brilliant tactics, and emotional storytelling, this season is an absolute must-watch.

I’m already looking forward to what the next season might bring, but it will be tough to top the brilliance of Season 3. Kudos to the cast and production team for delivering a show that will undoubtedly remain in my memory for years to come.

Read More

An intriguing storyline full of surprises.

This drama is about the struggle of doctors and nurses in saving people's lives. What I love about this drama is the convincing and heartfelt performances of the actors and actresses 🤍. Also, the storyline is direct and detailed, which prevents it from becoming overwhelming or confusing. Throughout this drama, I experienced a mix of emotions, including sadness, happiness, tension, and the spirit of perseverance. Truly amazing 🤩. Overall, this drama is captivating for viewers who enjoy stories filled with tension and determination. I also hope that there will be a Season 2 for this drama, please 🙏🏻. I LOVE THIS DRAMA VERY VERY MUCH ❤️.

Read More

Stories of Love: A Girl's Journey from Mortal to God

Moonlight Mystique is essentially a cluster of stories within a grander story, each one a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and courage. After the one year-long Bai Lu drama drought, she delivers another high-quality Xianxia, while Ao Ruipeng makes his Xianxia debut. Adapted from the novel “Bai Shuo Shang Shen,” or High God Bai Shuo, by Xing Ling, Moonlight Mystique is set in the same universe as Ancient Love Poetry and The Last Immortal, but isn’t a direct sequel/prequel, nor should it be considered one. If you’ve watched ALP and/or TLI, it would be best to scrap their “worlds” and dive into Moonlight Mystique with any ‘prior knowledge.’ Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this Xianxia drama, from its elegant production style and intricate costumes to its phenomenal acting and powerful chemistry between all couples. I wouldn’t say Moonlight Mystique is one of the strongest Xianxia dramas I have watched, but it is near the top and did not fail my expectations. The plot progression and character dynamics are very logical, there are minimal to no plot fillers, and the drama stayed relatively strong throughout. I do think that MM has a few shortcomings, which I will explain later.

The setting is your typical Xianxia world: strong animosity between the mortals, immortals, and demons. The mortals are scrutinized for their short-lived and weak selves, the immortals are your so-called righteous (which we know is almost always hypocritical), and the demons are the ‘villains.’ Nothing new here. However, it’s key to point out that Moonlight Mystique is a strong female-centered drama. This is already hinted with the official poster that was initially released. Like what some Chinese netizens pointed out, what may make Moonlight Mystique more appealing is the fact that Bai Shuo doesn’t wait for anyone’s saving. When she was about to get pierced by a sword, what did she do? Instead of standing there blankly, waiting for Fan Yue to save her, she just ducks. Bai Shuo sets her heart on what she wants. She knows what she wants, and she will do everything in her power to accomplish that. As she begins to harness the power of the Wu Nian Stone, Bai Shuo transitions from an initially weak mortal to the only surviving God in the world.

I appreciate the drama’s balance of constructing a strong female lead while giving ample space for the development of other characters and their stories. The male lead, Fan Yue, is a lofty and powerful demon king, revered by many and despised by others. While lofty, he has a pure heart and only hopes for the best for others. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Fan Yue and Bai Shuo and their mutual trust in one another. There weren’t any classic Xianxia misunderstandings (fortunately). Fan Yue and Bai Shuo were honest to one another from the start, and while they did try holding back things for the oher’s benefit, we eventually see them fighting together, side by side.

Moonlight Mystique is one of those rare dramas where each supporting character really stands out. I am not exaggerating when I say that I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much for each character. Even the “villains” have their own back stories that stand out. Each story arc left me gripping the edge of my seat and fumbling for tissues. Each couple has strong chemistry that leaves me rooting for them no matter their ending. Ling Long and Rong Xian’s star-crossed lovers romance was painfully-gripping yet breathlessly beautiful. Mu Jiu and Tian Huo seemed like an unlikely couple that blossomed into such cute interactions. We witness Chang Mei’s thousand-year growth through her story with A’Qi, yet another fox romance. A major highlight of this drama was Fu Ling and Chong Zhao’s story, one where love transcends hate. Every pair just worked so well. There are also familial pairs: Bai Shuo’s close relationship with her father, Tian Huo’s final reconciliation with her father after years of misunderstanding, Fan Yue untangling his younger brother’s knots of hatred, Cang Shan standing up for his demon tribe. There is just so much love in this drama. With the spotlight on so many characters, it’s difficult for a 40-episode Cdrama to really get into the “nitty-gritty” of the main couple. There are indeed many cute moments between Bai Shuo and Fan Yue, but sometimes I am left longing for more. It also seems like supporting couples may overpower the main cp, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of every supporting character (Zhen Yu and Luan Zhu not so much, but alas, antagonists are necessary).

The acting is another major highlight. I'm relatively familiar with Bai Lu’s acting, having watched many of her works. I’ve noticed that she often carries bits of her other characters into her new ones, but her acting has grown tremendously over the past few years (One and Only is a strong example). This time around, I was very impressed with the determination her eyes conveyed and the control over crying scenes. On the other hand, I watched Ao Ruipeng for the first time, and his acting is phenomenal to say the least. His portrayals of Fan Yue, Mu Mu, and Jing Yuan are so distinct and distinguishable. His characters even remind me of the three-headed dragon meme (lol), with one ferocious head, one semi-ferocious head, and one cute head. His embodiment of each character displays contrasting personalities. Other than sharing the same Ao Ruipeng face and sharing the same ‘persona’, these characters have essentially nothing in common. It’s really all in the eyes, and ARP’s eyes effectively displayed a wide range of emotions. The scene of Jing Yuan and Bai Shuo looking at each other is probably my favorite. I could tell that they were not looking at their lovers. Bai Lu has amazing chemistry with most of her co-stars, but I’m going to be bold and claim that she has the strongest chemistry with Ao Ruipeng out of all the dramas I have watched. They are like two peas in a pod, both in the drama and in the BTS clips. I would recommend you watch an interview of them or some of those clips—the laughter never ends. I was also introduced to Dai Luwa and Chang Huasen, both of whom have starred in popular dramas. Again, their eyes portrayed everything. I could write about each actors’ skill for hours, but I hope you get the idea.

Production-wise, the costumes were designed with very specific intentions and themes in mind. Bai Shuo’s lighter clothing at the beginning reflect her mortal status, and as she gets increasingly tangled in affairs involving Fan Yue, her outfits transition to darker dresses with wavy hair (common in demons). The fox clan’s outfits really do make the characters look like foxes; Cang Shan’s Rock Clan wear outfits and makeup that reflect their rock identities. Fu Ling’s transition in clothing, from darker purples to pastel purples was gorgeous. The CGI effects were also very well produced. I wouldn’t call the production over-the-top—there was a lot going on, but it was well-balanced. Oh, and Xi Xi (Fu Ling’s spirit) was adorable.

The OST compiles songs from some of the most prominent modern Cdrama singers in China, including Sa Dingding, Zhou Shen, Jing Long and Huang Xiaoyun. Sa Dingding, as usual, delivers a painfully beautiful song filled with emotions. Zhou Shen graces us with his elegant voice. Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng also sang a melodious song together. Each song is very catchy and written-well, but my only complaint was that the OST may have been overused, particularly San Dingding’s “Hua Luo Wu Heng” - Flowers Falling Without a Trace. The song is very powerful, but the constant playing of the main lyrics started to destroy the vibes of certain scenes.

Moonlight Mystique marks a very promising year for Cdramas. If you are a Xianxia fan, you might want to give this drama a chance. With strong characters, high quality production, and well-paced plot development, we witness the role love plays throughout. Perhaps certain arcs and relationships could have been expanded upon, but with China’s 40-episode limit, I was very satisfied with how the overall drama turned out. There are numerous connections between all the characters that I won’t give away, but the reveals are done masterfully and really enhance the overall viewer experience. So, my Xianxia lovers, you might be in luck!

Read More

Love this drama

I am totally loving this c-drama. It blends mystery, thriller, and romance into an unforgettable journey, and it had me completely hooked from the first episode.
The plot masterfully intertwines suspense with heartfelt moments, making every episode a rollercoaster of emotions. The mystery elements are intriguing, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another layer of the story would unfold, pulling me deeper into its grip.
The romance is not just about fleeting passion but builds on deep emotions and character growth. Watching the leads navigate their feelings amidst all the chaos around them is a treat. Their chemistry is electrifying yet tender, giving us moments that make your heart race one minute and melt the next. 🥰
The production quality is top-notch, with locations that brings the story’s world to life.
What truly makes this drama stand out, though, is the FL and the ML, the supporting cast are great too, the 2FL princess is a little annoying but i think that is due to the script and not the actress. . Each actor embodies their character so perfectly that you’re drawn in. Their performances are great for a fun c-drama that is light, serious but not dark.
Overall, *Everlasting Longing* is a must-watch for anyone who loves dramas with depth, excitement, and a little hate turned lovers. Highly recommend!

Read More

You Have to Have Patience

The only thing I'm going to say about this show is that the ML Seo Ju Won (Moon Sang Min), the 2nd ML Seo Si Won (Yoon Park) and the 2nd FL Lee Mi Jin (Park So Jin) are great. In fact, the secondary couple carries this show and honestly, it should have just been about them. The FL Ha Yun Seo (Shin Hyun Been) was insufferable. Can't make up her mind, when she finally does, she screws that up, plus she was just generally unlikeable. Every drama, I try to take notes as I watch so I'll leave those below because I am not writing a whole review on this awful show. lol

So far this is alright. I chose it out of the many shows on my "Plan To Watch" list because I just finished A Shop For Killers and wanted something light, funny, and predictable.

So far I don't clock much chemistry between the FL Ha Yun Seo (Shin Hyun Been) and ML Seo Ju Won (Moon Sang Min) and I'm not sure if it's the way they're written, the acting, or the apparent large age gap between the two actors.

I am surprised at how quickly the show is moving in terms of the predictable plot. She's already been bought off by the MIL, already done the breaking up, he's already trying to win her back AND she's just admitted she does, in fact, still love him and that's just the first two episodes!!

Okay, I just checked because I was like, "Oh boy, if there are the usual 16 episodes of this then I know we're in for at least three separate things that will come between them.". It's only 10 episodes long but I'm guessing we still get two things. One will be another woman or man, and the other will be their own lack of communication. lol

Okay, I STRUGGLED to finish this. If it hadn't been only 10 episodes I definitely would've given up. The ML is great, the second couple are actually interesting, but the FL is insufferable. More so than the mother. At least the mother is up front and knows what she wants.

Read More

First Love

First love might not be like what they show us in movies and romance novels I believe whenever you fall in love with someone its first because you have loved this person for the first time and you wish to make it the most beautiful and cherishable moment of your life ✨ (not quoted I wrote this)
I feel like this drama potrays the feelings when you develop a crush and how it affects you in the most little ways really fucking well to me the best part of any romantic drama is when they dont really know they like each other but have started to and have these sweet little moments with little to no awkwardness and they are trying to be good yet feel comfortable enough to genuinely be themselves in front of that other person the little gestures of feet tingling in bed texting but trying not to go overboard to not be too clingy and feeling of happiness as you fall for someone is again potrayed fantastically the story is heartwarming along with the You gotta move on as life goes on thing . I liked the ending the most they both are happy and long wait is over but its not absolute happiness yet there are no cheezy lets always be together dialogues you have entered into my life and Im really happy and excited to look forward to how we turn out in this moment I like you and you are really beautiful haruka (~probably woohyun’s mind) truly simply beautiful .

Read More

First Impression: Flirt Milk

Overall: was not impressed with the first episode but I'm giving this the benefit of the doubt. Airing 10 episodes on iQIYI (assume uncut) https://www.iq.com/play/flirt-milk-episode-1-lnx53go1mg?lang=en_us and YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGK_7sekG_-nSAcAHgMl2lFHZb6rCrVHu&si=NkoJsXTHoPP5XUaa Episode 1 was 45 minutes on iQIYI and a minute shorter on YouTube, I did not see a difference. Produced by Star Hunter Entertainment (City of Stars, Big Dragon, SunsetxVibes)

What I Liked
- easy to understand premise for the main leads (though the whole non con picture taking thing was ridiculous and not in a fun way)
- gl side couple (hope there isn't a love triangle though)

Room For Improvement
- started in the present with a voice over then a flashback to 5 months ago
- too many characters introduced (confused with the male characters in that club)
- maybe the main character is supposed to be a naive/quirky character, but it isn't working for me
- hideous wig/facial hair
- (neutral) comedy sound effects
- (neutral) ubiquitous product placement (but it pays for series so generally doesn't bother me)

Read More