completed dramas & the inner workings of my brain

I'm really not sure what makes me love this drama so much. Maybe it's the pastel colours, fun fashion, and the overall cute aesthetics. How all of those features mixed so well with that sweetly candied character behaviours that Chinese dramas often portray. The story itself wasn't revolutionary, but regardless, this is my most rewatched drama by far. I love FL and how she is just her own original character who is strong in her own right, and how ML comes to treat her. They have some real chemistry and are just adorable! It was rarely frustrating (which is something I rather dislike about Asian dramas), and it was just a really wholesome, fun, and pretty watch.  Do watch it if you haven't given it a try yet and you love romantic comedies with some drama :)  

Dec 30 2020 - Jan 1 2021

august 4 - 5 2021

This drama has stuck with me because of its overlying theme of fighting against oppression. It's frustrating and grimy at times, but those moments where the leads work or fight through those pitfalls, it makes all those angering annoyances worth it. Girl power is also hugely my thing and our FL here really does feminism well considering the time period. I especially love how characters around her support her in her endeavors. And the development from supporting characters is also worthwhile. Seriously a really meaningful show. It's different, and perhaps not everyone will enjoy the finality of good vs bad they kinda have going on with the topics (in reality there are so many shades of grey), but I think it was really well done. And beautifully shot. 

August 26 / August 27 2021

A whole damn masterpiece. From the plot, to the settings, to the costumes, to the acting, and to the actors themselves--it didn't lack a thing. It was dark, beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, scary, angering.... every emotion you can think of, it invoked it. The ML, my god, that boy can act. Playing two entirely different roles and you can FEEL the difference in each scene. All the actors do a fantastic job; you don't even feel like you're watching people act. It feels so real. I am blown away by this entire production. It was the first Historical drama I actually liked and now I can't help but watch more of them in hopes they might just remind me of this absolute piece of unmistakable art. Watch it. Like... right the heck now.  

(Update from a year later: am now obsessed with historical romance dramas hehe)

oct 2 2021

oct 7 - 9 2021

"This is the most wholesome, healthy, honest, and beautiful relationship in a drama I have ever seen. Wow, I'm in awe. They are absolute relationship goals. And nothing was super infuriating or over the top in the drama--what an amazing series this was! Everyone should watch it!" 

That was a comment I created as soon as I finished watching this show and I still absolutely agree. However, as an avid rewatcher that came to notice more, I want to add that you still have to get through side characters who AREN'T healthy and are there just to cause frustration for the pair (thankfully, they don't impact the duo all that much like SOME dramas *glares at all dramas that have used marriage schemes from an unstable or ill ex-gf*). But as someone who gets obsessed with the mains, as long as they show loyalty towards each other I won't rage quit LOL. So yes, it's still a 10/10 to me because the way the leads work through issues and how they became stronger and stronger through all the adversity, is really well done and realistic in healthy relationships. They are a beautiful duo <3

Oct 15 - oct 15 2021

oct 15 - 19 2021

Oct 25 - Oct 27 2021

I probably laughed until tears during every episode. It's dark and grim as hell, but the dry humour absolutely gave me stitches in my side. I was so invested, I set my laptop outside my shower so I didn't have to stop watching at one point LOL. ML's acting is phenomenal. Him and the 2nd ML completely took this crime drama to a possibly never again achievable height. FL was good for the plot, but it was definitely the guys that made it *chefs kiss*. My goodness, ML was so dang funny in this. I just cannot--I'm still laughing just thinking about it and it's now December.

(Update from a year later: I am still laughing)

1-3 ep (nov 11)  Finished (Nov 11) 2022

this is so good what the heck. Why did I wait so long to watch this? I'm already obsessed. So fun! I love love loved this so much. Maybe it's because I'm a writer myself, but the idea of a plot hole coming back to haunt me that much is genuinely hilarious and entertaining. Amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end. And also, the chemistry between the leads was so very tangible. How don't people like it?! I'm so shook at the comments. I rarely rate things very high, but this is 10/10 for me (even if FL did occasionally get me irritated from how SLOW she was in her reactions lol). But idk, I feel like before you listen to all the negativity you should try it out for yourself. This was adorable and so fun and emotional all in one.

dec 14-16 2022

Dec 20 2022-Dec 22 2022

june 11 - 12 2021

Nov 8 2021

Beautifully done and the whole thing is artistic as hell. Far from PG or being like any of these other dramas on this list. Much more realistic. Grab tissues.  

This drama is also based on the same book, but it's completely different (PG for starters): The Painter of The Wind (2008, South Korean drama version) https://mydramalist.com/422-the-painter-of-the-wind

Nov 29-30 2021

The faults make me want to give in a 8.5, but the amazing parts honestly are so good I'd give it a total of 9.5. Absolutely worth the watch. Action was perfect.

Nov. 29, 2021: episode 6/16 --> Okay, I really like this drama. Unlike other cross-dressing dramas, this one actually seems to do a really good job at being gender defying. By that, I mean both men and women are strong characters with equally as important roles and each with their weaknesses. No one is really a heroin or hero... rather, they are both, taking turns. More older important male characters, but with it being historical that makes sense lol. Really enjoying this and hope it keeps it up. 

Nov. 30, 2021: episode 9/16 (yes i just binged) --> I have no words. Okay, I have a few: what an amazing drama. Holy macaroni I am at the edge of my seat. This went from an 8.5 to an absolute 10 for me. While the romance had me at the beginning, I am now fully absorbed in the political plots and action. My god, it's amazing. I don't think I've ever been this so intrigued by the non-romantic part of a drama. The PLOT TWISTS. I am going to have SEVERE trust issues. Literally every character in this dang drama has made my head spin at least twice. Phenomenal. I'm so hoping it keeps it up.

(same date) Completed --> The only complaints are (1) after the 1st half, there wasn't as many women making dents in the plot (besides messing it up)  (2) the FL could have been way more dimensional. They seemed to really know complex when it came to males... females, not so much. (3) The build was outstanding, but the ending was a bit lackluster. It's like they were rushing. I feel unsatisfied by a few relationships I had become so invested in.  Also, some weird out-of-character choices by normally diabolical characters just to keep the plot going. That being said, the ending didn't make me regret watching it.

May 16-17, 2022

The amount of thought put into this plot was honestly just amazing. Every single part of it was enthralling and felt SO unique--not just uniquely done, but also something original and in a category of its own. I absolutely binged the entire thing without sleeping; I just wanted to solve the puzzle! Unfortunately, despite all that, I didn't give it a 10/10 because I felt like the conclusion could have been a TOUCH better. But the overall journey was so incredible (and even inspiring for my own works of fiction), that the small final note of*I wish there was a bit more*is totally forgiven in hindsight. 

Trust me: you will not be disappointed. It's just... wow, what a story. And the acting was phenomenal to be able to pull it off like it did. Just a straight up entertaining watch that, in my opinion, is highly underappreciated! 

May 17th-May 18th, 2022

april 26 2021 - Dec 18, 2022

Jan 17-jan 18 2023

This is so good and addicting. I want to see them all hurt by FL's hands! But also, how is it possible I am simultaneously rooting for the bad guys? And for the lovers to be together with the kid? I seriously hate to love them and love to hate them. So I guess that makes me obsessed with them. Since this is part one and severely left with many gaps to fill, I can't possibly know if this will be a good drama or not. However, only taking into consideration the acting, production, aesthetics, music, and background stories, it is DEFINITELY a drama worth sticking around to figure out if it will be a flop or not by part two. It's been so amusing and ML, while a very untold mysterious character thus far (imo), is just as compelling as the rest of the cast and I am really glad to see it (since his first impressions left something missing).  Really excited to see where this story is taken and just how satisfyingly messy revenge can get.

Jan 23-24 2023

THAT ENDING SCENE. I'm losing it. That's so cute that my heart is aching. This was beautiful. Yes there were a few things that annoyed me (FL's distrust after that initial upheaval and ML's dishonesty about what's happening to him) but my goodness that was a great and powerful ride. I'm forever crying over the father-daughter relationship, that was just way too adorable. My heart is in shatters from the sheer beautifulness.

Jan 24-25 2023

Oh my gosh I'm a whole freaking mess. I loved this so much. ML was so cute and FL was so cute. Just all a bunch of cuties. I didn't give it full points because I feel like the ending was still so vague and didn't make all of the prior things make sense. But as a love story alone, it was so good and I don't know if I've ever cried that much for a couple before. I NEVER cry but good gosh I was crying over every little thing in this drama. This makes you cry for so many reasons too--out of pity and sympathy, frustration and anger, heartbreak and sadness, heartwarming feels and wholesomeness, and just that good old 'where is the freaking justice or mercy'. Seriously, ML's backstory still got me bawling my eyes out over here.

Jan 30th-Jan 31 2023

I enjoy the games' wit and diabolicalness, but the overall plot has yet to be solved so I'm waiting to see if it will hold up to its potential.

jan 4 - jan 10 2021

feb 11 - feb 11 2021

march 12 - march 12 2021

may 24 - 25 2021

june 27 - august 30 2021

Oct 1 2021

Whenever I try to write something for this I lose my words. It's really good. The development is strong with these two and we love to see it!

oct 6 - 7 2021

oct 22 - 24 2021

oct 24 - 25 2021

oct 29 - 30 2021

Nov 18 / Nov 19 2021

Lower budget (with make up/hair) but idc, the scenes between ML and FL are just so dang sweet, I've surely got cavities. Treating your partner with equality is a beautiful thing. I'm here for it.. Low budget but I honestly didn't care because I was too enthralled by the love story. The acting was pretty convincing as well. I find Chinese dramas are normally very fluffy, but I really didn't mind it in this as it balanced the heavier topics with the sweetness. Normally I'm used to 4-5 episodes driving me crazy from frustration, but I don't think I was ever frustrated past one episode during the entire series. Give it a shot if you're hesitant.

Nov 7 2021 - Dec 2021

May 11 - 12 2022

May 12 - 14 2022

Nov-8-9th 2022

Super adorable couples. I loved a lot about this drama. The chemistry was off the charts, ML was so versatile from adorable to sexy, and FL did a wonderful job in her role. She's such a beautiful lady and so cute! One thing I think I would have loved to have seen, was the original case solving vibe throughout the series (like how FL was in danger and there was a bit of a thrill to it). I feel like since that's how it started off, it would have been nice to keep that initial impression throughout the series. Oh well, still a very good drama!

Nov 12-13 2022

1-3 ep (Nov12) --> pretty cute, I'm really enjoying the 2nd ML.

Nov 13: finished --> This is so good, but the ML is so angsty and secretive. I love 2nd ML so much oml. But I don't dislike the ML either, i just wish he would be honest so they could all figure out a solution together. Hell, even 2ndML would prefer that. I LOVED the crime part about it, i think their take on solving the puzzle of crime is really unique in a way. And i really loved the three leads friendship, totally endearing. The few negatives i think are (1) FL's emotions after a death feels like is lacking. Wait, i think thats basically it. It's lower budget but idc, i really loved it. The characters are all so sweet and lovely, and the way the stories all intertwine is so well thought out.

Sep 27 2022 - 30 (ep 1-17)
Nov 30, 2022

The unresolved plots and the bittersweet open option was absolute bs. But my FREAKING GOSH. The relationships and the characters are the BEST written characters (besides the FL's irritable tendency to be too docile and a pawn for everyone else) I have EVER seen. Like, I know there was a lot of damsel in distress moments even outside the main couple, but literally all of their personalities, backstories, and watching them develop as people was unmistakably phenomenally done (MINUS THE MISSING RESOLVE FOR SOME UGH). It feels SO weird to say that given how much the plot really let you down, but wow. To be able to have SO many flaws and still stand out as one of the best dramas I've watched, is quite the feat on it's own lol. I LOVED the ML with my ENTIRE heart, absolutely *died* laughing when the Devil King was on screen, and felt my heart swell almost painfully for Richie. Even PK, Winter and Spring dude, the water king dude, Devil King's secretary (I'm terrible at remembering names if you can't tell lol), and the high priestess made my heart bleed for them. With all my heart I wanted a closing scene with them all in it, and I *still* gave it a 9/10 (i had to physically fight myself into giving it something lower than 10/10 lol). I want more of them all *sigh*

dec 24, 2022 - dec 27 2022

First: it was so fluffy and adorable, I could have just died watching Haru and FL. Too cute and wholesome. My heart ached.

Second, and most important I think, this made me so anxious in the best way possible as a writer. I couldn't help but to imagine my own characters trying to fight their fate I've created for them. Omg i would feel just horrible! But it was so fun to think about. It was great.

I didn't give it a 10/10 however, because I felt like it didn't wrap up everything too well. In fact, it felt like there was a lot missing. But I'm not really mad at the ending either (despite how the entire reason for the original plot seems to have been thrown under the bus lol), so I didn't make it take off too much since the over all experience was a really great one (seriously, so, so, SO cute!).

Dec 29 2022 - Jan 3 2023

The crying scenes and the overall emotional scenes are an entire ten out of ten. The acting was phenomenal in those parts. And the writing was so touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time. But where the score fell for me was how it occasionally dragged and the boring business side of house selling lol. But it was seriously so good AND we accidentally got some asexual representation going on lol. Anyways, I'm crying, that was heartbreaking (but in a hope filled way). I gotta give it a 9/10 for those amazing emotional scenes, woooo, they got me crying my eyes out.

I want to add that I normally only watch dramas for the romance, and even though it wasn't like other dramas, romance and falling in love is STILL in this drama. But it's not with skin contact or typical romantic scenes... it's how they learn each other and depend and think of one another in everything that they do. They love each other completely and respect one another just as much. There IS romance, it's just not a normative one and imo it was really wholesome and refreshing and I'm crying because it's so cute.

Jan 9-11 2023

This has made me sad. But honestly I was playing sims 4 the whole time I was watching and definitely didn't get the full experience. But since I was able to properly play sims without being distracted by the drama, I took off .5 because normally I get sucked in and this drama just didn't do it completely for me. Regardless, that was a me thing with all the businessy law things, the plot was amazing and the acting was really well done. I'm just SAD (another .5 taken off for my unhappiness lmao). This drama was EMOTIONAL. But I really did enjoy it.  And though I am personally sad, it was satisfying and felt complete by the final episode.

Jan 31-Fab 1 2023

Okay that twist at the end got me and the fight scene with the King of Spades was pretty insane. But I still think I enjoyed season 1 more because it felt less anime-ish. I know it's based off of a manga, but you could really tell during this season with all the heart to hearts and backstories. Whatever. Still invigorating to watch.

august 3 - 4 2021

oct 3 2021

Oct 5 2021

oct 21 - 22 2021

Nov 20 / Nov 21 2021

I loved FLs acting in this. As per the recommendation of fellow watchers, I stopped after watching episode 21 (and then read spoilers). Highly recommended as I feel completely satisfied, and as seen in the comments, the real ending left a dissatisfied crowd lol. But, yeah, I was fully invested in the FL. I didn't dislike ML but I would have been fine with the 2nd ML, too.  It was her acting and the character she played that really kept me watching. I recommend it purely for her and the energy she exudes. 

April 27-May 6 2022

May 10 -May 11 2022

Jan 20 2021 - may 14-15, 2022

Jan 20 2021 (had to wait for eps and ended up forgetting about it) May 14-15, 2022. Nov. 23, 2021, episode 14/16 --> I remember binging this, but then I ran out of episodes and lost interest. That being said, I think it's probably still amazing--I just don't like waiting. I remember it was very cute. Some healthier relationships. And I liked the 2nd couple just as much as the first.

may 11-28 2022 (1-2) May 30 2022 (ep 3-4) June 5 (ep 5) June 13 2022 (ep 6)

Really had to binge. Hard to become invested in characters due to the trust issues from everyone being killed off. Just a very emotional and hard to watch show, but really good—just super dark.

BUT it's so good!! Just SO dark! I find it impossible to binge-watch.  But it's really good!!

Sept 25th -26th 2022

Ending was fine, but the 2nd love story was weird, and it felt unnecessary to end the way it did. And I also didn't understand how the 1st love story ended up. (SORTA VAGUE SPOILERS) Did they go back and forth to Switzerland? Like.. what? Did they live there? or just for certain periods of time? I really dont get the ending, man. Unfortunate because otherwise it was a pretty dang good drama.

Dec 3, 2021 (first try) Sept 26-27, 2022

It was silly and had obvious green screens but really cute. And it surprisingly kept you on your toes, but not to a frustrating amount. Predictable in its unpredictable-ness (which I liked).

Oct 23-25 2022

It was overall pretty cute, but FL and a few of the side characters got really annoying and stupid towards the middle. By the ending it was fine again and FL got strong enough and fun to watch again.

Oct 29, 2022

I really loved the FL. She was just so cute and I rooted so hard for the ML. Everyone was just as cute as a button. However, it felt like it was set up to be a much longer series and thus we didn't get complete satisfaction out of it for all those interesting subplots etc. They seemed to barely even wrap most of them up; leaving a lot of questions and unclear endings for many. Unfortunate, but without those nicely wrapped up endings, it all feels random and like there was no real thought or reason in the things the characters were doing. Nonetheless, it was super cute imo and still worth the watch. It's refreshing seeing the ML act like a real teen boy (despite his idol status) who was confused about all of his big feelings and conflicting thoughts and acting out in uncertainty like most kids do when finding love for the first time.  It just felt wholesome and innocent all throughout the series. Overall thought: CUTE.

Oct 30 - Nov 1 2022

Very cute, somewhat relatable, and a bit frustrating. I don't like how the male leads viewed FL as something to fix. Acceptance and support shouldn't include needing someone to change to fit you and your lifestyle. Love is such a wonderful thing, and I think they almost got there, but just missed the nail when they made FL into an object without taking into consideration her own feelings on things.

Unless your help is wanted and they explicitly tell you so,  it's not okay to force someone to experience their trauma. Exposure therapy doesn't work that way.

But I like how different the ML was and enjoyed watching them grow and learn together as a couple. And the second love pairing was also so sweet and cute to watch. It would have been cool to see where ML's friend and brother ended up, too.

Nov 2-4 2022

LOVED the supporting cast. They were all so cute and exactly that--supporting of FL. It was so refreshing to see the mother-in-law and family-in-law all really love and respect FL. Adorable. Wasn't a huge fan of ML but the rest of the cast made it bearable. 

nov 13-Nov 14 2022

This was a really great version of BOF... but the lack of kisses was straight up excruciating! But besides that, it was a very sweet (and as always, frustrating) show that had its own unique touch that set it apart from the other adaptions. I just love this story so much. Also literally every male lead was so attractive i could die and the female leads were equally as beautiful. Such a great cast!

Also, I want to add, this version gave me a better understanding of the characters. I aways felt perplexed with some characters' decisions in the other versions, but I find this one made their reasoning unmissable and relatable. I really enjoyed that part--the just overall *knowing* what people are thinking rather than getting frustrated and annoyed at them for not explaining it properly and just moving on with the story.

2ML was a blessing. I typically get SUPER annoyed with his character (because in the other versions it felt unclear as to why he did things and even his selfless acts seemed loaded with expectations on the FL), but in this version I LOVED him. He was hands down the bestest friend to both ML and FL and so sweet and earnest. You didn't have to question where his loyalty was or what his end goals were--even when he tried to be mysterious or straight up lie about it, I just trusted the dude throughout the whole thing.... and he was just... So. Freaking. Attractive.

Jan 8 2023

I'm rewatching the whole series and I just can't help myself... I absolutely love how dry Mudeok is. Like, I enjoy the new rendition of her in the newer season, but season one Mudeok is so cute and funny. I love how slow it takes her to warm up and even then she tries to put her goals before Uk. Like, yes, it's frustrating and I understand those that say they didn't enjoy the lack of chemistry in season one, but I seriously disagree. Her unwillingness makes it all the more special and adorable, because she can't help but love Uk even when she's hell bent on him not loving her back.

Idk, I just really enjoy her character. And I miss her. But I do love her new, innocent and unjaded version too. She's sweet. And Uk changed too, so he definitely could use the sweet version rather than the colder version of her. (But I also miss sweet Uk in season one--they totally swapped characters lol like they went and soul swapped accidentally). I hope its a happy ending for them.

Jan 18 2023

Great chemistry between the leads. That japan drama quirkiness/weirdness was quite something too lol. Will say it had a lot of misogyny and sexism in it and i wasn't a fan of that.

feb 5 - feb 6 2021