Best Costume Drama of 2023

This drama is solid, and the characters are well-written, so I wanted to give it a 10/10. Xiaobo, the sweet kid who helped ML, was done wrong by the writers, so they only received a 9.5/10. Apart from the prince and princess and the one who denies relations, the Xu family is dreadful, and they can catch these hands. Watching Duke Xu's son be arrogant and hateful throughout the show was triggering to the point that even I wanted to fight him.

Now let's talk about two of my favorite characters:
Xie Wei is dark, flawed, and sometimes unhinged, and this show did not disappoint. I remember reading a comment that described the ML: "He is a walking red flag, but I am colorblind," and yes, I too am colorblind; I might have early memory loss too, because when he says 'Ning'er,' especially in that angry deep tone I forget everything and fall deeper. It's like I'm hypnotized; ML is captivating. It's like being enchanted by a beautiful voice, even when you know the speaker is threatening, which he is most of the time. ML makes no secret of the fact that he is no saint. He is like yes, I am terrible, but love me. He is entertaining to watch and very petty and jealous, even at the end. The character wasn't written for people to sympathize with. He is who he is, and I love that. The FL's relationship with him is a delicious mess because he is sometimes unhinged, and I enjoyed it.
Overall, it was an excellent performance, and I'm looking forward to more of this actor's work. Now I have to watch everything this actor has acted in because he is so talented. I was today's old when I found out he was in 'Love Between Fairy and Devil.' honestly, I have struggled to watch that drama. I don't find any enjoyment in it, and I blame all the people who hyped it because my expectations were set high. Stop the overhyping of dramas.

Now, let's talk about Yan Lin; usually, I'm not too fond of characters like this due to how they are written. However, these writers did this character justice. He is loveable, and I wanted to protect him, and he deserves the world. This beautiful character is the opposite of Xie Wei. He is the guy you yearn to be with; all your family and friends want you to be with, but too bad you are addicted to the bad guy. He is a loyal friend, an excellent son, and a loyal brother. Honesty, most of my favorite scenes from this drama include him. The scene where he gave a well-deserved ass whopping to Duke Xu's hateful son after he disrespected the FL and slapped her. He said, 'You wouldn't disrespect her not in front of me.' Next is the scene where he is in prison and talks to the FL. He asks her why she doesn't like him when she thinks he's so great and is willing to do anything for him. I love his relationship with the FL lead; it is healthy and well-written.

I have no complaints about this drama except for how they treated Xiaobo, which makes me angry. He was loyal, cute, and deserved better.

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A Must Watch ♥♥♥♥

I watched this drama a while ago and wanted to digest it before writing a review. I have never watched a drama hoping for a tragic ending. However, I do wish for a tragic ending, and even though I watched Good Bye, My Princess (2019) - MyDramaList, I did not feel any inclination to hope for such an ending.

In my opinion, part 1 of this drama deserves a score of 9. I usually rate a drama high if I feel that, regardless of the cons it may have, it will be a very rewatchable drama. It is true that I was very hesitant about watching this drama since I dislike love triangles, but I decided to give it a try because Yang Zi is an outstanding actress who has never disappointed me in the past. My decision to do so was a good one, and I'm glad I did. The story is very atypical. As a viewer, I have found something interesting about the main leads of this show. It seems like they are all damaged individuals, mentally unwell with some childhood trauma and adulthood trauma for some. It is imperative to note that the main characters in this show are flawed. Maybe not in the 2ML. However, their flaws make this show more impactful and that is what attracts the audience to it in the first place.

Below is pretty much a review of what I think about the pairing between the female lead and the 4 male lead characters. It is also what I am looking forward to in part 2. Not much of a spoiler, minor at most.





Spoilers: minor

Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi characters: The Prince (1stML)

The relationship between this pair is one of the most complex on the show, if not the most. Since childhood, they have known each other, but were separated and then reunited. They also have the most captivating and emotionally intense scenes on this show. For example, I found the mom-confusion scene where she thought her father's wife was her mother (if you watched you know what I am talking about) to be so powerful that all the other characters felt like extras. These two were the center of the scene and I was speechless the entire time, with tears in my eyes. The assassination attempt scene, the emotions in their eyes, and finally the withdrawal scene were well acted and emotionally charged. I would like to see them in more projects in the future because the chemistry is so natural and enthralling. They are honestly the most impressive actors on this, the others are good, but these two just blend well together.

Romantic Relationship: The Prince (1stML)

A romantic relationship is complicated between these two because they may be related (cousins) or not. Regardless of whether or not they are related, their chemistry is undeniably compelling and captivating. There needs to be more drama between them. As always, I am looking forward to Yang Zi's and Zhang Wan Yi's next projects. This is the first drama I've watched from him. Let me say Zhang Wan Yi is a talented actor and he has definitely won over many fans, me included with his performance in this drama.



Yang Zi and Deng Wei: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

In actuality, my opinion on this pairing would be quite controversial, and probably would not be well received by some, if one is to be honest, or perhaps others may feel the same way, but I am willing to share my thoughts regardless. In all honesty, the introduction of the 2ML character had some intrigue for me, since there was some air of mystery surrounding his identity and I was really fascinated by that and was looking forward to the reveal, but after the reveal of his identity, his character became very unremarkable and uninteresting. With such other compelling male leads, this character falls short in comparison. I felt like out of the four male leads in this show his story line was just the most bland and generic for such a atypical drama. In terms of chemistry if I am being honest, I didn't feel any not even on a friend level for this pair and their scenes felt repetitive it's almost always the same issue; also, I just didn't feel any chemistry between this male lead and the other characters, he just failed to stand out. However, from the writing and scenes it seems like the writers like him.

Romantic Relationship: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

If I am being honest, it seems like this is the writers favorite this relationship based on the writing. Honestly, I didn't care for this pair. They bored me.



Yang Zi and Tan Jian Ci characters: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

There is a great deal of controversy and complexity surrounding this relationship. It is undeniable, however, that the chemistry between this pair is raw and explosive. There may be a toxic and abusive nature to their relationship, yet their scenes are electrifying and riveting. When they appear together, you don't know what to expect, like will he bite her neck, throw her off somewhere high or say some crazy ass shit? In spite of that, this is definitely the show's most entertaining relationship, leaving you shocked and speechless. Without this relationship, the show would not have been the same. It would be great to see more collaboration between these two. Having discovered Tan Jian Ci, I am now a fan.

Romantic Relationship: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

Despite the chemistry, you know he's a bad for her, which makes a romantic relationship even more complex. While some people may say he is capable of changing, I don't want it. This is because what is appealing about his character is that he is damaged, but so is the female lead, so I don't know. They have some entertaining scenes, and the chemistry is sizzling, but given the nature of their relationship, I'm not sure how I feel about them ending up together.


Yang Zi and Wang Hong Yi characters: The Friend (4th ML)

In my opinion, the relationship between these two is pretty natural, and it brings a smile to my face whenever I watch them. There is nothing outstanding, but it is enjoyable and fun to watch. There are several scenes where he attempts to woo her in which I really enjoy watching. Although he gave off the energy of a best friend, I could still feel the chemistry between them.

Romantic Relationship: The Friend (4th ML)

I like them together. I wouldn't be mad if they ended up together. I can see them being friends that become lovers if the writers want to take that route. However, I doubt as he is the most sided-lined male lead out of the four.






Spoiler: Minor or Med (LOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK) What I look forward to in part 2:

For Yang Zi character: FL

Very likeable to me. It is safe to say that her character is not a typical lead. She is just as emotionally damaged as the rest of the characters and is not a saint and doesn't shy away from killing. There was a time when she planned to kill her grandfather and all her uncles for her cousin (Zhang Wan Yi character), and she supports his revenge plan in all its phases and is open to him using her. The most accurate way to describe her is that she is driven, smart, reckless, and crafty at the same time. Don't mess with her cousin.

Honestly, if we are aiming for a non-tragic ending, I want her to be alone and get back to medicine while still being friends with everyone. If it is tragic, I see her dying for either Zhang Wan Yi character (she has jump or try to jump in front of him a couple times already when he was attack) or Deng Wei character (she like him). Hopeful in part 2 we learn more about her background and she needs to stop making promises to all these guys. She can't keep it up or fulfill all.


For Zhang Wan Yi character: The Prince (1stML)

I would describe his character as dark, mysterious, vengeful, and maybe stoic except to Yang Zi character as he smiles more and is happy around her. There is something compelling, dangerous and appealing about this character and you want to know more about him and what happened during those missing years. I look forward to his revenge, and I hope for a blood bath.


For Deng Wei character: The Typical 2nd ML (2nd ML)

I'd describe him as spineless, generic, typical nice guy who has issues. I don't really care about this character, but it seems like he might actually be an endgame with the FL inferring from the writing. As for the kid's situation, I hope he finds out about it. I hope there is better writing for the character that doesn't feel repetitive and or not all about the romance with the FL; focus more on that relationship with his brother.

For Tan Jian Ci's character: The Dark Toxic King (3rd ML)

I would say his character is the hot and dangerous guy that your friends and family urge you to stay away from because he is bad for you, and you know it. However, you can't help but seek him out because the chemistry is overwhelming, and you are smitten by his charm, and he can do some kind things at times. Words to describe him are intense, hot and toxic. I call him the toxic king. It would be great to know more about his past and eager to know what his great plan is for his army. I see death knocking on his door.

For Wang Hong Yi's character: The Friend (4th ML)

I would describe this character as someone you can have fun with. He might actually be the happiest male lead out of the four. Out of all the characters I would say he is the most straightforward and safe. In part 2 I want to know more about his past and what role he will play in the Zhang Wan Yi character vengeance plot. I see death knocking on his door.

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Me watching ?????????????

Here are my thoughts on this drama:

This hot mess, 'Circle of Love,' is enjoyable if you enjoy slap/kiss dramas and don't take it seriously. I would not recommend this if you're looking for fluffy, fun drama. However, if you want something wild, toxic, and sensational, this is the one for you. On a Thai slap/kiss scale, this drama is below mid; on a Chinese one, it is a good one, maybe one of the best. I honestly laugh throughout this drama, I was only silent at the ending, because I was shocked the writers did what I wanted, what a perfect ending.

The themes of revenge, blood feuds, amnesia, and toxic relationships are similar to Maid Revenge. The leads have hot chemistry; their kisses and steamy scenes are delightful. Overall, if you liked Maid's Revenge, you'll like this too because of its similar theme, better acting, a smarter female lead, and more steamy scenes. If you're looking for something wild with a little twist and shocks for some, you'll probably enjoy it. However, don't take it too seriously and watch it for entertainment value. There are some sadistic characters in this. Yes, ML is a sadist, maybe FL too, she might also masochist because someone of her actions is questionable. Every character is hot mess, but enjoyable, one thing this drama is not is boring.

It may contain spoilers:

In this drama, all the characters are morally gray, one of its most appealing aspects. The characters are interesting, and the story keeps you engaged until the end. I predicted most deaths in this show except the 2FL I was actually shocked; and yes, I predicted the murder-suicide ending, so fitting for such a drama. It is hands down one of my favorite endings, which is why I would rate this a 9. without that ending, maybe an 8 or an 8.5.

Might be rewatchable for some, but one and done for me.

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