Highly entertaining but also frustrating

Bossam: Steal the Fate managed to be one of those intensely polarizing dramas where many viewers laud the series as the greatest, most engaging thing ever to grace the small screen, while others condemn it as a terrible waste of time. This drama was able to achieve the highest viewership ratings (9.8%) of any drama in MBN history, and yet, if you read the reviews and comments on MDL, you will sense the opposite sentiment.

As for me, I liked this well-written, intelligent and enlightening show that showed me another aspect of Korea's historical culture. Bossam was a custom in the Joseon period, in which a single man himself or through a hired hand kidnaps a widow by wrapping her up in a blanket at night and then makes her his wife. During those days, it was a way of getting remarried and an opportunity to get a new life for the widow who was obliged to live alone after her husband's death. Based on this custom, the drama unfolds the uncliched love story between the leading couple as they experience conflicts between social classes and families and survive being in the center of political struggles and turmoil.

Why highly entertaining?

From the get-go with the opening scene illustrations, I found this drama to be quite unique. It is a historical drama accompanied by non-traditional touches like the selection of eclectic songs and background music. The music producers deserved credit for being prolific and delivering quality tracks. The OST or BGM that underscored each scene was truly fitting and had elevated it to the next level for me.

Furthermore, the cinematography and directing were also a big part of the show's appeal, as one can tell that a lot of thought was put into each scene to evoke the necessary emotion and feeling. Every episode was nicely shot and expressed. Even details like how the hanbok skirt formed in a perfect circle surrounding a sinking woman was impactful. The settings and landscapes were lovely, like works of art. Visually, it was a treat to watch this show. The costumes and makeup also stood out for me because the show did not go for an idol drama feel with overdone makeup or glaringly obvious colors. The actors looked normal, good-looking nonetheless but refreshingly ordinary.

Acting-wise, I am impressed. I have heard of Jung Il Woo's ability but this is my first drama of his and I am blown away. He clearly has the experience and acting chops to pull off a complex character like Ba Woo, born from nobility but grew up a street rat. Shown initially as a rogue who was obviously a little damaged, it was also quickly apparent that our male lead, the heroic outlaw, was a good and generous person at heart. Jung Il Woo's micro-expressions were on point, and there was an underwater scene where he executed the scene perfectly by just his expression alone. His visuals are not my usual preference, but in this show, in that persona, Il Woo just exuded manly sexiness.

Shin Hyun Soo's character, Lee Dae Yeop, got a lot of hate for being the clingy second male lead who could not move on. However, I had a soft spot for Dae Yeop, especially after finding out his back story and romance with the Princess as well as his background. His actions may have seemed rash and selfish at first, but he never wavered from his desire to protect and ensure the happiness of the only one he loved. I had high hopes for his character development, and he did not fail me up to the finale. My heart ached for him a lot, and Shin Hyun Soo was brilliant in portraying this lost soul. With his eyes alone, Hyun Soo showed the hopelessness and defeat that Dae Yeop must have felt, trapped with no way out between his family, duty, love, and his own desires.

Kwon Yu Ri, however, is the show's biggest hidden gem. Her acting as Soo Kyung/Princess Hwa In, a demure, well-bred but humble Princess who was also passionate, brave, and intelligent, left a firm impression. Knowing that she is a Girls' Generation member, I was not prepared for her wonderful performance. In a way, this drama was also about how the Princess chose her own happiness by freeing herself from the societal rules and obligations, and Kwon Yu Ri portrayed this character's growth well. I appreciate the female empowerment theme featured in this show, like when Ba Woo constantly praised and respected Soo Kyung's intelligence and strength.

With the addition of seasoned actors like Shin Dong Mi, Song Sun Mi, Seo Beom Shik, Yoon Joo Man, Kim Tae Woo, Lee Jae Yong, and Lee Joon Hyuk, you have a cast that was able to deliver the story effectively. The child actor, Ko Dong Ha, who played Cha Dol, has potential as well.

I love that the characters were shades of gray. We had the antagonists who felt justified in their actions, people on both sides helping each other for justice and principles, and there were the protagonists who made bad decisions, said and did things they did not mean in the heat of the moment. The show scored points with dynamic characters who struggled with their actions, who were not always clear if they were doing the right thing or what the right thing even was.

To me, the show's strongest point is the way it executed the plot. I liked how the drama encouraged and engaged the viewers' imagination. It was my imagination that filled in and enriched what the show's visuals or soundtrack both concealed and alluded to at the same time. At least, I prefer to think that what was left out was not a mere lack but instead a conscious artistic act of intentional omission and suggestion. Coupled with somewhat predictable plot twists but, when revealed, were simply shocking in terms of magnitude and nature, the result was a story that kept me engaged from start to finish, with each episode leaving me eager for the next one.

Why frustrating?

Even though I appreciated the moments of omission and suggestion, the conspicuous use of them for the romance between Ba Woo and Soo Kyung left me wanting for more. The chemistry between those two was palpable, and I wanted to see more than hugs. Ideally, I would have preferred more tantalizing or passionate scenes, but if not those, then at least some other obvious display of affections that provide the anticipation and build-up that one usually seeks in a show with a romance tag. That said, I did find the scenes between the leads incredibly romantic, especially with the setting, music, and dialogue. There was a dignified and pure way about how their love for each other was shown, and I did believe that they truly loved each other. I also like the phrase they used for each other "saranghae yeon-mohada (연모하다)" which means to love and long for someone. Seeing them together left a good feeling and I was satisfied with how they ended.

With the romance underplayed during the second half, the show somewhat got derailed by the heavier focus on the palace and court politics. The villain, Lee Yi Cheom, constantly got on my nerves with his audacity and arrogance, but really, this was a good thing because it showed how terrific the writing was. I was glued to the screen, on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen to the OTP and the other good guys. Had I not wanted more romance and pleasant "slice of life" episodes featuring the main couple, I would have appreciated the political shenanigans even more.

Overall
I would rewatch this drama since there were many nuances and subtlety that I may have missed the first time. I also enjoyed the story and characters enough to watch them another time, although I am unsure if I want to feel Dae Yeop's pain again.

I do recommend that you try this drama out and see for yourself. Thematically for me, Bossam: Steal the Fate is a show that encapsulates life in many aspects and topics. It touches upon self-identity and personal growth, love (romantic and familial), respect and loyalty (to self, family, country, and principles), politics, societal obligations and problems, the balance of power and inequality, friendship, and more.

Side note:
For posterity, I have enclosed the link to the soundtrack list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossam:_Steal_the_Fate#Original_soundtrack

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Underrated fun, hilarious and sweet show!

Starting with the opening scene illustrations, I found this drama funny and quirky. It did not feel like a big-budget production, the sets were nondescript, and the costumes were not that memorable. Still, those did not detract from the show's charm. Instead, it is ultimately entertaining, mixing cute romance, just the right amount of melodrama, and on-point comedy.

I thought that the drama did well in combining romantic and "slice of life" scenes featuring the different characters with the political shenanigans in the palace and courts. It stood out for me because it was a historical drama accompanied by non-traditional touches like the gender role reversal between the main couple. In this show, the male lead played the traditionally weaker and gentler role, while the female lead was the strong one, unpolished like a diamond in the rough.

As individual characters, the leads were likable, and together, they were endearing. Hu Jiao, played by Baby Zhang, was strong and domineering, the daughter of a butcher with some impressive knife skills. She had no formal education and was blunt as well as impulsive, but she was perceptive and street smart. She was also honest, principled, and upright, just like the male lead, Xu Qingjia, played by Tong Men Shi. In contrast to A'Jiao's physical strength, Xu Qingjia can be considered a xiǎobáiliǎn or pretty-faced boy, delicate and frail. However, he was incredibly intelligent, a learned scholar who was rational and thoughtful. His level-headedness tempered A'Jiao's fiery personality.

I enjoyed the sincere and simple romance between A'Jiao and Xu Qingjia. Their love was adorably dorky. Despite being new to marriage and still trying to work through their feelings, both did not shy away from sharing their thoughts. I also appreciated their care and respect for each other, especially regarding their relationship and life goals. Even when one did not want the other to make sacrifices, they still listened to each other and understood that they wanted to protect each other. There was no noble idiocy which is a trope I find most annoying.

It was great to see A Jiao's character develop. Typically straightforward, she did not usually mince her words, but she slowly started to consider Xu Qingjia's feelings. She learned to yield, saw things from his point of view, and did not hesitate to show her admiration for his brilliance. Xu Qingjia, on the other hand, would acknowledge that even though A'Jiao's words hurt, there was truth in them. He was always sweet towards her, so giving, but he would stand up for his beliefs when it came to important matters, at the risk of being beaten by A'Jiao.

These two managed to find common ground and reveled in each other's strengths, rather than expecting each other to possess the traditional gender-related skills. When conflict appeared, it was not a test of whether it would break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was strong enough to adapt and overcome. They were partners through and through.

The second couple, Yu Niang and Gao Zheng were equally delightful, with Gao Zheng just as dorky as Xu Qingjia but more emotionally clueless. Yu Niang was another awesome female character, and along with Lin Cui, A'Jiao's best friend, and other characters, there was a message of female empowerment. Actually, both ladies and men shone in this show. I liked the sismance, bromance, and the lack of tiresome third parties or love triangles. My favorite aspect of the show was the emphasis on wholesome masculinity and strong female characters.

It was also fun to watch the dynamics of A'Jiao's family members. They were hilarious and so supportive and protective of each other. Some characters fell flat, like the villains, but the cast did fine overall. It is the first time I watched the main actors, and while they were pretty good, they do need to hone their acting skills.

Musically, the song tracks were memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the closing song, sung by our main couple, Baby Zhang and Tong Men Shi, but my favorite is Guòmén (Cross the door) by Liu Fengyao. It is incredibly romantic and, when played during the scenes of the couples, heightened the watching experience for me. For posterity, I included the track list at the end of this review.

Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, this drama might do the trick. I recommend that you try this drama out and decide for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4liQrjrq1M&t=547s

佟梦实&张含韵 - 春日愿 (Spring Day Wish - Tong Mengshi & Zhang Hanyun)
入梦 - 袁咏琳 (Into a Dream - Yuan Yonglin)
过门 - 刘凤瑶 (Cross the Door - Liu Fengyao)
许你清嘉 - 戴欣梦露 (Xu Ni Qing Jia - Dai Xin梦露)
牵红 - 曹璐 (Bringing Red - Cao Lu)

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So glad that I ignored the negative reviews!

Hello, the Sharpshooter (HTS) turned out to be a decent watch. True, the show could have been executed better, but it had enough good elements to keep me engaged until it finished airing. It is not a serious and deep drama, even though its primary theme centered around the main characters dealing with psychological issues.

The plot was nothing new. First loves reuniting with amnesia as a starting obstacle, but I liked how the show wrapped things up so nicely. Some commented that it was too draggy, and yes, a few episodes may be slow, but I felt that the show used the extra episodes effectively to show how the main characters overcame their trauma. At least, unlike other shows in which the character miraculously became better overnight within one episode, HTS took the time to show the process of healing for the main characters. Via Dr. Ding, the sharpshooter team's psychologist, the show provided details that helped to explain how the ML and FL finally resolved their issues. I liked seeing how the ML and FL worked with Dr. Ding to try out methods on the other, and it made sense that ML's journey took a longer time, having the extra burden of guilt.

The best part of the show was the casting, especially with the main and second couple pairings. The show hit the jackpot with the chemistry between Hu Yi Tian as Shen Qing Yuan (SQY) and Fair Xing as Tang Xin (TX). As individual characters, they were tropey (think cold, emotionless ML, almost perfect in every way except his EQ, and clumsy but endearing and plucky FL). However, as a couple, they made the romance come alive so naturally and so adorably that it kept me coming back for the next episodes. Similarly, the relationship may have developed differently for the second couple, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. The supporting cast, especially SQY's wingmen also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Also, there were some great scenes where the show balanced well between humor and poignancy.

I enjoyed watching SQY and TX grow together and individually from the natural conflict of their budding relationship and also having to deal with their past history that casted a dark shadow over them. What was ultimately gratifying to me was how the two healed so beautifully together, finding common ground and knowing how to bring out the best in each other. They complemented each other and reveled in each other's strengths. When conflict entered the plot that kept them apart, it was not a test of whether it will break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was healthy enough to adapt and overcome. I appreciated TX's patience and sweetness as she knew how to coax SQY during his fits of jealousy or moments of gloom, and I loved how SQY was consistently there for TX, even when he was struggling hard with his issues.

There were some frustrating moments that can only happen in dramaland. No matter how much they crossed the line or how unprofessional they were, the antagonists were able to get away with their actions multiple times. Fortunately, all the primary villains getting their just deserts provided the satisfaction that I typically needed for a happy ending. I wish that they built up the coach's character better since he seemed to turn a blind eye to all the atrocious things done to his sharpshooter team. Additionally, I will insert my usual rant about how terribly the c-dramas style their FLs. I simply do not understand why the MLs and SFL are usually dressed so stylishly, while the FL tend to be dressed in dowdy, old-fashioned, and oversized outfits.

Visually, HTS is a feast for the eyes because no matter who you look at - either Hu Yi Tian, Fair Xing, Kido Ma, Luo Qiu Yun, or most of the supporting cast, it was good looks galore. Acting-wise, most of the cast did a fine job, but I felt that both Hu Yi Tian and Fair Xing have not expanded beyond their current acting abilities since their characters in HTS were similar to those in their other dramas. They did well in general, but I would love to see them break the mold.

Musically, the OST was memorable, and by that, I mean the songs were effective in evoking memories of the scenes for me. I like the opening song, sung by Liu Yu Ning, and it reflected the hopeful aspiring tone of the underlying sports theme throughout the show. For posterity, I included the tracklist at the end of this review.

Overall, HTS pleasantly surprised me and I would re-watch to catch the nuances I may have missed during the first run..

I do recommend that you try this drama out and decide for yourself. If nothing else, the chemistry between Hu Yi Tian and Fair Xing might be enough to keep you watching.

[TRACKLIST]
The Daughter Of The Sea 海的女儿 - 王韵韵 Wang Yunyun
It's All Worth It 都值得 - 张玮 Zhang Wei
Sadness Is You, Joy Is Also You 悲伤是你，欢喜也是你 - 王韵韵 Wang Yunyun
Extraordinary Love 不平凡的爱 - 郑人予 Zheng Renyu / 徐艺洋 Xu Yiyang
What Happened Yesterday 昨天的事 - 冒朋呈 Mao Peng Cheng
Holiday 假期 - 兔子牙 Tuzi ya / Rabbit Tooth
Everyone Knows 大家都知道 - 薄何 Bo He / 李星彤 Li Xingtong
The Only Light 唯一的光 - 刘宇宁 Liu Yuning
Chain 连锁 - 硬糖少女303陈卓璇 Hard Candy Girl 303 Chen Zhuoxuan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa9t3cnggpU

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When Mr Wrong Turned Out To Be Mr Right!

I was anticipating this drama not only because of Chen Xing Xu as the male lead but also because of the director, Chu Yui Bun, whose works included "The Long Ballad" and “The Blue Whisper”. He also directed the other two dramas that made up the “Honey Trilogy” - “Ashes of Love”, “Skate into Love” and now “The Starry Love”.

Well, I was not disappointed. The Starry Love has beautifully captured the twists and turns of destined love based on the theme of marrying the wrong man who turns out to be the right one.

The plot centered around a pair of twin sisters, the older sister Qing Kui, favored by the human race, and was betrothed to the Heavenly Empyrean. The younger sister, Ye Tan was considered a jinx and was bullied all her life.She was promised to the Voidwalkers (demon world) as the consort to the Crown Prince. On their wedding day, the brides were switched, setting off a series of trials, tribulations, rescues and romance.

This high-budget xianxia delivered what is expected of its genre, an engaging ride that takes the viewers through a journey filled with a myriad of emotions. Well-paced, the show swung from romantic to dramatic to funny quickly and smoothly, and it keeps the entertainment level high throughout the show.  The ending was not what I had hoped for but I cannot lower my rating because the drama on the whole, was so well-executed.

The story never lost its momentum, and just got better and better. I like that the tropes that can take up to several episodes in other dramas, did not get dragged out and instead were resolved quickly. I never felt tempted to skip, and there were many scenes that I would rewatch just so I could appreciate the gestures, effects, and dialogue again.

The production was undoubtedly high-quality, and a lot of attention paid to the details. The cinematography, costumes and sets provided a striking visual impact, and the special effects/CGI were well-done, immediately evoking feelings of wonder and fantasy. Furthermore, the choreography for the fights, flying, and other action shots were done so superbly.

Overall, the script scores points with dynamic characters who struggled with their actions, who were not always clear if they were doing the right thing or what the right thing even was. Most good characters had flaws, and the villains had backstories that made them relatable and their actions justifiable. Viewers will come to understand what the characters went through, the reasons for their emotions, and their circumstances. I find myself connecting with the characters and rooting for many of them.

I have nothing but praises for the cast. Chen Xing Xu proves his acting chops again as Youjin, the ML. He did so well not only in the intense emotional scenes but also in simple scenes where the audience only needed to watch his face and feel the love that he had for YeTan, the FL. In the drama, CXX had to play 5 different characters of the same person which he pulled off wonderfully.

Landi Li’s acting as the FL left a firm impression, and I was blown away by her superb performance. I did not like her character, Ye Tan at first but I warmed up to her quickly especially after finding out more about her tragic childhood. I came to respect Ye Tan, someone whom I would describe as resilient and resourceful.

Still, Qing Kui, Ye Tan’s sister remained my favorite as she was the epitome of the strong FL. She was truly the iron fist in a velvet glove. Brought up refined and elegant, Qing Kui was the opposite of Ye Tan, but she was also intelligent and tough when necessary. She was brave and unafraid to love. To be honest, I shedded the most tears for her as for me, her sacrifice was the greatest. I also enjoyed Luke Cheng’s portrayal of Chao Feng who displayed conflicting motivations as he strove to protect his loved ones.

The entire ensemble did so well, and the supporting characters helped to carry this show. There was such good rapport among them, like the endearing sismance and bromance among the various characters.

Not surprisingly, the OSTs were on another level featuring Sa Dingding, Liu Yuning and Mao Buyi. The songs were very fitting and set a dramatic and emotional tone that is infused throughout the show. Interestingly, just like The Blue Whisper, there is a male and a female version of the same song. For posterity, I have listed the main tracks below.

Soundtrack list (I will add the Spotify links once available):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PBZ8ZbSCM
1. 星落凝成糖 (The Starry Love) - 萨顶顶 (Sa Dingding)
2. 与子成说 (Speak With You) - 刘宇宁 (Liu Yuning)
3. 双花儿 (Flower Pair) - 双笙 (Shuang Sheng)
4. 天地无瑕 (Flawless World) - 萨顶顶 (Sa Dingding)
5. 天地无瑕 (Flawless World) - 毛不易 (Mao Buyi)

My verdict: I do recommend this drama! I love a good love story, and this was definitely that along with the angsty melodrama that is typical of a xianxia drama. Those looking for a complete story will likely be left wanting for more by the lackluster ending. However for me, I enjoyed the complex yet enduring love among the 2 main couples and prefer to imagine a bright future ahead of them.

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More of the Adorable stuff that made us love Season 1!

Like Season 1, the viewers also had a lot to enjoy in season 2!

I was expecting a lot of fluff, and that is exactly what this show delivered. This is a show with lots of heart, cute romance, and on-point comedy, one that is guaranteed to be a mood booster. It's cheesy, it's fun, it's tropey, and I enjoyed it!

Despite the expected light-heartedness, the show balanced scenes of poignancy and melodrama with humor well, and everything was tied up nicely in the end. It is definitely a bingeable show now that it is fully subbed.

Where the show excelled was the great chemistry among the cast and watching how everyone made the story come alive was time well spent! Continuing the love story of our main Lengqi CP - Bie as Fang Leng and Wang Peng as Xiao Qi, season 2 added two more couples for our entertainment. The relationships may have developed differently for the other couples, but their path to being together was also a fun watch. One couple was so dorkable and the other one was a more mature kind but sweet nonetheless. The supporting cast like Shi Yi, the SML, and Fang Lie's mother also deserved credit for adding flavor to the story. Assistant Han was one of my favorite characters with his outrageous outfits and played a big role in helping our leads learn more about love and progress in their relationship.

Everyone was great in their roles, and I can really feel the warmth they had on-screen. Yes, I did cringe a lot but in a good way.

There was so much that I liked about this show, and to be shamelessly honest, much of that has to do with Bie. That man is just so hot and attractive and he played so many sides of Fang Leng so well. I practically had to un-swoon myself off the floor every single episode after watching him. It is really too bad that he does not act in more dramas and that most of his Thai ones are not subbed.

Wang Peng has an interesting visual - attractive but not your typical classic good looks. Her look seemed fitting for a character who was not from this planet and she portrayed Wiao Qi perfectly, a bumbling, clumsy but endearing female lead who was also kind of adorably clueless. My only minor complaint is that she could improve in the kissing department =D

Music-wise, the tracks were great. The opening song, which was used in Season 1 was as catchy as before but my favorite was Don't Forget by Jin Wenqi, the romantic song that heightened the emotional scenes for me. Bie also showed more of his talent by adding a song to the track. For posterity, I have listed those songs below.

I do recommend that you try this drama out and see for yourself. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, this drama might do the trick.

不忘 (Don't Forget) - 金玟岐 (Jin Wenqi)
youtube.com/watch?v=Vdx1m7g2Z4M
https://open.spotify.com/track/7pbZVBFnHrHyq3VOoMT1dX?si=24e2db5be34c4004

专属星空 (Starry Sky) - 陈卓璇 (Chen Zhuoxuan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mm1-uPReNg
https://open.spotify.com/track/1drTVQpmPoC7k2v87fvON7?si=6e32af1a137443bb

"Destiny Lover" by Thassapak Hsu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGdvym6pa_Q
https://open.spotify.com/track/0MIfLnjXDdhCPapiz21cV0?si=5a167628ae8d4e91

万有引力 (Gravity) - 李子璇 (Li Zi Xuan)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niz0Wmig2XQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/6YHmCkAYWP97X2trI6R6Th?si=5e247f4a5e224436

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Charmingly funny show with two endings

Delicacies Destiny was not a big-budget production, with nondescript sets and unmemorable costumes and props. Still, those factors did not detract from the show's charm, and one can tell that quite a bit of the budget was invested in the cooking scenes and the resulting dishes.

This light-hearted story was primarily about the relationship between a Crown Prince and his Imperial Chef, with a side focus on the female lead's ambition to be the best Imperial Chef in the palace regardless of her gender. It was not a typical historical rom-com with strict palace rules and protocols. The royals in this show interacted casually with their servants and the Queen was not the usual domineering character who controlled her son's harem and marriage. She was unexpectedly very supportive of her son and prioritized his happiness. It was refreshing to see some emphasis on on positive body image.

I was thoroughly entertained with the food porn, cute romance, on-point comedy, and catchy OSTs...until the last episode.

From episodes 1 to 15, I found this drama hilarious and quirky. Still, the ending left me so dissatisfied that it took me time to calm down before I could write a reasonably objective review. Without spoilers, I can say that it was an open ending that irritated me so much that it dimmed my anticipation for a potential season 2 and, like the male lead, left me angry at the female lead.

EDIT: I increased my rating after watching the alternate ending. While it was not the best ending, it provided a proper happy closure that was much better than a clumsily executed open ending.

Our main couple was lovable and dorky. The slow-burn, sincere, and simple romance between them was endearing and fun to watch. Both lead characters were emotionally immature in their own ways which created plenty of opportunities for funny scenes. I smiled and laughed so much throughout the show.

The male lead, Zhu Shou Kui, the Crown Prince, started off being spoiled and entitled and was used to throwing tantrums. Yet, at the same time, he was compassionate and often protected the people he cared about at his own expense. It was great to see his character develop and mature. With the female lead's help, he realized that it was not always about him, and it was all right to let other people share his burdens. As for the female lead, Ling Xiao Xiao, who ended up as the Imperial Chef of the prince's kitchen, she was initially clueless about love. It took more than halfway through the drama for her to finally "kāi qiào" or realize her feelings for the prince.

He Rui Xian as Xiao Xiao is lovely, but she does not quite have the aura of a female lead yet. Her acting was pretty decent, though, and with a few more dramas under her belt, I think that she will get to the next level. I first watched her in the Royal Feast and liked her character there. Her acting range was wider in that drama compared to this show. In Delicacies Destiny, as Xiao-Xiao, she has too much of the wide-eyed, huh? look or a deadpan look, and it was towards the last couple of episodes when I saw more emotional acting from her.

It is my first time watching Wang Xing Yue, and like He Rui Xian, there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to his micro-expressions. I find it hard to believe that he is only 20 years old since he exudes a level of maturity beyond his age. He definitely has potential with his good looks for more male lead roles.

The supporting cast was fine, doing what they needed to do. There was some over-acting but nothing much to complain about and nothing much to praise. A secondary couple provided extra entertainment but did not distract from the main couple's journey.

Music-wise, the tracks were great, and a couple of them were not what you would expect from a historical drama. Still, they were fitting for this drama. For posterity, I have recorded the main tracks after my review.

Overall, I would recommend this show. If you don't like a ridiculous open ending, I would advise to stop watching before the last 4 minutes of the final episode. Or you could watch the alternate ending if you prefer to have closure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XdcFM5zhQo
00:00 陆虎 - 珍馐记 (Lu Hu - Delicacies Destiny)
03:03 锤娜丽莎 - 吃货一枚 (Jiahe Ji - A Foodie)
06:35 徐均朔 - 落尘 (Xu Junshuo - Falling Dust)
10:15 银临 - 七夕 (Yin Lin - Tanabata)

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Finally! A drama where sincerity and goodness always triumph over bad intentions

Chun Cheu Bussaba's merging of romance and comedy against a backdrop of delicious Thai food scenes, resulted in a show that was a lot better than I expected. The show is filled with slapstick, clowning, and funny dialogue, which have time and again really hit the funny bone. At the same time, it had some poignant moments, addressing certain prejudices against older single women and societal perception of beauty.

This 'ugly duckling' version with a nice twist did not have Bussaba go through any significant makeover. In fact, I like how they styled Bee Namthip as Bussaba from the beginning. She looked normal, albeit a little unkempt and dowdy with her oversized clothing, but still pretty, especially when she smiled. I love how Bussaba improved her outer beauty naturally and realistically as she started to pay more attention, like using contacts and tidying up her hair. Most of all, I appreciate how Saran, the ML came to love her for her character, but he also noted that Bussaba's beauty was more subtle, less flashy than other women who wear a lot of makeup, high-heels, and fitting clothes.

My one complaint is that Bussaba, with her talent in cooking, did not seem to have a lot of ambition, especially when it came to being a top chef. Her lackluster desire to excel did not seem consistent with her image as the top student of a cooking master.

The best part of the show is how good I felt watching it. In most lakorns, the villains always seem to be ahead until the very last couple of episodes. Not in this show! To quote Bussaba's grandmother, "Divine spirits protect good people!". It is absolutely gratifying to see our FL triumph over not only one but two Nang Rais, simply by being true to herself. Her sincerity touched almost everyone and not surprisingly garnered their support without her even trying. Not only that, we have an ML who was not wishy-washy, unlike many P'eks, vacillating between his ex and the FL. The audience never had to stress about love triangles. While Saran may be uncertain about his feelings for Bussaba in the beginning, he was always clear about drawing the line with his ex. Likewise with Bussaba, while the second ML was a delicious tall drink of hotness and was in every way perfect for her, she never wavered once she developed feelings for Saran. What's refreshing is that the drama did not drag the plot out with misunderstandings. Any potential melodrama was resolved quickly, leading to a satisfying ending.

This rom-com has an older woman, a younger man theme, and Bee Namthip and Film Thanapat had great chemistry and were adorable together. Film was especially cute when he acted all flirty and charming, and Bee complemented him nicely. And the kisses were real and well-done, people! I felt embarrassed, like I was intruding on their privacy and, at the same time, impressed, wondering if the oozing sexiness was due to Bee being a seasoned actress and therefore less inhibited. I thought that both actors emoted well, and Film, especially with his micro-expressions, did a great job. One can tell when Saran was thinking naughty thoughts (although it could just be me, projecting what I want them to do - hehe!)

To be honest, I would not have minded if Bussaba ended up with Dr. Kim as long as Saran also had a happy ending. Utt Uttsada Panichkul is so swoon-worthy and was perfect as the suave, more experienced gentleman who courted Bussaba so gently and patiently. Even when he decided not to be a gentleman and instead be a man who went after what his heart desired, he did it with such dignity that a part of me could not help but root for him. Let's just say that I was 55% Team Saran and 45% Team Dr. Kim. I would really like to see Utt and Bee as the lead couple in another show. The cast overall did a fabulous job, with Bussaba's trio of female relatives who totally earned my respect and admiration as the best family ever!

The music served its purpose, softly playing in the background and enhancing the mood. There were a couple of songs that were pleasant but generally not that memorable.

Re-watch value is high, considering that this is the second time I have watched this series, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good rom-com that conveys messages of karma and the value of knowing one's self-worth.

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Sweet, Sexy, Smart & Sincere - a Rare Male Lead in Thai Lakorns

This was truly a light and entertaining show. Yes, it was full of cliches - family melodrama due to a stereotypical patriarch with multiple wives and children, with lots of backstabbing and battling for control of the company and wealth, contract marriage, and revenge-crazed villains.

Yet, Wiwa Fah Laep was surprisingly well-balanced, with a good mix of comedy, romance and some suspense. The show was filled with slapstick, clowning, and low-brow and at times risqué dialogue, which time and again hit my funny bone. 

The best part of the show was how good I felt watching it. In most lakorns, the villains always seem to be winning until the very last couple of episodes. Not in this show! Pokpong, the male lead was always a few steps ahead of the bad guys, able to anticipate and sidestep their traps and schemes. It was absolutely gratifying to see the lead couple triumph over the bad guys repeatedly. It was also enjoyable to see the villains unravel as they got closer to being caught, and ultimately punished. 

Not only that, there was no annoying second female or male lead. The audience never had to stress about love triangles and what was more refreshing is that the drama did not drag the plot out with misunderstandings. Even potential melodrama between the main couple was resolved quickly and funnily.

Pokpong and Lin, our couple's romance was overall a slow-burn one. It started quickly with them drunkenly sleeping with each other, to being together in a contract marriage, and then finally culminating in a way that I found satisfying. Even though their coupledom was fake, there was mutual attraction and lots of fun-to-watch flirting. Both characters were likable as individuals, and as a couple, they inspired relationship goals. Those two were sensible and matured enough to come to the right conclusions about each other's actions and words.

Pokpong was one of the best MLs I have seen in a Thai lakorn and Tono played him well! Pokpong was sexy, suave, and charming. Always the gentleman but assertive too, Pokpong never hesitated to express his feelings for Lin and I enjoyed watching her reactions whenever he flirted with her. He was really quite smooth with his bedroom eyes - haha! Pokpong can also fight! Best of all, he was level-headed and patient, allowing the progression of his and Lin’s relationship to happen realistically despite being in a fake marriage. Our amazing ML was also savvy, knowing when to manipulate the situation to his advantage, and I like that he was able to handle Lin’s terrible family without really bending to their unreasonable demands.

Rational, reasonable and resourceful, Lalin was the perfect counterpart to Pokpong. She was no damsel in distress, and did pretty well when fighting the bad guys. She and Pokpong protected each other, and they also understood each other. Pooklook was beautiful and her outfits were fierce!

The cast in general did fine but the acting was so-so. I did like Ak Nimitchai in his role as a villain - he deserved kudos for adding the layers of manipulation and scheming that kept things fresh. He was also the bad guy in “My Lovely Bodyguard” and I wondered if he would be typecasted going forward. Also deserving a shout-out is Nutt Atirutt Singhaaumpol who played Tat, Pokpong’s best friend. I found that character endearing and the interactions between him and Pokpong were hilarious.

Music-wise, there was only the opening song that was memorable for me. The song was fun to listen to and lent the same tone of positivity that was infused throughout the show. For posterity, I listed it here:

รักในวันฝนมา - CINCIN IRADA X DIAMOND LAZ1 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04wuYj-UVPs
https://open.spotify.com/track/34HpfHhOP7iajSuZHlexDa

Overall, it is a drama that I think most will enjoy. Now that it is fully subbed, do give it a try!

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A power couple that is the ultimate couple goal!

I'll avoid spoilers since there's plenty in the thousands of comments :D.

I honestly believe that this drama will become an all-time classic and a story that will be adapted a few more times with spin-offs for different characters. The intricate story, amazing plot building, beautifully fitting music, unforgettable and complex characters, and relationships are among the many reasons I consider this one of the best dramas to come out of modern Asian literature.

****Short review****
This show is a gem - it flowed at a great pace and was so well executed, acted, and directed (mostly - you'll understand if you read the comments). Seriously, HUGE KUDOS to the entire team involved in this drama. From conception to completion, it was a power team that gave us the audience such a fantastic, addictive experience. Nothing was overlooked, and you can tell that a lot of attention and thought was given to the cinematography, the sets, the props, the costumes, the music and sound effects, and the dialogue. It had everything that made you feel so much - moments that were heart-tugging, weep-worthy, tense, suspenseful, annoying, romantic, joyous, jubilant, or just plain satisfying. Politics were involved but nothing were confusing and draggy. There was also romance, enhanced by crackling chemistry that pulls you right in, but it was never only about the love stories. This drama focused on the development of the main characters and their growth, exploration, and the outcomes of different journeys and choices.

I do recommend this show - this is one where many felt that 49 episodes were not enough!

****Long review****
Why this show is a 10 for me!

- Storyline and characters
So much of this show is poetic interpretation. The words, the gestures, the looks, the expressions, the songs, everything has multiple meanings. The show executed this so well, keeping me, the audience enthralled and engaged all the way. It is truly an intellectually and emotionally intelligent show, emphasizing loyalty, courage, kindness, healthy relationships, and self-discovery. The characters' life-changing circumstances and adversities make for dramatic adventures, keeping the show interesting, and their personal growth and development made me feel pride. The growth came from maturity, experience, awareness, and overcoming hardships.

Most of these characters are well-written, and no one was all good or all bad. Every good character had flaws, and every villain had a backstory that made them relatable and their actions justifiable. The series was well-balanced and smartly showed different aspects of a situation, and showed the different perspectives of the characters. You will come to understand what the characters went through, the reasons for their emotions, and their circumstances. I found myself connecting with the characters and rooting for them, especially the main couple. They earned my admiration - they both had reasons for revenge but gave up their opportunities for revenge, realizing that killing a person would not bring the ones they lost back. They showed real strength and wisdom, valuing the greater good over revenge and striving for more meaningful things in their lives. Also, it is incredibly satisfying when they kicked ass and brought the bad guys down either by strategy and ability to anticipate or by pure physical takedowns.

The story started strong with impressive choreography in the Cuju game, and it hit you from the get-go immediately with intrigue and events. I like the references to the Art of War and military strategies. Each episode kept up the pace, never lost the momentum, and just got better and better. I never felt tempted to skip, and many scenes were so impactful that I would rewatch them just so I could appreciate the gestures, micro-expressions and the words again.

I like the sismance, bromance, and the lack of tiresome third parties or love triangles. My favourite aspect of the show is the emphasis on wholesome masculinity and strong female characters. Both ladies and men shone in this show, and there was a lot of support and respect for one another.

- Cinematography
Visually, musically, aesthetically - The story pulled one in so deeply, using music, timing, rhythm, and even pregnant pauses to keep things engaging and emotional from the get-go. The cinematography was impressive, with close-up shots of details, gestures, and facial expressions that only enhanced the watching experience. The sets were nicely done, and they even recreated the grassland from scratch and filmed real outdoor scenes. The locations were beautiful. Then there were the gorgeous costumes - wait until you see Ashile Sun in his General uniform and ChangeGe in her Tang and Mobei princess outfits.

Some editing could be better, especially during the transitions between manhwa and reality, but I like the director mixing media. It keeps things different and captures certain moods more effectively through graphics than acting, especially the battle scenes where horses were hurt. It also paid homage to the manhwa artist.

- Choreography
The directing and acting for the game, archery scenes, and the close-up combats were done so superbly and were of such high quality. Using space and the right moments to deploy the slow-motion effect, the director heightened the scenes' anticipation and intensity. They reminded me of the highly stylized action sequences by John Woo. When paired with the most fitting sound and music as well as thoughtful camera angles, all I can say is WOW! I love seeing Leo Wu as A'Sun kick - so gratifying! And the others didn't pale in comparison either.

- Romance
A slow burn for our main OTP, but it was such a satisfying journey to watch them. This couple paired so well, with both of them being such tsundere characters. Their conversations and unspoken thoughts, glances and stares, smiles and gestures - the closer they were drawn to each other, the bigger the rush of adrenaline for me. Their love was the kind that seeped into my heart, made it flutter, and it almost exploded when Sun started pursuing ChangGe more boldly. There's a hilarious scene of the moment he realized that ChangeGe was his 'beloved'. To quote @Dragnelia: Find yourself a man who would LOVE YOU so intensely without knowing what LOVE IS!

What I love the most though was not the chase and drama of ChangeGe finally opening up to Sun as much as their ability to bring out the best in each other. They complemented each other and reveled in each other's strengths and uniqueness. When conflict entered the plot that kept them apart, it was not a test of whether it will break them up but more of a testament that their relationship was healthy enough to adapt and overcome. They were partners through and through.

ChangGe is my favourite type of female lead. Incredibly intelligent yet youthfully naive, feminine yet strong, noble yet down to earth, and boy, did she have an extremely high pain tolerance! Charismatic Sun fascinated me. He was an excellent counterpart to ChangGe, matching her in wit, perceptiveness, and resourcefulness. The way Ashile Sun silently supported our FL and discerned the best way to motivate her added an extra level of swoon-worthiness. I like that the story had him discover early that ChangGe was a girl, and you could tell the moment he started caring for her. Sun could not believe that such an extraordinary girl could exist. From that first attraction, he has been looking out for her.

All other dramas should use these two as prototypes as they genuinely raised the standards for ideal male and female leads.

I also liked the secondary couple a lot - Hao Du and Le Yan. Even though their relationship was based on the "sweet soft princess and cold guard" trope, I was rooting for Hao Du all the way.

- Cast
The drama is a visual feast for the eyes; be it the main leads or supporting cast, it's good looks galore.

Lucky for us audience, this show got it right with the casting, and some pairings just work. Dilireba and Wu Lei have the "it" factor, and their chemistry is incredible on-screen and off-screen! I highly recommend watching the BTS clips; you'll understand why this OTP is so adored and why so many wanted Wu Lei's first on-screen kiss to be with Reba. Reba is one of my favourite Chinese actresses, and when compared to her last drama before 'The Long Ballad', I can say that her acting has improved yet again. She was never bad to me, but her ability to emote, especially during the crying scenes, became better. She is as beautiful as ever, and she really fits her character.

Leo emotes well with his facial expressions and eyes. He can pull off the cold and indifferent look but using just his eyes; he can convey worry and fear, care and love. He's seriously so hot as Ashile Sun that he should graduate from being the Nation's Little Brother to one of the Nation's Male Gods (Nan shen). His acting was excellent here, and he truly deserves awards for some of his scenes.

Zhao Lusi is another great actress, and when paired with Liu Yu Ning, they also lit up the screen. Liu Yu Ning did an amazing job portraying an anti-hero, so antagonistic, but his actions belied his seemingly cold manner. Lusi managed to make LeYan stand out and portrayed her character development so well.

As for Alen Fang's Wei Shu Yu, his character wasn't as admirable as his lead role in Love By Hypnotic, but he looked good no matter what. Plus, his acting has also become better.

The entire cast did so well, and there were such good chemistry and rapport among them. At one point, I was shipping LeYan and ChangGe together because their relationship was just on fire!

- OST and Sound Effects
The OSTs are on another level and are very fitting, with appropriate pieces underscoring the scenes; both starting and ending songs set the dramatic and emotional tone that was infused throughout the show. I also love that whenever there was a poignant scene between Hao Du and LeYan, the background song was the one sung by Liu Yu Ning. That man can sing, and I am a fan now of him and Zhou Shen. In addition to the music, the sound effect team must also be commended. They did a stellar job bringing the show to life so effectively.

Overall, "The Long Ballad" nailed it in every aspect for me. This is one series that I will rewatch in a heartbeat. I've already watched it multiple times. While I waited for the new subbed episodes to air, I watched the unsubbed version, and I will watch the entire series again completely subbed. That's how much I enjoyed it.

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Well written script with lovely characters, great music, fun humor and awesome romance!

After rewatching "Her Private Life" multiple times, I finally decided to leave a short review highlighting why it remains one of my favourite dramas to watch over and over again.

1) Talented, gorgeous lead actors - not only are Park Min Young and Kim Jae Wook are beautiful to look at, they also have the acting chops to elevate this rom-com to the next level. I cannot wait for their next movies and I wish Kim Jae Wook acted more in rom-coms.

2) Great acting all around - kudos to the casting director since everyone truly delivered!

3) Well-written script - The characters are nicely developed and being adults, actually behaved like adults. None of those childish drama that the writers usually throw in to create conflicts. Without the unnecessary drama, the show is a great stress-less option when you just want to relax and enjoy the sweetness of a non-cringey romance. Perhaps some more emotional scenes or side stories were watered down but the resolution or outcomes were still realistic and nicely played out.

4) Enjoyable music - seriously, the soundtrack is delightful! Each piece was fitting for the scene and added to the mood or emotion appropriately.

Overall, I do recommend this drama. Give it a try!

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Epic love story that never really was…

As I watched the story of “Thousand Years for You” unfold, I was looking forward to an epic love story that broke barriers and transcended time. Sadly, the show failed to deliver on the romance, and the ending left me feeling empty in that aspect.

It is not as though the show lost its focus midway. From beginning to end, the story was about the love journey initially between a powerful saintess, Yun Xi, from the spirit clan and a valiant mortal general Lu Yan. Then later between Yun Xi’s doppelgänger, Deng Deng and Lu Yan, who waited 3000 years for Yun Xi.

Unfortunately, the pairing of Li Qin as Yun Xi/Deng Deng and Ren Jia Lun as Lu Yan fell flat for me. No matter how good they looked together, I just could not get the feels from them, and the chemistry was seriously lacking. They were definitely a visual treat, but I enjoyed the show more by seeing them as mystery-solving partners instead of a couple.

For me, the show would have fared better if they had removed the romance aspect and focused on the mystery and adventures. A xianxia set in the Republican era was interesting enough, and the different storylines were refreshing. It was entertaining to watch our sleuthing duo and their sidekicks battle the evil elements of the spirit clan. Most of the other characters, especially the second couple, helped bring this drama to life; they were all likable individuals in their own right.

The show was a pretty well-balanced emotional roller coaster of emotions, switching between humor, suspense, and melodrama. That said, the script did need to be polished, and there were plot holes and dialogue that should have been tighter.

I loved the details put into the costumes. One could tell that a lot of thought was put into the styles of the characters. Deng Deng often wore masculine clothing, but there were touches of femininity. The outfits for Lu Yan were chic and perfectly tailored. They highlighted Ren Jia Lun’s good looks so well. I also appreciate the color palettes that also matched the characters perfectly.

The best part for me was the excellent OST, and the songs were mainly the ingredient that got me tearing up. The CGI was also well-done, and the fight scenes were well-executed, except for some scenes that ended up hilarious instead.

Acting-wise, I was impressed by Li Qin, who delivered the emotional scenes perfectly and effortlessly transitioned between the ethereal, refined Yun Xi and the tomboyish, brash Deng Deng. There was criticism of her portrayal of Deng Deng because some thought she over-acted, but I thought she did fine.

Ren Jia Lun did what he did best, playing a calm, cold, emotionless person who gradually warmed up to the female lead. However, I felt RJL lacked his usual intensity compared to his other dramas. It could be due to how he interpreted his character, who was supposed to become indifferent during those 3000 years, trying to bring back Yun Xi by transferring energy into his last remnant of her. Regardless, without his usual magnetic emoting, the romance failed to come alive for me.

It also did not help that RJL used his voice this time, and one can tell he lacked experience with voice dubbing. It often sounded like he was reciting lines and came across as dull. On the other hand, Li Qin also used her voice but was better in delivery; however, her dubbing suffered from the volume being too loud, making her sound annoying sometimes.

Other than the romance, I also found the villains lackluster. I like Leon Lai and his acting, but as Zhu Rong, the main antagonist for most of the show, I was not entirely convinced by his motivations and actions, especially towards the end. Plus, the last-minute addition of another villain just felt too rushed. Ultimately, the final showdown was somewhat anti-climatic.

Overall, even though I did not get the fantastic love story I expected from a RJL drama, it was still a show worth watching. It was fun watching Lu Yan and Deng Deng play detective to uncover who was threatening the spirit clan and humanity.


Full OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9iDlX-GIwI
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6qV032sg5Faeju8KTDQbeJ?si=3a9110beb0c34f61

1. 吾 (I) - 任嘉伦 (Allen Ren) 00:00
2. 有时无期 (Indefinite At Times) - 张碧晨 (Zhang Bichen) 04:40
3. 光年爱情 (Light Year Love) - 王靖雯 (Wang Jingwen) 07:54
4. 你是我唯一 (You Are My Only One) - 陆虎 (Lu Hu) 11:38

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Made for Mindless Binging

Double Love is a good pick if you're looking for hearty laughter, fluffy romance, and fun engaging characters.

Adapted from the novel "Master, your wife is AFK again" by author Da Ju Mao, the story centered around Lu Wanwan, a female actress who is trying to make her mark in the acting industry without counting on backdoor connections, and Han Jingmo, a star, and expert game player.

The plot itself was the usual idol drama - a bumbling yet bright and warm rookie actress meeting a cold but admirable popular male artist and how they fall in love online and offline. There were cliches like past encounters leaving a deep impression on one of the leads and the usual show business shenanigans like scheming actresses trying to sabotage the FL's career and get between the two leads.

The storyline may not be new, but the show was fun to watch. The main CP's love story was endearing, and I love watching their journey to success in their careers and personal lives. The humor and wit were on-point, and the interactions between the characters were so heartwarming that they pulled me into the drama. Plus, issues and misunderstandings were resolved quickly, making it an easy watch.

Unfortunately, the show suffered from some terrible editing, and key scenes were cut, leading to viewers' frustration and confusion. I strongly recommend looking through the comments for links to the cut scenes for a better understanding.

The CGI for the game was pretty good, and I enjoyed watching the matches and the characters. There were some hilarious setups in the virtual world, especially when juxtaposed against the characters in real life.

The chemistry between the main couple as well as among all the characters was organic and engaging. I was rooting not only for the main CP but also for the low-key relationship with BL undertones between another pair. I adored the dynamics of the Lu family and the sibling relationship between Wanwan and her brother Lu Guang Han. They were hilarious, teasing and bullying each other but also so supportive and protective of each other.

Zhang Sue Ying was the highlight, honestly. Her character was full of energy and spunk and brought so much life to the show. ZSY's acting was so natural and realistic, like she became one with her character, Wanwan.

As for Bi Wenjun, he was somewhat stiff in the beginning, but he got much better in the later episodes. I was not wild about how they styled him as the top star Han Jingmo, and I preferred his look in the game. However, he was still eye candy, and together with ZSY, they made a great-looking couple, especially during their scenes on the red carpet. Han Jingmo was the perfect ML - faithful and consistent, always looking out for Wanwan...although he can be childish at times.

In general, the cast was great, and there was a fun rapport among them. I did find the side couple's story unnecessary and uninteresting. I would much rather them show more sweet moments between our main CP.

The OST was awesome. I never skipped the ending credits because of the song, 'I Wanna Be Your Love' sung by Bi Wenjun. It is a sweet song played during the main CP's romantic scenes. The opening song, Tiptoe, by Xu Mengjie, was catchy too. For posterity, I listed the song list at the end of this review.

Overall, do give this show a try! It would be a shame to miss out on the comedy, fun and satisfying ending. Whether you need to cure bad-day blues or just a distraction, watching this show might just do the trick!

OST List:
* Bi Wenjun (毕雯珺) - I Wanna Be Your Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztJE7NwDhOg

* Xu Mengjie (徐梦洁) - Tiptoe (踮脚尖)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLq-5sam6O0

* 打扰一下乐团 - Fearless (无畏)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uFefnf9A9o

* Jin Wenqi - No Trace (无迹可寻)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umsk7wFO8Bo

Album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/52w5EV0C36g1EsEmGX4nDK?si=mX8-ZjeRQBiiMuPIBNS-cA

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Waste of a Good Female Lead

This drama had a great start, featuring a highly skilled female assassin as the FL, paired against a highly intelligent, also incredibly skilled Commander of the Qianyuwei (elite guards). Even if it had all the usual tropes, it could have been an enjoyable watch.

Unfortunately, the screenwriter took the amnesia trope and stretched it out for far too long. Literally from part of ep 1 to over 4/5 of the show, our amazing, smart FL was dumbed down to a silly, whiny, clingy brat. To add salt to our injury, the show even had to use an irritating child-like voice for her voice. Occasionally, we can see her subconscious act out and we see her true skills but for the most part, she was just plain annoying. They tried to show that even in the dumbed-down state, she was still smart but it was all mostly petty tricks or some glib excuses to get out of trouble. Honestly I still don't get how the ML would even fall for someone like that.

Speaking of the ML, he was the typical cold, stoned-face Commander who often chose noble idiocy, pushing the FL away for her own good. On a few occasions, he would return her affections (especially when she showed signs of wanting to let go of him) and he would pull her back, only to push her away again. Then all of a sudden, he decided that he cannot lose her after a certain discovery. That left a bad taste in my mouth since he did not think she was worth fighting for before his discovery.

The great visuals kept me hanging on. Wang You Shuo and Zhao Zhao Yi are gorgeous to look at and they had good chemistry with each other. Since this was a filler show for me anyway, I was able to ignore the ridiculous dialogue and silly behavior. Their acting was fine, nothing stellar but that was due to the limitations of their characters. The other characters did not leave a strong impression,

I did like the costumes, setting and the OST. The last few episodes were better as the FL regained her memories which is why I did not rate this lower. It is too bad though since these episodes also showed how much better the drama could have been,

Overall, I would not recommend it though unless like me, you just want to look at eye candy and not think about anything else.

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Perfect comic timing and fantastic cast guaranteed to give you hearty laughs!

For me, Thai rom-com dramas have developed their own brand of slapstick antics that mesh well with the plot and character development. Mae Krua Kon Mai is a great example of this. The show provided a good amount of witty and lowbrow humor and physical comedy. It also used timing, rhythm, and music effects to keep things engaging and entertaining from start to finish. I was interested from the get-go, so much so that I watched it without subtitles, and then with subtitles the second time.

This is one rom-com that raised the irony level of life for me. I was not expecting Param, the ML, to fall in love with Dao, the FL, when she was in disguise as a less attractive person of a lower status. I know, it's superficial of me, but I have watched way too many dramas to expect otherwise. So it was a pleasant surprise when this show deviated from the usual clichés. Yes, Param knew about Faidam's true identity, and there were already sparks whenever he met Dao. However, almost all his flashbacks and sweet memories were about her as Faidam. The verbal sparring and the constant one-upping between our leading couple were so fun to watch. One could see Param's curiosity evolving into attraction and ultimately love, as mischievous Faidam constantly challenged him, frustrating him while piquing his interest more and more.

Every time these two were together, the screen lit up, whether they were squabbling, bantering, teasing, staring into each other's eyes, or glaring at each other. August Paisarnkulwong as Param and Namfah Phatrathinchaicherin as Dao/Faidam were amazing together, and they did an excellent job portraying their characters. Namfah can do comedy, and she was really good at playing the dual personalities. August was more subtle, but he emoted so well. He cried so prettily, and whenever he flirted, I had to grab at my chest to calm my heart. I didn't mind the slow burn romance, but I did wish that there were more kissing because they looked comfortable and natural together when they did.

For sure, there were moments where I wanted to yell at one or both of them for being prideful, and I was definitely annoyed at Param for being so ambiguous with Rika. True, he repeatedly reminded her that she was only his fake girlfriend and he could never love her, but man, letting her kiss you and be all touchy-feely was no way to draw the line! Dao can also be irritating as heck with her refusal to talk things through and clarify matters. Still, despite such moments of wanting to tear my hair out, I cannot help but immensely enjoy the show. The best part for me was that Rika, as the nang rai, did enough to bother but never really got away with things. I love the twist towards the end of the show where it was building up to another opportunity for Rika to stir up trouble, but it did not happen the way I had expected it to go down. Ahhh, it is just so satisfying seeing the villain fall flat!

It's funny, but this is the third drama that I've watched that had Ice Srisevok as the nang rai. It would be a shame if she was typecast.

The acting was great across the board, and there was just so much chemistry between the cast! Between the OTP, the secondary couple (Oab and Pon - absolutely adorable together!), between Faidam and Param's mother, between Faidam and Watsy (adore that guy!!!), Dao's family with each other, and between Buap, Taew, and Faidam. Everyone worked in tandem so well, and I just want to see the behind-the-scenes clips of everyone having fun making this drama. I find it very interesting that multiple actors played characters with hidden agendas or dual personalities. Dao as Faidam, Param with his fake girlfriend, Rika, who pretended to love Param but was actually a gold-digger, Param's mother who was miserly but had a generous heart with the people she loved, and even Max, Dao’s long-term boyfriend but I’ll leave it at that since it is a major spoiler.

There were many negative comments about Dao darkening her skin when she becomes Faidam, and coming from a society that judges by skin tone, I can understand the discontent. However, the show never implied that Faidam was ugly due to her darker skin tone. To me, it was more to ensure that she is even more disguised, although I don't know how she managed to get away with it for so long. To the show's credit, it did not treat us, the audience, as being stupid. At least Dao realized that she would be recognized by the people close to her, just like how Korn did almost instantly, so she did her best to avoid them. I also like that Param was quick on the uptake and found out fairly early on about Dao's disguise.

Music-wise, I liked the two songs that were featured but nothing memorable. Rewatch value is high; I've already watched it twice, but I am tempted to watch it again because I am curious to see when exactly did our OTP transition from hate to love.

Overall, do give this drama a try! The sweetness, the silliness, the laughter, the gorgeous leads, the terrific cast, the lovely ending - there's enough to keep you entertained!

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Be prepared for your heart to ache but also to be disappointed

Medical-themed C-dramas are pretty much the same: solving complex cases, doctors with different philosophies getting into conflicts but ultimately making the right decisions, and romance bubbling between people in white coats. "Thank you, Doctor" also had the "arrogant but brilliant doctor" trope, but unlike other shows, the drama added the back stories of the main leads to freshen the storyline.

This show was a lot better than I expected. The writer's ability to write a touching story for each medical case that truly tugged at one's heartstrings and the excellent acting by the main leads were the combination that saved this drama from becoming yet another run-of-the-mill medical show.

The cases were the usual amalgam of challenging ones that medical shows always feature, and not surprisingly, the doctors miraculously were able to solve most of them. However, the show provided a good balance. Instead of only celebrating idealized superhuman doctors, it also observed societal prejudices and problems, as well as the unpredictable nature of humans. All of which forced the doctors to attempt superhuman feats. I appreciate the show's acknowledgment that for doctors coping with impossible pressures, being good at one's job was not always enough to win the battle of life and death.

There were light moments to temper some of the heaviness of the medical stories, and the slow-burn romance added extra flavor for me. It was a slow burn done well, with lingering longing gazes, little selfless gestures, and secret unconcious smiles.

In the first few episodes, Bai Shu was an arrogant ass, undermining Xiao Yan, but she was always able to stand her ground. She was not scared of his gruffness or intimidated by his medical brilliance. This sequence repeated for a while, but they learned more about each other through the implicit rivalry between them. Along with Xiao Yan, the viewers saw more depth to Bai Shu, which made us appreciate him more.

Overall, Bai Shu underwent character development that made Xiao Yan like him and found him more charming over time. At the same time, the more they worked together, the more Xiao Yan impressed Bai Shu, ultimately earning his respect and admiration, professionally and personally.

Bai Shu was more assertive once he realized his feelings, but Xiao Yan had her inner demons to overcome, causing the relationship to stall for the whole show until the very end.

Yang Mi and Bai Yu were compelling to watch, individually and together. With their great chemistry and good writing, "Thank you, Doctor" rose slightly above the other medical dramas. Sadly, the other relationships and characters did not evolve well enough for me to deem this show a masterpiece. Certain characters were poorly written and not only were they one-dimensional, they were annoying too.

"Thank you, Doctor" had much to recommend it, but the disappointment of most viewers about the romance should be acknowledged. Framed as a romantic drama, it should have been more accurately described as a medical drama with some romance in the background. Additionally, this drama's ending did not deliver at all. It was clearly a rushed ending, too abrupt, and it felt like the details were cut out. It was frustrating when the show did not even feature both leads in the ending scenes.

Despite the unsatisfactory ending, I still rated this show highly because it kept me entertained and engaged throughout the 40 episodes. It was an enjoyable emotional roller coaster ride, and I stressed, cried, and rejoiced so much with the characters. Last but not least, no matter how secondary the romance was to the overall story, the dynamics between Xiao Yan and Bai Shu were the focal point for me. Watching the romantic tension and build-up between them was achingly good.

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