Reviews

Entertaining Joke.

Let me precede this by saying I liked this show; it was fun to watch, and I've quite enjoyed it. It was entertaining, but not the masterpiece some opinions made me believe it would be.
I do appreciate the effort and work put into this, especially considering it was a passion project of War and Yin, and for that they really deserve a lot of praise. 
They both delivered amazing performances, but the show lacked properly built intimacy between their characters. For the record, by intimacy I don't mean NC scenes. The script spent so little time on building the foundation for their relationship that it just didn't work as a love story. In all honesty there was less screen time allocated for them being together and communicating than some unnecessary although fun thievery.
I really appreciate the accurate portrayal of people living in or near poverty levels. Most dramas show us beggars in designer clothes, living in spacious homes or apartments and driving new Toyota. The show portrayed economic struggle and social issues, lack of opportunities, education, and the necessity of going into debt really well. Thanks to this, the motivations of the characters entangled with these problems were easy to understand.
That being said, the plot, though interesting, was very uneven quality-wise. After a relatively long period of establishing the environment, there was a lot crammed all at once into the second half of the show. As a result, the pacing was all over the place.
I'm not one to nitpick on the "realism" of action shows, but some choices in this script just didn't make any sense. The prime example being the whole "ring of power" premise for the Four Horsemen. 
I try not to take things too seriously if the show itself doesn't, but these last 2 episodes? They've lost the plot completely. Playing a game of Monopoly to decide the level of influence? The collars? What in the squid game is this? The big bad boss ended up being a very one-dimensional villain considering how much time was allocated for establishing his presence.
It was simultaneously too much and not enough to make this show great for me. I would call this the case of putting form over substance or maybe a show that fell victim to its own ambition.

Leia Mais

A Tale of Promise Tamed by Perfection

A Dazzling Beginning:
Blossoms in Adversity opens with an arresting visual: the young female lead braving the storm to scale a ship's mast, her courage and intelligence illuminated by flashes of lightning. This moment, while pushing the boundaries of believability, sets a tone of resilience and brilliance that promises a tale steeped in struggle and triumph. It hints at a protagonist whose determination could anchor a profound exploration of personal and societal challenges, inviting viewers to root for her against an unforgiving world.

The narrative gains momentum with the sudden unjust downfall of a prestigious scholarly family, orchestrated by a paranoid emperor whose cruelty spares no one. This theme—a stark depiction of the fragility of life under unchecked power—provides a powerful foundation. Alongside this turmoil emerges the male lead, an experienced and commanding figure whose strength and brilliance sharply contrasts the vulnerability of those crushed under tyranny. The drama’s setup brims with potential: a stage set for examining societal injustice, resilience, and the tenacity of women confronting systemic oppression.

A Faltering Depth:
As the series unfolds, however, its initial ambition succumbs to a preference for lighter, more idealized storytelling. The weighty themes of patriarchal oppression, abuse, forced labor, and complex family dynamics are sidelined in favor of feel-good emotional resolutions that often skim the surface of these complex issues. The treatment of domestic abuse, for example, simplifies the narrative into a moral dichotomy between the “good” sister, Hua Xian, and the “evil” sister, Hua Jing, failing to grapple with the nuanced realities of such trauma.

While these surface-level lighter moments may offer comfort and entertainment, they often diminish the gravity of the injustices the story seeks to portray. For viewers hoping for a thoughtful examination of systemic struggles, this approach may feel unsatisfying. That said, the series does occasionally return to its darker realistic roots, particularly in the tragic arc of Hua Rong and her unborn child, which serves as a haunting reminder of human fragility in the face of relentless oppression.

The Cost of Perfection: A Heroine Without Shadows
Zhi, the central figure of dazzling capability, is positioned as a beacon of female empowerment, yet her portrayal veers into idealization. While her intelligence, ingenuity, virtue and bravery are admirable, they are often depicted with an infallibility that robs her character of vulnerability and limits her capacity for growth. Dubbed the "Goddess of Wealth," she can accumulate wealth and business quickly, argues like a seasoned lawyer, deduces like a master physician, and fights like a warrior born. She saves the male lead with Mulan-like flair, navigates ships with unparalleled skill, and wield her wrist weapon with unerring accuracy, eyes closed. These accomplishments read more like a checklist of superhuman feats than the journey of a complex, evolving character.

In striving to present Zhi as a flawless heroine, the narrative sidesteps the raw, messy imperfections that make stories of resilience truly resonate. Her struggles lack personal consequences, and even her moments of hardship are reframed as the fault of others. This absence of vulnerability and growth renders her distant, a symbol of empowerment that feels more aspirational than authentic.

Moreover, Zhi’s oppressive upbringing, a storyline ripe for exploring themes of resentment, healing, and self-discovery, is only superficially addressed. This missed opportunity underscores the series’ reluctance to delve into the profound emotional and psychological layers of its protagonist, opting instead for a polished portrayal that ultimately feels hollow to me.

Secondary Characters Shine:
The drama finds its heart not in Zhi’s perfection, but in the flawed, relatable arcs of its supporting cast. Characters like Shaoyao, whose journey is imbued with genuine growth and raw humanity, stands out as an emotional core of the narrative. Lu Yuxiao's impressive portrayal of Shaoyao carries an emotional weight that grounds the series in authenticity. I loved her character.

Similarly, the dynamic between Shen Huan and Shaoyao provides a refreshing counterpoint to the idealized main romance. Their relationship, marked by conflict, reconciliation, and mutual respect, feels natural and earned—a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling. Their love story, vibrant and authentic, shines with emotional depth and relatability.

A Male Lead Diminished by the Spotlight on Perfection
Gu Yanxi, portrayed by Hu Yitian, offers glimpses of a compelling character, particularly in his role as a commander navigating palace intrigue and personal loyalties. Yanxi is introduced with promise: a sharp, strategic mind navigating intrigues, familial dysfunction, and a manipulative, obsessive emperor. His fight scenes are a visceral highlight, showcasing raw physicality and intensity. His potential for depth is evident in his conflicted relationships with those around him. Yet, in the middle of the plot, Yanxi’s potential is often overshadowed by the narrative’s insistence on Zhi’s unerring competence and brilliance.

While his interactions with the emperor hint at deeper inner conflicts—loyalty, affection, and moral ambiguity—these threads remain underexplored. Yanxi’s character is too often relegated to a supporting role in Zhi’s orbit, his agency diminished and his arc stunted. His role becomes largely reactive, his strategic acumen sidelined to elevate hers. The romantic chemistry between the leads suffers as a result, with their interactions lacking the tension and emotional complexity necessary for a compelling connection. Their relationship, framed as a fairytale of perfect communication and trust, feels idealized to the point of detachment. When conflicts arise, they are resolved with little emotional fallout, leaving their dynamic static and unrelatable. Zhi makes all the relationship decisions, whether to end it or get back together. No deep relatable angst, which will delight the fans who prefer light-hearted Hallmark type romance. A fairytale romance from start to finish.

However, in my view, their interactions, while visually sweet and cute, lack the tension and emotional complexity necessary to sustain a meaningful connection. Lingering gazes and long embraces often feel staged rather than organic, with awkward gaps in physicality detracting from the authenticity of their relationship.

Narrative Crutches and Missed Opportunities:
The use of voiceover narration of the leads inner thoughts, mostly during the first half of the series, further weakens the drama’s impact. Instead of trusting the actors to convey internal struggles and revelations through performance or allowing the audience to infer meaning from nuanced dialogue, the series resorts to spoon-feeding thoughts and emotions. This choice undermines character complexity and reduces my engagement, turning potentially profound moments into shallow expositions. I don't enjoy an overuse of first person pov narratives in the middle of the plot.

The Tale That Could Have Been:
Despite its flaws, Blossoms in Adversity is not without merit. The supporting cast breathes life into the story, and the soundtrack enhances its emotional resonance. Yet, the drama's insistence on idealization—particularly of its lead—hampers its ability to delve into the raw, messy realities that transforms good stories into great ones.

Zhi's brilliance and her triumphs were entertaining in its moments, even if her perfection becomes her greatest flaw, a barrier to relatability and growth. Yanxi’s potential for nuance was stunted in her shadow, but eventually shone brighter in the last episodes.

For viewers seeking light-hearted escapism where triumphs come swiftly, the series delivers an enjoyable experience - a warm breeze of comfort and predictability. But for those yearning for a story that lingers, one that mirrors the raw edges of life and resonates in its aching moments of growth, it serves as a reminder of the power of imperfection in storytelling. Flaws, vulnerabilities, and struggles are not weaknesses—they are the roots from which the most memorable stories blossom.

Leia Mais

OBSESSED. A 56-EP MASTERPIECE I WISH I'D WATCHED SOONER.

y'all... i regret watching this drama late into 2024. it spent years gathering dust in my watch list bc i got intimidated by the number of episodes but my GOD. never let the drama length hinder you from unearthing diamonds i'm telling you!!

let me just say i finished watching this five days ago and until now, even while watching another cdrama, i cannot stop thinking about ling buyi and cheng shaoshang and everyone else. are they married with three kids?? is the cheng grandma still insufferable? i really am just obsessed not only with the main characters but also the supporting characters. i love them all so much, 56 episodes weren't enough to unravel this masterpiece. the actors were splendid in bringing the characters to life, especially zhao lusi with such a complex character like niaoniao. can't say i'm surprised though, zls has always been a magnificent actress.

i wish we could've seen more of ling buyi and cheng shaoshang towards the ending, though. AND I NEED WU LEI AND ZHAO LUSI IN ANOTHER DRAMA! MAY THE CDRAMA GODS HEAR MY PRAYER.

PS. this is my first wu lei drama ever and now i'm in love with him i'm omw to binge his works TT____TT

Leia Mais

Bare to handle the sad ending,then go for it.

There is little impact in the story. The male protagonist discovers that he is going to die due to a genetic disease, so he embarks on a journey to find his biological father. He takes the female protagonist, who is also his ex, along with him, but the reason for this is unclear, even to him. Despite a long search, he fails to find his father. However, during this journey, they both fall in love with each other once again. The story also explores how the female protagonist copes with the truth of his impending death and how he eventually learns about his father. Despite the lack of a powerful script, the actors and direction make the drama impactful. The show captivates the audience with its gripping openings and endings in each episode. Out of curiosity, I watched it all in one go.

I will praise all the songs. they were all too good .

Leia Mais

Gangnam B-Side (2024): A Forgettable Disaster Masquerading as a Drama

"Gangnam B-Side (2024) is a masterclass in wasted potential and generic storytelling. From start to finish, it feels like the writers threw together every cliché they could find, sprinkled in some overly dramatic moments, and called it a day. The plot tries to be deep and meaningful but ends up being a confusing mess that fails to engage or make sense.

The characters? Cardboard cutouts at best, with no real development or chemistry to speak of. The lead performances are either painfully overacted or so flat that you wonder if they’re just as bored as the audience. The dialogue feels like it was written by someone who just Googled 'how to sound cool in 2024' but skipped the part about making it authentic or relatable.

Visually, the drama looks like a YouTube vlog with a slightly better budget—uninspired cinematography and lazy direction throughout. Even the soundtrack, which could have salvaged something, is forgettable.

In short, Gangnam B-Side is the kind of drama you’ll forget as soon as the credits roll—if you even make it that far. If this is the 'B-Side,' I don’t even want to know what the A-Side looks like. 2/10, and that’s me being generous."

Leia Mais

Whatever it served perfectly for me

◾Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart!
"Jack and Joker" is a Thai series that breaks the usual mold.The depth of emotions wrapped by incredible acting with great visuals. Even though there's really some plot holes but the production quality is great, with beautifully crafted sets and thoughtful cinematography(not overall just camera angles were pretty smooth)that enhances every episode.The soundtrack, too, deserves a mention; it perfectly complements the narrative, evoking the right emotions at the right times. Two protagonists (Yin anan & War wanarat)overflowing with talent, masculinity, and beauty, it takes us on a roller coaster ride that's hard to recover from.The chemistry between YinWar is inevitable, making every scene they share both compelling and emotional.

🔻There's a severe lack of security cameras and guards, the bank is so big, but when joker got into the office there is no cctv camera. Fighting scenes and action scenes are poorly written and executed. Even though Jack & Joker characters are well written still there's merely any character development. Tattoo,Hoy,arun for them I don't see any future cause they actually can't do anything to bear their living costs. Near the end, it gets weird and silly. They try to fit so many aspects into one show like 'catch me if you can ', ' mission impossible' but actually people will really wonder why people there consider him a "legendary master thief".

📍They had low budget and they did thousands times better than many big budgets Thai bls. So no complaints against anything related to budget. The way the held gun exactly perfect👏🏻.As thai shows (and honestly BL in general) go, this is not even close to the unrealistic writing I have seen. But the emotions they delivered which made my satisfaction lv ♾️.

🫠: For me the the Plot was YinWar and it severed absolutely outstanding . So, it's 100/10 for me anyway.

📌Joker didn't rob jack of anything except his hopes and dreams, incidents with Toi Ting,their forehead touch was brilliantly executed and my most fav scene among all.

Overall, I would describe this show as exceptional thus far, and it has certainly set a high standard for future series in this genre. They started an opening which will always be iconic forever..

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Repetitive plot structure. Underdeveloped character arcs

The series presents a narrative with stagnant characters, Jack and Joker, who repeatedly fall into similar problematic situations without meaningful growth, despite initial hints of depth. Save's betrayal of friends, including an attempt to poison a grandmother, further highlights the series' shallow character development. While the talented cast attempts to elevate the material, the show fails to meaningfully explore serious themes like childhood poverty, instead using them as superficial plot devices. The comedy falls flat due to poor editing, and the relationships, though unique, lack emotional complexity. Ultimately, the series might appeal to viewers seeking unconventional romantic dynamics but falls short of delivering a sophisticated or transformative storytelling experience.

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*inserte meme de Yolanda Ramos* ¿Pero está mierda que has puesto aquí que es cariño mío?

otro BL de GMMTv significa tengo pasta para hacer el idiota y tengo actores que podrían hacer cosas decentes pero tengo un guión de mierda.
GMMTv no decepciona para dar cringe en sus bls, lo mires por donde lo mires. No conocía esta pareja y me ha encantado Book pero es que el otro mas soso que un zapato que quiero yo pensar que es por su personaje y en la vida real es algo mejor. Pero aún así ¿quien establece en la GMMTv las parejas? Porque estos dos no tienen química , Book tendría más química con un patata de verdad , en cuanto a tema de romance un menos dieciocho, no había pasión, bueno es que ni romance o un tonteo tonto.
Pero lo peor de todo es como tratan el tema de la violación, tema gravisimo y que lo tratan super a la ligera, rollo, la madre lo sabía , pero oye un lo siento y todos contentos. O sea, es que cuando lo han metido yo estaba expectante porque estaba viendo que la iban a pifiar y asi lo han hecho, han banalizado una violación. Pues nada amigos todo son unas risas si te viola tu padrastro durante tres años. De verdad, que de los peores guiones escritos , te diría de la GMMTv pero es que esos señores se superan asi que a la espera del proximo sustito que nos meten y a ver como balanlizan temas tochos e importantes.

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How a simple story can be enhanced by execution and acting

•Love in the Air is a fairly simple story for me, as I have read countless books and novels that have a similar concept. But through its production value, script choices, acting and top-notch chemistry, the show was able to create a long-lasting impression on me.

•The 13 episodes are basically divided into two parts, which is pretty interesting for me. I like this approach since it gives both couples equal amount of screentime and we as viewers can explore their relationship in depth. Given that both the pairs of couples had some prominent developments in their storyline, this choice seems fair and reasonable. If their stories were to go simultaneously, then there would've been a lot of filler scenes and cramping in 45 minutes. The first six and half of seventh episode focus on PhayuRain's story and then the remaing episodes focus on PrapaiSky's development.

•PhayuRain are by far my favourite. Their story might appear convention since the dynamic between the two is a typical dominant top x submissive bottom one, with a lot of sweet and fluffy elements. But that's where it's charm lies. I really enjoyed seeing how the clever and cunning Phayu managed to get the naive and confused Rain to fall for him without the latter even realising it. There were minor scenes which gave second hand embarassment (iykyk) , but overlooking that, I was still able to enjoy it. Phayu may across as arrogant and narcissistic, but he is actually caring and loves Rain unconditionally. He is also protective and will sacrifice his respect if it means saving Rain's life. Meanwhile, Rain is also pretty lovesick. Of course, he is dumb, innocent and easily trusting, but he is also protective and feisty when it comes to his man. Their dynamic was very sweet and BossNoeul's chemistry made their romance even more believable. The NC scene was on fire.

•PrapaiSky are one of the most legendary side couples I have seen in Bl dramas. They're so good that I would've definitely had second couple syndrome hadn't I had noticed PhayuRain first. Their story is more preferred because it had substance in the form of the angst that came from Sky's past. Though it wasn't nothing new to me, but the execution was compelling enought for me to continue with the story. Their dynamic is basically that of the black cat (Sky) and golden retriever (Prapai). Now, many people have issues with Prapai's character having a stalkerish personality, as he used to constantly text message Sky despite of the latter's constant resistance and blockings. Well, that's bad, but I must say that if Prapai gave in, Sky would've probably never taken an intiative and would be still stuck with the trauma and insecurities his ex caused him. On the brighter side, Prapai had a complete 360° change and completely devoted himself to Sky. He turned from a play boy to a green flag, and I appreciate the change. Sky also learnt to appreciate himself and understood the unbiased love Prapai has for him. FortPeat also have a major role in bringing their characters emotions and tensions to life. Their NC scene was also nothing short of sexual tension and hotness.

•Overall, this drama has completely captivated me with its stellar performance and concise story. There two categories of viewers for this- those who enjoy it and those who find it boring/offensive. I definitely one who like it, and kind off eyeballs the flaws, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

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