Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Bu Hui Lian Ai De Wo Men (2022)
A Must-Watch for C-Romance Lovers!
What a fun and spicy little C-Drama! Definitely one of the better ones I've seen in recent years. I rate it 9.5 (rounded up to 10) stars.
While the plot starts out like a typical C-Drama, filled with plenty of the usual /unrealistic tropes (bad-boy, chebol heir working undercover at his parent's company, hardworking, staight-laced woman who brings him to heel, love rivals, overbearing parents, corporate crises, etc), that is as far as the "typical" bit goes. There is no drawn out angst, the love and corporate rivals are painted as human rather than evil, and the tit-for-tat exchanges between the ML and FL are evenly balanced, so the power doesn't feel one-sided (and OMG, his pranks...).
In addition, while the age gap is acknowledged as a concern, the FL doesn't spend all her screen time ob-stressing over it as is common in many age-gap romances (though you get the impression that maybe she worries off screen). And since the overall pacing is quite a bit faster than the usual C-Drama, the storytelling is also kept quite a bit lighter. And the little "candid interview" snippets at the end really add a whole new level of entertainment to the larger story!
On top of that, it is solid from a technical standpoint, with beautifully done cinematography, great acting by a gorgeous cast, and a lovely soundtrack which, though a tad repetitious, features some very emotional and memorable ballads.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 10/10
It's rare to find a C-Romance that doesn't shy away from sexual tension /romantic contact, but this one delivers beautifully. Yes, it takes a while to get rolling, but once it hits (ep 19), you get all your payoff at once! WZY and JC have fantastic chemistry together, which translates as both adorable and hot (depending on the scene), with plenty of prolonged kissing scenes and some very exciting bedroom moments. It was refreshing to see a FL who isn't afraid to initiate or say what she wants (rather than wait for the guy to make all the first moves).
In short, if you are looking for a "fresh" or avant garde sort of film, this one might not do it for you. But if you are a romance junkie, this film is almost sure to tickle your fancy! Highly Recommended!
Yu Long (2021)
Same Story Told 3 Times
If your first thought when reading the synopsis is that a story about 3-lifetimes of (mostly) unrequited love sounds tragic, tedious, and mono-chromatic, then you're exactly right. Admittedly the cast and filmography are gorgeous, and each of the FL's incarnations were moderately interesting, but it was hard to care when the main plotline (the love story) just kept repeating. Eventually there is progress and some resolution, but 75% of the story feels like you've already been there, done that. On top of that, although there are several prolonged kiss scenes, it's hard to sense much passion, so that's kind of a let-down too. In short, I'm sure there are plenty of folks this type of story would appeal to - I myself just don't happen to be one of them.
Daegun (2018)
The Tragedy of a Villain Who Gets (Almost) Everything He Wants
I give this show 8.5 stars (rounded up to 9). While there are plenty of good period K-Dramas out there, this is the first one I've seen which focused so sharply on the misery and precariousness of life suffered by those in the royal family (as well as the general helplessness of life in the caste system). You truly feel the agony /suffocation of an existence forced to revolve around protecting the king, throne and/or preventing any appearance of treason, constantly having to sacrifice one's personal needs and dreams for the "greater good." It's also rare for a film in this genre to take such a psychological approach to its storytelling, or to see a villain who is so vicious and despicable, yet so tragic at the same time. Joo Sang Wook isn't my favorite actor, but he was perfect for this role, and he acted it masterfully.
All in all, despite being (mostly) a love story, don't be fooled: This show is 75% tragedy. However, if you can endure the torment, the great acting and (mostly) happy ending makes it worth watching (and yes, justice does eventually prevail).
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10
YSY and JSY had very good chemistry together and shared 4+ kiss scenes, all of which (IMO) were deep, passionate and emotional (YSY especially comitted himself well). As a "pure love" type film, there was no real sexual tension to speak of, but there was so much else going on, you don't have much time to notice or care.
Recommended!
Ma-dam Ang-teu-wan (2016)
Jaded Psychologist Meets Spunky Fortuneteller. Shenanigans Ensue.
If you prefer realistic stories, or feel that no self-respecting woman should ever waste her time with sketchy relationships, or give a guy multiple chances to redeem himself (despite however attracted she may be), then this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you are a fan of the human experience, and enjoy watching flawed characters grow and discover themselves (and each other), or if you just love a good old "enemies to lovers" plot, then you're in luck!
Despite the rather heavy nature of the subject matter (psychological issues & treatment), the actual story execution is by contrast quite light, sprinkled with plenty of comic relief. Han YeSeul's sassy and determined character was especially endearing, and I found the whole 'revenge and counter-revenge', and the "I know, but I can't let him know that I know...." and "she doesn't know anything...does she?" dynamic between her and Sung Joon to be just hilarious!
Of course, there are also plenty of flaws. The psychology/treatment aspects are oversimplified, and the "experiment" was handled in a ridiculously unprofessional manner. But since they are basically just foils for the larger romantic plot, I personally found these shortcomings forgivable. Additionally, this film relies heavily on secrets and ambiguity between the couple for much of it's humor. If you don't like frenemies who would rather pussy foot around with verbal sparring, rather than just clearly state their feelings up front, then you will likely find this story quite tedious.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7.5/10
With 8+ longer kissing scenes, there's plenty of romantic contact for thirsty viewers. However, I personally could have wished for a bit more "buy in" between SJ and HSY. The kisses were there, but they didn't really make my heart race or draw me in (though it could have also been an issue of how they were shot). And sadly, I just couldn't buy the chemistry between HSE and LJH. But all in all, it was still a fun watch.
Ni wei xiao shi hen mei (2021)
Worth Watching!
Despite it's high rating, I held off on watching this show for a long time, fearing that it would turn out to be a lesser "knockoff" of any other recent C-gaming film (The King's Avatar, Go Go Squid, etc). Boy was I missing out! While it's inevitable that any show about esports will have a lot of overlap with others of the same genre, and many of the featured archetypes (both in game and out) are also often similar (especially the "domineering team captain" bit), the actual storytelling itself can vary a lot in execution. And in this case, it really sets itself apart.
First of all, there was great attention to detail with regards to the gaming and competition aspects. Little things like how each team had a unique symbol & theme song, or the game jargon banter. Most importantly though, the game the story is built around (Onmyoji) is a real game. So unlike many shows where the gameplay feels stiff and one-dimensional, or relies on a single unorthodox character to win, the tactics, terminology and culture here are rich, realistic and don't rely on the usual "holy trinity." On top of that, the 3D CG clips were fun, immersive, and made the onscreen action easier to follow.
From a technical filmography standpoint, everything was solid as well. The actors all did a great job with their roles (I especially cracked up over every "shocked pikachu" face scene), and the soundtrack was really excellent, with a mix of ballads, pop, rock, and even a couple pieces played with traditional instruments for the CG scenes. It's a pity that so much of the banter/innuendo is lost in the subtitles (at least on Viki), but usually enough comes through you at least get an inkling. All in all, if you like shows about esports or competition in general, I think you'll like this one!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10
I'm a bit torn on this point. Xu Kai and Cheng Xiao definitely had great chemistry in all their interactions (romantic or non) and played their roles well. But despite Lu Sucheng's panty-dropping lines and the unexpectedly prolonged and plentiful kiss scenes (9+), somehow, I just didn't feel a lot of sexual tension?
Don't get me wrong, the build up was good, all the right elements were there, and the romance felt tender, sweet, and believable. But "tender and sweet" just never seemed to level up to "hot and heavy." I only nitpick this point because it contradicts Lu Sucheng's character profile (it didn't detract from the story). On the other hand, if you prefer soft boys disguised as dominant alphas, then this will be just your cup of tea! Highly Recommended!
To Fly with You (2021)
Fun and Exciting Romance + Sports Film
Despite having a pretty conventional plotline, the well executed and entertaining storytelling makes this light hearted show well worth watching. It manages to smoothly split it's focus between a first love romance, and the thrills (and stresses) of 2 different competitive ice sports without seeming scattered.
As with many films about niche sports (figure skating, gymnastics, etc) the actors themselves weren't terribly convincing in action (though the professional doubles were great), and the tactics /strategies utilized were oversimplified and far from realistic. However the viewer is more than compensated for any technical shortcomings by the other aspects of the story.
Heartwarming relationships and hilarious bromances, minimal cliches (whether in the plot or archetypes) and great chemistry among the entire cast. Wang AnYu in particular showed outstanding emotional range and OMG, his drunken antics in episode 15/16 had me rolling! (especially his singing on the bench). On top of excellent performances, the filmography was also fantastic, and accompanied by a refreshing soundtrack with a nice mix of emotional ballads, light pop and adrenaline pumping rock for the competition scenes.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10.
Although I normally prefer more adult-ish interactions in my romance films, I have to give credit where credit is due. WAY and SZE have great chemistry together, and perfectly capture that deliciously-sweet-yet-awkward feeling of first love (that first kiss scene simultaneously gave me sugar shock and left me cackling). I added an extra star just for that! The rest of the 4+ kiss scenes were also cute and IMO were acceptable in terms of content /duration.
Princess Silver (2019)
NOT Just Another Period C-Drama!
What a masterpiece! I rarely give any show 10 stars, but even with it's minor flaws, this one earned them easily. The story is incredibly well plotted, well executed, and compelling, all the way to the (mostly) happy ending! Yes, 58 episodes is a lot, but things never get boring or monotonous, since the events span 5-10 years. Additionally, there are almost none of the usual period C-Drama cliches, and every single character is thoroughly and realistically fleshed out (especially the villains).
By far the most unique and interesting thing about this drama is it's sheer ability to keep you guessing. Due to the mystery of Princess RongLe's true identity (as well as the true identity /motives of some other key characters), you never know how much you should take at face value. Even when your emotions instinctively kick in over "happy," "sad" or "infuriating" events, you have this nagging feeling that you've probably got it wrong. The writers did a truly amazing job of telling a complex and heart wrenching story, while only dropping enough clues to keep the audience on their toes.
Despite that ambiguity, however, the storytelling is crisp and easy to follow, with few plot holes and near-perfect pacing. Even when the puzzle finally starts to come together (about halfway through), it is gradual, rather than instant, and steadily leads up to the final reveal in the last 5 episodes. As for the cast, although every single performance was excellent, I want to particularly acknowledge Luo YunXi, whose brilliant embodiment of tragic characters completely blows my mind every single time!
Admittedly, there are a handful of scenes (especially near the end) which have some minor issues (for example the obvious baby dolls in the climax scenes, and like, what human body vaporizes as soon as it touches a few flames?), but IMO they were easy to overlook, carried on the momentum of the storytelling.
ROMANCE RATING * * *: 5/10
Zhang XueYing and Aarif Rahman both did an outstanding job in portraying their characters and had amazing chemistry together. The only place this show stumbles (IMO) is in the physical romance department (which is kind of a big deal, since the core of the story is after all, romance). With such an epic love story, you would expect to see at least a few passionate liplocks. But the directors instead chose to keep things clean, clean, clean, skating by with some hugs and a handful of forehead /cheek kisses. Normally, I would deduct at least a star for this, but the rest of the show was so interesting and well done, it was hard to dwell on my disappointed thirst. And hey, if you're good with purely emotional romance, there's certainly plenty of that!
All in all, this is one of the best period C-Dramas I've seen. If you like this genre and have the time to invest, this breath of fresh air is definitely worth your while!
5 ji kara 9 ji made ~ Watashi ni koi shita ikemen sugiru obôsan (2015)
An Adaptation Which Improves on the Original Material
As a reader of the original manga, I didn't have a great deal of expectation for this series. Firstly, because manga adaptations rarely live up to the source material, and secondly, because many readers felt that Junko's character in the original work was too indecisive and easily swayed, and as the target of such criticism, I thought it would be hard to make her relatable/likable.
So then, color me shocked to discover that despite leaving the number and characteristics of Junko's suitors unchanged, the screenwriters managed to keep her from seeming fickle or weak-willed in the slightest. Moreover, despite some reworking of the overall plotline, nearly all the original elements/characters remained intact, and, not only did the original work not suffer, but on the contrary, the storytelling became far deeper, richer, more human and heartwarming. As far as story editing and screenwriting goes, this is one of the most masterful adapations I've seen (and OMG, giving Junko a crab-aholic and hilariously spastic side was sheer genius!)
Of course, all this praise is relative. Because the story originates with a manga, it is filled with plenty of cliches and unrealistic situations (though I have to say most were addressed in fresh ways, which IMO kept the plot from feeling too stale). Also, if you've never read the manga, are a fan of the steely, independent, "take-no-crap" female archetype, or think that persistent guys are a turn off, then you may be annoyed by the entire story setup. However, if you can get past these issues, you may find yourself identifying with Junko far more than you'd expect. Recommended!!!
ROMANCE RATING * * * 6/10
Despite some mildly exciting moments and upper body fanservice (courtesy of Takane's waterfall scenes), I am sad to report that the actual romantic contact in this show is woefully limited, and features only 1+ kiss scene for the main couple. I wish I could say that that kiss was a smoking hot, R rated kiss (or at least really long), especially since fans of the original know it pulled no punches in the intimate-contact department. But alas, it is PG at best, a classic case of "much build up, little payoff" which is so common in Asian shows. But if you don't mind keeping things family friendly, then that's ok!
Geunyeoui Sasaenghwal (2019)
Not The Fluff and Comedy I Expected, but...
For a show billed as a woman trying to hide her double life as a fangirl, the subject matter of the plot turned out to be surprisingly touching and emotional, with a great script and lovely soundtrack. The acting was also excellent, with well developed and believable characters. Don't be fooled by the bubblegum premise; this is a well-executed and mature love story (as long as you can buy into the whole "fated love" trope with all it's impossible coincidences, etc).
ROMANCE RATING: 9/10
As a more mature romance film, the physical contact itself was also more mature overall, with plenty of prolonged and invested kissing scenes (though not much more than that). The kisses themselves, though deep and emotionally charged, never crossed the line into racy. The leads had fantastic chemistry together and I would watch them again if they were paired for other films.
Wooahan Ga (2019)
Riveting (if Unrealistic) Criminal Drama
For a ridiculous story about a ridiculous family and their ridiculous, over-the-TOP (il)legal team...this one sure does a good job of A) making the outlandish seem possible, and B) making it IM-possible to look away. Featuring a slew of truly despicable (yet believable) characters, who treat wealth as a license to do whatever they want and corrupt the system...you will be gunning for all of them to get their comeuppance (and they do).
Every time I sat down to watch this show, I was riveted. The characters all have so much dimension, and the ride never slows down. And if you love fierce, intelligent women (whether goodies or baddies), you will be blown away by the powerhouses in this film. The ending was also exceptionally satisfying and well executed, with no loose ends.
In short, if you go for murder mysteries /corporate or criminal dramas, you should give this one a go. Highly Recommended!
LGBTQ INCLUSIVE: Yes. Transgender character and gay community themes.
Geomsaekeoreul Ibryeokhaseyo: WWW (2019)
Life, Love and Ethical Issues in the Modern Corporate World
I rarely give any show 10 stars, but this one earned it. If you are looking for a light, sugary love story filled with romantic thrills and fluff, this one probably won't do it for you. HOWEVER, if you like edgy corporate/business stories, featuring mature, empowered, female leads, then don't hesitate! I have never seen such a modern, intelligent K-Drama with more badass yet relatable women! (OMG, Scarlett, the drama-junkie slayed me! 😂)
While this film does feature romance and relationship struggles, the story is about so much more than that. It looks at what it means to live as a conscientious adult (both publicly and privately), examining questions of morality, freedom, justice, and the responsibilities that come with love. At the same time, it is also a celebration of modern womanhood, and all 3 of the FL's are absolutely mesmerizing in their roles. (Can I just say, HOLY COW, THE CAR DEMOLITION SCENE!!! Avenging Queens with baseball bats? Yes please!)
In addition to the layered plot and sophisticated storytelling, the entire cast was just amazing. So talented! The soundtrack was also excellent and the filmography was gorgeous. There may have been a little more experimentation with soft focus and angles than I thought necessary, but not to the point of being distracting. Also, the subtitles on Viki are a bit lacking (but may be better elsewhere).
In short, I have no idea why this K-Drama isn't more highly rated, but it's as fresh as they come, with 3 dimensional characters who will draw you in and make you cheer. If you go for "real life" stories that are as human and exciting as they are thought provoking (especially if you are a woman), you should give this one a go. HIGHLY Recommended!!!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 9.5/10. Although the storyline for this film has too much going on for me to consider it a "true" romance drama, the scenes featuring romantic contact are plentiful as well as invested, passionate and very adult. As may be expected of a K-Drama, while there are several bedroom scenes and references to sex, nothing ever gets too explicit. I would normally give this sort of approach 8.5 stars at most, but I added a star for sheer believability. There were 5+ kiss scenes, all of which were deep and prolonged with no shortage of sexual tension all around. JKY and LSJ both did an incredible job portraying their characters' complex emotions and their chemistry together was absolutely flawless.
Neon Naege Banhaesseo (2011)
Musical K-Drama in College Setting
Given how few K-Dramas there are about musicals, this one has held it's value surprisingly well despite being made 10+ years ago (and that's no small feat, considering that the Asian film industry has progressed at breakneck speed over the last 10-20 years).
Aside from the musical aspects, the plot was basically classic K-Drama, featuring all the usual suspects and cliches. On the bright side, the story did skip past most of the contrived angst so popular in stories of that era, which was a relief. Also the love/performance rivalries never got too out of hand (oftentimes rival characters are absolutely vicious), with mature and positive resolution all around.
The featured songs were decent but repetitive, also there were some noticeable issues with the audio editing in general. However overall this was a good show, particularly if you enjoy stage productions and are a fan of PSH (it's cute to see her younger self). Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7/10. While I love PSH, and she and JYH had great chemistry together, there was little physical romance between them in this show. A few hugs, a couple forehead kisses and 2-3 kiss scenes which were held to the "brief peck" standard typical of K-Dramas of that time. So if you require a passionate kiss to feel rewarded for your emotional investment, be aware you may be left wanting.
My Little Princess (2016)
Generic but Fun Cookie Cutter C-Romance
On the upside, this show features a lonely but determined FL who has a strong sense of justice, despite belonging to an overbearing elitist family. On the downside however, she is also accident prone and naive, and frequently gets distraught or cries (literally or figuratively) for various reasons. So if you prefer to have your female characters served up with a side of cool ranch and kickass, rather than pink frosting and freak-out, you may not enjoy this show.
Aside from that, I would say this film was a predictable, Disney style piece of "chaebol" fantasy fluff, complete with cheesy lines from the ML's and some semi-deep insights into living. However, predictable doesn't necessarily mean that it was boring. I mean, there's a reason Disney is popular, right? So if you don't mind a light, mindless C-romance story with no basis in reality, this one isn't bad (except for a few spots where the acting faltered). But if you are looking for something serious and "real" that requires deep emotional investment, I suggest you keep looking.
LGBTQ Inclusive: Boys Love
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7.5/10. There were 5+ kiss scenes, which is pretty liberal for a C-Drama (especially since this one was so short). The overall romantic chemistry and passion level of the kisses was also decent (none of those static, 2 second pecks here!)
Flavour It's Yours (2019)
Romantic C-Drama + Mystery & Suspense
This show follows the typical, fantasy-based C-Drama plot style, specifically a story where two people's sense of taste get exchanged when they kiss. There wasn't much particularly unique about it, but it was still pretty good as standard C-Cinema goes, embellished with a bit of action, mystery and corporate intrigue to go along with the core storyline. There was also refreshingly little angst (unlike many Asian films, which draw out the emotional torture to the n-th degree). Gong Jun and Song YiRen were their usual excellent selves and the rest of the cast also did a great job. Basically, although the plot wasn't exactly unusual, in terms of execution, this show was above average. I would rate it 8.5 (rounded down to 8) stars.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10. With a premise where The Guy has to kiss The Girl in order to do his job, I would have expected to average around 1 kiss per 1-2 episodes, but aside from the first few episodes, that isn't how it panned out. There were still 7+ kiss scenes (very plentiful by normal C-Drama standards), but most were brief and utilitarian, with only a few truly invested kisses in the bunch. I was also a bit disappointed by the chemistry between Gong Jun and SYR. I can't put my finger on it, but something about it just felt a little off to me (though that could also be because of how their characters were written).
All in all, if you go for the "romance hybrid" genre (romance + other categories), don't mind an unrealistic premise, and value quantity over quality when it comes to kiss scenes, you will probably enjoy this show.
Yeonae Malgo Gyeolhon (2014)
Fresh Take on a Familiar Plot + Plenty of Romance!
Don't be fooled by this show's uninspiring premise: it is a total GEM! It somehow manages to take a number of improbable K-Drama plot features (fake dating, chaebol guy + normal, hardworking girl, complicated love triangles, horrible mother-in-law, etc.) and set them against a psychological backdrop to create a story that feels all too realistic. However, thanks to a liberal dose of comedy and a witty, engaging script, even the heavier moments never get too heavy.
Additionally, despite the familiar K-Drama elements, there was so much that felt new about this show. It was the first time I thought fake dating (in context) seemed reasonable. It was the first time I thought a love triangle was adorable (rather than a source of irritation or angst). It was the first time I thought that a love rival was truly admirable (rather than attractive but shallow). It was the first time I got to see a mother-in-law's ruthless behavior given such human and relatable context. And it was the first time I've seen a K-Drama female lead with not 2, but 3 overlapping romantic entanglements...yet somehow it never crossed my mind to find her annoying or wishy-washy.
While most of the cast aren't among the most popular Korean A-listers, they all played their parts to a T. I particularly have to give props to Han Groo. She was truly amazing in this role! When her character hurt, I could feel the wounds, and when she flipped out, I laughed my head off (and OMG, her spastic dancing is the best)! But most importantly, no matter the scene, she never ceased to be relatable. And that's probably the word I would use to sum up this film: relatable.
In summary, if you are looking for a fresh spin on the usual K-Drama standard, go for stories that are emotional and introspective but still upbeat, and enjoy watching characters discover themselves, I think you'll love this one. Highly Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8.5/10. This wasn't a bad show as far as physical romance goes, but the focus was definitely more on the mental/emotional aspects. HG and YWJ had excellent chemistry together, and there were 5+ kiss scenes, most of which were quite long and had plenty of emotional investment. As with many K-Dramas, the passion did take a bit of a backseat toward the end, however, even without the red-hot sexual tension I myself usually prefer, this show was still extremely rewarding!
Wo ping ben shi dan shen (2020)
Light, Cliche, College Romance C-Drama
If you are looking for a cute, C-Drama-style piece of generic, college romance fluff, this one fits the bill (though there are many others which I thought were better). There's not much that really stood out about it to me, but it was technically sound with a pretty cast, and the comparatively short 24 episodes were fine for light entertainment. On the other hand, if you usually prefer deep emotion and compelling storytelling, this show probably won't do it for you.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 6/10. This show featured 3+ kiss scenes, quite a bit of skinship, and even a brief bedroom scene, but all of it is very G-rated and kept to the usual squeaky-clean, C-Drama standard. Additionally, the chemistry between SYR & DCY seemed lacking to me (though you may disagree).
In short, if you are looking for something light and predictable, which doesn't require much time or emotional investment, this one might be right up your alley!
Yue ding qi jian ai shang ni (2020)
Generic but Cute C-Romance with Lots of Payoff
This show is basically a stereotypical C-Drama, featuring all the usual characters, cliches and plot devices that genre entails, BUT with with significantly less baggage and a lot more PDA. So if you go for classic Asian RomComs, but often wish they'd hurry up and get to the "good stuff" or that the kisses would last more than 2 seconds, you're in luck with this film!
As may be expected of a recent production, this show is technically sound and the acting is better than decent, delivered by a beautiful cast of young/fresh faces. And although there wasn't much that stood out about it, it was still entertaining enough (though it certainly helped that it was limited to a comparatively short 24 episodes). Also of note is that when the conflict and angst inevitably made an appearance, it seemed totally understandable, rather than contrived/unnecessary.
In short, if you want something "fresh" or "unique," this probably won't be your cup of tea. But if you are in the mood for some classic C-Drama fluff with an old school fairytale ending, which doesn't skimp on romantic payoff, this one is worth your consideration. Highly Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 9.5/10. The romance in this film starts slow, but once it gets rolling (at about the halfway mark), the physical contact steadily increases in both frequency and substance. With 10+ kiss scenes as well as 3+ bedroom scenes, even the most demanding romance addicts won't go thirsty.
I did deduct half a star because while there was plenty of hands-on romance in terms of quantity, I still felt it lacked something in terms of quality (most of the kisses seemed rather tentative to me). However, that is a minor complaint and basically boils down to personal preference.
Before We Get Married (2019)
Classic C-Drama Meets Modern Life
In a departure from the typical "pure love" C-Romance story, this show delves into the issues of falling out of love, cheating, and casual sex. Aside from the somewhat racy subject matter, however, in terms of actual substance, the rest of the story isn't particularly unique and generally conforms to the standard C-Drama mold.
Please note that if you prefer soft and sensitive guys who keep a respectful distance and wait for the woman to make the first move, this show probably won't be your cup of tea. However, if the overbearing, alpha-male CEO archetype is your flavor, then you're in luck (although thanks to Jasper Liu's "sweet-guy" features, his character's behavior often seems more mischievous than obnoxious) .
In short, if you go for classic C-Romance but often wish they had more actual romantic contact or some real-world grit, this one is worth a try. Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 9/10. Despite it's R-Rating, the most provocative part of this film is the subject matter itself. Yes, there were some semi-taboo shots (people showering/using the toilet), as well as a few bedroom scenes (two of which featured undressing), but they showed less skin than you would see at the beach and were mainly suggestive because of their context. By western standards they would receive no more than a PG-13 rating.
That being said, Jasper Liu and Puff Guo had decent chemistry together, and shared quite a bit of "skinship." However, most of their romance was in the form of longing from a distance, and there were only 4-5 kiss scenes, (2 of which were tied to bedroom scenes). So yes, there was more romantic contact than your average C-Drama, but definitely not what I would have expected for an R rating.
Zhao Yao (2019)
Standard Wuxia with Philosophical Twist
As Wuxia (Chinese Fantasy) films go, this one wasn't as epic-feeling as many others out there, nor was the plot quite as complex. However, it still drew me in, thanks to the story's more philosophical approach, revolving around questions of prejudice, justice, and the nature of good/evil. The characters were also strong with plenty of development, and were delivered by an excellent cast (it didn't hurt that the leads were so incredibly gorgeous and rocked their styling, either)!
Also, since C-films are extensively dubbed, I have to give separate credit to the voice acting. Unlike the standard wuxia female voices which usually smack of contrived cutesyness or faux refinement, Bai Lu (and the female cast in general) delivered voice overs that were raw, strong and totally genuine (on a side note; damn, can that girl cry! I would give any film a chance if she's in it).
That being said, the show did have its' flaws too. There were minor technical issues with some of the CGI scenes and musical scores, and the repetitive, low-tech CGI scenes of MoQing and the dragon got old. There were some obvious plot holes /confusing storytelling which began around the "becoming a demon" arc. And while Xu Kai's performance was quite good overall, it turned a tad wobbly in many of the "extreme emotional distress" scenes (though I did feel he had the capacity, if the director had helped draw it out). Also, JinXian's story was carried to a rather ridiculous extreme, but Xia Tian did a good job committing to the character.
In summary, if you enjoy the wuxia genre, like some philosophy with your entertainment, and go for character-driven stories with plenty of justice and a happy (if scattered) ending for the main couple, this one is worth watching. Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8.5/10. On the upside, this show had more kiss scenes than your average Wuxia (5+), a few of which were quite prolonged/invested, and the director didn't shy away from building sexual tension (unlike many "pure love" wuxias). Additionally, Xu Kai and Bai Lu had excellent chemistry together, which felt both sweet and passionate. On the downside, although this show definitely revolves around a love story, the plot is larger than that, so the romance generally takes a backseat to the rest of the story.
Liu Li (2020)
Epic, Even by Traditional Wuxia Standards!
If you like Wuxia (Chinese Fantasy) shows, you already know that this genre revolves around sprawling storylines, massive/supernatural battles, and often features a love that transcends death. Because of the overwhelming amount of content, many wuxia films break down in one or more departments. This one, however, did a great job of delivering an emotional, justice-driven story filled with well developed characters, few plot holes, and even a happy ending to boot! On top of that it also features a powerful female protagonist (many wuxias feature strong women, but rarely in the physical sense).
Admittedly it had some flaws. There may have been a few more "You idiots!", "Well that was dumb", and "Stop screaming his name and DO something!" moments than I might have preferred (though that's pretty standard for most Asian films). Additionally the special effects got skimpy in places and the pacing was a bit uneven (especially toward the end). But overall, I thought this show was well done and satisfying, with less contrivance/melodrama than many others. Highly Recommended!
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10. Although this story excels as an action film, it is less satisfying as a romance film. While I would give the main leads 9/10 for their solid couple compatibility and chemistry, I have to take a star for the lack of actual romantic contact.
There were just 3-4 featured kiss scenes, most of which were kept relatively brief and innocent. And since this show has a whopping 59 episodes with a prominent romantic storyline, the lack of payoff is noticeable (though the rest of the story does help to distract). In short, if you need a passionate liplock to feel rewarded for your time, this one will probably leave you hanging. But that's the worst I can say about this show!
Yun Xi Zhuan (2018)
A Cookie-Cutter Wuxia-Style C-Drama
The first 2/3 of this show were pretty decent overall, especially if you enjoy wuxia-style medical/alchemist type stories. The cast was good and the plot, though cliche, was interesting enough. During the last 1/3, however, the plot holes, excessive pathos, contrived melodrama, and over the top acting ruined most of the story for me (except for the very end).
Aside from the actual storytelling, there were also some technical nitpicks which I felt were distracting and dragged down the quality of the show:
*Too much camera shake during overly prolonged/bloody fight scenes
*Unimpressive CGI
*Amateur special effects makeup
*A number of reused ambient scenes
*Some thin/amateur sounding musical scores
However, if you don't mind a bit of "camp" with your kung fu, angst and intrigue, then this might be right up your alley! And on the bright side, it does have a happy ending, so there's that.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 6/10. If you feel that a love story without an invested kiss is like an egg roll without the filling, then you are likely to leave this film feeling unsatisfied. As is typical with C-Dramas of this genre, there are few hugs (5+) and fewer kisses (3-4 chaste scenes), with lots of restrained emotion and no sexual tension. However, if pure love is your thing, then this will suit you to a T.
Lonely Enough to Love (2020)
Light Yet Meaningful K-Drama with Some Minor Flaws
I liked this show, mainly because of the introspective and psychological storytelling. I was also glad that it was edited down to 10 (instead of 16) episodes. Not that the content couldn't have stretched further, but given the subject matter, it might have ended up feeling too heavy or whiney.
That said, there were definitely a few things that some viewers may find off-putting within the first few episodes. For one thing, the female lead doesn't make a great first impression by the "strong, independent woman" standard, though that is partially the fault of the early plot, which employs a number of typical K-Drama contrivances/tropes to set to the stage for the ensuing story (i.e. Accident prone & clumsy FL, silly misunderstandings, love triangle with a BFF who suddenly develops feelings, etc). On top of that, the first episode is also quite slow and meandering (though the pace does pick up later).
However, if you can look past any initial irritation with these flaws, the meat of the story has quite a lot to reccomend it. Aside from the emotional depth of the core plot, the relationships among all the characters are just so heartwarming to watch. Even the love rivalries are refreshingly mature and free of typical pettiness.
While this film's content is by no means life-changing, it is still thought-provoking without being too serious. If you like meaningful stories about healing and the human experience, with some romance sprinkled in, you should give this one a try. Recommended.
LGBTQ INCLUSIVE: Yes
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 8/10. The saying: "That went 0 to 100 real quick" perfectly describes the romantic development in this show. Up until the last episode things were very slow building and tame (2-3 very soft kiss scenes), and I expected at most a deep lip lock for the finale.
But to my surprise, all of a sudden there was passionate, prolonged making out, and (gasp!) clothing being removed! (not that I'm complaining). The leads (and actually the entire cast) had great chemistry together, so despite the initial shock I still bought it.
Bai nian zhi hao (2020)
Another Cookie-Cutter Coming-of-Age Romance C-Drama
Although I didn't find much that was unique about the plot of this show, it was still entertaining enough, with good cinematography and decent acting. If you like Chinese shows and stories about college/ student life, this is worth a look. Circumstantially Recommended.
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 6/10. Although this IS a love story and the leads had good chemistry together, the romantic contact was kept squeaky clean, even by Asian standards. Three brief kiss scenes with barely there lip contact was less than satisfying in my book (though you may disagree), and basically zero sexual tension. But if that's your cup of tea, then there you go!
Yeolyeodeolui Soongan (2019)
The Pressures of Teenage Life
As a story centered on teenagers and school life, I was expecting this show to be mostly romance and fluff, with more of the usual subject matter: love triangles & rivals, bullying, parental pressure to excel, maybe some unfair treatment by school staff...that sort of thing.
What I got instead was a poignant story of teenage struggles, covering heavy topics such as domestic abuse, social prejudice (in multiple forms), and parents' impact on their children's worldviews. The plot wasn't complex, but the subject matter and emotional weight definitely was. Thankfully, it was well written and executed, with a great cast.
If you are a fan of teenage K-Drama, have a strong sense of justice, and enjoy the dynamics of complex (if mostly non-romantic) relationships, this is worth your time.
LGBTQ INCLUSIVE: Yes
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7/10. To be honest, I can barely consider this show a real "romance." For one thing, the story covered so many "big" topics, the romantic developments kind of seemed more like a foil to explore those heavier subjects. Secondly, true to the age group in question, any romance that appeared was kept very pure. OSW and KHG did have great chemistry together overall, but there were only 2-3, G-rated kiss scenes. If you require a great lip lock to leave satisfied, then keep that in mind. Recommended!
Ni shi wo de xiao que xing (2021)
Finally, a C-Drama With Plenty of (Excellent) Kiss Scenes
If you are a romance-junkie who goes for classic Asian love stories, but often find yourself saying "Just kiss already!"...get hyped, because this one delivers!
Unlike many of the Romance-hybrid plotlines that have become popular recently, this one keeps its focus firmly on the thrills and frustrations of falling in love. Yes, there is plenty of peripheral story as well, but it is firmly anchored in the larger context of the relationship between the main leads. Additionally, the script feels really genuine and believable, and many of the typical Romantic cliches (such as love triangles and petty rivals) are turned on their ear and resolved in a mature manner (so refreshing!)
ROMANCE RATING: * * * 10/10. While the rest of the story was pretty good, I have to give full marks in the romantic contact department. With an astonishing 15+ kiss scenes, thirsty viewers like me don't have to worry about pacing themselves! On top of that, unlike the PG-rated kisses so commonly seen in most C-Dramas, the kisses here are all deep, invested, and full of passion.
As for the main leads, there are plenty of other celebrities I personally find more attractive than Tang Xiao Tian and Fei Xing, but they were absolutely perfect for this film. The chemistry between them was so outstanding, it managed to make even their huge height difference look adorable (rather than awkward). TXT in particular was amazing, his ability to create sexual tension with nothing more than eye smoulder is truly unparalleled (your heart will be in for a workout!)
All in all, if you prefer films that fall in the "new" or "fresh" genre, this one may not do it for you. But if you like classic romance K-Drama/C-Drama whith a fresh spin and plenty of payoff, you shouldn't miss this one! Highly Recommended!