A Captivating Drama with a Unique Mix of Action and Mystery

MLC is not the typical fast-paced drama, as it mainly focuses on solving individual mysteries that all contribute to the main storyline. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for viewers who like non-stop action and romance, it presents a story and character-driven approach that is worth exploring.

Personally, I appreciate the drama’s dedication to providing copious details for each case. I occasionally appreciate the intricacies of detective work, if it’s decently executed, so MLC has been a rewarding watch for me.

Cheng Yi’s portrayal of Linhua/Xiangyi starts out light, but as the story progresses, he conveys his character’s deeper nuances with impressive skill. He proves yet again that he is an actor of remarkable finesse, his skill lying in his subtlety and ability to convey emotions without excessive theatrics. He might not fit the conventional or popular "visual" mold, but his versatility makes him stand out (not to mention he dubbed himself here, which gives his character some authenticity). The dynamic between Cheng Yi's character and Joseph Zeng's character is very humorous and engaging. Their chemistry adds a delightful touch to the drama, and when Xiao Shun Yao's villainous character enters the mix, things become even more intriguing.

While it might be tempting to drop MLC after just a few episodes due to the initial slower pace, I think doing so is a disservice to the show's brilliance. I know I gave it a chance, and I found myself drawn into a thrilling narrative that kept me hooked until the end. If you're looking for something fresh and different from the typical romance-centered c-dramas, I think MLC is the perfect choice. It’s smart, witty, and funny, but also pulls at your heartstrings in all the right ways! It is one of the best c-dramas of 2023, hands down!

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MUST WATCH FOR XIANXIA FANS!

Luo Yunxi portrays his character Tantai Jin with such depth and elegance. One of the most impressive aspects of his performance is his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his eyes alone, from intense anger to deep sorrow, without relying on words. His eye acting is particularly great in scenes where his character is struggling with his inner demons. However, in my opinion, what truly sets this drama apart is that it defies traditional hero/heroine archetypes. Yunxi's character is an anti-hero with a dark and disturbing side, which makes him a unique and intriguing character. Despite his deep flaws, I couldn't help but root for him!

Bai Lu's character is also a departure from the typical passive or whiny heroine we often see in c-dramas. She takes charge and makes things happen! Also, I loved the reversal of gender roles in many scenes, with Bai Lu's character constantly taking the initiative in intimate situations or saving Yunxi's character, who sometimes finds himself in the role of the damsel in distress.

I’d say "Till the End of the Moon" is a must-watch for anyone who is looking for a xianxia drama that breaks the mold and delivers a fresh take on the genre. A+ from me!

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DAMAGING PORTRAYAL OF AUTISM

While the actors' performances are commendable, this drama falls short in its portrayal of autistic individuals. It successfully engrosses viewers with its suspenseful plot, but it perpetuates negative and outdated stereotypes about autism by portraying the autistic female lead as a psychopath devoid of empathy. In addition, it is implied she is drawn to the serial killer because he is "just like her" (potentially on the spectrum). It is disheartening to witness a 2022 drama succumb to such clichéd and damaging portrayals, ultimately hindering progress in societal perceptions of autism. South Korea, do better!

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SO REFRESHING - ONE OF THE BEST COSTUME & PERIOD C-DRAMAS

This drama is a true masterpiece! Every aspect of the production is exceptional: the script and dialogue, the cinematography, the character dynamic, the actors' performances, and even the impeccable voice dubbing (It's like you are watching a live theater play). It's a drama that immerses you in its world, which is populated by complex human beings with intricate family and romantic relationships, emotions, and inner lives.

What sets this drama apart, in my view, is its refreshing approach to romance and character development. It avoids typical cliches and treats even secondary characters with respect. Zhao Lusi's acting is so expressive, and Wu Lei was perfectly cast in his role; he conveyed his character's darkness and tender side with equal skill.

The mix of humorous and dramatic moments is really well done, as it can make you laugh and cry in just one episode, sometimes simultaneously. I have the utmost respect for this production and can't wait to re-watch it in the future.

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NOT THE USUAL XIANXIA

The Legend of Shen Li takes a slightly different route from other xianxia dramas, steering away from the usual plotlines and angst. Instead, it focuses exclusively on romance and character development, which might be a nice change of pace for many seasoned xianxia viewers. There is minimal build up and conflicts are resolved FAST!

The two leads are incredibly powerful, especially the male lead. He wields IMMENSE power. He can basically defeat any villain or big bad just with a dramatic swish of his hand. But most refreshing is that the female lead is equally strong-willed and empowered. She has full agency and is a great match for the male lead.

One thing I had to get used to, however, was the pacing, especially in the beginning. It was a bit slow, as the drama took its time to develop the relationship between Shen Li and Xingzhi. Some of the side characters felt like filler /comic relief to me, though I enjoyed the occasional meta elements (Goddess Youlan becoming the representation of the viewer's voice!)

One of the highlights is definitely the cast. Zhao Liying is fantastic here, bringing power and depth to her character. She is unapologetic for being strong and NON-whiny! Lin Geng Xin is not the most expressive actor in c-dramaland, but he shines here, playing the stoic and infallible last surviving ancient god to perfection. I can't imagine a different actor in this role.

Finally, while this drama did not have the same gut-punching impact on me as other xianxia dramas, there is something undeniably compelling about it that has kept me coming back for more.

I recommend it!

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A true masterpiece that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions!

The Untamed" is one of the best c-dramas I've ever watched. I even read the novel "Mo Dao Zu Shi" while watching the adaptation, and I can confidently say that the drama exceeded the original text in every imaginable way.

It's difficult to summarize what makes this drama so exceptional because it's something that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The story and characters are complex and engaging, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the 50 episodes. What stands out most about "The Untamed" is the incredible world-building and character development. Every character, whether good or bad, is given the respect they deserve, and the world they inhabit is painted in shades of grey rather than black and white.

The cast, particularly Xiao Zhan, who plays Wei Wuxian, is beyond incredible. His ability to portray a wide range of emotions with nuanced acting is simply awe-inspiring. The chemistry between him and co-star Wang Yibo is also noteworthy, but this is not a typical BL drama. Instead, it's a story about true feelings, devotion, family, and sacrifice, following a group of young people on a journey that will change their lives forever.

In short, if you haven't watched "The Untamed" yet, I highly recommend doing so right now. I only wish I could erase my memory and experience it all over again with the same sense of wonder and excitement.

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A STAND OUT DRAMA IN 2024

This drama is refreshing, as it puts the female lead front and center, which is a pleasant surprise in a genre often dominated by male leads. I expected a typical romance where the ML takes constant charge, but imo, "The Double" defies those expectations.

The FL's revenge plot is the driving force of the story, and she's not just a useless damsel in distress waiting for the ML to save her. Instead, she's an autonomous character, very clever may I add, who takes matters into her own hands, with the ML only offering support when needed. I was surprised how little he shows up in this drama. Maybe a few minutes per episode, always waving that red and golden fan of his!

I like the chemistry between the leads (despite the criticism about the actors’ age gap). Their relationship develops slowly but is filled with heart-fluttering gestures that show the progression of their feelings for each other. The ML reminds me a great deal of Ling Buyi (from LLTG) and Xie Wei (from Kunning Palace), though he is more refined and calculated, and less impulsive. Wang Ying Yue exudes a mature vibe, despite his young age, and he has great acting chops.

The cast is fantastic, in particular Wu Jin Yan (as expected). However, a surprising standout for me is Liang Yong Qi, who plays the villainous Shen Yurong. LYQ's expressive performance, especially his eye acting, is really impressive here, adding so much depth and layers to his character. He did a great job balancing darkness with lighter moments, and especially his character's scary aspects were portrayed with a chilling intensity. Simultaneously, he skillfully showed the character's moments of vulnerability and despair, so as a viewer, I found myself sympathizing with him at times (despite his absolutely despicable actions). I hope to see more of him in future productions, perhaps in a leading role.

Finally, the story is very entertaining and suspenseful. While it has some plot holes and contrived or over the top moments, they didn't detract from the viewing experience. For me, "The Double" stands out as one of the best dramas of 2024, especially after a lackluster first half of the year in terms of c-drama releases.

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Immortal Samsara - OVERHYPED

As a Cheng Yi fan, I had high hopes for Immortal Samsara, but ultimately, it fell short for me.

THE GOOD
The drama boasts stunning visuals, a beautiful OST, and captivating costumes. The cast, including Cheng Yi, delivers strong performances. Cheng Yi, in particular, impresses with his ability to portray three distinct characters with unique mannerisms and expressions. Ray Chang's performance as Yu Mo is also notable.

THE BAD
Unfortunately, the drama falls into the trap of recycling the same tropes and character archetypes found in other xianxia dramas. Yang Zi, despite being a talented actress, is pigeonholed into playing the same cutesy, innocent character that she has played before. The story drags in some parts and has inconsistencies in its narrative. The finale also feels rushed, despite the addition of two short "special episodes" to provide a conclusion.

IN CONCLUSION
While Immortal Samsara has its good points, it fails to break away from the cliches of the genre and falls short of being a standout xianxia drama. It may not be worth a rewatch for many viewers.

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TOXIC, TOXIC, TOXIC male lead!

Let me start by saying that this drama starts with such an exciting, interesting premise, but for some reason, halfway through, the story becomes an incoherent mess driven by characters that engage in nonsensical behaviors.

Overall, Wolf kept me very entertained (hence the generous rating), BUT my biggest criticism is that it romanticizes abuse to the point it becomes absolutely nauseating. As a female viewer, I kept wondering if the writers really, really hated women, because the amount of physical, sexual, and mental violence inflicted on the female lead by the “hero” of the drama is beyond anything I’ve seen in any Chinese dramas with toxic leads. It's quite puzzling that the censors didn't take issue with scenes showing attempted rape (in some disturbing detail, may I add).

And what’s even more ridiculous is that this drama tries to persuade viewers that all of these violent actions benefit the female lead, who is a helpless and mindless character in constant need of protection. After all is said and done, her character changes very little. There is zero (zilch!) character development: she forgets and forgives all the abuse she’s been put through by the male lead, all in the name of true love.

The cast is fantastic though, especially Li Qin and Xiao Zhan, who stole every scene they were in. While Darren Wang excelled in the action / battlefield scenes, bringing a certain toughness to the character that was very much needed, I found his overall acting to be quite lackluster. Besides scowling (A LOT!) and grunting in pain, his performance lacked emotional complexity and nuance.

The only category in which this drama gets A+ is the OST! Absolutely amazing!

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It was a 10 for me until the last few episodes. Then it dropped to 8.5.

This drama is a little rough around the edges with parts that don't flow very smoothly, especially toward the end. There's an intrigue that seems redundant, trying too hard to be sensational. However, the family dynamic is interesting to watch, and I personally enjoyed the power struggle between the Fu brothers. The cast is top-notch, no doubt about it. My biggest disappointment is that by episode 39, the drama fails to dwell too much on (well-deserved) consequences. Some characters commit atrocious acts that are not adequately punished or addressed (Yunshen's mother, I'm looking at you!). Cheng Yi is, yet again, the king of whump here. Seriously, his character has more lives than a cat. Shot, paralyzed, staked - you name it, he's been through it all. Overall, it was a great watch, except for the last draggy episodes that somewhat ruined the experience for me.

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WHAT A HIDDEN GEM!

I’ll start by saying that I think "The Ingenious One" is “criminally” underrated. Each episode is like a carefully crafted puzzle piece, fitting perfectly into the larger narrative and keeping you engrossed from start to finish.

I have to say that Chen Xiao’s performance in this drama is a true revelation. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions with just his eyes, facial expressions, and body is a testament to how remarkable his range is. While IO does not spend too much time on romance, it definitely incorporates romantic elements that are executed with finesse. Yun Xiang's relationship with Shu Yanan is depicted in such a genuine and touching way that you can't help but be drawn into their world. Their motivations, struggles, and heartaches feel palpable, making their journey all the more compelling.

In my view, this drama ranks among the finest dramas of 2023. A+

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GREAT STORY, BUT NOT A FAN OF REN JIALUN

The story was great, with a good balance of court politics, action, and romance (though the latter is underdeveloped; the emphasis is on the protagonists' deep connection, with no physical intimacy whatsoever). I may get flak for this, but I found Ren's performance to be wooden and emotionless. He is not a versatile actor; he practically had the same expression on his face in every single episode, even in the harrowing scenes, where the script was clearly conveying that the character was supposed to be disconsolate and heartbroken (In some instances, you could even tell his tears were fake and applied artificially with an eyedropper).

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A visual feast and a very compelling second-male lead

Visually and aesthetically, this drama is gorgeous. Every song, the costumes, the special effects - a feast for the senses. At first, I was a little intimidated by the length, but the story is very captivating from start to finish and focused (for the most part) on the main narrative (unlike other dramas that tend to veer off course and introduce too many secondary characters that act mostly as filler).

Don't be fooled into thinking this is a fluffy rom-com with fantasy elements because at the halfway mark, viewers are bombarded with emotionally impactful and often harrowing scenes that are tear-inducing. The entire cast is brilliant, though I have to mention Luo Yun Xi's performance as Night Immortal / Run Yu. He was SO impressive at depicting his characters' complex, multidimensional, and nuanced layers. In many ways, he is the star of the whole drama, despite his status as second male lead.

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Fantastic drama, but a torture to get through at times

The visual effects and costumes are gorgeous in this drama, and the fantasy elements do not disappoint! In particular, I appreciate that the story doesn't offer stereotypical images of gods and demons (as exclusive symbols of good and evil, respectively). In addition, I love that it explores a variety of current themes using mythological filters (racism, interracial relationships, gender issues, same-sex relationships, etc.)

The cast in this drama is fabulous! First, kudos to actor Cheng Yi for portraying the overly self-sacrificing Si Feng with such finesse. He was such a captivating presence and so incredibly expressive, especially in the scenes that conveyed his character’s physical and spiritual suffering! Also, the assortment of villains in this drama is absolutely fantastic! Most of them have interesting layers and motivations, giving the main themes more dimension.

My only criticism is that the storyline tends to be repetitive, especially in the second half. Whoever wrote it must have been a sadist! That is, the romance is centered on continuously torturing and pounding on Sifeng (the male lead), whose commitment to the female lead verges on dangerously toxic. The relationship is fraught with misunderstandings and omissions, to the point it becomes almost unbearable to watch. A side effect, unfortunately, is that the female lead ends up being portrayed as naive, manipulable, and even unintelligent. At times, I found this aspect of the characters’ dynamic to be emotionally draining and vexing.

Still, despite these shortcomings, this drama IS a solid 10 out of 10 (for its great entertainment value), though I do want to mention that personally, I don’t think I could stand to put myself through it a second time.

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IF YOU ARE A XIANXIA FAN, DEFINITELY WATCH THIS!

This drama includes recognizable xianxia tropes and elements, but with a refreshing twist. For me, it has resulted in an enjoyable and less predictable viewing experience. What I appreciate the most is its light tone and mood. There are so many humorous moments, and overall, "Back from the Brink" deviates from the dark and gloomy atmosphere that is so typical of xianxia dramas.

The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and they did a decent job of navigating both the comedic and dramatic aspects of their roles. Many people complain about the slightly cartoonish CGI, but in my opinion, it does not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. The engaging story and the quirky characters overshadow any visual shortcomings this drama might have. (Some of these characters are adorable!)

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