Taiwanese Dramas

I was SO conflicted about my rating!!! I Wanted to give this a 10/10. But We Best Love: Fighting Mr. 2nd was starting to look better than this first series.

However, after finishing it, I can confidently say that the first series does manage to stay on top.

All I know is that I have rewatched this an unhealthy number of times. The acting is superb, the story is different, the soundtrack is great, and the pacing is perfect.

My previous 8.5/10 rating was silly. And so was my 9.5/10 rating. After the second series aired, I knew I had to increase my rating to a 10/10.

I love this couple so much. And I love how they managed to accomplish in 6 episodes what most can't in 20.

Can be found on free websites

It led me along through a fantastical fairytale world of Kawas and humans, looming doom, and pieces of hope . . . Only to not only remove the blindfold from my eyes but leave me to walk alone.

I prefer the original lie to the world made to cope. But how dare I when I should be grateful just for the time and memories?

This ending left me caught between bitterness and appreciation.

Side Note:

Is it just me who felt like Fali was Queer-Coded? He seemed to not only be willing to do anything for Kakarayan but be motivated by and long for both his presence and happiness, more than just on the level of a creation and his God.

Can be found on iQiyi

Fantastic! I love everything about this.

I want to go into detail about why I loved it, but that would probably result in some spoilers. And, it's best to be surprised when watching this for the first time.

I like how we not only got the story of the main characters, but also of Xu Yang. His story fit the metaphors and contrast of the lead's perfectly.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Where do I even begin to review this drama?

This was a deliciously teasing slow burn, with the tension (and my anticipation) only rising with each new episode. It wound up getting crazy hype; I'm of the belief it was deserved.

They paid attention to the details here: From meaningful items that come up/are shown in the background—even quietly revealing to the viewers how things are progressing—and minute shifts in framing and lighting of scenes to detailed dialogue with weight, symbolism, and double meanings.

Impressively, while the subject matter was often serious, they somehow smoothly incorporated belly-aching comedic moments as well. 

Finally, I would be remiss not to praise the actors, as not only the MLs but every side character nailed their roles.

My only real critique: While the music was great, far too many times, it came on too strong during a pivotal scene.

I would absolutely recommend watching this! You don't even have to join the cult, as you can now binge it—From an ex (?) cult member, Noir.

Side Note: Can we talk about the FLIRTING game here?! Not just Xiao Yuan but Wei Qian was freaking smooth as butter. Like, damn, man!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Youku

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPiKkS-FpK8QOw3QjsxMNGBG0qev28Q5&si=xJhIGaM63hVxVtRU

Another HIStory series that is well done. It is very emotional and showcases discussions that are not usually shown in Bl dramas. Warning: It is a rollercoaster of feelings. Despite that, I have watched this at least 10 times over.

Also, the little girl is so stinking cute. Every scene she's in is just a joy to witness. I really enjoyed the family aspect of this.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I'm going to pretend the ending never happened for the sake of my happiness. As should you.

If the ending didn't exist, this would be a 9/10.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or YouTube

Fantastic! Very engaging.  And the gangster element provides a lot of action and interesting moments.

It's a 9/10 or 9.5/10 stars. I'm not sure which is the correct rating.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Even though they made my poor heart hurt from misunderstandings, this almost managed to be better than the first series. 

The acting was even better than before! I don't know how that was possible as the actors already did a phenomenal job last time! They really stepped up their game for this. I'm guessing they had to draw from some very personal experiences to convey the deep emotions that they did, especially for episode 2.

I am so tempted to give this 10/10 stars. Especially after the intense journey of emotions that was episode 2. My God.

The only reason I'm not is because I felt there was something, I'm not sure what, missing from the last episode. Perhaps a deleted scene?

They really did a great job with this though. It was a worthy follow-up!

Can be found on free websites

It was simple, fluffy, and didn't have toxic leads. You have no idea how much I adored how the conflicts between the MLs didn't drag on. It was refreshing!

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I have so much I want to say. So much that it is overwhelming. So much, and yet I cannot will my hands to type the thoughts clawing at the bars in my mind.

To put it simply, this was beautifully melancholy.

Can be found on free websites

It's cheesy and silly as heck. But, what can I say? I still love it. Especially since it's the first Taiwanese Drama I saw.

Can be found on Netflix

What can I say? It's an easy watch with few misunderstandings that are resolved very quickly, with a fun and light tone to match. And they're a cute couple who make efforts to communicate with each other.

Recommended ?

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

This drama has a unique way of blending dead-pan humor and deep tragedy, at times, making it difficult to tell whether or not you should laugh. This was just one of the many elements that contributed to this drama's charm and made it exciting to dig into the next episode.

Also, can I just say, this trio? *Iconic* And the Bromance? It was bromancing!

Can be found on iQiyi

This was really cute in some parts. The main appeal however is just how different this drama's ultimate premise and conclusion is.

Personally, I think the girlfriend exhibited a lot of toxic behaviors throughout most of this drama though. She looked through his stuff, was constantly suspicious and jealous when she had no reason to be, didn't listen to him, and even followed him secretly.

As far as the ending, I liked it quite a lot and found it very fitting.

Wish I could find this in a better quality with eng subs. But, I guess I should be grateful I managed to find eng subs at all. I have a bad feeling those links will be dead soon as they are quite old.

Actual links that work but with bad quality:
Part 1: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5e7pcc
Part 2: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5e9d3h

Well now, this was adorable! And I'm so happy to have found a Bl drama with family as the main subject, as it's something you see quite rarely.

It was very sweet and heartfelt. I liked that the couple had to find ways to compromise with their work and interests since they have a kid. This was a slice of life drama, and I really looked forward to seeing each new episode.

I loved this family! They were so fun, and the couple had amazing chemistry! Also, their friends were just the best.

They did leave it on a cliffhanger. I'm not sure if they're planning to make another season, they have to. They can't end it like that. If they do make another, I'll definitely be watching.

I was really happy watching this. And it was great to see them highlighting the difficulties of parenting and the hard questions your kids ask that you have to try to answer. It's no easy job to be a parent. And they showcased that very well here.

Definitely an 8/10, easily. I'm tempted to rate it a 9/10, but for now I'll stick to an 8.5/10.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This was just a load of fun. Sure, it got a bit repetitive, but boy, was it all entertaining!

Also, the FL and ML's chemistry together?! It was so fucking natural. I was going crazy. And the way she led the kiss?! *passes away*

The only thing I'm mad about is that it left off on a cliffhanger ending requiring a second season. Please, give me S2!

Can be found on Netflix

What happened to the side couple though? I felt that their relationship was still a bit unresolved by the end of it.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on free websites

I'm glad we got to see some backstory/scenes from these two!

Can be found on free websites

I've actually skimmed through this entire drama before. But, this time I wanted to really watch all of it to get the full picture.

I didn't remember them having had such beautiful effects. I liked the cool tones and different shades of blue they used. They also made the extra effort to incorporate blue into outfits, art, etc

 Also, the lighting is so good! And the acting was a lot better than I remembered.

I will say that this drama is rather unique in that all of the characters are morally grey. No one is truly the "good guy." On top of that, the relationships shown are complex and/or full of believable chemistry.

I'd say it's a solid 8/10.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This one is hard to describe. I've only watched  it in its entirety once, and then skimmed through it about two times after. 

I really liked the dynamic of this relationship. It was also sweet and different to have the premise be the chef and the singer making preparations for a gay couple's wedding.

Not to mention there are moments where you're uncertain if what's happening is reality or from one of the characters' imagination. You have to play it again to figure it out.

Can be found on YouTube

We don't get to see too many office Bl's (especially if they are Thai or Taiwanese) and this is an adaptation of a straight drama called "Just You."

I don't know any other Bl's that have been adaptations of straight dramas. So, this was something rather new and interesting. Especially as I have seen "Just You," and can compare it.

I'm so glad to see new genres, settings, and formats being explored this year.

Update after completion:

The original "Just You" is better than BLIH. Quite easily.

This had a pretty solid start with a good amount of tension and slight chemistry. The side couple was also adorable from the get-go. They are, Si Qi and Zhao Gang, just the sweetest, most non-toxic couple!

As this drama progressed the side couple stole some scenes, but they still managed to make the main couple engaging and the chemistry and tenderness was breathtaking at many points. They were just going at a slower pace than Si Qi and Zhao Gang.

The last two-three episodes' pacing was off unfortunately and they kept ending it with cliffhangers that didn't work/pay off. Also, I felt like if they didn't introduce a "villain" or made him more nefarious things would have worked much better.

Overall, I enjoyed this. The last couple episodes were weaker than the rest though. I think they could have stopped at 10 or even 9 episodes.

I think I'll give it a 8/10. If not for the amazing coming out scene, I think I would almost feel the need to lower it to a 7.5/10.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I am really torn between my rating of 7.5/10 and giving it 8/10 stars.

I did really enjoy this. I just wished we got more from the side couples. I didn't feel like they were quite developed enough.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

This was so nicely shot! And I love the bit of symbolism they managed to incorporate.

I want the conclusion to this! Please give it to me. Please!

Also, just a side note, they are all insanely attractive! Or, at least, I find them insanely attractive. Lol.

Can be found on YouTube

Very reflective and mature. The characters look and sound like rounded and real people, not untouchable, unrealistic, or ethereal beings.

The opening showing her attending a wedding and seeing a ceremony nearby with two brides really set things up well. The life she's currently living and the life she sees she could have had. This type of contrast continues to be shown later on in the present as well as through flashbacks.

The backgrounds with little details and the overall atmosphere make it for me, there is this tense feeling hanging over head as though the shoe could drop at any moment. I also have to note that the actors were amazing!

I was satisfied with what we got but can't help feeling we missed out on something that could have been truly amazing. This is a short but well-made project that clearly had a lot of thought put into it that really could have used the extra time to expand its story and flourish.

Regarding representation, I'm really not sure which one was the Bisexual Character mentioned in the tags. It didn't feel to me like either female lead had a genuine attraction to men. The most likely to me is Yi Min because she's married. But, if they were truly trying to show a Bisexual FL I think they could have done a much better job of making it more obvious.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Cool concept. I agree that it is a bit reminiscent of Black Mirror. I think they could have gone a lot further with it though. I think it would have been more interesting if they had shown some short stories from other people than the small main cast about trading in things for love. We don't quite get the sense anyone is giving up something truly important. 

That being said, I still had a good time watching it.

Can be found on free websites

It's an overall sweet little watch about learning to love and open up again, with leads with tension-filled chemistry. However, as per usual Taiwanese-Drama-format, the final conflict drags and feels unnecessary. Thankfully, at least this time, it didn't last long.

Do I recommend it? For a casual watch, why not?  

Can be found on Rakuten Viki, iQiyi, or GagaOOLala

Good chemistry? Yes! But the plot could for sure use some work.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki, GagaOOLala, or iQiyi

Just something cute and easy. Also, I can't get the intro song out of my head. Lol :)

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

With one of the leads having a separate personality, that complicated things. It was interesting to see how they navigated their relationship as well as the trauma he dealt with. I think a bit more could have been done with this, though. But, it was still fairly solid and their relationship felt genuine.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I haven't watched anything from Taiwan in a while. Really, that's the main reason I'm starting this. So far, it's giving me Be Loved In House vibes.

Update after completing: 

It was great, with some good chemistry! Until, it wasn't. The main couple's conflict was SO predictable and forced. He makes this big speech about how he'll stick by him and then just dumps him like the next episode for such a cliché reason. What happened to sticking by your man, dude?! The side couple's conflict was done so much better *sigh*

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

After watching About Youth I felt a bit sad thinking I'd have to wait for a while to watch another Taiwanese Drama. I was glad to have this one pop up on my radar.

The flirting between the leads and the drama itself was entertaining. Also, there were some good discussions on communication and trust in a relationship, we got a Pan ML, and there were some very well-directed and well-written scenes.

However, they dropped the ball in the end!

They threw the communication with one's partner out the window, threw in excused parental abuse, and skimmed over/never resolved important plot points.

And the cherry on top?

Alex and RJ got built up only to have no payoff! What the hell! Watching the last episode I kept wondering when we were going to get to them only to see one ten-second interaction between them. That was it!

I'm really disappointed that this drama started out so well only to end like this.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

By no means perfect, but an enjoyable and fun watch.

To address the forced scene: To enjoy this I basically had to ignore that and that couples' relationship. I was able to do it, but not everyone can. And no one should be expected to. My 8/10 rating is me setting it aside and judging the drama outside of it.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

In my opinion, it's really obvious that this is the couple in the first HIStory series that has the most chemistry. I think we all think of this one.  I don't regret watching the other two, but I skip them almost every time I rewatch this series.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I enjoyed the first episode. Though I felt the couple should have had more time to develop a connection, rather than start off loving each other like crazy right away.

I had a feeling I would end up rating this a 6.5/10. However, in the end, I'm forced to rate it a 6/10.

There were enjoyable parts to this. Holly is a very charming, strong, and interesting character. I liked how they used her experience as a stewardesses to call out the rampant sexualization of stewardesses in the industry.

Meng Lian was interesting at first. However, her story mostly took a backseat to Holly's story of becoming a stewardess and the challenges of her position.

I did like how they showed how Holly and Meng Lian's countries' cultures affected their attitude on life and was a realistic subject of conflict between them.

This couple's main problem was lack of communication, prioritization,  and honesty. So much could have been solved if they sat down and had a long discussion about what was going on in their lives and how they were feeling.

In the end, I was left feeling let down by this drama.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or Rakuten Viki

Sometimes both couples had pretty good chemistry. But my biggest problem with History5 is that I found all the characters to be too often bordering on overly childish, not just in their personalities but also in their behavior. I am so sick of the lying/breaking up/disappearing for the "good" of your lover. How about being honest, fighting for your relationship, and communicating with your partner?! I just kept waiting to see more maturity . . . And waiting . . . And waiting . . . And then, before I knew it, the drama was over!

You can skip this one.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

I got this recommended to me a long time ago as a cute and easy watch. Can't say they were wrong. Lol.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMhl3uL_C8HGhRSyztTALok_iJdC5e8J2&si=AUy2CoIdkTWybmzs

Did they have chemistry? Yes. But I can't say I was really invested in this drama. They jumped right into them having feelings and then just dove into a conflict and then rushed to a final resolution. Felt like a race more than anything. And a boring one at that.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki, iQiyi, or GagaOOLala

This was SUCH a disappointment! It didn't have a strong start, but the leads had chemistry, and it was charming and funny enough to make me look forward to the next episode. Then, the big third-act conflict hit, and the drama never recovered. I found myself annoyed by everything and everyone! Even ×2 speed didn't help matters. I'm sad to say that you can and SHOULD skip this one, my dear MDLers.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

Good. But because it was a special before the drama I was a bit confused. It was interesting though.

Can be found on GagaOOLala or YouTube

Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/M8YA30z-zM4

Well, that was weird.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

It's alright. I find some parts not very funny and a bit boring though.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Fairly good acting and some emotional moments. However, some of the subtitles are a bit difficult to understand, the sound design can be a bit wonky at times, and there are some character actions that are inconsistent.

Completed but MDL hasn't updated it.

The first episode was a good start to this. The action scenes themselves could have been a lot better but the actors were mostly convincing the rest of the time. I understand it's not some high-production drama with a big budget so I'm giving some leeway with my rating here.

I was charmed at several points and the music was really nice. I think they did as well as they could with this.

Overall, a pretty decent watch.

Yeah . . . 

I don't remember liking this very much. I'll probably have to go back and rewatch it so I can give an honest rating though.

Need to rewatch before rating.

Also need to rewatch this one. I don't think I actually finished it.

I don't remember if I finished this or not. I'll probably have to go back and rewatch it to give a definitive rating. I did really enjoy the personalities of the leads. They had a lot of charm to them.

Don't ask me to explain. I can't. Lol.

It's trash. But, it's my trash.

Watched the side couple cut only

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Or here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/search/?q=mermaid%20sauna

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on YouTube (without subs)

Heard it has respectful and well-done switching gender roles.

Link to YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk2gvyPpHLReeXzQUBv33BJ8YncN8qY9j

Can be found on Netflix

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or Netflix?

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Can be found on Netflix

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