emberzmars

Sexy, sweet & visually stunning tale of baby drama

Gosh I am excited to have found this MDL page because I have been wanting to write a review of this vertical drama. I watched Have Babies for the first time on Christmas 2024 & have watched this drama repeatedly ever since.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, what a visually stunning couple. Han Jia Hui is gorgeous (love her cheekbones) while Ke Chun is handsome (I get distracted by his big lips & raspy voice). Both actor & actress look extremely beautiful together. FL's outifts looked good on her & suit her character.
2. Romance - There are 2 intimate scenes and both times were hot. Even though there were not many kisses, the couple was affectionate with each other. I really enjoyed the playful banter between FL & ML.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by both Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun's acting. The scene in which ML told FL about his hidden identity was emotional & conveyed well. It's also great to see both of them in comedic & dramatic scenes. I became a fan of Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun and started watching their other dramas.
4. Supporting characters - I really like ML's sister. She bonded really well with FL & it was fun watching her scenes with FL & ML. I also like ML's mum especially the store scene. The child actors & actress were so adorable. I also like ML's assistant.
5. Pacing - Well paced & light drama. I watched this drama in one sitting.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - His proposal is just silly and darn too late.

Favourite scene:
When FL showed her wedding gown to her children & that playful banter afterwards.

Read More

I ❤️ a good jiejie romance & this is one of them!

Dramazone is one of my favourite accounts on Youtube because of the selection of vertical dramas there & impeccable subtitling. I had watched Meng Na's dramas before and thought her acting was so-so until I watched this.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What started off as a kept man relationship soon became a real loving relationship. There were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama but I like that the couple was affectionate with each other behind closed doors. I love the contrast between cool, calm & collected FL and coquettish & warm ML. Did I mention I love older woman-younger man romance??? This drama did the trope justice!
2. Huo Lan Chuan characterisation - He's younger than FL but confident & self-assured. I love that he's supportive & very flirty. Liang Si Wei was excellent in this role. Thank you director for the topless scenes.
3. Nan Wan characterisation - Another drama with FL as jewellery designer and I enjoyed this one. I like that she is strong & go-getter. Meng Na was well cast in this role because she totally embodied this character.
4. Rivalry - I love how the writer uses competitions to demonstrate rivalry between FL & villain. Both competitions were exciting to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - What a scheming individual! She didn't even mind hurting her body as long as she got what she wanted.

Favourite scene
Making out at car park scene 🔥

Read More

Gripping drama on falling in love while facing adversity

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin but I never watched her dramas within 6 hours of release. Instead of adding this drama to my watchlist, I decided to watch it last evening and write this review now at 12.36 am. I finished this drama in one sitting.

Having seen Guo Yu Xin in black sports attire, I would like to see her in action, suspense drama. There are a few espionage vertical dramas so hopefully we get to see Guo Yu Xin as a spy or undercover agent.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow spectacular acting by Guo Yu Xin. Her micro expressions were on point. That very first scene already made my heart heavy. I don't watch many Wang Kai Mu's dramas but I think he did well with his role. His acting was calmer and more subtle than Liang Si Wei whom acted with Guo Yu Xin in a melodrama also about terminal illness.
2. FL characterisation - What a beautifully written journey. It was understandable that she went through the different stages of grief upon receiving her diagnosis.
3. ML characterisation - At first I disliked ML for being indifferent in their marriage but my icy heart thawed when he protected his wife from his evil elders. He was calm & collected even in the face of adversity.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with some passionate kisses. I enjoyed watching the progress of relationship from married strangers to allies and then lovers and family.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Song, ML's brothers and in particular ML's assistant for being an astute "confidante" to ML.
6. Antagonists - I was relieved that the antagonist arcs were not draggy.
7. Styling - I love the styling for FL! Gorgeous, elegant outfits. The outfits for F4 male characters were stylish as well.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I didn't agree with her decision to drop the bomb on a special day. She should have come clean with ML about her illness but not on that day.

Favourite scene
FL's operation

Read More

Slow burn & sweet romance

I am a fan of Chen Si and Zhu Mo Yan so I was delighted to know that they collaborate in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance started slow because FL just got out from a bad relationship. Oh I love when FL jumped on him & when they made out in ML's office. I also love it whenever FL initiated kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero! I ❤️ ML for being attentive to FL's likes & needs.
3. FL characterisation - Great to see a main character as a doctor. FL is smart & compassionate. I like that she never took advantage of her status as ML's wife.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's bestie, ML's bestie & his family members. FL's mum was smart in tricking SFL when they were shopping. The outfit had me LMAO.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - Silly man. He had no right to ask for reconciliation when he never treated FL well.

Favourite scene:
When FL's bestie asked FL to check her wedding gift

Read More

Revenge best accomplished with a loving partner

I watched this drama because GOT7's Youngjae said he enjoyed this series. I LOVE Perfect Marriage Revenge! Story seems like elevated version of Harlequin / Mills & Boon novella (hey some of the novellas are well written).

Highly recommended if you're seeking a kdrama that has revenge, contract marriage, loving male lead, mature relationship, twisted family drama.

What I like:
1) Romance - Sizzling chemistry between Sung Hoon & Yoo Min with right balance of push & pull. Their romance is believable and geared towards more mature side. It's very rare to see male lead who has empathy & is emotionally invested in relationship from the start.
2) Writing - Honestly I didn't like episode 1 because Yi-joo was a doormat. However my opinion changed in Episode 2 when she decided to take control of her fate and take revenge over those who had done her wrong. This series is like a soap opera but with its fast-pacing, I never felt bored or annoyed. I also sensed a true partnership between female lead Yi-joo and male lead Du Gok right from episode 2.
3) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't read Du Gok's character in earlier episodes. He seemed to willing to help Yi-joo but what's in it for him? However, episode 6 is when my opinion changed. Du Gok showed different sides: cheekiness, empathy, affection & attraction. That confession was emotionally and physically charged, wow.
4) Supporting cast - I like Yi-joo's best friend, Du Gok's mother, grandmother and sister.
5) Yi-joo characterisation - I like her character development. She was a doormat at the start, then became vengeful but once she found an ally/partner who believes in her, she realises what's important to her and changed her mindset. She still got her revenge. I'm happy with the decision she made for her family's company because it breaks this chaebol/management must be from family cycle.
6) The ending - I like the final episode especially when it started with Yi-joo and Du Gok forgoing their concerns about the countdown and lived life as normal instead of being overly cautious. I like how the series is concluded at the end.

What I dislike:
1) Lee Min-young and Ji-hee are insufferable. Hate them so much.
2) I would have liked more sensual moments between Yi-joo and Do Guk after episode 6 because I don't know if she genuinely liked Du Gok after episode 6 and before being questioned by his grandmother.

Favourite scene
When Yi-joo and Du-gok went on vacation in episode 6. Bed room scenes - both nights. I giggled then cried because that confession was heartfelt.

Read More

Enjoyable revenge-themed modern mini drama

I love mini dramas because of its pacing. I was excited to watch this because of Hong Xiao (You Complete Me being my favourite work of hers because her acting in one particular scene made me cry and love her outfits in that mini drama) and Dai Gao Zheng (curious to see his work after Maid's Revenge, which I disliked). After completing this mini drama, I'd say I enjoy this series more than Maid's Revenge and Revenge of Begonia.

What I liked:
1) Romance - I liked the chemistry between Hong Xiao & Dai Gao Zheng - there were enough tension between them and once they got together, I was still interested in their dynamics. It's great to see different types of romance scenes e.g. soul-baring on bed, happy & playful rain in the afternoon scene. Their kisses are steamy too.
2) Acting - I like Hong Xiao and Dai Gao Zheng's acting. They showed enough vulnerability (I loved that both actors cried for the soul-baring confession on bed scene). It's great to see Dai Gao Zheng playing a boss that kicks ass but is a softie when it comes to his woman.
3) Action scenes - I like the action scenes. Dai Gao Zheng did a lot of fights in this drama.
4) Production value - Looks like a high production value because the set design, stunts and outfits were well done.

What I disliked:
1) Ji Lin Jiang - It was quite obvious that he was the villain but gosh his character was over-the-top / caricature.
2) Grandpa Ji - I don't understand why he gave a harsh punishment to Song Si Pu! Perhaps it's a scene created so Dai Gao Zheng could go topless.
3) Styling for Ji Chan / Min Jing Shu - I know Hong Xiao is petite so she wore really high heels for most of her scenes. Some dresses, especially in the first few episodes, didn't look great on her. However there is one outfit that stands out for the right reason - the all white ensemble she wore when she & Song Si Pu were baring their souls.

Favourite scene:
The soul-baring confession on bed

Read More

Well-written microdrama about love in aviation industry

I read about this microdrama on MDL and reddit and got curious especially when I just started watching Hou Cheng Yue's dramas. I can't find this drama on Youtube but luckily found it on Dailymotion. As an aviation geek, I love this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love that FL is an air traffic controller instead of a flight attendant. She's great at her job. She's smart and beautiful inside and out. Hou Cheng Yue played this role beautifully.
2. Romance - I enjoy watching their relationship grow from married strangers to marriage partners and lovers. I was giddy watching ML wooing FL. They are affectionate - the hugs, handholding and kisses.
3. ML characterisation - ML is handsome, smart and caring. I love how he took his role as husband seriously. I also like that he was firm with boundaries set against his admirer and love rival. I must say this is my favourite character played by Wang Yi Ran.
4, Supporting characters - I like FL's close ATC colleague, co-pilots that usually work with ML, ML's friends, mothers of both FL & ML (even though their screentime was short).
5. Ending - The drama ends with a declaration of ML & FL's love for each other at workplace. I find it refreshing and sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Main antagonist is a flight attendant that went to same school as FL & ML. Gosh, she was delusional. Even though ML has explicitly told her that he was not interested in her, she was still persistant. She was envious of FL not just in love but at personal level.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL about her past loves in attempt to know about her school crush

Read More

Familiar reborn tale given gothic superpower treatment

This drama appeared on my dashboard last weekend. When I clicked 'Play', the character names were familiar. I have watched another version (starring Zhou Hang & Yao Yu Chen which I enjoyed immensely). In the starting scene, ML eyes turned red and I was intrigued by supernatural element. Oh boy, I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Elements - I love the gothic and superpower treatment given to this drama as it distinguishes itself from other versions. The VFX was cool despite the short screentime. Some scenes remind me of Evanescence's Call Me When You're Sober music video.
2. Wang Yi Lei - I was delighted to see him as ML because I enjoyed his performance as SML in his others dramas (one with He Jian Qi and Zhai Xin Ran & mini drama Ready for Love). Fu Ting Shen in this drama was cool & mostly calm. However I wish he had upped the ante when FL first met ML while his superpower was on.
3. Styling - Gorgeous! FL had one of the best outfits I have seen in vertical dramaland. The 1940s style short dresses & fascinators. I also liked her wedding gowns.
4. Romance - Oh, mostly sweet with a dash of spice. Good balance of push and pull. The wedding gown scene was hot.
5. Supporting characters - Wen Jianran made a lasting impression despite short screentime. I also like the actress who played villainess Jiang - her character had substance compared to other 2 antagonists.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower arc - I wish this arc was given more screentime and perhaps a twist. Given that the superpower had been surpressed all this while, I was perplexed by how the power was handled at the end.

Favourite scene
The start when FL witnessed ML's love for her

Read More

Jiejie romance with substance & great acting

I was intrigued by the title when I saw this drama appear on my Youtube dashboard. The ML seemed familiar & thankfully this MDL page has existed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wu Tian Hao as the ML because I enjoyed his performances in Supervisor Husband & My Lady General.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wu Tian Hao and the main actress portrayed their complex characters brilliantly. Their facial expressions and demeanor were on point.
2. Romance - Sizzling hot intimate scenes. Heavy kissing and cute coquettish act by ML at the start.
3. ML characterisation - I like that Shi Jie put out naive act but is actually smart & scheming.
4. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see intelligent, confident & go getter female character. I also liked that Jiangnan was professionally involved in ML's life.
5. Family saga - It was gripping.
6. Production value - This drama felt more like a mini drama shot vertically because the directing style is different from other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. The age gap - There is 10 years of age difference between FL & ML. I usually don't mind this big gap but ML is set to be 19 years old. It'd have been better to set him as 22 or 23 year old assuming he had finished university studies by 22 years old.
2. Pacing - Certain scenes progressed too fast for me to read subtitles & understand the context. I had to rewind.
3. FL's ex partner - Ungrateful.

Favourite scene
The second intimate scene was unexpected & intoxicating.

Read More

Felt like something missing

I added this drama to my playlist because of the 3 main cast weeks ago and almost forgot about this drama until Jwells mentioned it in our chat about Shen Hao Nan.

What I liked:
1 Zhang Ji Jun - Wow he was compelling in this drama because of his character Feng Jin. He was cheeky & unhinged but not in a dangerous way (like Joker from The Dark Knight). I must say this is my favourite Zhang Ji Jun drama.
2. Yun Mu Ran characterisation - She is smart, composed & self-assured even when facing resistance. I like that her characterisation was consistent from start to finish. My hunch was right when twist was revealed in third act.
3. FL's husband - He was atrocious but wow, the actor impressed me with his acting. It'd be great if the character was given more depth.
4. Styling - I love FL's burgundy business suit. The cut & the fit - she was beautiful when wearing it. I also like Feng Jin's colourful & flamboyant outfits.
5. Tease - The writers teased us with moments that didn't follow the standard drama approach e.g. the almost kiss, the drinks laced with drugs. By making these moves, the drama stayed fresh & unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There were too many arcs going on in this microdrama - 3 different arcs for 3 main characters, 2 different arcs for villains (one from FL's family, one from Yu Xiao's admirer), one arc for Yu inheritance saga, one arc for FL & Yu Xiao's complicated relationship. At the end of the drama, I felt this drama played it safe with the ending and didn't leave me wanting more.
2. Yu Xiao's secret - I was confused by this arc. What was his motivation for keeping the doppelganger? It just creeps me out that I don't feel like rooting for FL to choose him over Feng Jin.

Favourite scene
When both ML took drinks knowing there were drugs in them

Read More

Kickass FL who has great chemistry with ML

I was in the mood for reversed gender roles so I searched for dramas on MDL with this tag and found 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'.

What I liked:
1) Leng Li characterisation - I love her character! She's tough and feisty but lovable. She goes for what she wants and that includes her feelings for male lead He Lian Xuan. I also like that she's brainy - she knows about herbs and uses the knowledge to help people. Wen Mo Yan was brilliant in this role. She kinda looks like Kim Sejeong, a Korean actress and pop idol.
2) He Lian Xuan characterisation - I enjoyed his character too. He is protective of Leng Li but at the same time, couldn't show his full self to avoid trouble with others. His other persona Qing Ru is cool. Wang Zu Yi was brilliant in this role.
3) Romance - I could feel He Lian Xuan's feelings for Leng Li - so genuine & pure of love & admiration. Damn I love it when a woman makes the first move and gosh that scene of Leng Li making the first move is HOT! I also like that Leng Li never resisted He Lian Xuan's feelings - she too never doubted her feelings for him.
4) The comedy - Never expected comedy scenes to be laughed out loud. Leng Li getting back at He Lian Chen and 6th prince was a gold moment!

What I disliked:
1) Transmigration arc - I feel like this plot wasn't well explained.
2) The ending - I understand why the series ended that way but why make it a sad one?

Favourite scene
When Leng Li told He Lian Xuan to "be a man" in episode 5.

Read More

Tragic love story with great acting by both leads

I enjoyed Ma Xiao Yu's acting in Captive Love from the Mob Boss despite his asinine character. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. I also recently became a fan of Guo Yuxin. I watched this drama on Dailymotion since at the time of this review, there isn't a complete version of this drama in YT. This drama has similar plot to another antidote drama starring Huang Bo.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Ma Xiao Yu & Guo Yuxin's performances were intense and well-matched. Their dramatic scenes were heartfelt.
2. Romance - I know Guo Yu Xin does kissing scenes well based on her dramas with Zuo Ming, Ke Chun, Liang Si Wei. Damn the kissing scenes were really hot.
3. The daughter - It is so touching to see a young daughter caring for sickly mother. The child actress had meatier role in this drama and she did well.
4. ML's assistant - What is the name of actor who played ML's assistant? He is very handsome. I like his character.
5. Styling - I notice styling for Ma Xiao Yu in this drama is same as styling for Captive Love from the Mob Boss. That's great because he looks extremely handsome. FL styling was good too considering there is a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. Romance development - I wish there were more dating/bonding scenes because the romance between FL & ML were underdeveloped.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending because of the presence of the daughter.
3. Villain - I felt the the villain arc was incomplete. Did she face any punishment for her actions?

Favourite scene
When the daughter looked for ways to pay for FL's hospital bill

Read More

This tragic romance made me cry 3 times!

Edit: As pointed out by Jwells, there are 2 versions of a story using same actor, same actress, characters & premise. This review is for the original story which is longer version (2 hours 23 min) and the remake (referring to this page) is about 1 hour 45 min. Apologies for the possible confusion.

This is the first time I watched Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi 's performance on screen. The story of yin yang & one person being "antidote" to another grabbed my attention. I must say I was very surprised by this drama because I cried THREE times!

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - Damn, he gave a sublime performance in this drama as I felt different types of emotions: anger, sadness, hopeful, fearful. His acting & masculinity reminded me of Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender. Anyway I became a fan of Huang Bo because of this drama.
2. ML characterisation - His character growth was fascinating. He started as as a person who focused a lot on himself then slowly he was more concerned about others than himself.
3. FL characterisation - I too liked how her character developed. She was too nice at first but then grew wary and put her and daughter's needs first. I cried when she received the bad news. I think she made the right decision to care for her daughter. Xu Si Qi was great at expressing different emotions of her character.
4. Romance - Tragic romance. ML & FL were together 3 times, which I think they were not meant for each other. He fell harder for her while FL seemed to like him at the start & perhaps at the end of their coupling.
5. Supporting character - I liked the kid but computer whiz thing was a bit too much. I also liked ML's grandpa who was concerned for FL's wellbeing after ML & FL got together the second time. Dr Jin was a good character too.
6. Ending - I interpreted it as bittersweet & tragic.

What I disliked:
1. Sex - I felt consent was dubious. That scene was uncomfortable for me to watch.

Favourite scene
When ML saw FL right after her surgery

Read More

Pragmatic FL & heartfelt confession made me shed a few tears. What a great bittersweet drama!

I am so excited that a MDL page for this drama has been created because I submitted the New Title. I watched this drama on 6 March 2025 and what drew me to watch this drama was the thumbnail. Fang Zheng Nan's abs to be exact! Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much - I even shed a few tears.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Spectacular acting by Li Ruo Qi and Fang Zheng Nan. Li Ruo Qi was able to evoke different facial expressions and I particularly love her expression of empathy. Anyway male actors rarely make me cry but wow Fang Zheng Nan's acting was so heartfelt that I shed some tears.
2. FL characterisation - I have watched substitute wife dramas before but this drama's substitute wife is the best. Shi Qi was clear about the boundaries set by Lu Huai Nian and adhered to them closely. I liked that she was goal-driven and didn't romanticised about ML's good treatment of her. Oh I also liked how she helped ML with his business problem. That was unexpected!
3. ML characterisation - He was never condescending but hahaha he was delusional for assuming FL to love him. I liked that he treated FL with respect even after their contract ended.
4. Supporting characters - ML's best friend was smart and realist. I liked that he brought some sense to ML. I'd like to watch more of the actor's dramas so please leave a comment if you know his name. I also liked FL's best friend and the butler.
5. Romance - It was fascinating to watch the FL-ML dynamics grow from employee-employer to pursuit-suitor. Theirs was slow burn romance with 2 or 3 kisses. I liked that they had a proper conversation about their feelings and the divorce.

What I disliked:
1. ML's motive - I didn't quite understand ML's motive for substitute wife.

Favourite scene:
When ML eavesdropped while ML's best friend asked FL about her feelings for ML. Reality finally sunk in for him.

Read More

Great visuals but romance was lacking

I was very excited when I found out that Guo Yuxin was working with Shen Hao Nan on a drama. Saw this drama on Thursday and watched it a day after. I finished it feeling less than satisfied.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, finally Guo Yuxin didn't have to cry her heart out for a man! I liked Song Ning for her courage & self-reliance. She solved her problems - definitely not a damsel in distress.
2. Plot - I'd say I never imagined the story would go that way, mostly in a good way. I was entertained throughout the drama.
3. Styling - Ok we know Shen Haonan is gorgeous and the styling from hair to clothes was impeccable. Guo Yuxin's styling was on point too. I love her magenta gown. She looked like a mermaid which made me think of Mermaid Husband (I'd love to see a remake with Guo Yuxin as FL).
4. Supporting characters - Despite the short airtime, I really liked Kang Xu. First impression gives a big impact and oh boy, he did. I also liked ML's mother & assistant. The dynamic between ML's mum & dad was fun to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - For a couple pairing that is visually stunning, the romance is lacking. Yes there were some kisses and handholding but there was little time spent on the development of FL & ML as a couple. Most of the time was spent on FL's battles with her love rivals.
2. Ending - What??? C'mon at least give us a bedroom scene. I know Shen Haonan & Guo Yuxin had done intimate scenes (Your Trap & World Upside Down being my favourite dramas respectively).
3. Work - It's a bummer that we only got to see glimpse of FL's work. Her interview scene was great because the casse study had a personal touch to it.

Favourite scene
FL's interview at another company

Read More