emberzmars

Enjoyed it because of FL but ML was a disappointment

I watched a clip on YouTube and halfway through I thought "why not give this drama a go?!". The last 10 episodes were frustrating.

What I liked:
1) Zhou Ran characterisation - She is bubbly, smart and career-driven and overall a FL who went through great character growth. Zhang Tian Ai was brilliant in this role. With her styling, she looks like Satomi Ishihara during Pretty Proofreader. She is a flawed character - she helps people when I think they don't deserve her kindness.
2) Xiao Fei characterisation - FL's best friend was wonderfully written as well. She started off as a kept woman but wanted more from her relationship. I like that she's unwilling to compromise her principle with her lover. Her character also grew up and it's great to see her form a bond with Liang Wei and his kid. Lorene Jen was great in her role.
3) Chairman - She was cold and aloof at the start of the drama but there is a reason for that cold exterior. I really liked her especially when she bonded with Zhou Ran.
4) Gu Yunfei - He is handsome and more attentive to Zhou Ran compared to Ye Rong Xuan, the ML. I wish Zhou Ran had picked him over Rong Xuan but you can't force someone to fall in love. I don't like his friendship with Siyan though - he didn't tell Zhou Ran nor Rong Xuan of Siyan's tricks.
5) The ending - I like that Zhou Ran took that decision and excelled in her chosen path. I also like the vague ending because I think Rong Xuan needs a lot of grovelling to do.
6) Plot - I like the business/professional aspect of the main 2 characters. It's fascinated to see a glimpse into fashion magazine world. The personal side of main 2 characters were good too except the romance.

What I disliked:
1) Siyan - We have 2 main villains in this drama: Siyan and Guo Rei. Siyan was cunning, manipulative b!tch! I HATE her character so much that I wish I could strangle her.
2) Guo Rei - I fast-forwarded a lot of the scenes of Guo Rei and Xu Man after he broke Zhou Ran's heart. The only time I watched in full was when his parents met Mr Xu & discussed the marriage and when Guo Rei & Xu Man had a big fight. I couldn't care less about them after that.
3) Ye Rong Xuan characterisation - I am frustrated by ML's behaviour throughout the fake relationship. I can't believe that he took Siyan's side or wasn't suspicious of "incidents" at the office. He was also ok with Siyan's touches after breaking Zhou Ran's heart.
4) Romance - I wish there were more affections shown by Ye Rong Xuan toward Zhou Ran in their private time. Their kiss was good but why must Zhou Ran be drunk? The romantic scences between Xiao Fei and Liang Wei were sweet.

Favourite scene:
When Zhou Ran chased Chairman up the stairs and convinced her to do surgery. Good acting & writing!

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Fun series and I am enchanted by Satomi Ishihara

Being a fan of Satomi Ishihara and Rika Adachi, I've added this series in my watchlist. Decided to watch it last weekend upon finding out that it would leave Netflix on 14 October 2024. What a fun series!

What I liked:
1) Etsuko Kono characterisation - Satomi Ishihara was radiant and enchanting. I love that she's cheerful and colourful. She might seem frivolous because of her appearance but she was never condescending. Great to see that she takes her proofreading work seriously despite that not being her first job choice. I also like that Etsuko enjoyed learning new content through her proofreading job and saw its value for the future.
2) Supporting characters - From Etsuko's proofreading colleagues and Oden buddies to her clients/writers, all of them had significant role in her growth as a person. My favourite is Mr Takehara, who was a wonderful mentor to Etsuko.
3) Etsuko - Mr Kaizuka's dynamics - To be honest, I prefer their feisty proofreader-editor relationship to Etsuko-Yurito budding romance. I feel that the former has a lot to offer to each other despite them budding heads most of the time. They had more honest conversations with each other.
4) The fashion - I love Etsuko's fashion style though she often wore very high heels, which always concerning me. I love her mantra "When I dress my best, I do my best!".
5) The ending - Yukito's first attempt at writing something he's passionate about resonate with me. "There are work that may never been noticed nor recognised by most people, but it holds meaning, and that's what matters." It is realistic and I like it! I wish there was season 2.

What I disliked:
1) Morio's immediate boss - She didn't seem to care much about the articles makes me think that she saw her job as a paycheque.
2) Etsuko - Yurito's dynamics - I feel like Yurito hero-worshipped Etsuko. Yes Etsuko is an amazing woman but dude barely spent time with her. She knew what she wanted in terms of career but Yurito was still figuring out, which is fine but he needed to know his priorities.
3) Colour grading - There was too much yellow during the outdoor Tappi-bashi scenes.

Favourite scene
When Etsuko, Ms Fujiwa and Yoneoka helped Mr Kaizuka to proofread Mr Kiritani's work

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Better than the other Cinderella kdrama but I wish for more depth

I needed something light & romantic to watch after finishing Again My Life. Moon Sang Min's face was heavily promoted on Viu so I chose this drama. Cinderella at 2 AM is light touch romance drama with moments of seriousness.

What I liked:
1) Moon Sang Min - He has this sweet, kind face. This is my first time watching his work and I enjoyed it. For a leading man with this characteristic, he's alright.
2) Yun Seo chracterisation - It's great that her past was shown to the audience because then I understand why she is the way she is - fiercely independent woman who is focused on raising her younger brother. I cried when scenes of her childhood was revealed - I did not expect that at all.
3) Si Won characterisation - I also enjoyed knowing Si Won outside of work. Such a quirky but sensitive character.
4) Seong Min - At first I find his character creepy but later on he turned out to be a great guy. I wish he formed a tighter friendship with Yun Seo because they have a lot in common.
5) Yi Rae & her Uncle - Great support system for Yun Seo and Ji Seok. Plus I love that they brew their own maekgeolli.
6) Music - I love most of the songs featured in this drama, which is quite rare for me. Love the 80s vibe of the OST. Standout songs are Sweet Drama and Boyfriend.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - The romance between Yun Seo and Ju Won was sweet but I wasn't convinced at the end and I sided with Ju Won. I don't know why they needed a wedding when Yun Seo doesn't seem to be ready. I also wanted more of Si Won and Mi Jin's romance. They were so adorable but only got together in episode 7 if I am not mistaken.
2) Si Won and Ju Won's mother - She is selfish because she acts more like a chairwoman than a mother. I still don't understand why she opposed Ju Won's relationship with Yun Seo. Overall I find her character poorly written.

Favourite scene
Yun Seo's childhood because I see the love she has for her brother.

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Weird plot but overall light & enjoyable!

Having watched Mango short plays on Youtube, I thought "Let's check out other titles".

What I liked:
1) The romance - both Jin Jia Yu and Zhao Si Tong had good chemistry. Their kissing and intimate scenes were hot.
2) Jin Jia Yu is handsome and has good body.
3) I didn't expect the second half of the story would be action-driven. I enjoyed the rivalry between Liang Ze and his competitor.
4) Funny moments were sparsed but good enough for some laughs.

What I disliked:
1) Yuan Chu Yu was too kind to Liang Ze/ Bai Ze after he ghosted her for some years. I wish she had moved on and made Bai Ze grovel.
2) There's too much going on at the end. That jealous ex-girlfriend arc was too much since we already have Liang Ze's competitor arc.

My favourite scene:
Rescue scene. That's unexpected!

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Sweet drama. Male lead is handsome

The Date of Marriage is a sweet J drama. Simple love story.

What I liked:
1) I like the bright coloured clothes in the series.
2) Matsuda Genta has many moles on his face & neck, gosh he is handsome.
3) Good enough chemistry between male and female leads

What I disliked:
1) I find their romance bit hard to believe. It doesn't flow naturally like other romance dramas that I've watched.
2) I think the styling of hair & certain clothes made female lead looked bigger than she was in reality.
3) Lack of communication

Favourite scene
When male lead carried female lead

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Sexy but heartfelt drama on friends-with-benefit

Rinko wants to try is a sexy jdrama that reminds me of those sexy stories I used to read.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Kaho Takada portrayed Rinko's vulnerability very well. She had great facial expressions & good chemistry with her romantic interests.
2) Rinko characterisation - She is capable at work and likeable to the audience. At the start of the series, she had a crush on another guy and I like that she pursued dating the guy despite developing some feelings for Gen.
3) Fast-paced & like how drama concluded by the finale.
4) There were a few heartbreaking scenes such as her first time and her love confession in the finale.

What I disliked:
1) I would liked it if there were more kisses and communication between Rinko and Gen.

Favourite scene:
When Rinko confessed her feelings for Gen and Gen asked permission to kiss. I liked that Gen didn't force a kiss on her.

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The fluffiest romance Jdorama I've watched

Shanai Marriage Honey is the fluffiest romance Jdorama I've watched. This jdrama has the most "kawaii" uttered by the actors.

What I liked:
1) Ami & Manatsu sure enjoyed making out & making love. A lot of kissing & hugging.
2) I like Airi Matsui's acting.
3) Mizuki Itagaki is handsome.
4) The opening sequence is cool.

What I dislike:
1) Underdeveloped main characters so it was frustrating at times because there is not much character development.

Favourite scene:
When Manatsu dropped the bomb about his marriage to Ami to his colleagues.

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Fake relationship romance that has similar format to Jdorama

Noble, My Love is a light, fake relationship romance Kdrama. Since each episode has a short duration of 15 minute, this series gives Jdorama vibe.

What I like:
1) Light and well-paced. I finished this series in one seating.
2) Good chemistry between Sung Hoon and Kim Jae-kyung. That scene in the kitchen is hot!
3) Kim Jae-kyung's acting was alright. She does well during comedic scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Wish the last 3 episodes had clear focus on the romance.
2) I felt his character was stunted & remained bossy till the end.

Favourite scene:
I like the dynamic between Lee Kang Joon and Cha Yoon Seo so their scenes are always fun.

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Noona romance with serious mood

This is my first Park Bo Gum drama that I watched. Park Bo Gum in long, wavy hair in episode 1 was mesmerising especially when he smiled.

What I liked:
1) The first episode was magical perhaps due to "beach holiday" vibe of Havanna.
2) Jin-hyuk characterisation - I am not sure if it's because of Bo Gum's youthful look but Jin-hyuk has this charming, nice guy aura. He's personable but don't underestimate his tenacity and quick thinking.
3) The hotel - I liked plot surrounding the work at the hotel group.
4) Public figure storyline - I also liked this storyline because I got to see challenges faced by public figures. Pity that their personal life is scrutinised, often time unfairly, by media and the public.
5) Romance - This series is good at highlighting challenges faced by older woman-younger man couple especially when one of the pair is financially successful.

What I disliked:
1) Soo-hyun characterisation - It's great that she's a girl boss but she's giving this misery vibe whenever the camera is on her. I noticed that Song Hye-kyo has played several older woman characters but all these characters are so serious and gloomy. I wish there were more scenes of lightness especially when Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk met in private.
2) Soo-hyun's overbearing mum
3) Jin-hyuk's mum when she asked Soo-hyun to break up behind Jin-hyuk's back. That's not cool

Favourite scene
When Jin-hyuk met Soo-hyun after she was conned. Such a romantic scene with Bo Gum's hair blowing in the wind.

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Sports meet noona romance drama...what a delightful series!

Older female/younger male romance is my favourite trope and I enjoy watching the Olympics. This series was a delight! This series reminds me of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (another favourite series of mine) especially scenes about the slump period and the training

What I liked:
1) Acting - Wow, Wang An Yu gave a stellar performance as a soft-hearted student-athlete. He looked like an Olympian during his high jump scenes - the posture, running and jump. I enjoyed watching Wang An Yu's facial expression especially his eyes. Very expressive. The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet was heartbreaking. Jin Chen was great at her role of coach and girlfriend too. Luo Na knew when to put on coach hat and girlfriend hat. I read comments commenting on Jin Chen's skinniness but I think that's how a (former) athlete who keeps good care of her body looks like. Chi Jia was also great as Coach Wu Ze.
2) Writing - I didn't read the novel so my comments will focus solely on the show. I love watching the journey of Du Yu Cheng throughout the series. From high school to university and professional athletics training. I also love that writers feature different types of track and field events from training to competition.
3) Luo Na characterisation - I love how the writers balance the different roles held by Luo Na - assistant coach, girlfriend, friend, daughter. As an assistant coach, she knew when to be confidant to her students. She also knew when to follow her instinct with the case of Zhang Hong Wen.
4) Duan Yu Cheng characterisation - I always giggled when watching his antics. Duan Yu Cheng is crybaby and playful, at times childish. I think he's needy/clingy with Luo Na because of his upbringing but he never showed signs of toxic masculinity.
5) Romance - wow, palpable chemistry between Wang An Yu and Jin Chen right from the start. Their kissing and intimate scenes were really hot.
6) Supporting casts - Wonderful supporting characters such as Coach Wu Ze, Xia, Jian Tian, Lian Shu, Jia Shi Li. Mao maoqi is my favourite because he is so endearing.
7) The reunion at the end - It's great to see Jia Shi Li in the last episode.

What I disliked:
1) A lot of the romance scenes were for the benefit of Duan Yu Cheng. I wish there was a scene or gesture that was done by Yu Cheng for Luo Na as his girlfriend not coach.
2) The English song that was played during competition between Duan Yu Cheng and Li Ge made me laugh because that was a love song but the scene called for rivalry!
3) I disliked Mrs Duan's action during Yu Cheng's decathlon competition. She shouldn't barge like that since it might disrupt his focus on the competition.

Favourite scene
The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet. Heartbreaking. Wang An Yu's best performance in this series.

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Expected sexy romance but got damsel in distress instead

Coffee & Vanilla is perhaps the least enjoyable jdrama I've watched. Don't waste your time. Actor Dori Sakurada looked like Suga at times though!

What I like:
1. Scores featured in episode 1.
2. I like Risa's clothes except that red dress. Made her look matronly.
3. Each episode is less than 26 minutes & only 10 episodes in the series. That prompted me to finish this series.

What I dislike
1. Female lead Risa is childish & meek, she even acknowledged those traits. Damsel in distress.
2. The romance is unbearable. Risa keeps on receiving, Hiroto treats her like a possession. Risa is always being manhandled, but just obliges.
3. Underdeveloped characters even for leads.

Favourite scene
When Risa realised she needed to grow up so she applied for internship.

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Fast-paced police procedural with time jump element

Highly recommended for those looking for fast-paced police procedural with time jump element.

What I like

1) Acting - Cho Jin-Woong was the standout performer out of the three leads. His facial expressions were on point that I cried during one of his scenes (when he was so desperate). Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon were great in their roles too.
2) Great writing - It was stressful at times because I felt for Lee Jae-han, who couldn't just trust anybody.
3) The connection between three leads - Detective Lee Jae-han-Park Hae-young connection is so sweet.
4) Engaging plot including sub-plots - This drama is plot-driven. I love how the mini cases are interwoven with the big case.

What I dislike
1) The ending - I want to know what happened to Detective Lee Jae-han.

Favourite scene
The bomb scene threw me off guard and made me panic!

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Corporate drama with romance & murder mystery

After watching too many romance-centred drama, I decided to watch different genre. The reviews here convinced me as I am not easily swayed by high scores.

What I like:
1. Mystery plot - I like whever the drama focuses on mystery mode. However these parts were mostly at the end after episode 8 if I am not mistaken. Wish they could execute it like Elite (Spanish Netflix series) because that would really make this series gripping.
2. The intro montage - Don't skip it. It is beautifully done and the score too!
3. Female lead characterisation - I like how Yuanxing's character development is written.
4. Romance - The romance plot is well-done too though I wish to see more affectionate moments between Yuanxing & Cheng.

What I dislike
1. Family drama - too much screne time given to greedy family members especially episodes 2 - 8.
2. Baddie - I think in episode 9 or 10 you could figure out the baddie. Wish it was hinted more in earlier episodes because then I would care more about the villain.

Favourite scene:
That love confession at the very end of last episode. Heartfelt because of the script & acting.

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Noona romance done right!

I enjoy watching older female-younger guy romance (wishful thinking) and Why Women Love is the best noona romance I have watched, so far!

What I like:
1) The length of the series - 24 episodes is the perfect number of episodes.
2) Female lead characterisation - ❤️ that Jiangyue is career-focused but not uptight. Yes, she is a workaholic but she makes time for her best friends. Jin Chen was so radiant in this role. She reminds me of TWICE's Nayeon somehow.
3) Male lead characterisation - ❤️ Jia Xin 's growth throughout the series. He started as a bratty rich kid but once he saw his boss's vulnerability and understands her perspective, he accepts his role and is attuned to her needs. I also like an introspective male character. I like his styling (both hair & clothes) - I find Zi Yi resembles Gon of Vanner.
4) Chemistry between Jin Chen and Wang Zi Yi - Combustible chemistry and their kissing scenes🔥. Both are visually arresting.
5) Ending - I like the award ceremony scene. I expected the proposal to be different and kinda happy it turns out to be true. Given the characterisation of Jiangyue and Jia Xin, it is believable.

What I dislike:
1) Supporting characters - Jing Jing and Duo Xi's love stories were underdeveloped. I'd like to see more of Jing Jing's love story because it's second chance romance involving mature characters.
2) Li Yan Ran - annoying! It's hard to develop empathy for a character that doesn't understand personal boundary.
3) Sub-plot - I think the office rival plot can be executed better.

Favourite scene:
When Jiangyue was given gifts by Zi Yi. I love the meaning attached to each gift!

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Letdown by this supernatural-romance series

I love supernatural series such as Lucifer, Angel, Buffy, iZombie so I had high hopes on 'My Demon'. This series felt like a Korean version of Twilight. So much potential not explored, I decided to drop this series halfway through.

What I like
1. The song by NewJeans
2. Do Do Hee's fashion
3. Episode 1 was beautifully shot.
4. Park Bok Kyu & Ms Shin's banter

What I dislike
1. Do Do Hee's characterisation - I want to scream out my frustrations. The character is written like a Harlequin romance novel from the 90s. She started off as a clear-headed, no-nonsense CEO but episode 2 onwards, she became easily distracted/influenced by Gu-Won. Wish she struck partnership with Gu-Won like a business deal - weigh the cost of benefits and risks. Negotiate a protection and a marriage deal that benefits you too - I don't like that Gu-Won dictated the terms and Do Hee easily agreed.
2. Gu-Won's characterisation - I don't like Jeong Gu-Won. I expected cockiness but his arrogance, solemn & cold demeanour irked me. I wish he enjoyed his demonic responsibility and had cheeky personality like Lucifer.
3. Too much push in the romance angle too. Not enough supernatural moments.
4. Ga Young's clinginess annoyed me.
5. Slapstick comedy is fine for some episodes but get tiresome after awhile.
6. Song Kang's acting - I feel that he's miscast in this series. I'd like to see Woo Do Hwan as Gu-Won because he was mighty fine in Divine Fury and he'd be up against Lee Sang Yi's character to win over Do Hee's heart.
7. Reincarnation/past lives trope - I am tired of this trope since it's also used in other dramas released around same time such as The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, Moon in the Day.

Favourite scene
When Do Hee first met Gu-Won. The cake!

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