emberzmars

Earnest & heartfelt performance won me over

I gravitate towards Chinese vertical dramas since last year and with iQIYI expanding their catalogue, I discovered this title there. I only watched a handful of K verticals and most of them were meh despite handsome leading men. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG I loved that FL is an heiress too so she had equal status to ML in terms of social standing. She was down-to-earth & hardworking. I liked that she worked at another company instead of at family business.
2. ML characterisation - Sweet & nice guy. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a meetcute. I liked that they made a deal and then remained respectful of each other. I also liked the progress of their relationship. Their first intimate scene was hot.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and FL's butler.
5. Acting - Earnest & heartfelt performances. I really liked their chemistry.
6. Plot - Nothing new because I have seen too many C verticals but the plot of this drama was executed well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Stealing credit isn't cool.

Favourite scene
When they realised their feelings for each other

Read More

Transactional relationship with good camaraderie

I was in the mood for Wang Chen Peng's dramas after loving his recent drama with Bai Yan. This drama had been in my playlist since I also enjoy Li Ke Yi's acting. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off fake & transactional but I liked how it progressed into real romantic relationship. I liked that there was warmth from the start - FL & ML went into marriage of convenience without animosity.
2. FL's arc - She was daughter of a criminal & carried that stigma all her life. I liked how the arc was told. There was childhood connection between FL & ML.
3. ML's characterisation - I knew he had crush on her when he kept offering money for a task. However I didn't like ML forcing kiss on FL at the start of their relationship.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend & ML's assistant.
5. Acting - I liked the performance by Wang Chen Peng & Li Ke Yi. Good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's pursuer who was family friend and overstepped boundary. I also disliked ML's mother for disrespecting ML and FL.
2. Abuse - The abuse faced by FL was too much.

Favourite scene
The opening

Read More

Slow burn but good kisses. Felt the pairing was missing spark

I watched this drama because I like both Du Ya Fei & Liu Xi Yu acting. I watched it within 1 or 2 days of its release. I thought this drama was just ok - I felt like Du Ya Fei and Liu Xi Yu pairing was missing spark.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slow burn but full of affection. They were not shy about kissing once married.
2. Acting - I liked the performance by DYF and LXY. I liked his expression during the ending. They had good enough chemistry for their role.
3. ML characterisation - I knew she had a crush on her right fro'm the start. He was protective, nurturing & respectful.
4. FL characterisation - Sweet & nice even though she was young.
5. Ending - It was so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. SML - He was a scumbag for cheating on FL then wanting to get back with FL. Thankfully his character grew up.
2. Mixed signal - I liked FL's adopted brother but his arc felt a little like a potential love rival.
3. Antagonist - Supposedly betrothed ML fiancee was annoying. The mistress was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML made an excuse to stay over at FL's childhood home

Read More

Boring revenge and love triangle drama. The acting was awful!

I am a big fan of Huang Bo and have seen & enjoyed 2 of Zhao Fei's dramas. I was curious to see how they would fare in a drama together. To my dismay, this drama wasn't good.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I really liked the pastel green and lilac jacket and trousers combo worn by Huang Bo. I also liked Li Ren Zhi's outfits.
2. Visuals - Damn, Li Ren Zhi was hot! Such an eye candy.
3. Duration - Drama only lasts for 90 minutes. Thank gawd!

What I disliked:
1. Casting - Zhao Fei was terribly miscast. Her character is a younger sister with big sister being manipulated by Huang Bo's ML. Zhao Fei has mature look and doesn't suit playing a young damsel.
2. Acting - My gosh, terrible acting especially by Zhao Fei. I didn't believe her FL's helplessness. No chemistry between her and Li Ren Zhi. Huang Bo gave a pedestrian performance.
3. FL characterisation - Polarised. She came with a plan but she was still played by the younger brother.
4. Romance - I didn't buy it. How could she fall in love with the younger brother?
5. Writing - Bland. Nothing interesting in this revenge and love triangle drama.

Favourite scene
When Song Zhao Ye was in the pool

Read More

W wasn't great and this one wasn't good. FL passive & uninteresting

Li Meng Ran is one of vertical drama actors that I can instantly recognised but never interested in his dramas. This drama appeared on iQIYI few weeks ago. I was intrigued by the premise so I watched it. It didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Opening - The first few episodes reminded me of Korean drama W. I was compelled to watch the series till completion.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that the story is from ML's perspective. I liked seeing his emotional struggles from hatred to love. I also enjoyed his sneaky ways.
3. Tone - It had a lighthearted feel. The comic book feel also one of the reasons I liked this drama.
4. Ending - I liked it because it matched the state of FL during that time.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was passive and bland. Her arc developed too slow. The memory lapse arc was simplified.
2. Romance - There were good kisses but their romance was underdeveloped. I didn't buy the fact that FL really loved ML especially when she was hung up on her boyfriend most of the time.
3. Antagonists - Female antagonist arc was underdeveloped. FL's ex was a typical scumbag with a snobbish mother.

Favourite scene
The tennis / squash match

Read More

Fiery chemistry in this jiejie romance drama set in the art world

I was browsing drama catalogue and this drama's pister caught my attention. It had been awhile since I last watched Zhao Xi Xi's work. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy intimate scenes. I felt like they were going to combust everytime they made out. This is a jiejie romance with ML devoting himself to FL's cause.
2. FL characterisation - She was desperate, she put her mother’s need first. I liked the fact that she's knowledgeable in art.
3. ML characterisation - Hidden identity out to investigate SML. ML was devoted, talented & sneaky.
4. Acting - Great performances by Zhao Xi Xi and Su You Cai. Damn, the chemistry was fiery.
5. Visuals - Stunning leads + beautiful paintings.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes from the paintings to the intimate scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was a jerk for taking advantagr of vulnerable woman. I also disliked SML's sister for her rude beahviour.

Favourite scene
When FL kissed ML at his house

Read More

Sweet & protective "mob boss" with hardworking & humble FL

I saw the teaser trailer on reddit and was intrigued. I had not seen many Zhou Ling Feng's drama so I decided to watch this drama a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & protective. They started off with good vibes and held hands a lot. I liked very much!
2. FL characterisation - She was smart, hardworking & humble.
3. ML characterisation - He was supportive of his wife. Loving & protective.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man (he looked intimidating but turned out to be a nice dude). I also liked ML's grandmother, mother and their nosy but kind neighbour. I also liked the mob squad.
5. Ending - Nice twist.
6. Styling - I liked the clothes picked for both FL & ML. They made both baby-faced leads more attractive.
7. Identity - I liked how hidden identity was presented as a conflict and later solved.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex and his mistress were nasty. She was envious of FL. No integrity. I also disliked the snobbish heiress who liked ML.

Favourite scene
When ML was admitted to ER at hospital

Read More

No chemistry, unlikeable main characters & nonsensical romance

I watched this drama on iQIYI last night because I enjoyed Fan Chu Qi drama with Yang Yu Bin, in which she played a blind FL. I also liked Zhan Zhuo's visuals. However this drama did not meet my expectation.

What I liked:
1. Opening - Wow, that was spicy!
2. Visuals - Both Fan Chu Qi & Zhan Zhuo are gorgeous! Their outfits were beautiful too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for being the only concerned for her wellbeing.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There was no chemistry between FCQ & ZZ despite numerous kissing scenes. I also found ZZ's performance underwhelming in this drama. His ML supposed to be conflicted but ZZ's facial expressions remained one-note.
2. Romance - I also didn't buy the romance because of how it was written. A lot of assumptions from both sides.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. She forgave him easily after all that bet whilr ML was a scum for having personal collection of her racy photos.

Favourite scene
Opening

Read More

Outgoing reporter FL meets icy police officer ML in an engaging drama about police work

I was perusing new releases when this drama poster caught my attention. The names of the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I felt compelled to watch and thank gosh I did because this drama was refreshing. I enjoyed it immensely. I wish there was another adaptation of this story because the plot was wonderfully written.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shameless flirt but she got depth. She worked as a reporter and I enjoyed those scenes revolving her work.
2. ML characterisation - Icy cold team captain at the police station. Mr No nonsense.
3. Romance - FL chases ML with ML rejecting her advances until one day he realised he liked her. After that moment, ML made a lot of effort to win FL's heart.
4. Writing - One of the best written vertical dramas. Both characters had depth in their personal and professional lives.
5. Acting - Good performances but I think Chen Zhen Ni could add more emotional expressions when her character was conflicted. Good chemistry between her and Xiang Yang.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The self-proclaimed fiancee of ML. She was a doctor who was jealous of FL and wouldn't mind harming FL because she was possessive of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML passed out after looking for FL

Read More

Gothic fantasy about blood, magic elixir and true love

I discovered this drama when I was doing a reddit assignment on Xie Yu Wang. Darn, both Xie Yu Wang and Han Jia Hui are my favourites so I was excited about this drama. I watched it last night and wow, I was surprised.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I never thought this could be a fantasy drama - I liked the fantasy element a lot. Magic blood and its healing properties. Experimentation for an elixir.
2. Romance - Yes, finally a ML having a spring dream. That dream was spicy and it made sense why he had that dream. They had a rocky relationship with their circumstance going against them but I enjoyed their love story.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML got curious about FL and figured out her secret in the first act. Then he offered a partnership deal to FL. He too had a mission to accomplish.
4. FL characterisation - She's a complex character. She had to put on a mask to save herself from being exploited. In third act, she was conflicted between revenge and love. Good character growth.
5. Acting - It's good to see Han Jia Hui in a dramatic role - she challenged herself. Xie Yu Wang played his role well too. I liked the chemistry between them - there was a tacit understanding and strong sexual tension between them.
6. Styling - Great outfits worn by ML. I liked most outfits worn by FL except the first dress. The red stains looked like blood and the colour tone - hhhhmm it wasn't a pretty dress to me.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - I pitied FL for the abuse she had to endure. I hated that the kids were part of the experiment.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was evil. Her half-sis and stepmother were horrible people as well.

Favourite scene
ML's dream

Read More

Steamy start but FL didn't put much effort in her relationship with ML & the kids

I got to know this drama from my reddit friend the week of Halloween. The last time I watched short dramas that feature a mermaid / merman was back in May so I was excited. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements like the appearance of ML's scales, tail and gills.
2. Kisses - Good kissing scenes. That opening scene was hot.
3. Styling - I liked the matching outfits they wore - the black business casual when ML showed dowry for FL and the white casual outfits when ML offered shoulder massage.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the twins. They always planned dates for their parents. I also liked ML's butler / subordinate.
5. Styling - I liked the merman outfit + VFX for merman scenes. I also liked FL's businesswear.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - They didn't spend a lot of time together and they always bickered & had misunderstandings. I felt FL didn't make much effort in their marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was too focused on her career and her stepmother - I found her unlikeable.
3. Antagonists - SML was interested in the study of mermaids. I hated him for abducting the kids to lure ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

Read More

Great first & second acts but third act ruined by unnecessary drama

I am a massive Huang Bo fan so I was excited to watch this drama when it was released. The drama started off with a bang with exciting first and second acts but seemed to run out of steam in the third act. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bubbly & flirty. Smart to approach ML for a safe space.
2. Romance - I liked the pacing from the start because of the banter between the leads. Good kisses with sexy intimate scenes. Hand-holding was sweet.
3. ML characterisation - He was prickly and sickly but warmed up to FL after her countless attempts to be nice to him. I liked that he strived to improve his leg condition. He also knew his boundaries with other women.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Qin secretary and ML's mother.
5. Styling - I wrote a reddit article about ML wearing black pleather jacket, white shirt, black tie & black trousers before this drama was released. Turned out Huang Bo too had worn this ensemble. I also liked FL's beautiful clothes.
6. Acting - I enjoyed Mai Tong & Huang Bo performances. They had good chemistry even though it wasn't fiery nor sizzling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father & half-bro were the worst people in this drama. FL's family was horrible too. ML's ex girlfriend was pathetic.
2. ML's mother's action - Apparently the green tea saved ML mother's life. Asking ML to check on green tea's wellbeing crossed the line. She shouldn't feel obligated to fulfill green tea's request.
3. Third act - It became messy after Qin announcement. How I wish the writer had focused on Qin heir situation than on emotional cheating (FL hung out with a man at a club which I considered emotional cheating). Why ruined the good, stable relationship between FL and ML with this scenario???

Favourite scene
When ML worked hard on his leg treatment

Read More

I loved ML's hairstyle in this time travel drama

I have to be honest - I am not a fan of Peng Yao's acting. I usually skip her dramas but this one caught my attention for two reasons: an unfamiliar actor in blonde / silver wig and a short running time. I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a great but a sad start. It definitely made me want to continue watching this drama.
2. Romance - This is a slowburn romance. I liked that FL didn't explicitly mentioned to ML that she came from the future. Since ML was young and a stranger to FL at this time, FL tried her best to earn his trust. Good kissing scenes.
3. Styling - I really really liked Wang Nian Jiang Cheng's hair - the silver / platinum blonde looked great on him!
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandmother.
5. Duration - The running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Confession - A good scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - At times the pacing was slow so I increased the speed during those scenes.

Favourite scene
When ML went to FL and kissed her

Read More

Many entanglements but I liked the chemistry between leads and dynamic between FL and her brother

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I liked her chemistry with Feng Xiang Kun in another drama so I chose this drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances and insane chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Feng Xiang Kun. It was also a pleasure to see Wei Ruo Chen and Biscuit Lala acting in supporting roles.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother who was on her side the whole time.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL.
4. Plot - Interesting twist. I pity FL for the betrayal she faced.
5. Romance - Subtle and slow but I could sense the attraction growing between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's entanglement was horrible. ML's pursuer was nasty & possessive. FL's stepsis was insecure and pathetic.
2. Tone - At times I felt the drama moved slow and another time drama was melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother reassured her that he's on her side

Read More

I felt they were miscast in this tale of arranged marriage between alpha FL & unserious ML

I recently noticed Cai Xin Yang after watching Wildfire by Daylight co-starring Shen Hao Nan. This drama is another version of Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan starring Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang. I am familiar with the storyline and enjoy Shi Tong's acting so with this pairing, I got curious and watched it. I liked it but prefer Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan.

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - Damn he was hot in this drama. Funny that he played a man child who became a flirty lover.
2. Romance - Their banter at the start was amusing. Once they were intimate, their romance was hot and affectionate. Great kissing moments.
3. Supporting characters - ML’s friends were more involved in the couple's life through work.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML. Stylist was on point with ML's outfits as Cai Xin Yang got to flaunt his toned abs & arms.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was jealous of her so always scheming to bring her down.
2. Casting - While I liked both Shi Tong & Cai Xin Yang individually, I thought they didn't really fit the roles. FL was alpha and I couldn't see Shi Tong as an alpha opposite giant & toned Cai Xin Yang. Bai Xue Ru - Zhang Yi Yang had better acting and visual chemistry.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL at his birthday party

Read More