emberzmars

Great acting in this BDSM tale of two people with complicated lives

I watched this drama as I was preparing for a reddit post on my favourite dark and dangerous female leads. I knew BDSM is an element of this drama so I wasn't shocked. I must say I enjoyed this drama a lot.

Trigger warning: BDSM, Mental health issue, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Romance - One of the steamiest dramas with BDSM element to boot. I enjoyed watching dominant female & submissive male dynamics as they both consented to this dynamic.
2. FL characterisation - She had mental health issues but I liked her character because she wanted to be in a better place for herself and others that cared for her after being given a second chance.
3. ML characterisation - His motives confused me at times because the past version of him was vengeful. However I liked watching his struggles and character growth. It seemed to me that he knew the difference between love and gratitude.
4. Acting - Wonderful acting by Yue Yu Ting & Zhang Chi. They played off each other's energy & intensity.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and ML.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours which was perfect for me. Not draggy.

Disliked:
1. Confusion - Her life before rebirth & the sabotage confused me. I didn't quite understand the supporting character's insistence on pulling FL & ML apart. I knew the success would benefit the culprit but so what?

Favourite scene
When ML consoled FL who had harmed herself

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Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic in this fake brother-sister romantic tale

I added this drama to my watchlist months ago but only got the mood to watch it today. A reddit friend highly recommended this drama and now I understand why she enjoys this drama a lot. I like it very much too!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cunning & cute at the same time. She dug her own grave when she lied to ML and for a long period of time. Zhao Mu Yan gave a fabulous performance!
2. ML characterisation - He was stuffy & unintentionally funny. I liked that his character grew - he loosened up as he spent more time with FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's grandma was awesome for catching FL's BS right from the start. I also like ML's assistant who quietly supported ML and FL's entanglement. I appreciated FL's brother for pointing out FL's lies & the implications. FL's friend brought in comedic relief.
4. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of sexual tension. The forbidden brother-sister entanglement was done well. There were 2 passionate kisses - ML was hot for FL both times.
5. Comic book - What a great plot device! I loved that it was featured in the drama from start until the ending. Those moments were funny.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's niece stole FL's boyfriend and both of them were jerks. Wan Xin Yue was a delusional woman pining for ML. Regardless of their bad behaviour, I was happy that their arc were not draggy.
2. Voice - Does Wang Yi Ran sound like that? I felt ML's voice was dubbed by voice actor. Well the voice made ML seemee older.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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I expected gritty revenge tale from ML's pov but FL got too much screentime

This drama had been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I don't know why I didn't feel like watching it immediately but today I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I must say I was disappointed by this drama - I expected more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that this drama is about ML seeking revenge for the death of his parents. He was smart, calculative and resourceful. However I don’t quite understand how he could have money & influence to blackmail and eventually own Zhou Group?
2. Supporting characters - FL's father was smart and I liked him a lot more than FL. Shu Qing, the other Zhou Group employee was likeable too.
3. Intimacy - Abundance of physical intimacy in this drama from fiery kisses to shower scene and bold dialogue. Even SML got a hot kissing scene. Anyway Wang Yi Lei excelled in onscreen kissing.
4. Styling - I liked that Wang Yi Lei looked rugged in this drama. I liked the asymmetrical jacket that he wore but oversized shirt & pants drowned him as he was very lean.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yi Lei and Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zhou father and son were evil.
2. Screentime - Typically in vertical dramas with FL seeking revenge, most of the screentime goes to FL planning & executing her revenge. Unfortunately this doesn't happen with this drama. I was dismayed that FL got a lot of screentime. I would have liked to see how ML come out with his revenge plan and why those people were targeted instead of FL's arc.
3. Wu Chun Yi - I understood that she was a Daddy's Little Princess but I didn't like her acting. Her facial expressions were not good so her acting was underwhelming.
4. Romance - There wasn't any chemistry between Wang Yi Lei & Wu Chun Yi. I didn't buy that ML really fell in love with FL because their relationshipnl was purely physical (well at least what was shown to us).
5. Repeat - I watched on iQIYI and scenes at the start of drama were repeated in the third act. Editing could be better by only giving glimpse of what transpired at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
Makeout session on the sofa

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Tragic romance due to class difference but there is happy ending

I became a fan of Chen Tian Xiang after watching his modern romance drama with Chen Yu Ling. I also enjoy Yue Yu Ting's acting. I decided to watch this drama yesterday and wow, I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she stood by her principles and wanted people to respect her. Never settle as a concubine / mistress.
2. Romance - It was tragic because of status / class difference. At first FL seemed like a plaything to ML but there were actual feelings involved. Their kisses were hot and passionate and there were also sweet & tender moments.
3. ML characterisation - I perceived him as an anti-hero because of the secret affair between him and FL. He loved FL but couldn't openly show his affections because of societal pressure. I liked that he was protective of FL.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was an unofficial confidant. He gave acceptable advice when ML was irrational. I also liked FL's servant for her loyalty.
5. Styling - Chen Tian Xiang looked regal / noble in this period drama. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful in her hanfu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Fang Fei was atrocious & cunning. I also disliked FL's aunt & cousin.
2. ML's actions - I didn't like that he staged an assassination attempt on himself to gain FL's sympathy.
3. FL's career - I wish there were episodes on FL's career as a healer. I found the ending too abrupt because we were told, not shown, of her career success.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL from kidnappers

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Action-packed crime drama not for the faint-hearted

I am a Zhen Zi Qi fangirl so I was excited when There is No Turning Back dropped on 8 September - after being postponed twice! My reddit & MDL friend sbranflake & I watched this drama and wrote a joint review in subreddit CShortDramas. This drama is different from the usual vertically shot dramas. I enjoyed There is No Turning Back.

Trigger warning: Rape, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by the cast led by Zhen Zi Qi. I was impressed by the actors who portrayed ML's two right hand men: Zhao Si Hai (the muscle man) and Huang Tie Xin (the one who looked dorky).
2. Main character - Wu Xiao was an anti-hero - a ruthless gangster who upheld a certain set of principles. I liked him because he was protective of his family and he knew what’s right and what’s wrong (every single decision was carefully thought out).
3. Brotherhood - It was wonderful that the viewers got to see how this brotherhood was formed. The set of principles that they follow led them to be gangsters with conscience.
4. Writing - Supporting characters were fleshed out. I must say that the antagonist had one of the best villain arcs in vertical dramaland. The plot twist just blew my mind.
5. Styling - The drama took place in 1998. I liked outfits for ZZQ as they added edge & ruggedness to his character. I really liked Feng Xiang's outfits although I found them very 80s looking.
6. Action - Plenty of fighting scenes. So satisfying to see ZZQ fighting those thugs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Damn, he was vicious!
2. Duration - The drama is 3 hours long. It was a challenge for me to watch in one sitting because of its duration and dark / heavy themes.

Favourite scene
There was a fight between ML and his two righthand men and their brotherhood was tested.

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Touching drama about flash marriage, partnership and sense of belonging

This drama was recommended to me by reddit friend. I am a fan of Han Jia Hui dramas and Li Zi Jie has his charms. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slowburn with great emphasis on growing feelings and sense of belonging. They communicated on regular basis and while there was slight awkwardness between them, I could feel that they liked each other.
2. FL characterisation - She was neglected by her biological family but decided to cut ties once the condition became unbearable. I liked that she protected the people she cared the most and that included ML.
3. ML characterisation - ML had his own personal struggles to battle. I liked that he was protective of FL and was honest to FL about his growing attraction to her.
4. Supporting characters - It's great that ML had uncle, aunt & cousin who loved him.
5. Board meeting - I was delighted when a director openly challenged ML's father's capability as President because of the scandals.
6. Acting - Li Zi Jie nailed his role. I was moved by his performance especially in the last 20 minutes or so. Han Jia Hui was given more comedic bits and she did well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father and grandmother were the worst offenders for the ill treatment towards ML. Other baddies in this drama included ML's stepmother, FL's father, stepmother and half sister.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 40 minutes, I felt the drama was too long given that a lot of screentime given to antagonists.

Favourite scene
Dialogue between ML and his father.

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Bitterness, partnership & empowered female are the best words to describe this drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and was recommend this drama by a member of subreddit CShortDramas. This is my first drama of Qiao Yao Na & Zhang Chi so no expectations. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool & intelligent. Never intimidated by bullies and always fight for those unable to protect themselves. I enjoyed her arc.
2. ML characterisation - There was a mystery to the character. I liked that he idolised FL because of past interaction. A promising young person who had a good moral compass.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits worn by FL because they exuded confidence.
4. Antagonist - This drama has a formidable antagonist - her ex. I liked the arc given to the antagonist.
5. Acting - Great performances by Qiao Yao Na, Zhang Chi & the actor who played FL's ex.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Why??? I want part 2.
2. Romance - There was a magnetic pull between ML and FL but romance wasn't in the cards for them this time. If there is a second part, I hope there is fully fledge romance story for them.

Favourite scene
The car park scene

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Good acting, kisses and action scenes but so much misery faced by the leads

I thought I had written a review for this drama but somehow I was wrong. Good thing I have my notes written down.

This drama has been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I only got the mood to watch it a few days ago when I was looking for dramas with assassin. I liked certain aspects of this drama even though I was feeling miserable most of the time.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was trained as assassin but possessed a kind soul. Even when given an "order", she could think the pros and cons of the "order".
2. Acting - Great acting by Song Yu Jia and Fang Zheng Nan. They had great chemistry and were able to demonstrate killer sexual tension.
3. Action scenes - Song Yu Jia looked so cool during the fighting scenes. I'd like to see her in more action dramas.
4. Outfits - FL's outfits were pretty. I liked her wedding dress - a pretty, modern piece (most wedding dresses in vertical dramas have 80s look). I also liked the pink dress worn by ML's supposed fiancée.
5. Kisses - When consensual, the kisses were hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not being honest with his feelings for FL. He didn't do enough to get FL's forgiveness - he needed to grovel. I disliked the ending.
2. Romance - Toxic. ML constantly doubting FL's actions & thoughts and he kept on blaming FL for a crime she did not commit.
3. Tone - So much misery and misunderstandings. Both leads were teary eyed and unhappy most of the time.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's supposed fiancee fell into the pool.

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Revenge tale with bad romance, paper-thin characters & plot

I was excited when I found out about this drama because I am a fan of both Chen Si Che and Yang Yu Bin. I was dismayed by this story as it did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Physical touch - Plenty of kisses in this drama although most seemed coerced.
2. Yang Yu Bin - Damn, he looked hot & very sexy shirtless. He could portray a character with tormented soul very well.
3. Styling - Perfect outfits for our leads. The disguise worn by FL was funny because there were unbelievable .
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Du Yu, ML's assistant & FL's two good friends.

Disliked:
1. Romance - It lacked development & mutuality. There was no genuine emotional connection between FL and ML. I wish they were honest with each other before halfway mark & had gone for partnership / alliance.
2. Revenge - FL's revenge plan wasn't clear. At times I forgot that she was seeking revenge for her sister.
3. ML's characterisation - He was mad, distrustful & unlikeable. I hated that he tortured FL.

Favourite scene
When FL went undercover by wearing a disguise

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Underwhelmed by Wang Xiao Yi's performance but Xue Bin Hong was fantastic in his role

I noticed this drama when it was a new release. There were many members of r/CShortDramas interested in this series. I decided to watch it today and hhhhhmmmm it was ok. I expected something different.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was funny goofball and I liked him a lot! His interactions with his father was comical. I don't recall if I had seen Xue Bin Hong before but he was fantastic in this role.
2. FL's sister - She was adopted by FL's family and I really enjoyed her arc. So glad it didn't go the typical route.
3. FL characterisation - She literally kicked ass and I liked it. She was also smart & capable leader.
4. Tone - I was surprised by its light tone because I expected this drama to be dark & violent.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits and FL's assassin outfits.

Disliked:
1. Wang Xiao Yi - I felt she didn't have enough charisma and acting skills to portray an assassin disguising as an heiress. She didn't convey right facial expressions to show two different personas so I couldn't connect to her character. She also didn't put any effort in her character’s dynamics with ML.
2. Storytelling - While I appreciated that drama mixes different tropes (assassin, real vs fake heiress, wealth dispute), the mini arcs were all over the place. I couldn't care less & got bored.
3. Supporting characters - Too many underutilised characters. For example, did writer need to have 3 Lu brothers in this story? Why did another uncle (younger looking) appear close to the ending?
4. Styling - FL's clothes as heiress made her looked like a silly high schooler. Too hard to be cute.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her sister

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Sweet campus life drama that made me giggle & giddy

It's been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei drama. I like both his and Yao Yu Chen's acting so was delighted to see them paired up. I enjoyed this drama - giggled most of the time while watching.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet and kind girl. She sensed that ML was going through tough times so she cheered him up in secret - I really liked that!

2. ML characterisation - Cool, rich guy who was nice. I liked that he did go neanderthal when he started to develop crush on FL.
3. Romance - FL had crush on ML for years and huhu she even had spring dream about him. I liked how ML openly declared that he was pursuing FL as his girl. Their romance involved a lot of teasing & sweet gestures. There were some spicy moments.
4. Supporting characters - Their group of friends were awesome. They teased them a lot of times and it's amusing.
5. Acting - This is my first time watching Yao Yu Chen & Loang Si Wei playing cute roles and I liked it immensely. The supporting cast did well in their roles too.
6. Tone - Lighthearted, stress free drama. I liked that there was no "Ge Ge" cooing in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Parents - FL's parents neglected her and her mom seemed selfish. ML's father put too much pressure on him & was abusive.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL's feelings for him

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Inner thoughts + great kisses in Chinese republican vertical drama - I ❤️ it!

I discovered this drama by chance, I think via reddit. I was drawn to the title implying ML was not a nice guy but could hear FL's thoughts. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see his reactions whenever he heard his wife's thoughts. I liked that he put on menacing exterior but protective of his wife even when she feared him.
2. FL characterisation - She was so likeable - I loved it! I also liked her for having a crush on her hubby and being jealous of the "mysterious concubine".
3. Romance - Slow but gosh the kisses were great. ML kissed with fervour and that solution to keeping down the snoring was steamy and amusing!
4. Acting - This was my first time watching both Wu Jia Lu and Song Yu Bo and I was impressed by their acting individually and as a couple. The supporting cast did well too.
5. Supporting characters - ML's brothers were suspicious at first but they turned out to be wonderful.
6. Ending - I loved it!
7. Tropes - This drama excelled in both inner thoughts and Republican era tropes. The latter tends to be toxic but not this drama, which I loved!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh ML's father was envious of his son but overall quite interesting villain. Straightforward arc which I liked.

Favourite scene
ML trying to solve FL's snoring problem.

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Outrageous plot, underdeveloped story but Ma Qian Huan made me plough through

This drama dropped last weekend and I watched on the same day as its release. I am a new fan of Ma Qian Huan and this drama's short length fueled my excitement. I was entertained despite the flaw.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Lust, lust, lust - their relationship was very physical because of an itch that FL needed to scratch. There were 2 memorable spicy scenes.
2. Plot - Outrageous but I liked it. It's a story that requires viewers to turn their brains off because some parts did not make sense.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the assistants of both FL & ML. They were loyal & amusing.
4. Styling - Whoever thought of putting MQH in a maid's outfit should get a bonus. He also looked damn handsome in black tanktop & a bathrobe with a chunky necklace.
5. Length - Drama is only 100 minutes and easy to follow.

Disliked:
1. Main characters - Underdeveloped. I found FL bland and ML too accommodating like his only purpose was just to be a plaything and FL's lifesaver.
2. Romance - I felt their romance lacked substance. ML did a lot for FL and their relationship. I understand if FL felt undeserving due to her upbringing but she could have said it instead of being wishy-washy.
3. Antagonists - Evil father & stepmother. ML's uncle arc was quite weak.

Favourite scene
When ML had to be FL's antidote while they were on an uninhabited island.

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Cunning FL who punish her tormentors after rebirth

I came across this drama on reddit. I was curious because reddit or YouTube users claimed that this is a good revenge drama. I watched it yesterday. I quite liked it but felt it was missing something.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She vowed to punish those who tortured her in her previous life. After rebirth, she was tenacious & cunning but put on soft & delicate exterior to ensure successful execution of her plans. I liked that!
2. Revenge - I liked her scheming because she played with the main antagonist's mind.
3. Kisses - Romancing the prince was part of her plan and damn she was good. Her seduction shocked me and hahaha I think the prince got excited because of that element.
4. Comeuppance - Glad that Shen You Rue and the prince got the punishment they deserved.
5. Duration - About 102 minutes so it was a quick watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen You Rue was batshit crazy and cruel. The prince was a narcissist.
2. Familiarity - I watched too many female-pov revenge dramas set in historical time. So around the third act I felt bored because it was the same "fighting with antagonist" vibe.

Favourite scene
When FL delivered water to the prince after her rebirth

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Steamy kisses in this drama about ML with amnesia

I had high expectations for this drama after loving their previous drama White Moonlight Fading Pale and knowing that ML has amnesia (I adored Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's drama about FL with amnesia). I watched this drama within 2 days of its release but put on pause when the video stopped English subtitles in the second half of drama. I picked it up again when I saw another video option. This drama is a fine watch but I wouldn't repeat

What I liked:
1. Romance - These days, Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's kissig scenes are 🔥 - I wonder if there is a change in their relationship. Anyway I liked that they built trust during the span of his amnesia.
2. ML characterisation - The amnesia made him an endearing & more approachable character. I liked it.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor, FL's friend and the kid.
4. Health & fitness - I got a health scare 3 years ago so I liked it when dramas have health & fitness scenes. There was a boxing scene here and Qian Zhe looked fit!
5. Styling - Impeccable styling. My favourite is when both wore white. FL's friend wore a beautiful gown to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. ML's secretary - Intrusive. She shouldn't meddle in her boss' personal life.
2. ML's actions - I disliked him for believing what his secretary said without verifying with FL. I also disliked his cold indifference despite "having" feelings for FL.
3. FL's action - I disliked her for never correcting ML who mistook Lu Feng as her husband. The lie was too long anyway.

Favourite scene
The first make out session

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