emberzmars

Rebirth story with sweet romance and pathetic antagonist

I always enjoy Zhang Ruo Cheng's acting and since I was in the mood for her drama, I decided to watch this one. I had never watched Chen Rui Feng's dramas before. Overall this was a sweet romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was given a second chance at life so she decided to dump SML who mistreated her in past life. I liked her decisiveness and confidence when dealing with trash.
2. Romance - Sweet with a dash of spice. I wasn't expecting ML to do cosplay! I liked how he tried to win FL's heart. Good kisses.
3. ML characterisation - Once his secret was revealed, it made sense why he became protective of her. He was a soft giant - always attentive to FL's needs. I also liked that he was stubborn about telling his secret before their marriage. He wanted love, not gratitude.
4. Plot twist - Wow I didn't expect the third act to have another rebirth. I really liked the scene of ML's past life.
5. Styling - I love the embroidered jackets worn by ML. So beautiful. FL was beautiful too but my favourite outfit is the red qipao.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents. Despite the business marriage debacle, they were nice people.
7. Acting - I liked the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Chen Rui Feng and the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, SML was the most pathetic antagonists I have ever seen. I hated his narcissistic behaviour and refusal to listen to FL. His girlfriend and mother were annoying too. I increased speed to 2.0 whenever they appeared.

Favourite scene
Glimpse of ML's past life

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Lighthearted rom-com vertical drama inspired by My Demon

After so many duds this week, I decided to watch a drama with my favourite trope: supernatural / fantasy. I had not watched Zhang Jian Yi dramas in a while and to my surprise, I hadn't watched Yang Peng Cheng dramas even though I could recognise his face in a line up of vertical drama actors. I watched this drama on iQIYI - I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I really liked the fantasy element used in this drama, which is heavily inspired by Kdrama My Demon. The visual effects were mostly good.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted with many comedic moments. Thankfully it didn't go the slapstick humour route like My Demon.
3. Romance - Slow and subtle. They got into a marriage of convenience to help each other with their personal quest. There were sweet moments with some kisses although I wish they had gone stronger with their co-dependency / alliance. I liked the fact that ML fell for FL first.
4. Antagonists - This is a story of inheritance dispute so evil relatives are a must. There were 3 - 4 antagonists and I felt each antagonist was given good arc to keep viewers vested in the family drama.
5. Styling - I really liked the clothes worn by Yang Peng Cheng in this drama. Like a cool, deity version of Netflix animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
6. Supporting characters - Butler Wu was awesome! He was not just his employee, he was ML's confidant.
7. Ending - I really liked the final episode - that dialogue between ML and Butler Wu was powerful. And of course the final scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - The pacing seemed a bit off after the evil ladies were killed off from the story. I think that happened around episode 50 something. There were romantic scenes before the final twist was unveiled. It just felt off for me.
2. Acting - I think both Zhang Jin Yi and Yang Peng Cheng did fine in their roles but they lacked romantic chemistry. They felt more like buddies.

Favourite scene
When FL was extremely sad thinking about her grandfather and then hugged ML

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I disliked the weird plot but must say Jiang Song was the best part of this drama

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama because the poster was quite striking & the drama was quite popular when it was fresh release. I didn't know what to expect when I clicked play and when the drama ended, I felt disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Jiang Song - He was the most fascinating character in this drama. Wonderfully portrayed by Li Xing Lin - he was charismatic and had strong screen presence.
2. Suitors - I am always disappointed with vertical dramas that have multiple suitors because of the lack of character development. Not this drama - Li Ming Lan & Jiang Song had strong arcs with the other two was ok despite shorter screentime. The ensemble worked well together and I loved watching their dynamics.
3. Production - High production value. Drama looked sleek & expensive.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's Assistant Wang. I also liked the youngest suitor.
5. Visuals - The suitors & Li Yuan were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Charade - Such a complicated charade concocted by Li Ming Lan and agreed by FL to make Li Ming Lan's white moon light jealous. From the fake marriage to fake pregnancy, I found both Li Ming Lan & FL were dumb.
2. Banquet - ML's grandfather's birthday banquet was a mess! From the silly buddhist beads debate to the swimming pool incident - gosh it was ridiculous.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. As said earlier FL was dumb & ML was too bland.
4. Romance - Longtime crush made complicated. Their romance was rooted in nostalgia.
5. Shen Zhi Zhi - She did so much mess but was not punished. I also didn't get the need to fundraise for her lab - why must it involved Li Ming Lan's friends.

Favourite scene
When FL returned to her family home after "breaking up" with Li Ming Lan

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Story of rebirth and hidden identities with great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long

I added missing dramas to Xue Zi Qi's profile months ago and when I gathered info for this drama, I saw glowing comments on Douban and Weibo. Thank gawd I have paid subscription to iQIYI. I watched it 2 weeks ago and wow, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She reminded me of Mulan because of her disguise and military training. She was smart, ferocious and independent - I liked those qualities in a FL.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he too had his own battle to overcome. He was smart and observant. I liked that he protected FL once he figured out her secret identity.
3. Reborn trope - Two characters were reborn in this drama. Both of them took different path so it was fascinating to watch.
4. Acting - Great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long. I liked seeing Xue Zi Qi in dual identities. I also liked the chemistry between them.
5. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the dynamic between FL and ML in the various personas that they put on. She was compassionate with the Prince but cautious with mysterious masked fighter. There was push & pull between them and they did consummate their marriage but their romance was blossoming slowly.
6. Action - I enjoyed the fighting sequences. They were a delight to watch and Xue Zi Qi looked extremely cool fighting the bad guys. Liu Yi Lon was great too.
7. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits for FL and ML.
8. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. It was cheeky. Please let there be part 2!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were atrocious - they forced her to take on her brother's place and serve in the military. I disliked how her female elders treated her. FL's husband in the previous life was another horrible person. ML's brother was another character I disliked.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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Sweet romance between go getter FL and fox ML (he's a magical creature)

I was drawn to this drama because the translated title implies fox husband. I enjoy fantasy dramas so I watched it. I liked this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the fox arc. The appearance of his tail and his powers were delight to watch, especially that opening scene.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that he wanted to cook & do housekeeping. He was loyal, protective and loving towards FL.
3. FL characterisation - Smart & go-getter. I also liked that she was kind - that's what attracted ML.
4. Romance - I liked how their relationship progressed. There was a good balance of sweet, tender and spicy moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's secretary Fu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Sister was incompetent, greedy with nasty personality. I couldn't believe she wouldn't mind harming her sister just to accomplish her goal. She had too much screentime. I also disliked FL's grandfather for his biased judgement. The fox princess was another annoying character.
2. Hidden identity - I wish ML had come clean about his fox identity sooner. I also wished that they had formed partnership to bring down Rou Xue.

Favourite scene
The opening scene

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Well-written & acted crime thriller drama with a huge dose of bromance

I have to admit that it’s been months since I last watched a Shen Hao Nan drama. I have never seen Cai Xin Yang’s work before plus the fact that this drama is tagged as Thriller and Mystery got me excited. It was hard to get links to drama with English subtitles, I almost gave up. Thankfully Jwells shared links to this drama. I loved it!

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - I have to be honest - I was captivated by Cai Xin Yang’s performance and looks. Oh, I found Cai Xin Yang sexy! I don’t remember seeing a vertical actor looking mighty FINE in jeans paired with white shirt or black shirt. Those arms! It was also great to see Cai Xin Yang doing action scenes.
2. Chen Ye characterisation - He got the grittiness, pessimism and quick-to-take-action qualities I expect in a police character. I also liked that he wasn’t a perfect cop. There were moments when he was not thinking objectively. That’s normal because cops are humans too.
3. Jiang Yan Bai characterisation - His character fascinated me: i) his personality was a contrast to Chen Ye’s personality, ii) his relationship with Chen Ye and Chen Ye's brother. Given his profession, Jiang Yan Bai analysed the situation first before providing insights but he never pushed the police to accept his views just because he had academic qualifications (you know how stuffy professors can be). He had the quiet confidence which complemented Detective Chen Ye’s more commanding presence.
4. Acting - I mentioned earlier about enjoying Cai Xin Yang's performance. He is lesser known in the world of vertical drama but he had charisma to be the first lead! I really enjoyed Shen Hao Nan’s performance - this is my favourite role of his. The supporting cast especially the three police officers did well in their roles too.
5. Writing - I was engrossed in this drama. Brilliant crime thriller story told in two hours. I liked the very subtle hint of the perpetrator - I knew the creepy florist wasn’t the main culprit! I also liked the science explanation for the meds and crime procedure although I was not sure how accurate the facts were.
6. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits worn by both leads. Chen Ye's outfits had an edgy look whereas Jiang Yan Bai wore more softer colours. My favourite outfit worn by Chen Ye is the outfit he wore for shooting practice while my favourite outfit worn by Jiang Yan Bai is the long beige coat paired with white shirt and black trousers.
7. Bromance - Ok there were too many bromance moments that I thought are disguising the love they had for each other. I found it funny that one moment even make it to my 'ML in bathtube' MDL list.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I did not like the ending though. What’s with the epilogue? Is it a hint for season 2 or something else???
2. Assault - Chen Ye saved Jiang Yan Bai from being stabbed. I was puzzled by his way of saving him. Why didn’t Chen Ye kick the assailant or use his gun?

Favourite scene
The refrigerated truck scene

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The worst jiejie romance I watched - bad acting & writing

I was drawn to this drama because of two things: older woman-younger man romance & Dong Yi. I had never seen his dramas before but got excited to watch this drama. I must say I was greatly disappointed by this drama. Don't waste your time even if you are a fan of the lead(s).

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits were pretty. ML's outfits fit the persona or a young & hip CEO.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant Tong Tong.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Hardly any romantic scenes. There was no real kiss in this drama. No sexual tension except at the start.
2. Acting - Average. Liu Jia Xi wasn't charismatic enough to play a confident older woman enacting revenge and toying with younger man. Dong Yi's ML was more of a tool - no character development. Liu Jia Xi and Dong Yi didn't have chemistry.
3. Writing - I felt like there wasn't much hunger & sense of urgency in executing the revenge plan. That arc was unfocused. The main characters were bland. I increased speed to 2.0x just to see if anything exciting happened but nope, this drama was forgettable.

Favourite scene
The opening

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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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Action-packed revenge tale with FL boss - ML employee romance

I came across this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. Both main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I didn't know what to expect but glad I watched it. It was very good.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a street fighter picked up by FL for a revenge plan. I loved watching his character grew over the span of 3 to 5 years. He was also a love-brain. On top of that, FL was a love brain.
2. Romance - Slow building considering boss-employee relationship with FL being the boss. Push & pull dynamics done well and when they kissed, sparks flew. I wish there were more kisses!
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was physically strong in addition to being smart.
4. Supporting character - Lin Huai was such a fun character. Sweet & smart. ML's sister was such a sweetie.
5. Action - The action scenes were thrilling to watch.
6. Plot twist - Oh wow, I didn't expect that. I also liked that this drama has a refreshing storyline not seen in other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Horrible person but he had a compelling arc.

Favourite scene
When FL scouted ML in an underground fight

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Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

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Romantic suspense that exceeded my expectations. Great acting, kisses and badassery

I knew of this drama when it was first released but never felt like watching it until today. I only recently watched & enjoyed Bai Xue Ru's acting. I was apprehensive with this drama at first because cop romantic suspense vertical dramas I watched were disappointing but not this one. Hunting Love exceeded my expectations.

Trigger warning: Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - I loved the performances by both Bai Xue Ru and Ma Xiao Yu because they matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Their emotional scenes had depth.
2. Writing - I was worried that this was going to be one of those "I can save a baddie / turn a baddie into a good person" but thankfully it wasn't. I really liked the plot twists.
3. Romance - Their kisses were passionate and fiery. Even though I knew FL shouldn't give into ML's taunts & charms, I still wanted them to kiss. There was good push & pull dynamics between them and later on, we could see that ML truly loved FL despite the betrayal.
4. Action - I had seen Ma Xiao Yu in fight scenes but damn Bai Xue Ru was fantastic in her action scenes. Definitely believable as an undercover agent. Both of them were badass!
5. Styling - I liked MXY's hairstyle & outfits for this drama. Good outfits were selected for BXR (loved the green dress) but that dress in the final scene wasn't nice.
6. Flashbacks - I usually questioned the use of many flashbacks but for this drama it was justifiable because I could see stark contrast between past and present and also felt FL's hatred for her parents' killer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 of them: ML's father and SML. I wish there were more scenes of ML's father and his atrocious crimes instead of being told he was an evil mastermind. I am still unclear about SML's motivation for his manipulation.
2. Aggression - I didn't like ML's aggressiveness towards FL. The chokehold seemed to be MXY's signature move.

Favourite scene
When FL was challenged to kiss a grumpy ML

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Great acting but overall the drama wasn't remarkable as I expected

I unsubscribed my paid Youku account and to take advantage of the grace period, I decided to watch this drama on the app. I am fine with dark & gritty dramas but Tear Night didn't quite meet my expectations.

Trigger warning: Self-harm, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by both of them. The emotional scenes packed a punch.
2. Revenge - She wanted revenge for the ill-treatment she got from her family & boyfriend. I liked that she used available resources i.e. ML.
3. Romance - The kisses were good and the development of their relationship was done well. I liked their tender moments.
4. Styling - FL wore a lot of black and her outfits were beautiful. ML wore fabulous clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her father was truly evil. He was fine with killing his own daughter and first wife.
2. Storytelling - I was disengaged a few times throughout the drama. The execution of her revenge plans didn't excite me. I accidentally dozed off but didn't need to rewind because nothing big happened.
3. ML's actions - I disliked that he self-harmed when he felt insecure about his relationship with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered ML's secret

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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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Love story between emperor and concubine with great chemistry & outfits

I am Zhang Chu Xuan fangirl so I was excited to see this drama co-starring Wang Jia Mao. Gosh the last time I watched his drama was months ago. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her cunning tricks to win over ML's heart & body. Her smartness fit the ideals of women in historical era (sometimes writers overindulged by making revengeful FL too smart).
2. ML characterisation - I also liked his scheming and protectiveness. He doted on FL and tried his best to keep it hidden from other people to avoid accusation of unfairness. I liked that he was a one-woman man despite his circumstances. I loved Wang Jia Mao in this role - he was dreamy.
3. Romance - Intense attraction & lust which turned out to be genuine love. I liked that they were affectionate with each other.
4. Supporting characters - ML's advisor being his confidante - I loved it! I also liked FL's servant.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits for FL & ML especially their outfits at the start. The mesh top was so sexy on WJM and ZCX looked gorgeous in shoulder-baring dresses.
6. Tone - I enjoyed the comedic moments that appear a lot in the first & second acts. Nice transition to more dramatic third act.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was despicable. Glad FL kept her at a distance post-rebirth. Since FL was concubine, she had many rivals (Empress Dowager, Concubine Wen) who were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL disguised herself to see ML.

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