emberzmars

Better acting and romance element in this version of "assassin disguising as weak heiress" drama

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched Heiress of the Underworld aka Accidental Favourite before I watched this drama so I sort of knew what to expect. I must say I enjoyed this drama so much more than Heiress of the Underworld.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart and cunning. I liked her duality.
2. Romance - This drama has a stronger romance element. I liked the complicated relationship between FL and ML. Their first encounter was fascinating because FL outsmarted ML and their first kiss was hot.
3. Acting - I really liked Cui Xiao Xuan's acting because she managed to convey the two different personas of her character. She gave a better performance than Wang Xiao Yi. I also liked Song Yu Bo's acting. Good chemistry between the two of them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's family especially the third brother. Always love a protective older brother.
5. Styling - I loved the contrasting style for FL's dual identity. The anime look was great on CXX.
6. Wedding - The surrender of weapons was funny moment! I also liked seeing the wedding as a gathering of FL's eccentric friends / allies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The Han family was horrible.
2. Screentime - I wish FL's brothers were given more screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL first appeared in her gangster persona and taught the baddie a lesson

Read More

Tan Zhen Hao's very kissy in this drama about revenge against abusive family

I was intrigued by the poster and Tan Zhen Hao when I checked new releases on that day. I was unfamiliar with the main actress but decided to watch it anyway. I was surprised by a few things - I liked this drama a lot!

Trigger warning: violence.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart to go into a partnership with ML to enact revenge.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was compassionate and kind.
3. Romance - I was surprised by how kissy Tan Zhen Hao was in this drama because the other dramas I watched was sweet not spicy. I liked that there were affections & emotional intimacy in their relationship.
4. Alliance - I liked that partnership was formed to defeat the antagonists.
5. Acting - Both leads gave good performances. There was good chemistry between them so the romantic scenes were believable. I was moved when FL was surprised by ML's action.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL. Some people on youtube commented on the thick makeup on Tan Zhen Hao but he has always been pasty to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Abusive family. I couldn't believe they imprisoned her. Her ex fiance was nasty too. I also disliked Lu Si Yao a delusional &possessive woman who acted like a spoilt toddler.
2. FL's action - I didn't understand why would she return home knowing that she would be locked in the room.

Favourite scene
When FL was moved by ML's action

Read More

Damn, ML was handsome and manly! Enjoyable 'I Marry My Ex's Father' drama

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I have already watched 3 versions of this plot with Huai Wen, Tao Si Yuan and Fan Xiao Dong as male leads. So I decided to watch this version. Despite being familiar with the plot, I enjoyed this version too.

What I liked:
1. Ning Hao Ran - Damn, he was handsome & manly. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. His MDL profile photo doesn't do him justice.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character development. She started off powerless when she lived with her family but learned to be assertive.
3. Scolding - Damn, I loved her when she scolded her husband’s ex for being treating him as an ATM.
4. Romance - Sweet romance. I liked it when ML caressed FL's face & patted her head. Too bad there was only 1 brief kissing scene because I wanted to see his kisses.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Ah Cheng, FL's bodyguard.
6. The ending - Bookend style.
7. Styling - I really liked her clothes after she got married. They were elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry - parents condoned their other daughter's affair with FL's boyfriend. SML Fun Chengyu was a spoilt brat & playful.
2. ML's ex - Another rotten character. I felt she had the biggest arc amongst the four adaptations I have seen.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded her husband’s ex-wife for being financially dependent on him

Read More

Favourite 'I was treated badly by my biological family' drama!

I am in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen drama so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the poster because it reminds me of autumn. I had only seen 1 or 2 Zhang Zhi Wei's dramas so I was curious about this pairing. I watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama with Ji Jun Liang a few days ago. I saw some similarities and overall I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Rebirth - The rebirth trope was done well. I liked that FL focused on her career and not so much revenge. Well revenge was indirect.
2. Siblings arc - In many dramas with this plot of biological family favouring adopted kid, the biological siblings only realised their biasness in third act. In this drama, eldest bro realised something was amiss and quickly investigated in the first arc. I also loved that he was able to convince second bro about their wrongdoings and not third brother and their parents.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she became active participant post-rebirth by setting up new company & working tirelessly without depending on connections. This is different with JJL drama in which her character was less progressive (she became an employee instead of boss).
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he backed up FL after the first encounter. He was unhappy with how she was treated by her family but never set to punish them because he respected her wish.
5. Romance - There wasn't many lovey dovey scenes but they exuded mature couple vibe. I liked that ML was always around when FL met / bumped into her family. ML was attracted to FL but never aggressive in his pursuit - I liked that.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhang Zhi Wei and Li Hao. It was great to see Zhang Ruo Chen in less cute / more mature role. She also had good chemistry with ZZW.
7. Confrontations - The final confrontation between Su family, FL and Keke was riveting. I loved it when FL said that she was there to laugh at their stupidity. I also loved it when Keke pointed out the brother's mistakes. It's true that they were at fault for treating FL badly and they shouldn't blame Keke.
8. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL & ML that were featured on the poster. I also liked FL's business wear.
9. Supporting characters - I liked FL's eldest brother except that remark he said to FL about rushing to hospital if FL was injured. I also liked the housekeeper who empathised with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Jia family - Vile, gullible & idiotic. I couldn't believe the parents acted that way. Even if FL was adopted, there shouldn't be blatant favouritism. Glad that they got retribution.
2. Su Keke - She was evil. I appreciated that writer gave her a back story to make viewers sympathise with her situation. She didn't have to go to the extreme but she did and luckily got punished.

Favourite scene
Final confrontation between FL, Su family & Su Keke

Read More

Ridiculous contract relationship plot that I enjoyed a lot thanks to the good acting

I enjoy dramas about contract relationship so I got curious when a link to this drama was requested on subreddit CShortDramas. I noticed that it's available on iQIYI so I decided to watch it there. It's ridiculous but I loved it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sensible & charming. She understood the terms of her contract and abide by it. I loved her.
2. Romance - Damn, the kisses at the start of their relationship were hot even though ML claimed that he wasn't happy with the arrangement made by his mother. I liked that both did the chasing at different stages of their relationship.
3. ML characterisation - He was grouchy but most of the time a nice guy.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Wang, ML's mother, FL's brother.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performances and had good chemistry. They were able to express different emotions of their characters. I was moved during some scenes.
6. Plot - Ridiculous from having gazillion siblings to ML being tied to wheelchair during their marriage registration. However I enjoyed this sillyness.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's childhood friend was pathetic. I wish ML's mother hadn't feel obliged to allow her to stay with them.
2. Bullying - Gosh, she was bullied twice at the workplace. Thank gawd she fought back.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene and the morning after

Read More

This zombie drama has heart & good performances

I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. A member there stated that this drama has Warm Bodies vibe. I love that zombie movie so I proceeded to watch. Love it!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - It was a funny drama with FL providing comic relief.
2. FL characterisation - She had empathy as shown during the bus attack scene, the kindness she showed towards ML. I also enjoyed seeing the different sides of FL: bubbly, scaredy cat, serious.
3. ML characterisation - He was an alpha. I liked that he could think despite having the zombie virus. That last four minutes of the drama caught me by surprise.
4. Zombies - Hahaha it was cool to see community of zombies that still have a functioning supermarket. The plot twist surprised me.
5. Confrontation - The final confrontation between ML and antagonist in a crowd of people was a touching scene.
6. Romance - Slow but satisfying. Good kisses. I was even surprise that there was a safe sex reminder.
7. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents for being progressive. I also liked ML's zombie buddies - they were amusing.
8. Acting - Superb acting by Ming Xin Huan. He gave a restraint performance in his facial expression & body movements but his eyes were expressive.
9. Labubu - A Labubu figurine hangs from her backpack, echoing the drama’s eerie-but-adorable tone — equal parts horror and youthful hope.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's schoolmates were nasty for abadoning her twice. That vapid girl was self-absorbed too.
2. Ending - I didn't like that final minute of the drama.

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to reveal ML's identity in front of a crowd of people

Read More

Inspired by When the Phone Rings but my gosh the writing & acting were poor

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I picked this one because it was short. It turns out that this drama was inspired by kdrama When the Phone Rings. That's my favourite drama from last year so I had some expectations for this drama. This drama is literally fated to sink - I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Great kissing scenes courtesy of Xie Yu Wang.
2. Actor's set - FL was an actress who got a role in a movie / tv drama. I actually enjoyed the filming scenes. She deserved to be scolded by director in the first shoot for not taking her wedding ring off.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant.
4. Length - Thank gosh this drama was less than 100 minutes. I did increase speed to finish it quickly.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I knew she was young but my gosh I found her childish and silly. She was unhappy with ML's tracking her moves (rightfully so) therefore retaliated by pranking him. She
deliberately sought a phone & technology to do so.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it at all with FL's immature behaviour. There were a lot of assumptions made by both side - they hardly communicated.
3. Plot - Some elements were borrowed from the kdrama e.g. forced marriage, special phone, pranking, threats via intimate photos / info. While I appreciated that this drama isn't a carbon copy of WTPR, the writing itself is poor. I was disengaged the moment FL staged a kidnapping.
4. Acting - The main actress's performance was bad. She played an actress who got leading role but my gosh she was not charismatic nor outstanding. There wasn't chemistry with Xie Yu Wang.
5. Antagonists - FL's mother was despicable for selling FL to settle her debt. I also disliked the lady who seduced ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was scolded by the director for not taking off her wedding ring

Read More

Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

Read More

Entertaining romcom about sisters and their husbands

I enjoy The Canaries Are Escaping Again so when I saw this poster on release day, I had high hopes. I didn't know any of the cast but that was fine. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Main couple - Wow, there were plenty of kissing & playful banter between the main couple. They got along well and genuinely liked each other.
2. Acting - Wu Yi Qiao, Hou Peng Yan and Niu Jing Jie were great in their roles. There was chemistry between Wu Yi Qiao and Hou Peng Yan.
3. FL characterisation - She was bubbly and charming. I liked that she couls get out of the kidnapping.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was patient and nice. He knew his wife so well that he pursued her for explanation after she left.
5. Lunch - That lunch with the girl who disliked the sisters was funny. Serves her right for wanting to sabotage the sisters.
6. Livestream - Those scenes were entertaining. I laughed out loud during the kidnapping.
7. Styling - That black pleather-white shirt-black tie-black trousers combo looked good on Hou Peng Yan. Funny because I had seen that combo worn by Qian Zhe, Cao Tian Kai, He Cong Rui. I also liked the clothes worn by SFL.

What I disliked:
1. Secondary couple - I liked that both were career-focused and had serious personality. However I was dismayed that there wasn't affection between them even in their converations.
2. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between SFL & SML. SML is the least developed character so pity that the actor didn't have much to do with his character.
3. Antagonist - Sh2 was jealous of FL. Glad she got her comeuppance.
4. FL's action - I was irritated when she decided to separate from her husband just because her older sister was doing it first. Such a kid!

Favourite scene
Lunch at the restaurant with the antagonist

Read More

Lighthearted comedy about couple afraid of communicating their true feelings

I watched this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. I had never seen Yu Lun Hao dramas before so I was curious about the pairing. Overall, I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Light hearted comedy.
2. Acting - This drama allowed Han Jia Hui to shine because of the comedic moments. Yu Lun Hao also gave good performance. I like their chemistry.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was a surprise - she was skeptical of FL but once she met her, she liked her instantly. I also liked her bestie (the actress looked like same actresswho played HJH's bestie in Midsummer Love Story), assistant Lin, ML's father.
4. Romance - A lot of kisses although at times they felt a way for ML to avoid confrontations. ML loved to carry FL princess style. There were also tender moments for example FL cooking for ML, office antics.
5. Styling - I loved FL's outfits because they suited her skintone. However her bestie kept wearing the same mustard dress.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Lu Ming was a snob.
2. Communication - Their bodies were more honest about their feelings than their mouths / hearts. The lack of frank conversations frustrated me.
3. ML's action - I found ML to be controlling and it was off-putting.

Favourite scene
When FL first met ML's mother

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More