emberzmars

Green flag ML & many kisses but bland FL

I have watched Yao Yu Chen's dramas before but this is my first drama of Chen Jing He. I decided to watch this drama because I was curious about his acting & I was sold by the high rating.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Green flag hero. He is smart & resourceful.
2. Romance - ML has had crush on FL since their first meet. There was more push (by FL) than pull but when they got together, they were sweet with each other. Many kisses.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is bland and meek. I was disappointed because I enjoyed Yao Yu Chen's past characters which always have spark.
2. FL's adopted father - Despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL remembered that she left her bra in the bathroom and went to retrieve it

Read More

Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.

What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty

What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!


Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!

Read More

Leads were newcomers but wow their chemistry was sizzling. Kisses better than the other version

This drama appeared on one of my favourite youtube channels. I randomly clicked on thumbnail to read comments - generally positive. Decided to watch it on Monday afternoon to destress. This is another version of She Is the Only One starring Zhao Jia & Chen Si. I must say I enjoyed this one more than the more famous version.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Gao Hai Zhou & Peng Hui Ying are both new to the industry but individually they did alright in their roles. However as a couple, I'd say their chemistry is sizzling. They seemed hot for each other. I also liked the height difference with Gao Hai Zhou always bending when he kissed Peng Hui Ying.
2. Romance - Damn hot kisses 🔥. There were many kisses and physical touch was definitely their love language. There were sweet moments like ML cooking for FL and them talking about their relationship.
3. FL characterisation - I also liked the FL in this version compared to the other version. She never once saw ML as sugar daddy or an escape from her situation.
4. Styling - Despite being low budget, I liked most of the clothes worn by FL and ML.
5. Visuals - Wow, Peng Hui Ying was gorgeous! Gao Hai Zhou had this facial features that remind me of a Korean. Both are definitely striking.
6. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy overall. I liked that he respected FL in her decision making. Never meddled except that help for smoother divorce process. I also liked that he had his personal battle to overcome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband & mother-in-law were nasty. Pity ML for having to deal with selfish mother and her relative.
2. Make-up - FL seemed to be wearing foundation a shade lighter than her skin tone. Obvious when you compare her face and the neck.
3. First meet - It was odd that ML barged into FL's hotel room then kissed her. He blamed on being drugged but hhhhmm coerced sex is not sexy.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were in the kitchen

Read More

I liked second couple more & FL was less annoying in this version

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the poster of this drama upon its release. I like 3 out of 4 cast members - Han Jia Hui, Chen Zheng Yang & Duan Mei Yang. I am familiar of the plot as I have seen the Wang Nian Jiang Cheng - He Tian Tian - Xue Zi Qi - Xiang Shuai version. I liked this version too. I'd like to see collab between Han Jia Hui and Duan Mei Yang and between her and Chen Zheng Yang.

What I liked:
1. Romance couple #2 - Fiery. Passionate. She was not as aggressive as XZQ's SML but more loving. Hot kisses & intimate scenes.
2. Personalities - I liked that opposite attracts concept was explored & done well.
3. Styling - I really liked the clothes chosen for ML, SFL & SML. SFL looked hot in little black dress & businesswear.
4. Characterisation - All four were done well. FL wasn't too childish & cloying like He Tian Tian's FL.
5. Acting - All 4 gave good performances. There was better chemistry between 4 leads - even between the ladies and the gents.
6. Ending - I was surprised and liked it.

What I disliked:
1. Romance couple #1 - Not sure why the kisses were lacklustre when I know that Chen Zheng Yang & Cheng Zi can kiss. It felt as though director wanted to make FL innocent young girl / lolita vibe.
2. Styling for FL - Her dressing made her look like a high school student.
3. Antagonist - FL's cousin was pathetic. Also disliked brothers' father.
4. Third act - Felt long & draggy.

Favourite scene
Bath tub

Read More

A tale of separated brothers involved in turf war & murder mystery

I must say that this poster caught my attention - to be exact, Tian Yang's handsome face caught my attention. I wasn't in the mood for romance so to my delight, I figured that this drama could fulfill my no-romance drama mood. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great performances by Tian Yang and Jin Jia Yu. They had good chemistry and synergy and it was delight watching their interactions on screen.
2. ML characterisations - It's great that both of them had challenges to overcome. It enriched their characters. I personally enjoyed Chi Yuan's role in his gege Chi Yan's life.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both MLs.
4. Action - It was awesome to see both leads kicked butts.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Chi Yan's assistant. A loyal employee. I also liked Shu Wen, Chi Yuan's frmale friene.
6. Imposter - I liked this arc.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I hated him for separating two brothers and being greedy.
2. Length - This drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times I felt certain arcs draggy.

Favourite scene
When Chi Yan confronted imposter in the warehouse

Read More

Sizzling chemistry & good acting in this other version of My Little Lover

It was a Sunday afternoon and I was deciding wbich vertical drama to watch when I came across this title on YouTube. I enjoyed it a lot and good thing this already has MDL page. I am surprised that this drama is another version of My Little Lover, which is one of my favourites.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, she transmigrated but I liked that she was self-assured and confident. She stood on equal footing as ML in terms of social status - she was an heiress not a poor, helpless woman.
2. ML characterisation - This drama gave more time to ML's arc. He was smitten by FL from the first sight and I liked his cunning ways to get FL to stay by his side.
3. Romance - It started with a one-night stand that later progressed into boss-employee relationship then lovers. I loved how affectionate and tender they were with each other. In most dramas, FLs tend to be more dependent on ML but here I sensed co-dependence.
4. Acting - It was great to see Li He Yuan in a ML role and he nailed it. Sheng Chen was convincing in her role and together they had sizzling chemistry.
5. Styling - Kudos to styling for choosing those outfits for ML. He was handsome and less stuffy looking. FL's outfits were ok but the short dress she wore to a wedding was too casual.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brothers and ML's assistant.
7. Writing - I never realised that this is another version of My Little Lover until I discovered this MDL page. I didn't make the connection so kudos to the writer for giving a different twist to my favourite story. I never felt bored while watching this version.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The guy FL had a crush on & FL's cousin were horrible. So were FL's parents.

Favourite scene
When FL complained about being at work 24 hours

Read More

Stellar acting in this well-produced family-focused drama

I am a fan of Wang Chen Peng and really liked Lin Zi Xuan in I Just Want You. I got notified about this drama by thehepburn. I was ecstatic! I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Stellar performances by Lin Zi Xuan, Wang Chen Peng and the cast. I found LZX & WCP believable in their roles as cool, calm & emotionally restraint individuals. I was moved by the actress who played Yan matriarch/Wen Xi's biological mother. Another reviewer said there was no / lack of chemistry between LZX & WCP but I disagree. They had this quiet, subtle chemistry better than the couple in other versions of this story. LZX must be tall because the height difference between her and WCP was nice even when she wore flats.
2. Family - It is the central theme in this vertical drama. Wen Xi was caught in between 2 families: her biological family (the Yans) and the family that raised her (the Wens). I loved it when Yan matriarch told off Yan Zhao to grow up. ML's younger brother was mischievous. Her Wen bro is mysterious I can't wait to see more of him in part 2.
3. Romance - They were married strangers so it was fine to see awkwardness at the start of their marriage. I really liked that FL telling ML about direct communication. I really liked how their relationship progressed into harmonious partnership. The sexual tension leading up to intimacy was high. Even though there were not many intimate scenes, those scenes were hot.
4. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart and I really liked those traits in FLs. I also liked her assertiveness especially the scenes involving Yan Zhao and FL's adopted mother.
5. ML characterisation - Another cold boss but he always had FL's back. I liked how he protected FL whenever they were at her family home.
6. Styling - Impeccable. Both looked like a sophisticated old money couple.
7. Production - High production value. I loved how scenes were shot.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was manipulative playing victim to both sides of her family. She always wanted to be centre of attention. Insecure and petulant. I also disliked Yan Zhao's biological mother for meddling and being biased and FL's biological brother for being gullible.
2. Ending - Cliffhanger. Good news that part 2 is coming soon.

Favourite scene
The first intimate scene

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

Too many antagonists made me lost interest in this drama

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to write a reddit post on my favourite dramas by Zhao Mu Yan. I love her drama with Feng Xiang Kun so I was on a mission to find the best collab. Unfortunately this wasn't my favourite collab drama between the two.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In the first 20 minutes of the drama, she gave off Harley Quinn vibe with the styling and demeanor. She kicked butt and saved the boy. I liked her very much.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked the boy and ML's assistant.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary, cautious and cunning,
4. Romance - I could feel the tension even though romance scene wasn't heavy nor intense.
5. Styling - I really liked FL's styling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many of them: ML's envious relatives (sadly this included the grandparent), FL's family (typical father favouring new wife & daughter), possessive family friend & her mother. I lost interest in this drama once the green tea claimed ML was hers.
2. Grandmother - I disliked her for forcing ML to marry someone whose family she "owned" her life to. She should settle her own debt.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed & ML wanted more

Read More

Uncle romance with good foundation & nice kisses

I became an instant fan of Huai Wen after watching Be Your Kiss. So I became intrigued with this drama. I liked it but loved Be Your Kiss so much more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slow burn. Arranged marriage so awkward strangers but I loved that they established the dos and don'ts at the start of marriage including the frequency of intimacy. Good kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She stood up to bullies. Loved it!
3. ML characterisation - He was kind, respectful & handsome.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family so welcoming - loved the warmth. Her close colleague was nice. I also liked his doctor friend.
5. Styling - Loved her outfits. He looked dashing in the green suit.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - Ye Qing was possessive family friend but good that ML put his foot down. FL's family was cunning & manipulative.

Favourite scene
The first intimate encounter

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

Lighthearted drama about FL marrying her best friend's older brother

I am a fan of Yang Yu Bin so when this drama was released, I clicked play within 24 hours of its release. The start seemed familiar then I realised that this drama is another version of Accidental Flirting staring Ma Shuo Qi, which I started but didn't finish because the video was removed by youtube uploader. Anyway back to this version with Yang Yu Bin, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Smitten ML right off the bat. I knew that he had longtime crush on her because of the way he proposed marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was independent woman focused on building her career.
3. Romance - Slow & steady. Good kisses. ML loved to pamper his wife.
4. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes. Her wide-leg trousers, she looked retro chic.
5. Supporting characters - FL's best friend was likeable and provided comic relief.
6. Studio - I enjoyed the photo shoot scene.
7. Tone - Lighthearted and funny. The Labubu moment was funny and cute!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - She spent so much time with her best friend and at times prioritise her best friend over her husband. It annoyed me.
2. Antagonist - FL's grandmother was overbearing.

Favourite scene
When ML met FL's best friend at his own house

Read More

Cute unplanned pregnancy drama with likeable main characters

The trailer caught my attention - I saw it in subreddit CShortDramas. When I saw that this drama was in iQIYI catalogue, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I am a fan of unplanned pregnancy trope so I enjoyed this drama. There were sweet & spicy moments even during pregnancy which I enjoyed.
2. Tone - Lighthearted.
3. Main characters - Likeable and cute. I liked watching FL grew stronger. I also liked the fact that ML experienced morning sickness.
4. Supporting character - I liked Shen Yue. The Labubu cameo was adorable!
5. Styling - FL got cute wardrobe.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - So many bullies from former high school mate, colleagues to mother and ML's family friend.
2. Retribution - ML's family friend was only given light punishment.
3. Ending - It was abrupt.

Favourite scene
When FL saw beautiful painting in living room

Read More

Sheng Yi Jie & Yang Han made a sexy pairing

I enjoyed Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han drama in which they have a cute son. So when I found out there is another collab drama, I was excited. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I always like Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han pairing and it's great that they were more lovey-dovey here. I liked the moment she realised her feelings for ML.
2. Acting - Damn, the visual and acting chemistry was electric. Both were great in their roles individually and as a couple.
3. ML characterisation - Green flag.
4. Styling - Great outfits for FL. I didn't like ML's glasses but I guess stylist chose them to emphasise his Mr Nice Guy persona since antagonist was more baby-faced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her ex husband was too controlling & selfish. She should have done stricter measurement with contact.
2. Secret identity - I disliked that she didn't come clean with ML about her goal to get her mother’s shares. They could have worked together to achieve that goal.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were lying in bed

Read More

A tale of rebirth with martial art lessons, comic relief and romantic twists

I was preparing for a reddit post on Xie Yu Wang's dramas and this drama was one of the new releases. I decided to watch for the assignment and wow, I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I even included in my list of Top 5 Xie Yu Wang dramas.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Reborn tale with comedic twist. FL was always in scenarios that provided comic relief. There were dramatic / serious scenes in the second half of the drama and they were done well.
2. Setup - The drama showed differences between traditionalist vs modern / Western mindset and I enjoyed those scenes.
3. FL characterisation - She was repented of her past behaviour towards ML. I liked that she was feisty and charming.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with frosty dynamic between the leads. After rebirth, FL tried to win over ML's heart. I liked that FL initiated dates with him. There were several tender & romantic moments and a few spicy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - . ML was a Mr Nice Guy who wanted to believe in the best of FL but past bad deeds made him doubt her.
6. Martial arts - ML was a martial art practitioner and I loved those scenes in the dojo. The lessons were entertaining and somewhat romantic. The use of English was amusing.
7. Styling - Loved ML's outfits. I favoured FL's traditional outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's Western gowns felt out of place, I find. Some dresses were unflattering.
2. Antagonists - FL's former paramour was pathetic and disrespectful. The maid's daughter was delusional & rude. Their scheming was unbelievable.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made love for the first time

Read More