emberzmars

Good police drama with a touch of romance

I was drawn to this drama because of the plot. This is my third time watching drama of Wang Kai Mu and Cui Yi Liang. I was surprised to see that she has crossed over to vertical from mini dramas.

What I liked:
1. Editing - This drama felt like a 2 hour movie. The tension in the police case, the tension between ML & FL were translated to audience well.
2. Wang Kai Mu - I was impressed by Wang Kai Mu's performance. I have seen him in Beautiful Handsome & the drama with Guo Yu Xin. He has grown so much in terms of acting skill & physical build.
3. Cui Yi Liang - She did well in a dramatic role I must say. However I didn't like her cries.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's team mates in the police force.
5. Romance - Slow burn which is expected. ML was pining for FL for a long time but was respectful of her. Sweet kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Mellow - I found some moments to be too mellow, I was easily distracted.
2. Antagonist - Good one but I wish his arc was given slightly more screen time so audience are more invested in the connection between him and the former team leader.

Favourite scene
When FL realised she was ambushed

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Unlike other revenge tales, this drama warms my heart with its writing & acting performance

I decided to watch this drama as I was preparing to write a reddit post on Han Yu Tong's revenge dramas. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Many revenge dramas have a cold feel but I felt warmth throughout the drama. There was so much heart showcased by Zhu Yuanyuan. Plus I never expected comedy in a revenge tale.
2. Acting - Spectacular performance by Han Yu Tong and the actress who portrayed Zhu Yuanyuan. Cao Tian Kai was also good at portraying a goofball antagonist. The actress who played SML's sister was good too.
3. FL characterisation - Wonderfully written. FL is just a person who wanted to be loved. Even with physical transformation, there are still pieces of Zhu Yuanyuan in Qing Ting.
4. Theme - It's great to see themes such as self-worth & family love is explored in this drama.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching FL and ML relationship progress from strangers arranged to be marriage by their families to allies. Very subtle romance with actions mostly by ML, which is understandable considering FL's mission.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cruel & disrespectful. The mistress got the comeuppance that she deserved.

Favourite scene
When SML got ready in hotel bathroom

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Handsome men amidst an underwhelming republican drama

I underutilised my wetv subscription so I browsed the catalogue and found this drama. Deng Kai is one of the actors that fascinates me even when he portrays anti-heroes and scumbags.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai - I really liked his acting in this drama especially the vulnerable moments. Episode 17 is my favourite episode. Oh, I was delighted to see him without wig. As Taylor Swift says in her lyrics, "He is tall and handsome as hell".
2. Kisses - Many hot kisses. My favourite is when ML pulled FL towards him so she was on top of him and they kissed passionately.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Liang Xiao, Li Tian and Gao Qi. Zhao De Biao was a surprise - quite a memorable character.
4. Visual - Wow, many handsome actors in this drama: Deng Kai, Ryan Kuo, Liu Bo.

What I disliked:
1. Investigation - I feel that this main plot was not focused enough. This drama is about ML investigating the impostor but all that I remembered is the love triangle.
2. FL characterisation - FL started strong at the start but then became wishy washy once the second act started. She seemed unfocused with her mission and her love life. I found Tan Yan Yan's acting underwhelming.
3. Romance - Apart from the kisses, romance was lacklustre. I felt like she was stringing along both men.
4 Ending - After all the sacrifices SML made, the couple just became like that?

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings and asked FL if she had feelings for him

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Short & sweet version of Kdrama Business Proposal with attractive leads that can act

I watched this drama yesterday because I wanted to explore Zhao Xi Xi's dramas. Love her dramas with Zhen Zi Qi & Huang Bo. I enjoyed this short shorts immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It has similar premise to Korean drama Business Proposal and I love it! The romance is very sweet.
2. Visuals - Wow, good looking people were cast. Zhao Xi Xi & Hu Bo Wen are tall like models. The actor who played FL's ex is handsome too.
3. FL characterisation - She invested a lot of time and money for her bf & was underappreciated & got dumped. I felt for FL's pain and enjoyed seeing her character grow from that experience.
4. ML characterisation - He got suspicious of his date after awhile. Smart man. I like that he's a nice CEO.
5. Supporting character - FL's bestie of course. FL's colleagues were nice people.
6. Product placement - A subtle one. Sensible approach.
7. Length - It's only 45 minutes long. Well-paced drama.

What I disliked:
1. Couple scenes - I would have liked if there are more scenes after the couple finally got together. The last scene isn't enough.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had their first date

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FL too obliging even after multiple blackmails

I was perusing new releases and this drama's poster caught my attention. I always think both Li Zi Jie and Li Ke Yi have the prettiest lips in the world of Chinese vertical dramas. Thick, full lips. Anyway I watched within the first two days of release. I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I never thought I would see Li Ke Yi rocking top & trousers combo because she's always in dresses and qipao. I loved the wide leg trousers and brown top/jacket she wore. ML wore noce suits - I really like the teal blue suit.
2. Kisses - Good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's colleagues at BC group, the orphanage director & the kids .

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's arranged fiancée for the double standard, the greed & being controlling. His mistress is even worse. She acted as though she was already part of his family.
2. FL's characterisation - Having watched Spring Day starring Guo Yu Xin & Chen Zheng Yang a week ago, I felt that there are similarities between this couple & that couple. However I felt that FL was too obliging to the Ji family. Her arranged fiancée was disrespectful to her but out of respect/feeling indebted, she just persevered and accepted the blackmail. I also don't understand why she left a company that's good for her growth & wellbeing.
3. Relationship - I found the relationship overall had more downs than ups. Their secret relationship felt more like booty calls than actual, healthy relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL saw a painting at the orphanage

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Jiejie romance amidst family betrayal & hidden identity

Lin Qi Ting and Wang Qian Shuo acted together in two different dramas but both are about older woman, younger man romance. I got confused when I came across the other drama's MDL page. Delighted that this page is live for me to share my thoughts. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL Lin Zhixia is a jewellery designer who had been betrayed by her family.
2. ML characterisation - ML Huo Lingfei is a young CEO who hides his identity from FL and applied to become her intern.
3. Romance - This is a jiejie romance (8 year difference) with good mix of push & pull. The shower kissing scene was hot but I don't understand why other kissing scenes were blocked. There was a cute surprise scene. Lin Qi Ting & Wang Qian Shuo had great acting & visual chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was nice & cute.
5. Ageism - I liked that this drama explored the issue of ageism in the workplace.
6. Styling - I really outfits worn by FL & ML. The gowns worn by FL and FL's sister were pretty too. My favourite ML outfit is the denim & white top he wore during their date

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & sister just shameless & envious. FL's ex boyfriend was douchebag too but the actor who played the character is handsome.

Favourite scene
The shower scene

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Compact, sweet & spicy romance of 2 couples

I like Du Ya Fei's acting. I came across this series when it came out but never watched till I got reminded of it today on reddit. I have watched You Leave, I Leave prior to watching this. I enjoyed this very short series immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - For a series that is only 33 minutes long, there are plenty of sweet and spicy moments. I love both couples but second couple had me more emotionally invested in. I understand both FLs' insecurities in their marriage because their marriages were arranged by their family.
2. Acting - I enjoyed acting from all 4 leads especing Li Meng Qing & Xie Hong Xin. I am keen to explore their dramas after watching this drama. Overall, all 4 had great chemistry between them.
3. Sisterhood - I really liked the bond that FL and SFL had. SFL seemed to be adopted by FL's family. FL in this drama seemed to be a follower rather than a leader - that's cute.
4. SFL characterisation - She is the character I liked the most. I empathised with her. She undervalued her worth because of her identity so she just needed reassurance from her husband.

What I disliked:
1. Runtime - I wish the series could be at least 1 hour. I really want to see more couple scenes.

Favourite scene
When secondary couple reconciled

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Too much bullying but otherwise sweet romance

I watched this drama months ago when I was in the mood for Zhang Yi Lun dramas. I came across the poster & realised the drama did not have MDL so I submitted as New Title. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow the location of their one night stand is just unbelievable. Putting that aside, their romance was sweet and bit spicy. Good kisses.
2. Acting - I quite enjoyed Li Ai Xiao's acting despite her character's weak nature. Zhang Yi Lun's acting was fine too.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he's always reassuring FL to come to him if she has concerns.
4 Supporting characters - I liked FL's biological mother.
5. Styling - After marriage, FL wore beautiful clothes. I liked her evening gowns and wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL faced bullies almost all the time - at home, at work, during shopping trip. It's mentally tiring for me to watch those scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She is a damsel in distress that requires saving.
3. Antagonist - Typical green tea who is envious of FL and delusional about her relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When they kissed after getting married

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Supernatural murder mystery with a touch of romance

I was browsing through my iQiyi app when I found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me as it reminds me of Western supernatural series such as True Calling and Gosh Whisperer. So I clicked play and overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supernatural theme - It's refreshing and I really enjoyed it.
2. FL characterisation - She's aloof but smart. I really liked that she's always a step ahead of others. Zhao Fei was excellent in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He's a workaholic but not overbearing. He's smart - I liked that he came out with a plan to convince shareholders.
4. Romance - As expected, there is romance. A sweet one but the chemistry between Zhao Fei and Yang Cheng Han was lacking for a romantic couple. I wish there were more warm moments by the couple so it would feel rewarding when they truly got together.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and FL's male friend. The two junior colleagues of FL were cute.

What I disliked:
1. Conclusion - What is the motive of the masked antagonist for killing FL's family? Was it explained? I want to know so please let me know.

Favourite scene
When FL's male friend fought against masked killer

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Poster didn't meet genre expectation but I enjoyed this drama

I saw this drama poster somewhere and thought it was a fantasy / sci-fi drama. Proposed it to my buddy Fae so we did buddy watch. Both main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. Sadly drama didn't meet our genre expectations & subtitles went missing in the second half of drama. However I enjoyed this drama to my surprise. If there is another video with full subtitles, I would watch it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she's a martial arts expert so was able to protect herself from harm. I also liked her sensible nature - I felt that she made decisions carefully even during the 2nd half of drama when subtitles went missing. She is also compassionate and kind hearted - I was moved when she carried her husband while running away from the enemy.
2. Romance - This is the second biggest surprise. I didn't expect the couple to be affectionate at all. I was pleasantly surprised when ML kissed FL while in the office and in public. Even though there was flashback to their chance encounter while they were in high school, I think ML fell in love with him when she carried him on her back.
3. Styling - FL's clothes were carefully chosen for the different occasions. Right choice of clothes for an excursion to the mountain / village. She also wore sensible clothes in scenes that required fighting. I also liked that FL's sister wore beret. Easier to distinguish between her and FL.
4. Supporting character - FL's right hand / SML was adorable. I could sense his crush on her but yeah he was so not meant for her.

What I disliked:
1. Misleading poster - I was conned. I thought it was a Sci fi drama!
2. Missing subtitles - It sucks. I could do guesswork for most scenes but I still don't know who is the mysterious antagonist that had connection with ML's uncle.

Favourite scene
When FL carried ML on her back

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Lotsa kisses but no chemistry & mousy & bland FL

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao's drama so I chose this drama because I thought this drama is a remake of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze starring Du Ya Fei.

What I liked:
1. Ma Shi Yao - Call me bias but he gave a good performance as a neurosurgeon with a threat on his career. I liked the scenes where he struggled with his illness.
2. Supporting character - I liked ML's friend that matchmade them.
3. Romance - The intimate scenes were spicy! I liked the sneaky kisses at work. ML was always the one initiating intimacy and there were plenty of shirtless ML scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Zhu Xin Yu - She gave an underwhelming performance. One note expression - perpetually surprised at everything.
2. FL characterisation - Mousy & bland. What made ML attracted to her a lot until he wanted a committed & long-term relationship?
3. Styling - FL's styling seemed to be modelled after anime character. White body fitting top with sexy back but let's hide sexy image with glasses. Oh I dislike when a character wears a pair of glasses that doesn't have lens. What is the point??? I also didn't understand why a medical intern have long nails.
4. Chemistry - There was no chemistry between Ma Shi Yao & Zhu Xin Yu.

Favourite scene
When he had a panic attack that caused him to doubt himself

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FL focused on searching for missing sister & never tempted by hot baddie

I was in the mood for Han Yu Yong dramas so I selected this drama today. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was focused on finding her missing sister and I liked that she didn't entertain the temptation.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her accomplices with second one being a nice surprise. Amazing sisterhood there. I was sympathetic with ML's friend.
3. Revenge arc - It's great that the plans were carefully thought out & implemented.
4. Tension - Director was good at capturing sexual tension between FL & ML on screen. Seduction scenes were nicely done especially the last one. A shirtless baddie with great physique is always appreciated!

What I disliked:
1. Crime scene - I felt this scene was unbelievable as per what supporting character said.
2. Motive - I still didn't understand ML's motive.

Favourite scene
When ML's friend prepared a nice surprise for FL

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Letdown by the romance but I ponder about being indebted

I was impressed by Sa Gang Yun's acting & visuals in Love in the Evening Wind & Stars so I browsed his list of work. I chose to watch this drama because I enjoy Bai Yan's acting. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she had her pride intact despite the torture & humiliation she faced.
2. ML characterisation - I could see that he was attracted by FL from the start and helped her in the way he could. He was a flawed character nevertheless. I was frustrated that he never verbalise his feelings for FL until an incident happened.
3. Indebted - This drama made me ponder about gratitude and "being" indebted. If someone saves your life, are you going to be eternally indebted to the savior? Is there no end to the request of support / favour?
4. Acting - Bai Yan, Sa Gang Yun & Huo Guan Jie were good in their roles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were so much potential with the push & pull and chemistry between Sa Gang Yun & Bai Yan. However I was disappointed by the lack of physical touch (kisses, hug, caress) and warmth between them. They also suffered from lack of communication.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex boyfriend was possessive & controlling that I feared for FL's life. The green tea interfered with the couple's life, she's manipulative & annoying.
3. Length - This melodramatic was long and at some point, draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed and the couple was given more time for their romance to grow healthily.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the kidnapping scene

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Longtime crush rewarded with heavy kisses once they got together

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit member who says that this drama has FL chasing ML first. I have mixed feelings about this drama.but overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is heavy on kisses - good quantity & quality. FL & ML went all out with passion & desire felt in their makeout session. There were also sweet gestures done by both FL & ML.
2. Styling - I really liked clothes worn by FL who was 22 years old because they reflected her youthfulness.
3. Acting - This is first time watching drama of both Li Jia Chen & Li Ya Ya. They were good in their roles as they seemed very comfortable with the close contact.

What I disliked:
1. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long that I felt bored halfway through so I doubled the speed. I wish the pre-confession phase was shortened and antagonists' screentime were reduced.
2. Antagonists - There were 2 of them and both got a lot of screentime. One should be jailed for his crime.
3. FL's characterisation - In general, I am not a fan of childlike FL. She is one of them but her act is tolerable because it's just her playful nature.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate encounter

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Zhen Zi Qi in his most romantic role while wearing military uniform ❤️❤️❤️

I am a big fan of Zhen Zi Qi and recently started to like Li Ke Yi's dramas. I was anxious when I started this drama because I dropped the other drama that they acted together. It was too cruel. I was very delighted that this drama was mostly enjoyable to watch.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - OMG, this must be Zhen Zi Qi's most romantic role ever! I understood his wariness of FL's actions in the beginning but was smart enough to follow his instincts and investigate. ZZQ had the best lines in this drama, most notable was during the blood testing and during a converstion with FL's biological brother at the hospital.
2. Romance - Gosh I loved that ML initiated those kisses & moves to get FL closer to him. FL reciprocated too. ZZQ & LKY had amazing chemistry (both acting and visual) in this drama.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by LKY. ZZQ looked hot in the 1920s Chinese military uniform! I also liked his hairstyle and overall look when he wore white shirts.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate entertained me with his witty quips. Even though they had short screen time, I liked the lady who raised FL and FL's biological father. He had a soothing voice.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - OMG she had such bad luck when it came to family. Both adopted & biological family members (san biological father) were mean to her. I was happy with her stance towards the ending.
2. Antagonists - Damn, ML's pre-arranged fiancée, her mother & brother were vile & entitled people. FL's adopted mother was evil.

Favourite scene
The blood testing

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