emberzmars

Wholesome romance with no green tea

This drama was hotly requested in a subreddit. Luckily the drama is available on iQIYI app - so I watched it there to make my subscription worthwhile. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ma Qian Qian was excellent in her role as a down-to-earth struggling everyday people. I emphathise with her character. This is my second Ji Jun Liang drama and gosh both times he played a cocky guy who got humbled by a circumstance. Good actong chemistry between the two.
2. FL characterisation - She was earnest, too nice and not worldly and I liked that about her. I understood why she helped her fiancé with money matters - she wanted to have her own home & family and that moved me.
3. Supporting characters - I loved FL's boss Sister Lin & her husband, ML's cousin Lu Xu & ML's bodyguard. They all have good intentions for the couple.
4. Styling - OMG 😍 Ji Jun Liang in biker outfit! He was 🔥!
5. Romance - I'm 50-50 about their romance because ML wasn't truthful until after the marriage certificate was obtained. However their dates were cute even though orchestrated. There were some kisses wish there were steamy ones but I think director wanted a wholesome drama.
6. Antagonist arc - Yes for once we don't have green tea in this drama. The main antagonist is ML's jealous uncle and boy there was a good arc for him. I really liked the scene when he was honest with his family.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked the scheming. I could see he was slowly falling for her but wish he had come clean before they got marriage certificate.
2. ML's grandmother - Wow what an insecure woman. I can't believe she was consumed by wealth.

Favourite scene
The first time ML & FL met. What a meet cute!

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A 'robot as companion' drama with good balance of comedy & drama & well-written character arcs

This is my third collab drama by married couple Bai Xin Yi & Zhu Yi Wei. I have always been fascinated by dramas with sci-fi elements so this drama caught my attention when it was talked about in a sub-reddit that I join. I did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama and this is my favourite drama by the couple.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - What an amazing arc! She was vulnerable but willing to face her challenges by accepting her friend's gift. She's kind but not a pushover.
2. ML characterisation - It's a weird idea but luckily ML wasn't a weirdo. He is Mr Nice Guy who had longtime crush on FL but didn't openly pursue FL because of her mental health issue.
3. Acting - Top notch acting by both Bai Xin Yi, Zhu Yi Wei and the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Zhu Yi Wei's robot expressions though there were times he was clearly not a robot but FL was oblivious.
4. Styling - Zhu Yi Wei always wore glasses in the dramas that I watched so it's nice to see him without glasses. Impeccable styling for him. I loved the packaging of the robot - the white suit was 👌🏼.
5. Writing - This drama had the perfect balance of comedy & drama. Thank you to the writer for not including clichés such as drugging, kidnapping, slapfest. I also liked that FL's love rival was given an arc.
6. Supporting cast - OMG I loved them all from FL's grandma & ML's parents to ML's assistant, FL's love rival and the Fangs.

What I disliked:
1. Spice - The drama was almost perfect except it lacked spicy scenes. I understand that some couples prefer not to have intimate scenes in their dramas.
2. Styling - I wish Bai Xin Yi was given better outfits for her everyday wear. She looked too homely against better styled Zhu Yi Wei.

Favourite scene
When FL disclosed to her love rival that ML was a robot

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Earnest performances and great chemistry by the leads made this drama an enjoyable watch!

I was intrigued with this drama because of MDL user Raiana's positive review. I think I didn't notice this drama when it was a new release because the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. Glad Raiana's review caught my attention because I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow their first intimate encounter was hot though I didn't like that it was drug-induced. I liked that FL acknowledged her growing feelings for ML when they were intimate the second time. There were many passionate kisses. I also loved their normal couple interactions such as texting, having conversation about work.
2. Acting - For unknown leads, Wang Yan Yang & Gao Rui Ting did a great job portraying their characters. They were able to demonstrate characters' insecurities and concerns. They also had great chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was earnest & kind. He was never about favours when wanting to help FL. It's also great to see ML who had his own challenges to overcome as it provided depth to his character.
4. FL characterisation - She had trust issues and I understood her actions especially when it came to her love life. I liked that she was clear about separating personal stuff from work.
5. Supporting characters - SML is a scumbag but gosh he was surrounded by sensible people. I really liked his assistant & well-dressed, handsome best friend who were truthful to him about the changing dynamics between ML and FL. I also liked Tian Hao, ML's assistant. Pudding was so adorable!

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama has the most antagonists in a vertical drama: FL's parents, FL's adopted sister, FL's love rival / SML's white moonlight, ML's grandmother, ML's white moonlight. The ones that I hated the most are FL's father & ML's grandmother. Both were money- and power-hungry and always scheming. I can't believe FL's father for treating his daughter like a chest piece. FL's adopted sister was petulant and like a kid trying to be grown up.
2. Styling - ML needs better hairstyling. OMG why was his fringe uneven? Tian Hao ML's assistant had better hairstyle than him.

Favourite scene
The morning after when FL realised her growing feelings for ML

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Captivated by their relationship and individual growth. Plenty of heavy kissing!

I was in the mood for Chen Si Che drama after a repeat watch of Secretary An Secretly Went on a Business Trip and Made President Gu Cry. I noticed this drama when it was a fresh release and realised I hadn't watched any Ma Qian Huan drama. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Spice - Most vertical dramas have a steamy start but as dramas progress, the romance scenes are mild. Not this drama - there are plenty of kissing scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She worked as perfumer and I loved the scenes of her at work. She was flawed character - she had a hidden agenda and used ML to achieve her goal. Her character was fascinating.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's close friend.
4. Romance - At the start of the drama, I saw their relationship as toxic because ML insisted on his ways. However my view changed when FL and ML spent time apart. He began to change his ways and care for FL as friend instead of as an "owner".
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and Ma Qian Huan gave amazing performances as both managed to demonstrate the intricacies of their characters. They had sizzling chemistry too.
6. Styling - Impeccable styling for both leads. Ma Qian Huan was very handsome and Chen Si Che looked elegant and beautiful. She is always radiant in red dresses.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him at the start because he was domineering lover who viewed FL as canary and didn't want to listen to FL.

Favourite scene
When ML searched for FL and found her at the park

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Well balanced romance mystery drama with combustible chemisty & amazing acting

I chose to watch this drama because of Raiana's positive review and my mood for something steamy. This is my first drama that has both Chen Jing He and Cui Shi Yi together. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I have watched drama starring real couple but the chemistry just didn't translate well on screen. Not this one - damn what a sizzling chemistry! The first intimate encounter was damn spicy. Their kisses 🔥. I liked how affectionate they were with each other.
2. Ethics - I liked how ethics was a core theme in this drama from the time FL's decision to support the disadvantaged clients to SFL's decision to do what's right by law.
3. Dynamics - I loved the dynamics between ML and his subordinate / friend - they provided much needed comic relief. I also liked the secondary romance.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate is the MVP of thos drama!
5. Language - There is a significant amount of dialogue in Cantonese and I found it wonderful to hear. However I was surprised by the use of certain English words in the drama.
6. Antagonists - I really enjoyed their arc.
7. Styling - Girl, Cui Shi Yi was freaking hot especially in those shorts! Most of the cast wore wonderful outfits.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What is that supposed to mean???

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to her house for the first time

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Reborn but no revenge and this time FL is young 18 year old student

I only discovered Yang Yu Bin 2 werks ago so I was keen to explore his work. This drama caught my eye as I scrolled down his drama playlist. I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. This drama was sweet and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. Reborn trope - I enjoyed this drama because FL was reborn to a few years earlier than her death - she was 18 years during this second chance at life. I liked that there is no revenge plot in this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & proactive at living her life for the second time.
3. ML characterisation - He had low self-esteem because his father's family never acknowledged his existence. With FL's encouragement, ML stopped downplaying his intelligence and started to be confident with his worth. I liked that he was written this way because most ML are written as cocky & domineering alpha males.
4. Romance - Very sweet romance. Their first intimate scene was mildly spicy but overly sweet that made me smile. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
5. Supoorting characters - I like Teacher Ren and ML's buddies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was possessive and disrespectful.
2. FL's bestie - Wow, I was surprised by her action in the third act.

Favourite scene
When ML was being cheeky with FL during a study group

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Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

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I loved the dynamics between ML & his sisters

I was in the mood for Qian Zhe drama and unplanned pregnancy is one of my favourite tropes so I clicked Play. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is smart & hardworking and I understand why she was hesitant to accept ML's pursuit. Wang Yi Yang was wonderful in this role.
2. Siblings - One thing that stands out in this drama is the sibling dynamics. There are plenty of vertical dramas which main character has brothers. So it's refreshing to see sisters and as family members to ML. The oldest was the smart leader, middle sister was tough chick while youngest was playful entertainer. I enjoyed watching their support for FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was nice.
4. Rivalry - I enjoyed watching the sales competition between FL and antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Unfortunately the romance in this drama is lacking. Even though ML liked FL for who she is and not because of the baby, he was too cool & distant. FL seemed inhibited too so I found it awkward because Qian Zhe & Wang Yi Yang have great chemistry.
2. Antagonist - She was envious of FL and always felt the need to compete. The public shaming was a step too far.

Favourite scene
When ML's sisters came to back up FL

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Zhang Yun Tao in jiejie romance that doesn't meet my expectations

I watched this drama because my reddit friend had written a review & mentioned that this is a jiejie romance. This is my favourite trope and with Zhang Yun Tao being the male lead, I had higher-than-average expectations. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - This drama is filled with many steamy scenes with Zhang Yun Tao uttering spicy dialogue. Physical touch is the love language of the couple.
2. Styling - I like the clothes worn by ML & FL. Zhang Yun Tao looked like a bad boy because he wore an earring and in one scene, he wore biker's outfit. The apron hahaha is becoming a trend I see.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed FL's revenge towards the green tea even though the approach was quite bizarre.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend (the actress even played SFL green tea in another Zhang Yun Tao drama).

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There is a flaw in their romance. FL resisted the relationship out of fear and in the third act, she seemed to cave in due to pressure from grandma and ML. I didn't like it and the drama ended too soon after she "agreed" to be with ML in romantic relationship.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Yun Tao & Liu Can even though their characters were intimate in many scenes. Liu Can's acting was ok for this drama but in the sea of vertical drama actresses, she was not outstanding and I am more likely to forget her name after finishing this review.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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Very likeable characters with spicy & sweet romance and sizzling chemistry

I got to know about this drama from a sub-reddit when a member posted a review. This is my third drama of Zhang Ruo Chen - I love her when she played a forensic scientist. I had never watched Wang Zi Yi's dramas before. I was informed that there are multiple adaptation of this plot and this version is the first adaptation that I watched. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely and could watch this drama multiple times.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that Zhang Ruo Chen's charm made the character so likeable that it's easy to forgive her bad wife past. I also enjoyed Wang Zi Yi's acting. Both of them had sizzling chemistry that their scenes together were so delightful to watch.
2. FL characterisation - Ok I watched Zhang Lei's adaption. I can't remember her leading lady's name but she had "mean" vibe in her FL. Zhang Ruo Chen's FL was compassionate with ML and her father once she got the inside scoop from the "audience". She was also smart & cheeky in managing her cousin & the guy she used to have a crush on.
3. Romance - Damn, that first spicy scene was 🔥. Their make out scenes were hot too because desire was felt in both of them. I love their sweet scenes especially the love letter & Kim Seon Ho's infamous pose. I loved that they communicated regularly with FL confronting ML on his jealousy. I also liked them for having fun, being affectionate and teasing SFL & SML
4. ML characterisation - I liked ML because he was very likeable. Wang Zi Yi's ML didn't seem as desperate to please FL as Zhang Lei's FL.
5. Supporting character - I really liked FL's father whose character was kind and amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Public comments - I wasn't used to this format of public comments appearing on screen so I was overwhelmed. They also appeared on screen at a breakneck speed in the beginning of the drama so it was hard for me to keep up & understand the info.
2. Antagonists - OMG FL's cousin who is SFL is not only manipulative but also irritating. She calling out FL to announce the arrival of SML was just plain rude.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL's love letter for him to SML & SFL

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Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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How a canary planned her escape from vicious "owner"

I am in Huang Bo phase because I am preparing a reddit post on his dramas. This drama has been in my 'Plan to watch' list since I discovered Huang Bo early this year. Wow, I am in disbelief. Despite the toxicity, I enjoyed this drama for the beautiful shots & amazing performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG, she was a canary to a possessive lover. I loved her for fighting for freedom and never giving up. Such a beautiful but tragic backstory.
2. Acting - This is my second drama with Huang Yun Yun as FL and wow, what an impressive performance. She was able to showcase different facial expressions. Huang Bo played a convincing psychopath that I was so concerned for FL's wellbeing. Huang Bo and Huang Yun Yun had amazing chemistry despite their characters being in predator-prey relationship.
3. Ending - It's a brilliant idea to do something different and related to the poster.
4. Styling - Huang Yun Yun was elegant when she wore dresses - my favourite is the light blush dress. I also loved her all black ensemble she wore when she confronted ML for the final time.
5. Length - This drama is under 100 minutes, which is good because I couldn't take anymore abuse.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes e.g. dancing scenes & forced intimacy scenes.
7. Supporting characters - Different characters added value to this drama: Yang Xue, FL's male friend, ML's staff.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, the ML is the villain and he is the most vile partner ever. He was possessive, conniving and insecure. It's unbelievable that he did those things to make sure FL stayed with him.
2. Romance - Toxic love.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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Solid performances in this mystery drama about never-ending love

I added this drama to my plan to watch list because I saw Liu Qing on the thumbnail. Once I clicked play, I realised FL was Zhu Mo Yan. I enjoyed this mystery drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid performances by both Liu Qing & Zhu Mo Yan. Good facial expressions. They also had great acting & visual chemistry.
2. Main characters - I liked that FL was determined to save ML from being harmed. Little did she know that ML tried to do the same too.
3. Romance - I could sense that ML was very much in love with FL even though he was standoffish. Their kisses were passionate due to the pent up sexual tension.
4. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat and in this case, it was left open to interpretation. I liked the bittersweet ending.

What I disliked:
1. SML - With that ending, I wonder why SML played a crucial part in the time loops. It bugs me that this was unanswered.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie tried to frame FL in front of her parents

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