emberzmars

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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Love amidst zombies, superpower and jealous green tea

I checked out new releases 2 days ago and was intrigued by this drama's poster, the one with only Wang Hao Zhen & Hou Cheng Yue holding pistol. I saw 30 seconds of the drama and immediately suggested to MDL friend for a buddy watch. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, the FL literally kicks ass! I loved her speech about being empowered without relying on men. Hou Cheng Yue was perfect in this role. She demonstrated smart, cool, badassery traits and her weapon handling seemed believable.
2. ML characterisation - He demonstrated good leadership capabilities. He's smart, sensible & loving. I have only seen 2 Wang Hao Zhen's dramas before this - wow his take on this role impressed me. He gave me Ren Jia Lun vibes throughout the drama - the subtle facial expressions, hair styling & that bathtub scene.
3. Fantasy & sci-fi genre - I loved that different tropes within these genre were explored in the drama e.g. zombie, antidote, superpower, dystopia / isolated communities. Great production value. This drama reminds me of US tv show The Last of Us.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling. Very cyberpunk. FL wore fabulous outfits except the black sequin top worn for excursion to an island. Loved outfits worn by ML & SML Shen Yi Chen.
5. Romance - Slow burn with mostly sweet gestures and 2 nice kisses. ML was devoted to FL from the start of this drama. What did ML mean during the ending?
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's subordinates. Their relationship with ML was more than just a boss-employee relationship. I also liked Shen Yi Chen. I recognised the actor when I saw his face & birthmark on his ear. He was in Wen Rou Ye Gu starring Wang Chen Peng & Zhai Xin Ran.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 main types of antagonists in this drama: the green tea who is envious of FL and the military government. There was too much screen time given to the green tea that I lost interest in her third attempt to harm FL. I don't understand why she had such power over a group of military officers when she was a mere civilian. That final standoff was just silly but I was delighted with how her character was wrapped up. Now the military government arc had so much potential but was underdeveloped. A pity!
2. Length - The running time is close to 3.5 hours and for me, some parts were draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed & certain sub-plot were further developed.
3. Spice - I am complaining about the lack of spice. There were too many near-kiss moments that I got frustrated. With that extra long running time, they could have had 1 or 2 spicy scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL fought a group of zombies at the start of the drama

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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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Family is core theme of this drama

I came across this drama as I browsed Zhang Chu Xuan's list of dramas on Chinesemov.com The title intrigued me so I decided to watch last week. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The introduction was amusing. I liked how FL decided to turn around the character that she inhabited. She's smart & compassionate so that changed people's perception of her. I also enjoyed her scenes as family provider.
2. Family theme - I loved that family is core theme in this drama. A few scenes were touching.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the three brothers & FL's daughter in law. It's wonderful that they were given arcs for character growth. Anyway that milk scene was funny because it backfired.
4. Styling - Loved the vibrant clothes worn by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Zhang Tian Jing - I understand that his character doesn't have a lot of scenes but I found him lacking screen presence. His performance was underwhelming for me.
2. Romance - It is subtle but due to the lack of chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Zhang Tian Jing, it seemed unnecessary to have romantic interest.

Favourite scene
When the youngest son defended FL from a bully & his father

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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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I liked secondary couple more than main couple

I am a fan of Huang Bo. I watched this drama on 16 February 2025 but forgot to write a review until today when I am doing homework on his dramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was determined to make his marriage work after he had time for his personal life. He respected his wife. Huang Bo looked dashing in a SWAT uniform.
2. Supporting characters - I really like FL's best friend as she was spunky. I was intrigued by ML's brother from very first moment he appeared. It's good to see that he had his own arc. FL's senior doctor colleague was memorable & a good rival to ML.
3. Romance - Sweet romance once the awkwardness was gone. A lot of caress and hand holding. It's also cool that there is secondary romance story in this drama. They were so adorable.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I wasn't fond of ML for leaving his bride for work immediately after wedding & no communication until 3 years had passed. He never apologised for this action.
2. FL characterisation - I found her too timid for my liking. Her character wasn't memorable. I only remember she attended to husband's wound in the middle of hospital hallway.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival was annoying and unbelievable. How could she become a medical intern / officer with that reckless behaviour? There was also another woman who thought she should be ML's wife.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie met ML's brother

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ML who never gave up on true love

This was one of the earliest vertical dramas I watched when I first discovered them back in December 2024. I found this drama through a playlist of Han Jia Hui's dramas. It took me awhile to track info for this drama to be submitted as New Title. Delighted this MDL page is live because this drama is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Pregnancy - In most vertical dramas, unplanned pregnancy happens after a one-night stand, be it sober or intoxicated. It's different in this drama - the child was actually a product of love.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that ML never gave up in his search to find his true love even after many years of no contact. He was smart and had good instincts.
3. FL characterisation - It's wonderful that FL fight back against office bully. She is without flaw but I understand her reason for leaving ML after his surgery.
4. Romance - I loved the love story between ML and FL. There was love, passion and desire from both sides.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by FL and her daughter. Beautiful and sensible clothes for leisure and for work.
6. Supporting character - FL's daughter is so adorable. She does resemble Li Zhuo Yao. FL's best friend is a great friend.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Green tea just obsessed at becoming Mrs Ji because of status. She's vicious for using FL's daughter to threat FL.
2. Secrets - I wish FL had just told ML about her identity and their kid sooner. The lack of honest communication and red herring made FL an easy target for the green tea.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL's daughter from being abducted

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There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama really focuses on the relationship between FL and ML. It is a slow burn but rich romance. They went into a marriage of convenience but I like how FL was open to affection and physical touch even though she was shy about kissing at first. I enjoy the chemistry (both acting & visual) between Guo Yu Xin and Chen Zheng Yang. There are at least 2 times that Guo Yu Xin’s ears turned red - was she cold or shy filming certain scenes with Chen Zheng Yang?
2. ML characterisation - I must say ML is the star of this drama. He is mature, emotionally stable and attentive to the needs of his partner. What I like most about him is his empathy. I was touched by his reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance. They both sought comfort in each other. Chen Zheng Yang truly excelled in this role.
3. FL characterisation - There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength. She understands her self-worth, that’s an attribute I like about her. She cares for people who are genuinely concerned about her and if people treat her badly, then she gives similar kind of treatment to that group of people. Guo Yu Xin was great in portraying an intricate character.
4. Supporting characters - I love FL’s grandpa because he genuinely cares for FL. The actor was very good. ML’s assistant was a delight to watch as well.
5. Styling - I love the clothes worn by FL especially the traditional wedding dress. Exquisite beadwork. In this drama, Chen Zheng Yang wore a lot of wide leg pants and clunky shoes. I love seeing him in white suit because his outfit matched Guo Yu Xin’s white qipao.
6. Cinematography - Just beautiful!

What I disliked
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL’s father is a scumbag for treating his daughters as commodities. He even drugged his daughters and suitors to increase chances of marriage deals. Song Ziyan was petulant while Jiang Fei, his ex girlfriend was despicable.
2. Extras - There is a scene in which cleaners gossip about FL and ML. One cleaner wore stilettos which led to my surprise. Maybe extras could wear any shoes they wanted.

Favourite scene
ML’s reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance

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Transactional relationship turned into love

I adored Liu Yi Fan in her drama with Wang Bing Xiang. I liked Wang Zilin in another drama in which he played a blind ML. Overall it was an enjoyable watch for me but I prefer other transactional relationahip-turned-love drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was attracted to FL from the first moment he saw her. Their relationship was transactional at the start but slowly progressed into love. However Liu Yi Fan seemed skittish during kissing scenes. I didn't get the natural chemistry between her and Wang Zi Lin.
2. Styling - I am fascinated by Wang Zi Lin's beautifully styled hair.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend the doctor even though he didn't stick to doctor-patient confidentiality.
4. Art - The embroidery and painting work done by FL were so adorable.
5. FL characterisation - It's great to see FL who wasn't intimidated by silly green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were many in this drama. (i) FL's ex was so nosy and clearly disrespectful to her, (ii) colleague was delusional despite being told off, (iii) former arranged fiancée of ML was shameless, and last but not least ML's mother.

Favourite scene
When they played spin the soup spoon game

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Good looking couple in underdeveloped romance

I watched this drama months ago and forgot about it until I checked Chen Gang's playlist. I watched it second time few days ago and submitted this drama as New Title so I can write a review. Have to say that this drama is forgettable.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Chu Xuan wore pretty outfits and I loved the biker look at the start of drama. I liked Chen Gang's paisley tie. Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Gang are good looking.
2. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Chen Gang and Wei Ruo Chen did good with the given script despite the horrible writing. However Zhang Chu Xuan's voice sounded different.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - Trigger warning: This drama has scenes of someone physically abusing elderly. Plenty of slapping too.
2. Antagonists - SFL looked like Wang Yun Yun / Cai Cai Yun. Anyway SFL is evil.
3. Romance - Severely underdeveloped. With less than 20 minutes to the end, I still didn't buy that FL had feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to help ML with change of bandage

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Great chemistry, well-written plot and beautiful aesthetics

I enjoy Cheng Cheng and Shi Tong's acting and to my surprise, they acted together in this drama. Apparently this drama is a remake of '52 lovers in 4 years' plot. I believe the first version starred Du Ya Fei and Zhang Jin Yi, the fourth version starred Zhang Bei Xi and Liu Ying, and this Cheng Cheng- Shi Tong drama is the fifth version. I watched the fourth and fifth versions and I like this drama way more than the fourth version.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's smart and self-reliant. I loved that FL is a Chinese Opera Singer who uses a public persona when she works. Shi Tong knows how to choose roles and so far I have enjoyed most of her dramas.
2. Romance - Spicy and sweet. That first intimate scene was hot and I liked how FL acted the morning after. I also loved that they shared a passion in Chinese Opera. I also liked that ML confessed his feelings to FL at 70% mark of the drama.
3. ML characterisation - Oh dear, Cheng Cheng played another mob boss. Good thing this character is different from the other mob bosses that he has played. This one is the most violent. Anyway I liked that ML is supportive of FL's decisions.
4. Styling - This drama was set in Chinese Republican era and the styling was so fabulous! I loved the outfits worn by both FL & ML. My favourite of FL's outfit is the black dress with scallop neckline paired. The hats were beautiful.
5. Supporting character - Loved ML's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's arranged fiancé and his mother are just despicable. However I enjoyed their arc because there was emotional connection between ML and the antagonists.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL from being attacked by her arranged fiancé

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Concise and compact, wonderfully written drama

I added this drama to my playlist about 2 months ago after watching another Ma Xiao Yu's drama. I was intrigued because the drama title said "domineering female CEO" and "her personal male servant". I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked that the drama is concise and compact. ML's love rival was a nice touch! Both main characters & nosy colleague were well written. The plot twist was wonderfully done.
2. Directing - This drama has different style in comparison to other Chinese vertical dramas. It is whimsical and quirky with a scene that reminds me of Hong Kong film, Fallen Angel.
3. Acting - Cai Yan Jing & Ma Xiao Yu were impressive in their roles. I used to think that MXY couldn't excel in Mr Nice Guy role. Oh I was wrong!

What I disliked:
1. Fictional character - I was confused about the famous fictional character because I didn't see any similarity between the character and ML.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for the deception.

Favourite scene
When ML met his father

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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Jiejie romance that would have been great if there were real kisses

Older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope so I was intrigued by this drama. I was unfamiliar with both the main actor & main actress. The drama was a satisfying watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, attractive and confident and Dai Qi Xuan played this role very well. I will definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a lost puppy who hides his inner dobermann. I liked him better once his secret identity was out. I liked Zhou Ling Feng's acting and hope to easily find his dramas online.
3. Styling - FL seemed to don an avant garde fashion. Her neon green gloves and oversized white hat definitely grabbed my attention. I liked ML's styling as it gave edgy allure to his character.
4. Supporting characters - I found the backstory of FL's stylist fascinating! ML's half brother was also an intriguing character.
5. Romance - Great mix of push and pull between FL & ML. You can tell that they love each other. There was also a hint of secondary romance in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - Sadly the kisses were shot at angle that made them look like fake kissing. Despite that, I must say the chemistry was definitely there between Dai Qi Xuan and Zhou Ling Feng.
2. Backstory - I want to know more about FL's stylist backstory!
3. Deceit - I found the lie FL told to ML about her engagement was too elaborate. Pity ML.

Favourite scene
FL was hospitalised and realised how important ML to her

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Kisses everywhere indeed

As user Lindaseton mentioned in her review, there are, at the time of this review, four versions of this story. Version 1 starring Wang Zhao Yang & Guo Jing, version 2 starring Zhao Guan Yu & Zhang Shan, version 3 starring Wang Ying Jie & Shi Tong, version 4 starring Song Yubo & Wei fanshu. I watched version 2 (this version) first. I have watched Zhang Shan dramas in the past but Zhao Guan Yu was new to me. What a mighty fine introduction!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, Zhao Guan Yu is the finest stud in vertical dramaland. The kisses between him and Zhang Shan were blazing hot. I echo what is said by a YouTube user - "They bless my eyes with so much intimate scenes. I love it!"
2. FL characterisation - Smart, confident, self-sufficient - all the qualities I like in FL.
3. Styling - Love the hairstyling & outfits worn by FL. Gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. FL ex husband - He is the stupidest husband ever for agreeing to be cuckold. Double standard - he has no right to be jealous!
2. Mistress arc - Gosh she annoyed me so much that I felt like slapping her. I wish she was given less screen time.
3. ML's grandpa - OMG the twist!
4. Relationship - It's great that ML supported FL by investigating her ex's family. However I wish there were more scenes that focused on their growing emotional connection. Something that would be unique to them i.e. not related to FL's family problems.

Favourite scene
ML answered FL's phone when she was in the shower

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