emberzmars

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

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Steamy start but FL didn't put much effort in her relationship with ML & the kids

I got to know this drama from my reddit friend the week of Halloween. The last time I watched short dramas that feature a mermaid / merman was back in May so I was excited. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements like the appearance of ML's scales, tail and gills.
2. Kisses - Good kissing scenes. That opening scene was hot.
3. Styling - I liked the matching outfits they wore - the black business casual when ML showed dowry for FL and the white casual outfits when ML offered shoulder massage.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the twins. They always planned dates for their parents. I also liked ML's butler / subordinate.
5. Styling - I liked the merman outfit + VFX for merman scenes. I also liked FL's businesswear.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - They didn't spend a lot of time together and they always bickered & had misunderstandings. I felt FL didn't make much effort in their marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was too focused on her career and her stepmother - I found her unlikeable.
3. Antagonists - SML was interested in the study of mermaids. I hated him for abducting the kids to lure ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Opportunistic FL who felt guilty after duping ML. The drama moved me to tears!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked in her drama playlist on youtube and found this drama. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting so I decided to watch. Wow oh wow, I was so moved by the performance that I cried. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Comedic start which I found refreshing. As drama progressed, the series became dramatic but overall I felt warm throughout the drama.
2. FL characterisation - OMG, she was smart & opportunistic but so likeable. She felt guilty and conflicted for duping ML and that's why I liked the character. There was growth.
3. ML characterisation - OMG, he figured out early. I liked that he was smart, kind & forgiving. I loved that he confronted FL's best friend for her selfish action.
4. Romance - So warm even when the relationship was fake. Their kisses were hot - I could sense desire, love & mutual attraction from both leads. I
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant & the kids.
6. Retribution - OMG I loved how they thought ML's mother a lesson on humility.
7. Styling - Great styling. I loved the opening scene which had FL giving styling tips.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Secretary was nosy, snobbish & condescending. I also disliked her for crossing the boss-employee line just because of her status. I also disliked ML's mother for her snobbery.
2. ML's action - I wish he had fired his secretary immediately after the interview fiasco.
3. FL's best friend - She was nice but an opportunist. She took advantage of FL and ML's kindness.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed her dupe to ML

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Jiejie romance meets legal case. Unfamiliar leads but good performance & storytelling

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope and I dead positive reviews about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so I was excited to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling - I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tropes - Jiejie romance meets legal case. There are a few vertical dramas that use these tropes but everytime it has a different storyline. Good amount of screentime & storytelling for those arcs.
2. Romance - I liked romance development even though it started with a one-night stand. Fun to watch the playful banters.
3. Dynamics - It was great to see interactions between ML and his uncle. I also enjoyed watching the dynamics between the uncle and FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's uncle Inspector Fu (Du Yao was fantastic in this role). FL's younger brother & FL's bestie were great addition to the drama.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits especially that lime green business suit.
6. FL characterisation - I enjoyed the part where she told ML about her journey to become a lawyer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - There was only a minor baddie in this drama which was FL's boss. He was handsy with FL and constantly harrassed FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother found out that ML was dating his sister

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I loved ML's hairstyle in this time travel drama

I have to be honest - I am not a fan of Peng Yao's acting. I usually skip her dramas but this one caught my attention for two reasons: an unfamiliar actor in blonde / silver wig and a short running time. I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a great but a sad start. It definitely made me want to continue watching this drama.
2. Romance - This is a slowburn romance. I liked that FL didn't explicitly mentioned to ML that she came from the future. Since ML was young and a stranger to FL at this time, FL tried her best to earn his trust. Good kissing scenes.
3. Styling - I really really liked Wang Nian Jiang Cheng's hair - the silver / platinum blonde looked great on him!
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandmother.
5. Duration - The running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Confession - A good scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - At times the pacing was slow so I increased the speed during those scenes.

Favourite scene
When ML went to FL and kissed her

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Offbeat comedy with wonderful performances but no romance

I added this drama to my playlist a few months ago when I was perusing the work of Zhao Mu Yan. I had only watched a handful of Zuo Ming dramas and I liked his acting. I finally decided to watch this drama today and I enjoyed myself.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Offbeat. I was entertained even though slapstick isn't my type of comedy.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic as transmigrated Wang Ma who wanted to investigate her death. Good comedic timing. I also found ML hilarious thanks to Zuo Ming's good performance.
3. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between FL and ML. They were in an arranged marriage but ML slowly developed feelings for FL.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart but flawed which is acceptable. Her thoughts and comments were funny.
5. ML characterisation - Earnest himbo. Non-threatening CEO.
6. Final 15 minutes - The best part of the drama was when FL worked with her dad to catch the perpetrator.
7. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan was so adorable in maid uniform. The multiple leggings scene was hilarious.
8. Duration - I also liked that this drama is only 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't romance but there was a hint in the final 2 minutes. It is a shame because Zhao Mu Yan & Zuo Ming looked good together.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist found out that he had been framed by FL

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Affectionate main couple and fabulous outfits are reasons I enjoyed this drama immensely

I am preparing a reddit post about Zhao Mu Yan's dramas so I have been watching a lot of her dramas. I picked to watch this drama last Saturday because I also liked Zhang Chi. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was electric dynamic between them. Amazing kisses and intimate scenes. I also loved that they were tender and affectionate with each other. The cupboard scene was extremely sweet.
2. Styling - I loved, loved, loved FL's outfits. My favourite outfits from vertically-filmed historical dramas - I wish I could buy and wear them. I also liked ML's outfits - the navy and gold outfit with that top hat looked fabulous on Zhang Chi.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't clear about her motive in getting close to ML at first but later got the info when she mentioned antidote. I liked the allure exuded by her character.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was wary of FL and yet never strongly resisted FL's charms. He was a smart guy to cover FL's tracks once he figured something was off about her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's servant & ML's right hand man and the bodyguard / secret soldier.
6. Duration - I loved that this drama is under 125 minutes. It was an easy watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - He was selfish. I felt his arc was simple.
2. Ending - I didn't like the action taken by them then suddenly they were happy. Was that action a dream or real?

Favourite scene
When ML went to the cupboard

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FL disguised as a man + suspicious ML + infatuated SFL = a fun watch!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and while perusing her list of work on this website, I was intrigued by the synopsis and comments. I decided to watch it on a weeknight and my gosh I enjoyed the drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was excellent playing a woman disguising as a man. She nailed those comedic moments. She could pass as a pretty boy but her manicured nails were kinda obvious (albeit fabulous). Wang Jia Mao was great in his role as the intimidating Prime Minister. Chen Mu Ye was fantastic as the SFL too.
2. Dynamics - I loved watching the interactions between ML and disguised FL. I also enjoyed watching the Princess's infatuation with FL-incognito. These moments provided the comic relief.
3. FL characterisation - The reason why FL disguised herself as a man was explained and I thought it was plausible. She was smart and a quick thinker.
4. Romance - There was strong sexual tension between FL and ML. When they did get together, wow the tension was fueled by fire and heat. I also felt like FL and ML had a strong bond and understanding without spending too much time together. Their relationship was healthy.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML and SFL. The stylist was great at picking outfits that hid Zhao Mu Yan's femininity and gave more androgynous look. The makeup looked good too - not overly done on FL & SFL.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the Princess. She was adorable, confused but kind. I also liked ML's subordinate.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama is only 1 hour 46 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist arc wasn't fleshed out much. It felt forced because it was only given a spotlight in the last 20 minutes of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL was trying to hide from the Princess but at the same time, hide her secret from ML

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I felt they were miscast in this tale of arranged marriage between alpha FL & unserious ML

I recently noticed Cai Xin Yang after watching Wildfire by Daylight co-starring Shen Hao Nan. This drama is another version of Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan starring Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang. I am familiar with the storyline and enjoy Shi Tong's acting so with this pairing, I got curious and watched it. I liked it but prefer Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan.

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - Damn he was hot in this drama. Funny that he played a man child who became a flirty lover.
2. Romance - Their banter at the start was amusing. Once they were intimate, their romance was hot and affectionate. Great kissing moments.
3. Supporting characters - ML’s friends were more involved in the couple's life through work.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML. Stylist was on point with ML's outfits as Cai Xin Yang got to flaunt his toned abs & arms.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was jealous of her so always scheming to bring her down.
2. Casting - While I liked both Shi Tong & Cai Xin Yang individually, I thought they didn't really fit the roles. FL was alpha and I couldn't see Shi Tong as an alpha opposite giant & toned Cai Xin Yang. Bai Xue Ru - Zhang Yi Yang had better acting and visual chemistry.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL at his birthday party

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Great performances by the leads but the constant push was tiresome after awhile

I was in the mood for Ji Jun Liang drama after being reminded of his campus drama with Liu Xi Yu & Li Sheng Jie. I decided on this drama because it was said to have steamy kisses. I liked the drama although Chasing Routine is a more superior drama to this one.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ji Jun Liang & Tan Qi Qi were great in their roles, individually and as a couple. There were a lot of push dynamics here because FL was letdown by ML but JJL was great at bringing pull dynamics. There were scenes that almost made me cry.
2. Romance - There were ups and downs in their marriage. Even though FL was utterly disappointed by ML's inaction at the start, I think her love for him never extinguished.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie, older sister-in-law, ML's bestie, friend and FL's housekeeper.
4. ML characterisation - He was flawed but I liked his character. He wasn't a bad guy, he just made a bad decision that cost him his marriage. He looked remorseful when he found out about FL's feeling of being letdown. I also liked him for removing himself from a toxic environment.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that FL stood up for herself and told ML she wanted to put her needs first. I also liked that she didn't give in to ML easily. Definitely loved her when she fought against bullies.
6. Styling - JJL looked handsome with and without shirts.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jin Mei Mei was pathetic for wanting ML despite being married to another man. ML's grandparents were atrocious.
2. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 40 minutes long. I found some of the quarrelling too draggy. I wish FL had been frank & just told ML about her real feelings.
3. Ending - It ended abruptly. I wanted a proper reconciliation with dates & grovelling.

Favourite scene
When ML finally learned the truth about the kidnapping

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Pleasantly surprised by the tone, main characters (Huang Bo played green flag ML) and the romance

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and he has collaborated with Liu Mei Na at least twice. I have watched their drama and liked their chemistry. So I decided to watch this drama a few days ago. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I didn't expect comedy at all looking at the long running time. There were plenty of comedic moments. I particularly enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML's assistant whenever ML requested for something that was against his usual behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - Multi-hyphenated FL: acupuncturist / healer, hacker, accomplished pianist. I liked her personality - sensible, smart & not easily bullied.
3. ML characterisation - He was relaxed. I liked it that he never intervene was FL was bullied - he knew FL could handle those problems on her own. I also liked that he encouraged FL to make her own decisions and never exerted his own opinions unless asked by her.
4. Romance - He fell first. I found it cute that ML asked FL to call him Gege. I liked that he longed for FL's love and affection but never forced her to do so. There was trust and a lot of communication and sweetness in their relationship.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for always having concern for FL. He never wanted FL to be bullied. I also liked ML's buddies.
6. Acting - Great performances by Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. I enjoyed seeing Huang Bo in green flag characters.
7. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. The dress worn by both FL and SFL at the piano competition were pretty too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible especially the mother-daughter combo. Si Qian Qian's scheming got tiresome.
2. Casting - I felt that FL's stepmother was miscast. The actress who played the stepmother looked like a woman in late 20s / early 30s - too young to be someone with an adult child.
3. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 45 minutes. Delighted that there were good arcs of FL, ML and their romance but the scheming could be cut short.

Favourite scene
When FL woke up from sleepwalking

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Determind FL, sizzling chemistry & ML with fabulous abs - what's not to like?

I had seen a short behind the scene clip of Qian Zhe and Meng Na but I wasn't sure if it was from the earlier collab drama that they did. It turned out to be for this drama. I am a fan of Qian Zhe's acting and must say I like this collab between him and Meng Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was allure in their first encounter. The tango was sexy even though less fluid movements. There were great spicy and sweet moments between FL and ML. I loved their second dance, which they did in private.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in ensuring her father's patent not going to the wrong hands. She was smart to seek alliance.
3. ML characterisation - Tactical & resourceful. I liked that he genuinely wanted to help FL.
4. Styling - FL's engagement dress had a gothic feel. I liked! I also liked ML's outfits.
5. Rival arc - Riveting! I like the rivalry in business, sibling & love.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother, FL's father.
7. Duration - This drama is less than 2 hours. A plus point for me as I struggle with dramas longer than 2.5 hours.
8. Acting - I finally found a Meng Na drama that I liked! Enjoyed her performance here and she had great chemistry with Qian Zhe, I enjoyed his performance here too as there was a moment of vulnerability shown there.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I found ML's assistant a bit handsy. She went over the boundary. ML's brother was power hungry. FL's cousin was envious. ML's ex fiancée was annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML who was pretending to be vegetative

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Bold opening scene, fiery kisses & sizzling chemistry the reasons I enjoyed this drama very much

I am a fan of Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu's acting. When this drama was released, I clicked to see what is the drama about? Wow, the first three minutes was shocking. I thought it was another version of The Bright Moon so I continued to watch. It isn't but to my surprise, I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Opening - Damn, the opening scene was blazing hot. FL was bold! Certainly unforgettable!
2. Romance - Desire was apparent for both of them but lust soon became love. I enjoyed watching their dynamics - they did not know that they needed each other until some time later. There was care & affection.
3. FL characterisation - I pity her being trapped in that situation but she was determined & smart. Good thing she hired a bodyguard to protect her.
4. Revenge - I liked that there were two revenge plans. I also enjoyed the gang/turf fight mini arc.
5. ML characterisation - He was smart & tactical. I liked the soft side he showed to FL.
6. Acting - Great performances by Shi Yue Yue, Jin Jia Yu and the actor who played antagonist. I also loved the chemistry between Shi Yue Yue and Jin Jia Yu - I was captivated whenever both characters appeared on screen.
7. Styling - Shi Yue Yue was gorgeous in the red dress! Overall I liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's father was creepy. FL's aunt & stepmother were a suspicious bunch.

Favourite scene
Opening

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I liked the Ruo Chen pairing in this family drama

"Double Ruo Chens!", was my first thought when I first saw the drama poster. I am a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting and I like Wei Ruo Chen's facecard - his dramas can be a hit or a miss! I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved Su Mo Ran’s sassiness and confidence, especially in the forced engagement scene. She wasn't easily intimidated - she snapped back at Feng Yi Yin & ML's sister on the spot.
2. Romance - I also liked how FL-ML romance developed - I did not expect ML to make a move so soon. There were a few good kisses and romantic moments.
3. Supporting characters - Oh, their daughter An An was adorable and delightfully cheeky, just like her mum! I also liked ML's grandmother and parents. They had empathy and did not believe the accusation made by Feng Yi Yin.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was not hung up on having relationship with "An An's" birth mother. He was skeptical with FL's presence around his daughter but that didn't stay long.
5. Kidnapping - Hahaha I didn't expect that person to be kidnapped.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast led by the charming Zhang Ruo Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feng Yi Yin was delusional & dangerous. She harmed An An! I also disliked FL's father, mother and stepsister.
2. ML's sister - Spoilt brat that acted like a petulant child.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate after their marriage

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Touching story about neighbours-turned-friends-turned lovers going on weight loss challenge

I was apprehensive about this drama because it is about a fat girl. However I watched it because I am a fan of both Liu Xi Yu and Ma Shi Yao and the short running time. I watched it on youtube and I believe drama is less than 2 hours long. I enjoyed this drama!

Trigger warning: Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Fat main character - A lot of the vertical dramas with a fat main character tend to use different actresses for "before" and "after" weight loss scenes. I believe the producer made a good call to get LXY & MSY to wear fat suits instead. What worked (for me) was the motivation and the journey of weight loss.
2. Romance - This drama explores friends-to-lovers trope. I liked it because they went on a weight loss journey together, discovered each other's inner strength and fell in love.
3. FL characterisation - She was very endearing. I liked her spirit and enthusiasm once she set a goal.
4. ML characterisation - He fell hard for her. I was moved that he tried to earn as much as he could so he could support FL with her goal. I also liked that he was a nice guy - he intervened when FL had a tough time.
5. Public opinion - In one of the scenes, there was a rumour that affected FL's reputation. I liked that crowd who gathered near FL & ML took their side instead of the rumourmonger's side.
6. Vlog - I enjoyed these scenes. I also liked that the characters talked about income from sponsored ads / product placement.
7. Acting - LXY & MSY did a great job in their roles. I was moved by their characters' actions and felt warm throughout the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His motives were unclear but I think he liked having one person who knew him and dote on him. He sabotaged FL's health challenge - he was selfish.
2. Moments - I wish there was one more episode to show us moments of FL & ML doing lovey-dovey stuff as a couple. That kiss was not enough!

Favourite scene
When ML stopped FL from committing suicide

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