emberzmars

Outrageous plot, underdeveloped story but Ma Qian Huan made me plough through

This drama dropped last weekend and I watched on the same day as its release. I am a new fan of Ma Qian Huan and this drama's short length fueled my excitement. I was entertained despite the flaw.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Lust, lust, lust - their relationship was very physical because of an itch that FL needed to scratch. There were 2 memorable spicy scenes.
2. Plot - Outrageous but I liked it. It's a story that requires viewers to turn their brains off because some parts did not make sense.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the assistants of both FL & ML. They were loyal & amusing.
4. Styling - Whoever thought of putting MQH in a maid's outfit should get a bonus. He also looked damn handsome in black tanktop & a bathrobe with a chunky necklace.
5. Length - Drama is only 100 minutes and easy to follow.

Disliked:
1. Main characters - Underdeveloped. I found FL bland and ML too accommodating like his only purpose was just to be a plaything and FL's lifesaver.
2. Romance - I felt their romance lacked substance. ML did a lot for FL and their relationship. I understand if FL felt undeserving due to her upbringing but she could have said it instead of being wishy-washy.
3. Antagonists - Evil father & stepmother. ML's uncle arc was quite weak.

Favourite scene
When ML had to be FL's antidote while they were on an uninhabited island.

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Healthy relationship with lotsa spice & sweetness

I discovered this drama when I was updating Xue Zi Qi's list of dramas a few days ago. I liked her in two dramas in which she played dominant FLs. I also liked Fang Zheng Nan's acting. After watching many duds, I decided to watch this drama and yay, I enjoyed it immensely. This is my favourite role played by Xue Zi Qi.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is told from his perspective and it's refreshing. I liked that he worked hard to make FL happy. I also liked that he set boundaries with SFL and made her pay for the bad things she did in his past life.
2. FL characterisation - She was very cool. Despite the tomboyish nature, she did embrace femininity by through shoes, handbags & pedicure. I loved that she was a black belt holder in taekwondo.
3. Romance - They are a healthy couple who communicates regularly. It's wonderful to see that they love each other for who they are. The kisses are hot and ML had a foot fetish (don't blame him because Xue Zi Qi is tall for a FL)! There was a great balance of spicy and sweet.
4. Comedy - I wasn't expecting that many comedic moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents. Their friend Susan and her partner were good too.
6. Styling - I loved the matching couple's outfit. Xue Zi Qi looked gorgeous in shorts - she is leggy.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL who was ML's colleague was annoying. She saw ML as her cash cow but when ML rejected her, she claimed she didn't want him but was still interfering in his life.
2. Duration - The drama was close to 3 hours and I found certain parts were draggy. I didn't pay attention to those scenes.
3. Secret - I wish ML had told FL that he was terminally ill before rebirth. I also wondered if he managed to escape the terminal illness post-rebirth.

Favourite scene
Taekwondo sparring

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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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Plenty of kisses, affections and likeable leads in this story of longtime crush

I decided to watch this drama after reading positive review on sub-reddit CShortDramas. Both Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin were unfamiliar to me. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this story - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FL is shy or skittish with ML for a long time. I liked that Jin Wu was quick to accept ML's feelings for her and then reciprocated his love. Awesome doctor as well.
2. Romance - This is a romance-heavy drama and I love it! Plenty of kisses and affections between the couple. I liked that their relationship was harmonious right from the start - no misunderstanding / assumptions, no fighting / no playing hard to get.
3. ML characterisation - Duan Shi Yan was a total green flag character. A devoted partner who isn't intimidated by a career-focused woman. He pined over FL for many years but never aggressive in his wooing. He respected her by giving her the power to decide when they should have sex.
4. Acting - First time watching Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin's acting and I liked it very much. They had great chemistry too.
5. Styling - I loved FL's red dress!
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's family (grandma, parents) for being so welcoming towards FL. ML's friends were a good bunch too. I also liked patient An An and ML's dog

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex who is the SML was despicable - expecting a child with his mistress whilst on romantic relationship with FL. Another person I disliked is FL's mother. She was selfish, insecure & status hungry she was willing to sacrifice FL's happiness.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL acting drunk & dizzy in front of his friends

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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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Amnesia, reconciliation and ML's character growth are the essence of this drama

I watched this drama during the early months of vertical drama exploration. I think I chose this drama because of the amnesia trope.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked him at first because he was cold, distant & aggressive towards his wife. Then his personality changed after the car accident. He became charming & serious about his marriage. I also liked that he set boundaries against the green tea.
2. Romance - Mostly sweet & tender moments with ML trying to win over FL's heart. I liked their dynamics since they worked together to punish ML's brother.
3. Acting - I enjoyed the acting of Qiao Jia Le & Zhang Xing Yao. Both of them had great chemistry and I hope to watch them collab again the future.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for being on FL's side.
5. Tone - I enjoyed this lighthearted drama. I also liked that this drama was under 1 hour 45 minutes.
6. Styling - I loved FL's makeup because it looked natural. I am big fan of peter pan collar so that blue '80s inspired blazer was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents & brother were horrible people. Green tea was narcissist & delusional - ML clearly stated that he's married. Office bullying is not cool.
2. Threat - I hate it when ML of vertical drama threatens a character to be sent to Africa as punishment.

Favourite scene
When ML tried to be intimate after drinking soup

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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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The rebirth of ML and his pursuit of revenge. Wish there were more romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit friend. I had watched Xue Zi Qi as SFL but this is my first drama with her as FL. Overall I liked this drama though I wish for more.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - I liked that ML was more nurturing, househusband type while FL was influential CEO.
2. Romance - Clearly FL was more into ML in the relationship. Overall sweet romance. XZQ is a good kisser though I wish there were more kissing scenes.
3. Reborn - This is my first ML reborn drama and I enjoyed it. It's interesting to see ML seeking revenge for bad treatment he got in past life.
4. Styling - I loved XZQ's hairstyle - the shorter above shoulder cut suits her! I also loved her dresses & hats.

What I disliked:
1 . Antagonists - Typical antagonist - jealous family members. I doubled the speed when their scenes took place because they were nothing new.
2. Revenge - I found the arc draggy because a lot of yapping. Wish there was more romance scenes.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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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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FL's infatuation with ML overshadows the main story. Wasted potential

I watched this drama within the first 3 days of its release. I am a fan of Li Ke Yi and still warming up to Yao Guan Yu. As usual, I go into newly released vertical dramas blindly without knowing synopsis. Started off great but halfway through I started to lose interest. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - It's wonderful to see revenge drama from the perspective of ML. He has an interesting back story.
2. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL and ML although because of FL's infatuation, I couldn't see their relationship going serious and for long term.
3. Antagonist - I like male antagonist's arc because it has substance.
4. Duration - I liked that drama is less than 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. FL's characterisation - Her infatuation with ML is a hindrance to ML's investigation and overall affects the effectiveness of its storytelling. I could barely remember ML's arc because of the FL-ML dynamic. I wish writer had made her an assertive character who didn't behave like a high school girl.
2. Special ability - Oh how I wished writer had focused more on FL's special ability. This could have been a mystery sci-fi drama.
3. Intimacy - That final intimacy scene felt like a coercion. Is that the best way to jog one's memory?
4. Styling - What's up with the wig? Did Li Ke Yi have different hairstyle for another drama?

Favourite scene
When antagonist discovered FL's special ability

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Second chance romance with sexy ML & wise daughter

I watched this drama because a reddit user requested for a link to the drama. I thought Wei Fan Shu resembled Gina Jin in the poster. I had watched her drama with Huang Bo just a few days ago and enjoyed her acting. I had not seen any Nie Bo Xuan drama so I got curious. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a sweetheart. He was dumped by FL but his love ran deep. Instead of enacting revenge, he supported FL by the sideline. I liked that he listened to her and was respectful of her decisions even though he didn't necessarily agree with them.
2 FL characterisation - Overall I liked FL despite her not being truthful. It was a defense mechanism. Anyway my favourite moment of her character is when she questioned Vice President's announcement of best employee award winner. In other dramas, someone else raised concern, never FL.
3. Romance - This is a second chance romance and the reconciliation did take time. I liked ML's subtle moves especially when they stayed over at his grandma's house. I loved that ML wanted to talk about their relationship. That scene of them playing pool was emotional and sensual.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Nie Bo Xuan's acting & aura in this drama. The child actress who played their daughter was awesome.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by the cast. Wei Fan Shu was very pretty in this drama.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the daughter, ML's assistant (his inner monologues were too funny) and ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was manipulative and envious. Hated her for wanting to harm a child.
2. FL's action - I didn't like that she kept her daughter's identity from ML for too long especially after ML had proven that he's on her side.

Favourite scene
When ML spoke French to FL and then FL responded to the crowd

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A story about a female pilot: her career struggles and romantic relationships

I watched this drama on 3 June after dropping another drama of Han Jia Hui, which had too much negativity in the first 40 minutes. Love at 30,000 feet was an enjoyable watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It is sad that she never sought promotion because of then boyfriend but I was delighted that she pursued her dream of becoming the first female pilot for that specific aircraft. I liked her confidence and determination. It's wonderful to see Han Jia Hui in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He's such a sweetheart. It was my first time watching Zhang Xuan. I'll definitely watch his other dramas.
3. Romance - Overall sweet and slow burn. ML knew when he could be playful with FL but without going over the boundary.
4. PSA - There was a great scene involving the police. I loved it when the officer stated "whether you've broken up or not, forcing a woman to have sex is rape." Such a powerful line.
5. Supporting characters - It's wonderful to see FL getting recognition from her colleagues especially after she was promoted to captain. I like her first officer. Oh I liked ML's family too - they were supportive of him and his relationship.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's ex for stopping her from promotion request and for cheating on her but then claimed that he had always loved her. Despite that, he was remorseful of his action towards the end of the drama. I was impressed by the performance from the actor playing second male lead. Back to antagonists, SFL was extremely irritating and dangerous. Wouldn't she be considered a terrorist for that action she made in the third act?
2. Fat suit - That was the most horrible fat suit I have seen on short dramas. Maybe there was a budget constraint but my gosh, his face makeup was too obvious even on 360p video quality.
3. Aviation errors - I love aviation so certain parts were too illogical. How could former staff have easy access to aircraft servicing & ATC tower?

Favourite scene
The assault and police arrival

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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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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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