emberzmars

Brilliantly written revenge story about two sisters with strong performances from the cast

This drama went on my radar when I started fancying Zhao Ting Yi after watching him in Nanny, Don't Flee! I finally got around to watching the drama last weekend and wow, I was very impressed by the quality of this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was tactical, confident and sassy and I loved it! She gave off this siren vibe with her attitude and penchant for red dresses. I also liked seeing the character growth.
2. Writing - Damn, I loved these lines 'Ambition isn't bad but does your competence match your ambition?' and 'I dressed for myself not for a man'! That clapback scene with bored, rich housewives was brilliant. The dialogue about class difference when FL & ML were in the car. Another highlight is the hospital scene when the secret was unveiled to ML.
3. Romance - I liked that FL chased ML with a string of dates that teased their age difference. There were good kisses but no steamy scenes. Well I saw them as "life partners" supporting each other's needs. Mature relationship.
4. ML characterisation - New money but he always remembered his humble beginnings which I liked a lot. He was an astute observer, noticing something amiss with FL but never pushed her to tell him until she was ready. He was also very patient - gosh imagine having to deal with bratty manchild.
5. Acting - Great performances by Deng Ling Shu, Zhao Ting Yi, Jiang Wu Han, Huang Xing Rao and Yu Xiang Ying. I did, however, wish Deng Ling Shu to up the ante during two scenes: the conversation about class difference when they were in the car, and the hospital scene when the secret was out.
6. Revenge arc - FL's revenge plan was well thought out. However for me, it was great to see main character having conflicted feelings after revenge plan was successfully executed. She started to see ML more than just a tool.
7. Family - This is the core theme of the drama from FL and SFL tumultuous relationship to FL's sickly mother and ML's rotten son. I liked that different dynamics were explored in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, manipulative and ungrateful. I couldn't believe she was willing to do such things to her adopted family who treated her well. SML (ML's son) was greedy and moronic. The type of person who thought he could get away with this just because his father was wealthy and influential.

Favourite scene
The hospital scene when the secret was accidentally unveiled to ML

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When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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Heartwarming & hilarious tale about raising an instant family

I am a fan of He Cong Rui and Xu Meng Yuan's acting. This drama has been in my plan to watch list for 2 months. I decided to watch today on my iQiyi app because I am preparing a reddit post for the upcoming Father's day.

What I liked:
1. The kids - OMG the kids caused such a ruckus. The boy Pei Wuyou is a smartass. The girl Pei Wulv is less talkative but when the two are up to no good, they are too much to handle.
2. Writing - There are so many laugh out loud moments. There are many warm, tender, tearjerker moments too. My favourite is when the boy stated the differences in how he was treated by his "biological" mother vs how he was treated by FL.
3. Acting - Wonderful performances by the cast as this series has both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. FL characterisation - It's great to see hardworking FL who cares for the family she raised.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's & FL's best friends for dispensing sound advice to both of them. His parents were a fun bunch.
6. Romance - Even though there are only 2 kissing scenes, their romantic journey was a delight to watch. They started of as married strangers then became co-parents and then partners for life. I think their love language is acts of service.
7. Pacing - 99 episodes went by so fast. Good pacing but the last 4 episodes were too fast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's ex wife wasn't punished for her threats & false claims. There is season 2 of this series so I hope she got comeuppance.

Favourite scene
When FL was heartbroken to find out that the Peis lied to her.

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The blood testing

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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.

Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days

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Love, lust and lifetime are three words I'd use to describe this romance drama

I still remember the date I watched this drama - 8 January 2025 - because I felt like it was a perfect dream. I watched this at random when I saw it on my Youtube dashboard. After completing this drama, I have watched 2 more versions (Qiao Jia Le as ML & Wang Nan as ML), this version is my favourite that I watch on repeat. 'Tempting Heart' is my second favourite vertical drama in romance-heavy category.

What I liked:
1. Romance - 'libidO' a song by Korean group OnlyOneOf kept popping in my head after completing this drama. There were many hot kisses and intimate scenes so physical touch is definitely their love language. I could feel the implicit trust between FL and ML once FL embraced her role as ML's partner. It's great that FL desired ML too because in many vertical dramas, ML always the one initiating romance. Great chemistry and rapport between Wang Xin and Lei Xiao Mi.
2. FL characterisation - She was strong-willed and cool when faced with adversity. Out of the three versions that I watched, I liked Lei Xiao Mi's portrayal the most because she was good in demonstrating FL's vulnerabilities.
3. ML characterisation - He seemed cold but such a softie and protective when it came to Li Zhi. I liked his calm demeanor. Wang Xin shined in this role. Plus he was hot with the glasses.
4. Supporting characters - There were too many from this drama that I liked: the show producer, the other competing but supportive couple, FL's biological brother and his partner.
5. Variety show - The variety show was a tool to showcase the growth of FL & ML's relationship. Compared to Wang Nan's version, the challenges in this drama were well executed as they were able to create enough tension between FL, ML and FL's ex.
6. Ending - I liked that it paid homage to their past.

What I disliked:
1. Clothes store scene - I know this scene is integral to FL's identity but have seen similar scene in too many vertical dramas.

Favourite scene
The pokky / pepero challenge

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Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely

I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

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Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.

What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty

What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!


Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!

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Boring first act but story became interesting once common tropes given different twists

I recently discovered Zhang Si Fan and wanted to explore his work. He has acted in a drama with same plot as this drama so I decided to watch this version first. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I liked Wang Xin Yue's performance. This is the first time I watched Zhuo Hang and his performance was alright.
2. FL characterisation - Her FL was cool, smart & poise. However it was silly that she had way too many skills e.g healer, violin playing, hacker.
3. Romance - I liked it when they started becoming familiar with each other. The teasing and eventually kisses. Good ones.
4. Styling - I loved FL's white dress that she wore to the final banquet.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandfather & parents. I also liked ML's assistant. I also liked that guy who wanted to become FL's friend at university. He seemed like a nice guy.
6. ML characterisation - I liked that he offered support to FL knowing her family dynamics but never forced her to live with him / his family. He was also inquisitive.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song family was manipulative & shameless. I couldn't believe that they abused FL and was even willing to con another family for money.
2. Acting - The chemistry was passable. I found Wang Xin Yue quite stiff during kissing & couple scenes.
3. First act - Offered nothing new especially during the Song family arguements.
4. University - I found scenes involving FL & antagonist going to university confusing because. I kept thinking if FL was a minor because of the school uniform that she wore.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were hot for each other

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Electric chemistry between the leads led to my enjoyment of angst-filled melodrama

I watched this drama a few weeks ago when I was in vertical drama slump. Saw that Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were the leads so I clicked Play on my iQIYI app. Wow, what a rollercoaster ride. I certainly experienced different emotions but overall I like this drama. I have watched Bai Yan & Wang Yi Ran's other collaboration but I like this one more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I had never seen Wang Yi Ran cried so much until I watched this drama. Brilliant performances by both him and Bai Yan. Amazing chemistry and I think they brought out the best out of each other.
2. Angst - I don't usually enjoy angst-filled melodrama but this one is an exception because of the acting.
3. FL characterisation - I didn't like that she staged a cheating scene to break up with ML in order to protect him. However her character grew on me once we learned about her struggles. I liked that she was adamant about clearing her father's name.
4. ML characterisation - Pitiful lover who later became vengeful but mellowed down once he calibrated the situation.
5. Romance - Tumultuous post divorce. The tension was high once FL reappeared in ML's life and what a love journey. I could sense love and passion between them two.
6. Supporting characters - I liked their child and FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's family friend / supposedly fiancee was annoying jealous b. Daddy's princess who thought she could get away with bad things. Her father / ML's benefactor was cunning too. I disliked him for being selfish.
2. ML's action - I thought it was silly that he never knew about the downfall of FL's family much earlier.

Favourite scene
When ML learned the truth about FL's situation

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Han Dong & He Zi Yi were believable as a couple

I was in the mood for Han Dong dramas after writing about his venture into vertical drama space. This drama is my second vertical drama starring Han Dong. Wow, i enjoyed this very much. It was great to see Han Dong as ML with romance arc because he still got the sex appeal at 45 years old.

Trigger warning: Rape, Suicide, Violence

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was assertive & confident - I like those traits in FL. She was also a great friend.
2. Romance - At the start of drama, their relationship was tumultuous with FL breaking up with ML & going abroad. Their reconciliation started off rocky (blamed it on ML's approach) but once they were on the same page, they were affectionate and had better communication. Great kisses, wow!
3. ML characterisation - I thought he was a scumbag for his remarks & rough approach but he turned out to be ok.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Jing Xuan but gosh pity her for the obstacles she faced. At first I liked ML's friend who was a tattletale but later disliked him for not pursuing his true love.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performance and the chemistry was very good. There was a big real-life age difference (21 years) but I did not notice because He Zi Yi portrayed FL with such maturity.
6. Styling - I likee the outfits worn by FL & ML. He Zi Yi has legs for days!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Zhen Yu l, ML's fiancee arranged by their families, was a maniac & spoilt heiress. She needed psychiatric treatment. I also hated Lin Yi Ran for his treatment towards Lin Jing Xuan. FL's mother was horrible but later on mellowed.
2. Wrap up - I didn't like how Lin Yi Ran was wrapped up because I thought he took the easiest way out.

Favourite scene
ML was cuddling FL then his father entered the hospital room

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Sweet transmigration drama with rushed ending

I noticed that iQIYI has added many Zhang Bei Xi dramas to their catalogue. I was delighted because there were a few titles that I had planned to watch. I wanted something light so I chose this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her cool & calm attitude. She knew she had to be self-reliant after transmigrated to another decade. I liked that she thought about her survival long-term.
2. Romance - Sweet. FL never intentionally wooed ML but ML was worn by her charms. I liked that they did activities together.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. At first he was protective of FL out of obligation but after awhile, he was the provider in nature.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother and grandmother. I also liked the soldiers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - That green tea annoyed me. She was cunning by influencing people to participate in the hate campaign.
2. Ending - It was rushed. The last 8 episodes were boring to me - I didn't pay attention. I also would have liked for FL to come clean to ML.
3. Kissing - The scenes looked chaste - lips touched and kissing done.

Favourite scene
Yoga

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Leads were newcomers but wow their chemistry was sizzling. Kisses better than the other version

This drama appeared on one of my favourite youtube channels. I randomly clicked on thumbnail to read comments - generally positive. Decided to watch it on Monday afternoon to destress. This is another version of She Is the Only One starring Zhao Jia & Chen Si. I must say I enjoyed this one more than the more famous version.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Gao Hai Zhou & Peng Hui Ying are both new to the industry but individually they did alright in their roles. However as a couple, I'd say their chemistry is sizzling. They seemed hot for each other. I also liked the height difference with Gao Hai Zhou always bending when he kissed Peng Hui Ying.
2. Romance - Damn hot kisses 🔥. There were many kisses and physical touch was definitely their love language. There were sweet moments like ML cooking for FL and them talking about their relationship.
3. FL characterisation - I also liked the FL in this version compared to the other version. She never once saw ML as sugar daddy or an escape from her situation.
4. Styling - Despite being low budget, I liked most of the clothes worn by FL and ML.
5. Visuals - Wow, Peng Hui Ying was gorgeous! Gao Hai Zhou had this facial features that remind me of a Korean. Both are definitely striking.
6. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy overall. I liked that he respected FL in her decision making. Never meddled except that help for smoother divorce process. I also liked that he had his personal battle to overcome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband & mother-in-law were nasty. Pity ML for having to deal with selfish mother and her relative.
2. Make-up - FL seemed to be wearing foundation a shade lighter than her skin tone. Obvious when you compare her face and the neck.
3. First meet - It was odd that ML barged into FL's hotel room then kissed her. He blamed on being drugged but hhhhmm coerced sex is not sexy.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were in the kitchen

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I liked second couple more & FL was less annoying in this version

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the poster of this drama upon its release. I like 3 out of 4 cast members - Han Jia Hui, Chen Zheng Yang & Duan Mei Yang. I am familiar of the plot as I have seen the Wang Nian Jiang Cheng - He Tian Tian - Xue Zi Qi - Xiang Shuai version. I liked this version too. I'd like to see collab between Han Jia Hui and Duan Mei Yang and between her and Chen Zheng Yang.

What I liked:
1. Romance couple #2 - Fiery. Passionate. She was not as aggressive as XZQ's SML but more loving. Hot kisses & intimate scenes.
2. Personalities - I liked that opposite attracts concept was explored & done well.
3. Styling - I really liked the clothes chosen for ML, SFL & SML. SFL looked hot in little black dress & businesswear.
4. Characterisation - All four were done well. FL wasn't too childish & cloying like He Tian Tian's FL.
5. Acting - All 4 gave good performances. There was better chemistry between 4 leads - even between the ladies and the gents.
6. Ending - I was surprised and liked it.

What I disliked:
1. Romance couple #1 - Not sure why the kisses were lacklustre when I know that Chen Zheng Yang & Cheng Zi can kiss. It felt as though director wanted to make FL innocent young girl / lolita vibe.
2. Styling for FL - Her dressing made her look like a high school student.
3. Antagonist - FL's cousin was pathetic. Also disliked brothers' father.
4. Third act - Felt long & draggy.

Favourite scene
Bath tub

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Story of two couples - FL was childish but other 3 were likeable

I got interested to see this drama because of the cast in particular Xue Zi Qi & Wang Nian Jiang Cheng. I watched this drama within 24 hours of its release. The beginning was odd but overall it was OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes for both couples. I was surprised by main couple's bedroom antics. There was heat.
2. Personalities - I liked the contrasting personalities between the two couples.
3. Characterisation - I liked SFL a lot. Less screen time but her arc had impact on me. I also liked ML's arc especially his struggles. I also liked SML's arc.
4. Interactions - I liked when Fu Yang & Su Wan discussed their partners' habits.
5. Styling - Loved the outfits and hairstyles for SFL, ML & SML.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL acted like a petulant child. That childish cry was irritating. She was pampered and selfish.
2. Funeral - Wow, so many relatives were disrespectful - fighting for inheritance at graveyard.
3. Antagonists - ML's father was vicious and controlling.

Favourite scene
When SFL showed her vulnerable side to SML

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