emberzmars

Abuse was tough watch but great acting by Li Ya Ya & Yu Ke Ran

I was impressed by Yu Ke Ran'a acting in The Heartbreak Alliance which made me want to explore his dramas. I decided to watch this drama because I was already familiar with Li Ya Ya and this drama was popular request in subreddit CShortDramas when ot was released. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Ya Ya gave a great performance in showcasing different sides of her character. I also liked Yu Ke Ran's performance as CEO. Their chemistry was wonderful.
2. FL characterisation - I pitied her for her tough upbringing but great that she overcame the block and regained her memories.
3. ML characterisation - He was tough CEO but kind and compassionate with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother for being compassionate.
5. Romance - Now it was tough to see their first intimate encounter because she had mental block then. However once FL had chosen to leave her relatives and stay with him, it was good to see their relationship grew . ML was very supportive of FL. Their playful banter when she regained her memory was fun to watch.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours, thank gawd.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious. Good thing they were punished.
2. Abuse - It was tough to watch FL being treated like a dog. It was shocking to see FL being humiliated at an event with many onlookers but no one stepped in to intervene.

Favourite scene
When ML told the crowd the identity of his wife

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Despite the amazing chemistry, the lack of consent brought down this uncle romance drama

I am doing a homework on Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and love this pairing. After enjoying their 2 dramas, I decided to watch this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances by Xie Yu Wang, Zhang Chu Xuan and Liang Si Wei. I liked the chemistry between XYW & ZCX & ZCX & LSW.
2. Supporting character - I liked Prof Mu & ML's assistant. Outfits for FL managed to convey the age and status of FL.
3. Styling - XYW looked handsome in military uniform.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her when she was away from ML because she showed capability in taking care of herself. No more damsel relying on others to save her.

What I disliked:
1. Consent - FL was poisoned and the cure was sex of course like many other vertical dramas. I didn't like that FL wasn't informed of her condition & treatment. So I considered ML's action was rape because she was unconscious while receiving "treatment".
2. Antagonists - Too many making this drama over the top dramatic. From FL's moeny hungry relatives to FL's so-called best friend who was part of date rape.
3. Scenarios - I blamed the writers for creating many dangerous scenarios for FL to go through.

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

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Sweet drama about clingy ML & FL with many skills

I had this drama in my watchlist for months and today I was in the mood for clingy ML drama so I chose to watch this. I am a familiar with both Tian Tian Yi & Tan Zhen Hao so I was curious about their dynamic. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - They were sweet and affectionate. Plenty of kisses, hugs & handholding. I liked that their relationship was sweet and harmonious from the start.
2. Main characters - Both were likeable although I found FL lost her shine after getting married to ML because there wasn't much focus on her vocation.
3. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Shen Dong was the MVP. I also liked the ML's friend who wore glasses.
4. Acting - Great performances by Tian Tian Yi and Tan Zhen Hao. His portrayal of smitten ML was spot on.
5. Interactions - The interactions between ML and his grandma were amusing in particular that surprise gift.
6. Race car - I liked that FL were able to show her skills in two different scenes.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I was surprised by ML's change in behaviour when he saw FL at his office. While I welcomed the warm reception, I wish he had told her about the time he saved her earlier in their relationship.
2. Antagonist - Bai Lian was annoying but good that FL was aware of her right from the start and knew how to handle her.

Favourite scene
When ML teased his grandmother

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FL's action in this crossdressing drama frustrated me

I liked Nie Bo Xuan's acting so when this was released, he and the blonde dude on the poster caught my attention. I haven't watched many crossdresser dramas. This drama was alright - wish there was something more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I must say I liked FL dressed up as a man-boy. She looked like kpop idol.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed the comedic bits in this drama.
3. FL characterisation - It's refreshing to find out the reasons for crossdressing. I sympathised with her situation.
4. Supporting characters - Yao Yao was a wonderful friend even though I didn't understand her last action. I also liked ML's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I didn't like that Fal ran away from ML and their problem. Very cowardly.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was the worst followed by her stepmother and half-sister. Grandfather too.
3. Romance - I felt like the writer was trying hard on making this drama funny that they forgot the heart i.e. romance. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When Sang Mo kissed ML while drunk / dreaming

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Sun Qian Xun's most dramatic performance and Kong Qi Li impressed me with his facial expressions

After a staple of Sun Qian Xun's romcoms, I decided to watch this more dramatic drama to see if she got the chops. While I struggled with the pacing at times, overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the first time I watched Kong Qi Li's performance and wow I was blown away. His facial expressions when his character was moved by FL's words almost made me cry. SQX gave a good dramatic performance as well.
2. FL characterisation - She was compassionate especially when it came to matters related to ML & Xiao Hui. I also liked that she stood up to bullies.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but kind and soft-hearted. I liked that he had a personal battle to overcome because it showed character growth & maturity.
4. Supporting characters - Xiao Hui was a sweetheart. I also liked ML's close friend and FL's two friends / neighbours who always had FL's back.
5. Rural life - I enjoyed scenes of rural life from the agriculture / farming to community helping out each other.
6. Romance - Slow burn with more emphasis on growing feelings & acts of service. I likes that FL was bold enough to kiss ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's relatives were atrocious. Always thinking about money. The girl from same town as FL was horrible too as she was envious of FL's “good fortune”. Zhang Fan was another character I disliked.
2. Duration - This slice of life drama is 3 hours 10 minutes long. The middle section was too slow for me but the last 30 minutes was thrilling.
3. Ending - I don't mind dramas with bleak ending but this drama's ending was rather haphazard. I doubt there will be part 2.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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Story of rebirth and hidden identities with great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long

I added missing dramas to Xue Zi Qi's profile months ago and when I gathered info for this drama, I saw glowing comments on Douban and Weibo. Thank gawd I have paid subscription to iQIYI. I watched it 2 weeks ago and wow, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She reminded me of Mulan because of her disguise and military training. She was smart, ferocious and independent - I liked those qualities in a FL.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he too had his own battle to overcome. He was smart and observant. I liked that he protected FL once he figured out her secret identity.
3. Reborn trope - Two characters were reborn in this drama. Both of them took different path so it was fascinating to watch.
4. Acting - Great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long. I liked seeing Xue Zi Qi in dual identities. I also liked the chemistry between them.
5. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the dynamic between FL and ML in the various personas that they put on. She was compassionate with the Prince but cautious with mysterious masked fighter. There was push & pull between them and they did consummate their marriage but their romance was blossoming slowly.
6. Action - I enjoyed the fighting sequences. They were a delight to watch and Xue Zi Qi looked extremely cool fighting the bad guys. Liu Yi Lon was great too.
7. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits for FL and ML.
8. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. It was cheeky. Please let there be part 2!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were atrocious - they forced her to take on her brother's place and serve in the military. I disliked how her female elders treated her. FL's husband in the previous life was another horrible person. ML's brother was another character I disliked.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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Drama released in 2023 but damn great writing. Glad my assumptions were wrong

I miss Huang Bo so decided to watch this drama 2 days ago. I saw it on iQIYI and with 100 episode count, I assumed it was going to be draggy and melodramatic. I was wrong! I enjoyed the drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL character - I thought she was going to wallow in self-pity post-divorce but nope, she was clear about what she wanted to achieve. She was a quick thinker and I loved her clapbacks whenever someone slandered her.
2. Plot - I must say I didn't expect a 2023 released vertical drama to be well-written. Great paced drama with coherent storytelling all done under 130 minutes. No fillers.
3. Romance - I really liked how the relationship progressed after their hook up. There wasn't dilly dally on right or wrong to start new relationship. Good amount of kisses and physical touch with both of them making initiatives.
4. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Never domineering with FL & his employees. He was understanding, caring & clear headed with his next steps.
5. Supporting characters - Ye Ting was the MVP. He is one of the best assistants in vertical dramas. I also liked the son a lot!
6. Acting - Chen Yun Xi and Huang Bo were at ease with their roles that their acting seemed natural (not over the top). I loved Huang Bo's soft facial expressions. I also liked their chemistry.
7. Styling - While the clothes were not as stylish as other vertical dramas, I'd say they suited the characters. Nice to see Huang Bo in a hoody because he always wear work suits. I really liked Chen Yun Xi's makeup because it wasn't overly done like in other dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao An An was dangerous & possessive. She was willing to harm FL to get ML even though she didn't love him.

Favourite scene
Father-son meeting at father's office

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Hilarious transmigration, systems drama with great romance arc

I came across this drama on youtube a few days ago and after reading positive comments, I saved it into my playlist. Yesterday I was in the mood for something warm with good kisses so I watched this drama. I was not disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama uses transmigration and systems trope and I enjoyed it. I liked that FL was given two options i) return to original world, ii) remain in the same world, because many systems drama that I watched do not offer them to main characters making me feel like they had no choice but to stay and make the best of the current world.
2. FL characterisation - She gave mixed signals to characters closed to her but I found her charming & likeable.
3. Acting - Guo Xin Rui was awesome in this role with great comedic performance. She made FL self-deprecatingly funny. This is my second Ma Shuo Qi drama and I liked his performance as well. GXR & MSQ had great chemistry here.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with FL trying to follow the plot but couldn't and ML trying to resist FL's charm but failed to do so. Even when there were at odds with each other, I could sense the sexual pull between them. Their kisses were good. There was even a cosplay scene which was adorable & funny.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's sister - she was sensible, strong & had a no-nonsense mindset. She was the opposite of scatterbrained FL. I also liked ML's friend who ovserved ML's behaviour and kept teasing him for being a love brain.
6. Comedy - So many hilarious scenes. My favourite is when ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back.
7. Kidnapping scene - Damn, what a refreshing take!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked ML's childhood friend who overstepped the boundaries because of her "love" for ML. She was disrespectful towards him. I also disliked ML's adopted sister who was possessive of ML because of her love for him. It was wonderful to hear FL telling her the reality of the situation betwen adopted sister and ML. I also disliked ML's mother for favouring childhood friend over her own daughter-in-law. They already married so move on!

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back

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Sweet romance between go getter FL and fox ML (he's a magical creature)

I was drawn to this drama because the translated title implies fox husband. I enjoy fantasy dramas so I watched it. I liked this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the fox arc. The appearance of his tail and his powers were delight to watch, especially that opening scene.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that he wanted to cook & do housekeeping. He was loyal, protective and loving towards FL.
3. FL characterisation - Smart & go-getter. I also liked that she was kind - that's what attracted ML.
4. Romance - I liked how their relationship progressed. There was a good balance of sweet, tender and spicy moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's secretary Fu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Sister was incompetent, greedy with nasty personality. I couldn't believe she wouldn't mind harming her sister just to accomplish her goal. She had too much screentime. I also disliked FL's grandfather for his biased judgement. The fox princess was another annoying character.
2. Hidden identity - I wish ML had come clean about his fox identity sooner. I also wished that they had formed partnership to bring down Rou Xue.

Favourite scene
The opening scene

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FL escaping from mother's clutches and bumped into ML. A sweet, slow burn romance ensues.

I was in the mood for pregnant FL dramas so I chose this drama assuming it would cover it. Nope, I was wrong but good thing I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was courageous to go against her controlling mother. I liked her resilience, compassion and desire to live her own life.
2. ML characterisation - He was sweet, protective and respectful. I liked that he was genuine about helping FL. He never set any conditions e.g. contract girlfriend / relationship.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying because of the emotional intimacy between FL and ML. There were good kisses with a few initiated by FL.
4. Qipao design - I loved this plot device because traditional clothes fascinate me.
5. Supporting characters - Huan Huan was a great friend. She was perceptive and smart to help her uncle indirectly to win FL's heart. I really liked Butler Xu.
6. Wedding - Gorgeous wedding with a special 'kiss under a veil' moment.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's mother was overbearing and controlling. She treated FL as commodity and I hated her for forcing FL to do things her way. FL's rival at university was another horrible person. She was a snob.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be ML's girlfriend

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Similar to US tv show Jane the Virgin, FL was artificially inseminated

I was in the mood for Aorigele dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I had low expectation but wow I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her because there was character growth. At the start, she was mousy and insecure but she slowly learned to trust her judgements & convictions.
2. ML characterisation - He was so sweet. I liked that he was a nice boss and didn't easily cave into family pressure.
3. Romance - Very sweet. I loved it when ML directly told FL that he was pursuing her.
4. Styling - Wonderful pieces selected for FL as you can see outfits that match varying stages of transformation. ML's outfits were great too. Plain white t-shirt was the highlight for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was a delusional b!tch who think ML was her possession. There was also another entitled ass who was condescending towards FL. I was delighted when both were punished. I disliked FL's father who was money-hungry scumbag. He too got punished.
2. Nails - OMG, so many raptor nails in the drama: delusional b!tch, entitled b!tch and even a gynaecologist. Having long fingernails for work at hospital just did not make sense.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL that he's pursuing her

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Mob boss took a career change & became a teacher. It was a fun watch!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch on a day which I wanted something with no romance. I enjoyed this drama immensely. It reminds me of American movies Sister Act 2 and Dangerous Minds where a new teacher had to deal with rebellious students who actually had potential to shine with the right direction. Anyway I am thrilled that there will be part 2.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I knew he took up teaching to fulfill his mother's wishes but he seemed to enjoy teaching and motivating young people with no clear direction in life. I liked that he maintained the boundaries of teacher-student relationship. He never disclosed his personal matters to them.
2. Acting - Gao Hao Jun was brilliant in this role - he was cool, calm & composed. I also liked the actor who played the most intimidating student, Wang Zion. He could show the different sides of his character.
3. Lessons - His lessons were fun. My favourite was chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Wang Zion, Lance & musician girl were my favourite students. FL teacher & principal were good too. I also liked Lance's parents who were cute supporters of their kid.
5. Townhall - I actually liked how it turned out. ML got the backing from parents of his students.
6. Ending - I liked that he took up a new challenge.

What I disliked:
1. Confrontation - It was anti-climatic. Because of his past "work experience" as a mob boss, I expected some violence to happen.

Favourite scene
Chemistry lesson

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Sweet story about age gap / class difference romance with likeable leads

I was in the mood for vertical dramas about unplanned pregnancies so I chose this drama. I enjoy the acting of Zhao Zhen Dong & Zhang Ruo Chen. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was kind, resilient & self-reliant. She knew she had to stand on her two feet that's she couldn't easily accept ML's allowance. Zhang Ruo Chen was good in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He was skeptical but mystified by his attraction to her. I liked that he was caring & protective of her.
3. Romance - Slow burn & sweet. There were a few affectionate moments & some kisses though I wish there were more cultivation of relationship scenes.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Han Lin was the MVP. His presence brightened the drama. I also liked the Huo elders - I liked when 3 elders as a collective scolded ML. Wow 4 generations living togather. FL's new classmate who was protective of her was cool too. The maids were nice too especially the lead.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they were age-appropriate and fit her quiet personality. ML looked handsome in his work clothes.
6. Tone - Despite the bullying, the drama was lighearted & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family took advantage of her kindness. I didn't like that they were abusive, physically & mentally. The jealous factory workers and high school / uni friends were insufferable too.
2. Screentime - The drama is 1 hour 35 minutes, which is the length I like. However antagonists got too much screentime. I would have liked more time for cultivation of relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML & his assistant eavesdropped on FL's conversation with her uni friend

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Intriguing opening scene but once cover was blown, drama became bland

Ok I have to admit - I really really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals that I recently developed a habit of watching his new releases. As expected, I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - The paparazzo scene at the start was exciting because it was something I had not seen in Chinese dramas.
2. Styling - The disguise was awesome. The pink wig looked gorgeous on the main actress.
3. Ji Jun Liang - Wow, he got to show us his body. His face card is top notch as expected.
4. Kisses - Good kissing scenes thanks to JJL. His character always initiated it.

What I disliked;
1. Romance - Lacklustre.
2. FL characterisation - She was silly like always fumbling. She was also cowardly - always scared of someone. I couldn't believe the things she did to ML.
3. Acting - The main actress was so inexperienced because her acting was very underwhelming. The only thing I liked about her was when she wore the pink wig - that persona was confident & self-assured.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Heartwarming tale about FL hearing thoughts of half-dragon ML

I came across this inner thought drama on subreddit CShortDramas. The title implied that FL could hear ML's thoughts so I became interested and watched. I loved it a lot! I did a buddy watch of this drama with MDL user Fae.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I love this drama because ML is a sensitive soul despite the tough persona. I think he maintained that façade but slowly lowered his guard when FL showed kindness to him. I also liked his curiosity and protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - They were affectionate and sweet. Well FL cheated because of her superpower hahaha but it's a great setup for couple's communication.
3. Inner thought trope - I usually watch dramas in which FL's thought could be heard by ML but this is the other way around. It's refreshing to see/hear ML's inner thoughts.
4. Fantasy element - I loved the dragon arc even though there was only a few scenes. ML in dragon form is ker ai!
5. Styling - The makeup and props for dragon form was done well. The scales on his face & arm were beautifully done. Even the claws looked like a proper prop and not flimsy gloves. I couldn't believe he even had a tail LMAO. The walkie-talkie horns were
adorable!
6. The ending - I liked that there was a discussion on labour and the form of their child - as an egg or a human with dragon
features. My guess was wrong - I wish the child was born in half-breed form.
7. Antagonist - The antagonist here isn't that bad. He didn't overshadow the couple in terms of storytelling.
8. Supporting characters - I loved ML's mother. The relief on her face when FL knew his secret identity. She's such a wonderful lady to have raised an orphan who turned out to be different from other people.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - There was no kissing scenes. I want to see lust & real kisses since their relationship was healthy.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother knew that FL was aware of ML's secret.

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