emberzmars

Wang Yi Ran excelled in this soul swapped romcom

I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I searched for other dramas that have both Wang Yi Ran & Hong Cheng Yue. Decided to watch this drama after a watching revenge-heavy vertical drama. This drama is entertaining!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the comedic parts were hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised by Wang Yi Ran's acting as I've only watched him in dramatic roles. Hong Cheng Yue & actor who played ML's assistant were good too!
2. Romance - It's a nice, sweet build up from '2 strangers stuck in same predicament' to 'partners in "crime" and eventually in life'.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant, FL's close colleague & ML's mother. I kinda like FL's crush even though he had short screentime. He was an eyecandy.
4. Ending - It's not original as I've seen same ending being used in other vertical dramas. Nevertheless it is a funny yet touching ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I found it amusing than dislike. I was laughing when the brand made appearance at the couple's romantic dinner at a restaurant.
2. Fangirls - Gosh Mr Fu has many self-proclaimed fiancées. The head fangirl is delulu & cruel!
3. Gossipmongers - Public shaming is popular trope in vertical dramas but gosh one particular scene baffled me. FL, head fangirl & their colleagues were having a meeting with a client & head fangirl accused FL of purposely losing client's deck. There were 2 colleagues that joined in the bashing. That's shameful because in real life, internal conflict shouldn't be made public because that behaviour would give negative image of a company to a client.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his assistant for love advice. Assistant really worked hard on it!

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Plenty of kisses & supernatural connection made this drama enjoyable

I watched this drama on 10 January after browsing Zhao Mu Yan's drama list. This is my first time watching Feng Xiang Kun.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It is like a vampire story since ML drinks FL's blood to recover from an illness. Their kissing and intimate scenes were sexy although some looked like rough play. Feng Xiang Kun & Zhao Mu Yan have good chemistry.
2. Feng Xiang Kun - I am a sucker for actors with mole / beauty mark on their faces and Feng Xiang Kun is such an eyecandy. I like his acting despite ML being typical domineering CEO.
3. Connection - Because of the bloodsucking, ML could feel FL whenever she is in pain. I enjoy this arc.
4. Ending - Sweet ending!
5. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant & grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - I dislike them esepcially the SFL. However I do think actor who played SML villain did good job.
2. FL characterisation - Sometimes FL behaved like a damsel in distress. Those parts I didn't enjoy.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Light baby mama drama with good chemistry & visuals

I watched snippets of Guo Yuxin & Liang Si Wei drama but wanted to start watching her drama that is lighter. So I chose this drama and gosh it was satisfying.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - I must say Zuo Ming & Gui Yuxin looked amazing together.
2. Romance - The spicy scene at the start hooked me enough to continue watching the series. I love it when FL takes charge of her desire. The kissing was hot. Wish there were more after the time jump.
3. Acting - I was impressed by Guo Yuxin's acting! I enjoyed Zuo Ming's acting - most of his fans said in the comments they were pleasantly surprised by the real kissing. I am curious to see his other dramas.
4. Supporting characters - I like the son & ML's assistant and even FL's friend who is ML's love rival.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - I understand she is jealous of FL but she's despicable for harming FL considering she was her best friend.
2. ML's rash action - I don't understand why must ML offer a house he lives in to his "one night stand". It's not cool to date or have crush on someone when you live in with another woman.

Favourite scene
That one night stand at the start

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Sweet romance

I decided to watch this series because of Li Sheng Jie. I enjoyed his performance in a drama with Zhao Zaoer.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I like that both FL & ML did the wooing. The flirting & banter between them were sweet & adorable. It's wonderful to see FL wanting to go further in the relationship and making the moves.
2. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching the growth of FL. She became more confident & comfortable with herself. It's great seeing her being firm with the guy whom she used to have feelings for.
3. ML characterisation - I like how his character was written. He's edgy but a sweetheart. I also like how he confronted SML about the harassment.
4. Supporting characters - I like the besties of both FL & ML. They're fun when four of them hang out.

What I disliked:
1. SML - It's frustrating to see a guy who refused to accept reality. I don't understand why writer chose to wrap up his character that way. The actor was handsome & had good facial expressions.

Favourite scene
When FL making the moves on ML

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Short tale of female empowerment

I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan. She is good in choosing her roles - never typecast. This drama title in Drama Zone caught my attention.

What I liked:
1. Female empowerment - For a short drama, this drama managed to showcase arcs of 3 empowered women. Instead of giving bad treatment to antagonists, she turned them to friends / allies.
2. Acting - The 3 ladies excelled in their role.
3. Length - Good concise storytelling told in less than an hour.
4. Romance - It was a toxic relationship at first but ML changed his behaviour. He was supportive of her needs. Their kiss at the car was great.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Actually there isn't anything I dislike about this drama. Something I wish for more is I want more romance between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
When FL gave advice to Sally Xu after listening to Sally's bad marriage

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Enthralling tale of forbidden love with gripping performances

I am a massive fan of Zhen Zi Qi after watching his performance in Sheng Se Quan Ma so I binged his dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, this tale is full of angst and sexual tension. I dislike their dynamics at the start because ML was domineering & condescending. However things changed when FL started to express her feelings for ML. The confession was heartfelt & endearing.
2. Bestie - OMG FL's bestie is awesome. She is protective & respectful of FL. That rooftop cafe scene was heartwarming. The exact embodiment of "chicks before dicks".
3. Acting - Brilliant, gripping performance from Zhen Zi Qi & Quan Rui. Her character is mute but she conveyed her feelings & emotions through facial expressions.
4. Ending - I like how cheeky FL was with her surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Lu Xiao - He invaded FL & ML's privacy & I was shocked by his action. Despicable.
2. ML's characterisation - I dislike him at the start. I don't understand why he didn't want their relationship to be public.

Favourite scene
When FL had one-on-one talk about the hidden camera incident & boat accident

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Great start, alright end but most important, good chemistry

I am a massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan & have seen Xie Yu Wang in another drama with spicy scene at the start. Was curious to see how this pair work on screen so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) FL characterisation - I love that FL Jiang Yu Yang is not work that is common in cdramaland (businesswoman, designer). She is an actress who has a crush on voice actor. I like that she acts her age because I dislike childlike & childish FL.
2) Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan was excellent in her role here. She has great chemistry with Xie Yu Wang who gave a subdued performance of a CEO in love.
3) Romance - The flirting at the start was so sweet. That role play was hot. There is good amount of skinship though I wish there were more kisses.
4) Supporting characters - I like FL's best friend, Fu Yi Ze, ML's mother, FL's grandfather & ML's assistant. I was surprised when ML's assistant showed his emotions in a hospital scene almost at the end.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I notice that many villains in vertical shot drama tend to be women scorned due to rejection of ML. This archetype is tiring me. The heinous attacks villain did on FL were shocking.
2) FL's action - I dislike FL's action towards villain once she was drugged. I understand the wrath but to leave a woman in a known vulnerable situation just doesn't sit well with me.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML flirting on the phone at the start of drama

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Does ML deserve second chance in this romance drama?

Lately I am in the mood to binge vertically shot Chinese dramas. This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard & I gave it a go after quickly perusing the comments.

What I liked:
1) Acting - I was impressed by her acting. She managed to show different sides of Wen Yan: firm, vulnerable and strong. I will definitely check out her other works.
2) Visuals - Chen Mu Ye is very pretty. Wang Yi Ran is handsome. Both of them give this "high society" beauty & elegance.
3) Plot - Depsite the plot holes, this drama was light & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - I notice other C dramas with 'husband neglecting wife for years' theme and this drama is the one with least suffering. While I am ok that the neglect only happened for 1 year, I still think ML is undeserving of FL because is he mistaking guilt for love?
2) Romance - The kissing scenes played around angles rather than real, lingering kisses. Wish there were proper grovelling & more affectionate scenes too.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yan was hospitalised after an assault

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Action-packed mini drama with great chemistry

This mini drama was recommended to me when I was looking for action romance. I was engrossed in the story that I could finish it in one sitting.

What I liked:
1) Acting - It's rare to get well-acted male and female leads in a mini drama. Leo Yang fits this agent-gone-rogue personnel. I didn't find his visuals outstanding but there is something about his gaze and smirk that captivated me. That scene at the hospital impressed me. I also like Han Le Yao's acting. She matched the intensity of Leo's acting.
2) Romance - I like watching the relationship between A Sen and Ling Yi progressed from strangers to fake relationship to real lovers. There aren't many kisses but when they kissed, they were really into each other. I like the back hugs, the hand holding.
3) Ling Yi's characterisation - One of the best female leads in action-thriller mini dramas. Her character isn't coy nor dumb. She knew her place in each setting even though at times she did act impulsively.
4) Shooting locations - Some locations were exotic and very pretty like the riviera, desert and flat roof house.
5) Action scenes - Well choreographed and shot scenes. The fighting, gun shooting, bombing - they looked real.

What I disliked:
1) Elena - I knew she was the culprit way back when she complained about her passive role within the organisation. Her decisions baffled me and dislike her seducing A Sen.
2) Ending - Feel like there is loose end with Elena and Tai. I understand the time jump but would have liked more scenes between A Sen and Ling Yi.

Favourite scene
When Ling Yi was sulking then bickered with A Sen in episode 16. I like seeing A Sen's smirk and smile.

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Always treasure family over money

I watched in Malaysian cinema on 9 June 2024. This movie reminds me of my own grandma. When I was on summer break from uni in Australia, my dad asked me to return home. I visited my grandma 1 week before I returned to Australia then few days after, my grandma passed. I was grateful that I made the trip to visit her.

What I like:
1) How to make millions before grandma dies is beautifully written & directed film. Cinematography was well done. Well done, Pat Boonnitipat and his team!
2) It is set in Thailand but the core themes relatable to Malaysian audiences. Some cultural practices are same here.
3) Wonderful acting by Putthipong Assaratanakul & Usha Seamkhum - their dynamics translated well on screen. Supporting cast did well too.

What I dislike
1) I think the title is misleading because I thought M worked multiple or sketch jobs to gain that much of money

Favourite scene
When M bathed his grandma. I understand perspectives from both sides.

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She was unethical, he was unhinged & toxic romance was romanticised

I was informed of this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I had saved the link to watch the next day but drama was removed. Fortunately another member shared an alternative link (thank you TxPep) so I quickly watched it this morning. This drama raised a lot of questions - overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Zhang Chi - This is my third drama of his and it's great that he chose to play distinctive characters. He was great at playing a lunatic desperate for love and sense of belonging.
2. Shots - I loved how the shots were framed and edited. Beautiful cinematography that reminded me of vertical dramas I Just Want You and The Love of A Fool.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL & ML. I liked some over-the-top pieces worn by ML. Some outfits made ML to look "innocent".
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's nurse friend, Su Mu (the actor was handsome & had presence), ML's mother and ML's cousin / business rival.
5. Plot - Even though I disliked both characters and their romance, the storytelling was well executed. I enjoyed ML's family dispute arc but sadly the conflicts were not given enough punch because writer wants us to side with ML.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was unethical - she already knew how problematic ML was but crossed the line she shouldn't cross. Therefore I couldn't emphatise with her when she wanted to run away from ML. Thank gawd she lost her license to practice psychiatry.
2. ML characterisation - Unhinged, cunning & dangerous. I still couldn't understand his motive for weaponising FL's past.
3. Romance - Toxic but this drama had ways to romanticise this abusive relationship. I disliked their relationship and the ending baffled me.

Favourite scene
FL's wedding

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Revenge tale marred by main actress performance

When this drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard, I was intrigued because of positive comments & Ke Chun (he is one of my favourite actors). It gained many views within 3 days but sadly links were removed. I managed to watch before the last link was removed. Glad I did watch it because I have a few things to say about this drama and my review is different from other reviews.

Edit: Despite not enjoying this drama as much as others, I am often reminded of this drama & American singer Lana Del Ray. I think her song 'West Coast' fits Yu Yin's character so much. She also gave me Lana Del Ray vibes with her blank look.

What I liked:
1. Ke Chun's acting - I must say that Ke Chun proved to be one of the many good actors in vertical drama land. He successfully demonstrated many facets of his character and I always enjoyed his vulnerable moments the most.
2. The competition - I very much enjoy the painting competition between FL and her family's rival. Each competitor used unique tool to showcase their talent.
3. ML's styling - I have never seen Ke Chun in oversized clothes in other dramas. He can pull it off and gosh he looked even taller with wide leg pants.
4. Paintings - Beautiful & insightful.
5. Revenge arc - I must say the revenge against FL's stepmum was shocking but fulfilling. Damn, what a brilliant move by FL!

What I disliked:
1. Yu Yin's acting - I felt Yu Yin was miscast. I dislike her performance because she couldn't convey different emotions of her character. There are 3 personas of FL: i) naive / unwordly which she used in public, ii) manipulator which she used with her family members & ML, iii) true self which she used with her grandma & later ML. Her facial expressions were mostly similar (blank/stoned) - I expected anguish when tragedy happened to her grandma and conflicted emotions (lust vs indifference) when ML started pursuing FL.
2. The ending - The whole family saga at the ending was boring that I couldn't be bothered to pay attention.
3. Romance - A lot of people liked the intimate scenes but I found them sterile. There was lack of chemistry between Yu Yin & Ke Chun & it was one sided love most of the time, which was actually verified in the drama but then again, I blame this sterility on Yu Yin's acting.

Favourite scene
The competition

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Love amidst snowstorm, billiards and naps

I've watched Wu Lei in Nothing but You and since I prefer modern romance, I was excited for this series. 'Amidst a Snowstorm of Love' was very much talked about when it was released in early 2024. I started watching this series in late October 2024 to hype myself for a trip to Chengdu (where Wu Lei grew up). Oh dear, I struggled with this series. I paused this series after episode 11 and restarted when I wanted to watch something while cutting papers for work.

What I liked:
1) Bromance - I love the dynamics between Lin Yiyang, Jiang Yang and Meng Xiaodong. I was relief that there was no bitterness between Yiyang and Xiaodong despite their childhood rivalry. Yiyang - Jiang Yang interactions were also delightful to watch.
2) Acting - Standouts are Wu Lei, Chen Jing Ke and Wang Xing Yue! Wang Xing Yue carried himself very well - his character is same aged or slightly younger as Wu Lei's (27 years old at start of series) but in real life, Wang Xing Yue was only 21 years old during filming.
3) Supporting characters - I really like Wu Wei, Jiang Yang, Meng Xiao Dong, Lin Lin, Chen An An and the endearing Meng Xiao Ting.

What I disliked:
1) Yin Guo characterisation - Sadly the female lead is underdeveloped. There was no character growth - she remained childlike & naive even with 2 time jumps. She never struggled because everything was handled by Yiyang or her family.
2) The romance - Sadly it is lackluster to the point that I fast forward all Yiyang-Yin Guo scenes to 1.5x speed. I didn't buy their love because their love being developed. Yiyang was smitten at first sight of Yin Guo, which is quite unnerving because he didn't know her personality but he already falling for her [looks and childlike behaviour, I guess?]. Yiyang even admitted in episode 20-something that he had only shown the best side of him to Yin Guo but not his worst side. I also don't like that Yin Guo was coy when there was nobody around. They had already been intimate and in relationship for 1.5 - 2 years. Plus Yin Guo doesn't seem to contribute much to the relationship. I dislike her comments about Yiyang's stubble (which was hardly visible) and his image. What's with the shaving scene?
3) Writing - I haven't read the book in which this series is based on but I assume the book focused more on their romance from 2 POVs rather than individual growth and eventual romance. I think it'd be great if this series had been about a lost man reviving a career in billiards after relearning the sport from a rookie. Remove the very first peeping through the window shot and all the naps.
4) Editing - I wish there were explanations about billiards, snooker and 9-ball so viewers have better understanding of the sport. The competition shots were alright but they never created any suspense for the viewers.

Favourite scene
When Lin Yiyang, Jiang Yang and Meng Xiao Dong hung out eating skewers

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Thrilling revenge drama set in the world of fine art. Great chemistry & acting

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Yu Long so I was delighted to see both of them together in a drama. I watched this drama on the day of its release.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull - it was thrilling. The kisses were good. I also felt that they were emotionally connected.
2. Revenge - Satisfying! I liked how FL executed her revenge against the cheating husband. Then another revenge on behalf of her mother.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. There was visually and acting chemistry between Yu Long and Sheng Yi Jie. They looked like a mature, power couple.
4. Plot - It was refreshing! This drama was set in the world of art / painting. How FL, SML & ML were invovled in that industry.
5. FL characterisation - I liked seeing her at work because it's something I don't know much about.
6. Styling - I loved the emerald green qipao. The scene was brilliant! I basically loved anything worn by Sheng Yi Jie.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama's running time was under 2 hours. It was well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband the SML was an asshole for betraying FL 2 ways (love & career). ML's wife and grandfather were atrocious. ML's father was another vicious person.

Favourite scene
When FL let her hair down & kissed ML

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Jiejie romance tackling big age gap and mental health issue

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so this title caught my eye. I read that FL was supposed to be in her late 30s or early 40s so I clicked play. Overall I liked the drama but take note that this drama deals with heavy stuff.

Trigger warning: Mental health issue, Suicide

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sexual tension was high as ML was in his teens when he started having a crush on FL. Good thing FL maintained her boundaries between them. This is a slowburn with romantic relationship between them developed when he was in his 20s.
2. Acting - It was my first time watching Ma Hao Dong & Li Sheng Xuan. Great performances by both and their chemistry was amazing.
3. Conflict - I liked how conflicts were explored in this drama especially from the view of FL. She got her demons to overcome.
4. Styling - Both leads wore great outfits especially ML. I liked MHD in buzz cut.

What I disliked:
1. Suicide - It was tough watching scenes of suicide attempt.

Favourite scene
Heart-to-heart confession scene

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