emberzmars

Refreshing tale of second chance in life with spectacular performances by 3 leads

I was attracted to the poster when I first noticed this drama. The green background sets it apart from other drama posters. Anyway I am a fan of Wang Zi Jia since I watched her in mini drama First Choice. I loved Feng Xiang Kun's performance in Fake Love but couldn't find his other dramas with the same intensity. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - First of all, I love the English title because it's fits the drama to the T. I was hooked to this drama and couldn't predict what would happen next. A good sign for a seasoned tv drama viewer like me. The plot twist OMG!
2. Rebirth - I liked that second chance was given to both leads. Thankfully her decisions post-rebirth were fruitful.
2. FL characterisation - She was emotionally strong to have gone through several tragedies in her life. It's wonderful to see her prosper in her second life.
3. Acting - Wang Zi Jia carried the weight of this drama and she gave a spectacular performance. I felt for her pain even from the start when she discovered the magic diary (luckily no Tom Riddle involved!). Feng Xiang Kun and the actress who played the green tea / mistress were great in their roles too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents who had nice mini arc there.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - This is rare instances in which ML was antagonist in a vertical drama. It made me wonder about real life when couples fall apart even though they have made 10,000 promises before or at the start of their marriage. What happened to ML to forego the "I will stay with you forever" promise made to FL? I did however liked that he realised his mistake & protected FL one last time.
2. Green tea - The most despicable character I have seen in a vertical drama. Desperate and insecure since she was young - I can't believe she hired goons to harm FL. Great to know that she got her comeuppance.
3. ML's parents - Another set of horrible people.

Favourite scene
When 30 year old FL communicated with 18 year old ML

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Yao Guan Yu excels at smirking & sneaky seduction

I was intrigued by Yao Guan Yu so I chose to watch this drama on Damazone youtube channel 3 months ago. This is my first drama from both Yao Guan Yu and Zhang Yi Lin. I hate to say this but this drama is forgettable. Not a drama I'd watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - Damn, he gave me 'Leo Yang in Undercover Affair' vibes with his smirks & sneaky seduction. The amount of teasing and flirting, damn!
2. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL & ML. The red dress at the start of the drama was gorgeous!
3. ML characterisation - Despite the cocky flirty exterior he put for FL, he was devoted to FL.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite the good looking visuals of both YGY & ZYL, I felt that their chemistry was lacking. Too much push from FL, ML was too patient in their relationship.
2. Writing - Somehow this drama is not memorable to me. I couldn't remember a single scene so I had to rewatch before writing this review. I found the running time was too long as well.
3. FL characterisation - She's cool, independent woman but as a lover, I wish she had sorted out her feelings earlier. I couldn't connect with her character and I don't know whether to blame ZYL or the director.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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Wonderfully written FL, ML and their romance story

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery, back on 17 December 2024. I totally forgot about this drama until I watched Wang Kaimu's drama that co-starred Guo Yuxin. I decided to submit this drama as MLD New Title so MDL users can find and enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro scene - One of the best because it set the tone and vibe of the drama. I liked ML's response to his assistant regarding the rumour.
2. ML's characterisation - He was mysterious at first but protective of his wife. Liked that he trusted her without any doubts. It's great to see ML that sets clear boundaries with other women.
3. FL's characterisation - Smart and resilient, thanks to her upbringing. She's also protective of her husband. I liked that she knew how to stand up to bullies.
4. Romance - They treated each other with respect even though their relationship was not a love match. They talked about consent! I like their sweet and cute playful banter. He even made breakfast for his wife.

What I disliked:
1. FL's adoptive family - Manipulative.
2. Green tea - Devious and just annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of drunk FL

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Female CEO embroiled in family saga but found love and support from former schoolmate

When I first discovered vertical dramas in December 2024, Dramazone Youtube channel was my go-to channel. I watched this drama there and I loved it so much. 'But Mr. Shen Is Too Charming' remains, till this day, in my top 10 vertical dramas that I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like a strong female characters but when there is a strong female CEO as the main character, I love the drama even more. Lin Shu Tang is a smart & beautiful go-getter who has to face challenges from her own family. I liked her resilience. Lin Shu Tang was brilliantly portrayed by Si Jia Li.
2. ML characterisation - Shen Si is devious but does not have malicious intent. Despite having a crush on her and helped her in the past, he doesn't want her to be obligated to him. I really like that.
3. Romance - Damn, their intimate scenes are really hot. Kissing scenes were well shot. There were sweet moments too. He lent a shoulder for her to cry on.
4. Styling - I love the styling for both FL and ML. The white business suit worn by FL reiterated her power at the office.
5, Supporting characters - I really liked ML's friend especially in the hospital scene.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Wow, the family saga is just too much. I empathised with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised and ML came to visit

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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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Light & fluffly

I am a fan of Xhang Chu Zuan & Shen Hao Nan so was delighted to find out that they have acted together.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama is light & sweet. Easy to watch.
2) Dynamic - It's great watching dynamics between Xhang Chu Xuan & Shen Hao Nan because they matched each other's energy.
3) Brothers arc - I like this dynamic despite the slight rivalry.
4) Villain - I like the arc because the actions affected ML so much.

What I disliked:
1) Family drama - FL having cruel family is common in vertical shot dramas and this does featured that trope.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL while they were in the car

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Just alright

This drama is alright to pass time.

What I like
1. The action sequences were amusing. The reactions were comical but hey it made sense for normal people to react that way.
2. Great to see Kang Ki Young as main male lead.
3. Oh Min seok made me sympathetic towards his character but he's villain alright. His abs were damn fine though I am not sure if the scene was required
4. Supporting characters - I like Daeki & Kang Boom.

What I dislike
1. Story - I find the story average. The benefactor reminds me of The Uncanny Counter.

Favourite scene
When Kang Bom kicks ass

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No chemistry, unlikeable main characters & nonsensical romance

I watched this drama on iQIYI last night because I enjoyed Fan Chu Qi drama with Yang Yu Bin, in which she played a blind FL. I also liked Zhan Zhuo's visuals. However this drama did not meet my expectation.

What I liked:
1. Opening - Wow, that was spicy!
2. Visuals - Both Fan Chu Qi & Zhan Zhuo are gorgeous! Their outfits were beautiful too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for being the only concerned for her wellbeing.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There was no chemistry between FCQ & ZZ despite numerous kissing scenes. I also found ZZ's performance underwhelming in this drama. His ML supposed to be conflicted but ZZ's facial expressions remained one-note.
2. Romance - I also didn't buy the romance because of how it was written. A lot of assumptions from both sides.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. She forgave him easily after all that bet whilr ML was a scum for having personal collection of her racy photos.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Heartwarming story about losing loved one, grief & substitute

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas as I was preparing a reddit post on his dramas. I have always been fascinated with robot themed dramas and it's amazing that there are a handful of these within vertical dramas space. I must say I was impressed with the storytelling. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Grief - ML still couldn't get over the passing of his wife and the robot was his way of processing grief. It was good that we got to see ML's son and the impact of his mother's passing on him.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the father-son interactions. I also liked moments between FL & ML's son even though there were not many.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Ji Ling Xi was amazing for being able to portray 2 distinct characters - human FL & robot. There was good chemistry between Ji Ling Xi & Sa Gang Yun.
4. Styling - Loved the robot outfit - sexy & futuristic looking. Sa Gang Yun also had different hairstyle for flashback scenes. However I don't know why the scientist wore those shorts with a labcoat. Maybe to emphasise his eccentricity but I couldn't take him seriously.
5. Wedding scene - Thrilling. Beautiful. Smart move.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's son & the scientist. Their characters were integral to the story.
7. Duration - Less than 2 hours and well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She was cunning business woman approaching ML for personal gain. Needless to say, I liked the arc because it was solid and not cringy.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist disrupted FL & ML's wedding

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Outgoing reporter FL meets icy police officer ML in an engaging drama about police work

I was perusing new releases when this drama poster caught my attention. The names of the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I felt compelled to watch and thank gosh I did because this drama was refreshing. I enjoyed it immensely. I wish there was another adaptation of this story because the plot was wonderfully written.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shameless flirt but she got depth. She worked as a reporter and I enjoyed those scenes revolving her work.
2. ML characterisation - Icy cold team captain at the police station. Mr No nonsense.
3. Romance - FL chases ML with ML rejecting her advances until one day he realised he liked her. After that moment, ML made a lot of effort to win FL's heart.
4. Writing - One of the best written vertical dramas. Both characters had depth in their personal and professional lives.
5. Acting - Good performances but I think Chen Zhen Ni could add more emotional expressions when her character was conflicted. Good chemistry between her and Xiang Yang.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The self-proclaimed fiancee of ML. She was a doctor who was jealous of FL and wouldn't mind harming FL because she was possessive of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML passed out after looking for FL

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Great chemistry and visuals in otherwise ok drama about psychologist and revenge

I was perusing new releases when this drama caught my attention. What an eye-catching opening scene! I watched until the end of the drama and hhhhmm I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - It was hot!
2. Visuals - My gosh, both Yang Luo Qian and Dong Yi were visually arresting.
3. Romance - Sexy sexcapades but I liked when both worked together on doing something on FL's family. There were sexy moments with a lot of push and pull dynamics.
4. Acting - I liked Yang Luo Qian and Dong Yi's acting in this drama. They had great chemistry.
5. Styling - Great clothes worn by FL & ML.
6. Wedding - That scene was thrilling.

What I disliked:
1. Boundary - FL's treatment approach was unethical. She was so touchy with ML, which I found wrong.
2. Antagonists - FL's family was atrocious.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued ML at his wedding

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Don't mind the product placements. The acting and plot were engaging and chemistry sizzling!

I was in the mood for something short that I could watch on my commute to a doctor's appointment. I was intrigued when this drama was released because of the leads (Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu) and the episode count. The youtube comments mentioned product placement. I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact storytelling about FL enacting revenge on her vicious family. Even though the episode count was small (only 18) and the drama was backed by product placement, I found the story was simple, easily digestible and enjoyable.
2. Acting - Great performances by Zhang Chu Xuan, Wang Kai Mu and the actress who played FL's sister. There was also great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu. They made me feel warm in some scenes.
3. Main characters - They were flawed but likeable. I understood the feelings experienced by FL. I also liked how perceptive ML was.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension from the get go. FL went to ML to make use of his connections but later felt in love with him. There were sweet moment and spicy kisses (to my delight). I could sense passion and love in their kisses.
5. Product placement - I'd say they were ok because most made sense in this story.
6. Styling - Wonderful clothes worn by FL and ML.
7. Duration - 62 minutes is just wonderful.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious especially the sister. FL's father was so gullible.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "Why was he nice to her?"

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Lighthearted drama about FL marrying her best friend's older brother

I am a fan of Yang Yu Bin so when this drama was released, I clicked play within 24 hours of its release. The start seemed familiar then I realised that this drama is another version of Accidental Flirting staring Ma Shuo Qi, which I started but didn't finish because the video was removed by youtube uploader. Anyway back to this version with Yang Yu Bin, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Smitten ML right off the bat. I knew that he had longtime crush on her because of the way he proposed marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was independent woman focused on building her career.
3. Romance - Slow & steady. Good kisses. ML loved to pamper his wife.
4. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes. Her wide-leg trousers, she looked retro chic.
5. Supporting characters - FL's best friend was likeable and provided comic relief.
6. Studio - I enjoyed the photo shoot scene.
7. Tone - Lighthearted and funny. The Labubu moment was funny and cute!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - She spent so much time with her best friend and at times prioritise her best friend over her husband. It annoyed me.
2. Antagonist - FL's grandmother was overbearing.

Favourite scene
When ML met FL's best friend at his own house

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Brilliant drama about a man winning the affections of a woman dumped by his brother

Thanks to Reborn at 18: The Great Grandma Takes Charge, I got to discover Wang Pei Yan's talents. I remember when this drama was released. I watched it on reelxia within 3 days of its release then later found out that my reddit friends also watched the drama. We enjoyed this drama immensely that we co-wrote a joint review.m for r/CShortDramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a flirty puppy but sneaky at trying to win FL's affections. I also liked that he had a successful career - he's not just a rich kid.
2. FL characterisation - Loved that she didn't wallow in self-pity once she found out about her boyfriend. She got her heart broken but there was no second chance.
3. Romance - The banters between FL and ML were fun to watch. There was some sexual tension brewing between them. When they finally got intimate and kissed, the scenes were hot.
4. Acting - Terrific performances by Wang Pei Yan, Liang Wen Jing and the cast. I even liked the actor who played SML.
5. Styling - I loved FL outfits as they matched her personality - cool & confident. ML wore oversized clothes which mostly looked fine on him. I liked the Labubu collection!
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's parents for being supportive and understanding.
7. Writing - One of the best written dramas. Well developed arcs for the four lead characters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, jealous and a gold digger. She was also the type of woman who defines her worth by having a man. ML's brother (the SML) was pitiful at first because of his situation but then he became despicable & disrespectful towards FL. He was silly for not doing a background check on the woman he was going to marry.

Favourite scene
ML expressed his concerns when FL was attacked by strange men

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Surprised by how much I liked this drama and the pairing between Ma Le Jie and Xie Yu Wang

I watched this drama as part of a reddit assignment about Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I have to be honest - I didn't like Ma Le Jie's acting at first because she often portrayed damsels but I liked two or three that I watched recently. So I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Surprisingly funny & lighthearted.
2. FL characterisation - She wasn't forgiving nor easy to be bullied. I liked her protective nature.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Protective too.
4. Romance - He fell for her first but she didn't resist his charms like other FLs - I liked! Their first intimate encounter was great moment. I also enjoyed their tender moments.
5. Length - Less than 100 minutes.
6. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was amusing & helpful.
7. Acting - Good performances by both MLJ & XYW. They had very good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family especially half-sister whom I found pathetic. ML's bai yue guang was delusional together with her father.

Favourite scene
When FL was upset & uncertain about ML's true feelings for her

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