emberzmars

A 'robot as companion' drama with good balance of comedy & drama & well-written character arcs

This is my third collab drama by married couple Bai Xin Yi & Zhu Yi Wei. I have always been fascinated by dramas with sci-fi elements so this drama caught my attention when it was talked about in a sub-reddit that I join. I did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama and this is my favourite drama by the couple.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - What an amazing arc! She was vulnerable but willing to face her challenges by accepting her friend's gift. She's kind but not a pushover.
2. ML characterisation - It's a weird idea but luckily ML wasn't a weirdo. He is Mr Nice Guy who had longtime crush on FL but didn't openly pursue FL because of her mental health issue.
3. Acting - Top notch acting by both Bai Xin Yi, Zhu Yi Wei and the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Zhu Yi Wei's robot expressions though there were times he was clearly not a robot but FL was oblivious.
4. Styling - Zhu Yi Wei always wore glasses in the dramas that I watched so it's nice to see him without glasses. Impeccable styling for him. I loved the packaging of the robot - the white suit was 👌🏼.
5. Writing - This drama had the perfect balance of comedy & drama. Thank you to the writer for not including clichés such as drugging, kidnapping, slapfest. I also liked that FL's love rival was given an arc.
6. Supporting cast - OMG I loved them all from FL's grandma & ML's parents to ML's assistant, FL's love rival and the Fangs.

What I disliked:
1. Spice - The drama was almost perfect except it lacked spicy scenes. I understand that some couples prefer not to have intimate scenes in their dramas.
2. Styling - I wish Bai Xin Yi was given better outfits for her everyday wear. She looked too homely against better styled Zhu Yi Wei.

Favourite scene
When FL disclosed to her love rival that ML was a robot

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

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

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

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

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

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Earnest performances and great chemistry by the leads made this drama an enjoyable watch!

I was intrigued with this drama because of MDL user Raiana's positive review. I think I didn't notice this drama when it was a new release because the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. Glad Raiana's review caught my attention because I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow their first intimate encounter was hot though I didn't like that it was drug-induced. I liked that FL acknowledged her growing feelings for ML when they were intimate the second time. There were many passionate kisses. I also loved their normal couple interactions such as texting, having conversation about work.
2. Acting - For unknown leads, Wang Yan Yang & Gao Rui Ting did a great job portraying their characters. They were able to demonstrate characters' insecurities and concerns. They also had great chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was earnest & kind. He was never about favours when wanting to help FL. It's also great to see ML who had his own challenges to overcome as it provided depth to his character.
4. FL characterisation - She had trust issues and I understood her actions especially when it came to her love life. I liked that she was clear about separating personal stuff from work.
5. Supporting characters - SML is a scumbag but gosh he was surrounded by sensible people. I really liked his assistant & well-dressed, handsome best friend who were truthful to him about the changing dynamics between ML and FL. I also liked Tian Hao, ML's assistant. Pudding was so adorable!

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama has the most antagonists in a vertical drama: FL's parents, FL's adopted sister, FL's love rival / SML's white moonlight, ML's grandmother, ML's white moonlight. The ones that I hated the most are FL's father & ML's grandmother. Both were money- and power-hungry and always scheming. I can't believe FL's father for treating his daughter like a chest piece. FL's adopted sister was petulant and like a kid trying to be grown up.
2. Styling - ML needs better hairstyling. OMG why was his fringe uneven? Tian Hao ML's assistant had better hairstyle than him.

Favourite scene
The morning after when FL realised her growing feelings for ML

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Jiejie romance with off-the-charts chemistry & character growth

I stumbled upon this drama on my youtube dashboard. When I saw the first two minutes, I knew that this is another version of Zhang Yun Tao-Liu Can's jiejie romance drama. Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so I clicked Play and by the end of the watch, I felt satisfied way more than Zhang Yun Tao -Liu Can version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The chemisgry between Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei was off the charts. The push & pull dynamics were executed well. Their love language was definitely physical touch. The amount & creativity of sneaky kisses ML planted 🔥🔥🔥. I also felt that their romance had more depth and tenderness because there was more time of them as couple unlike ZYT-LC version.
2. FL characterisation - I liked seeing FL's growth. She was reluctant to be in a relationship because of her mental health struggles. Cen Ruan in this drama was more likeable and had more depth than the other version.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked ML in this drama because he had more depth as individual. He was respectful of FL - he never meddled in her problems unless FL requested help.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, grandma & best friend. ML's best friend provided some good laughs.
5. Styling - Liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML. I got many inspiration for my reddit posts. Anyway Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei were gorgeous in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father, half sis and stepmother were just money-hungry scums. I couldn't believe father's action to discredit FL's capability.
2. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long. I was vested in the story but couldn't watch this in one sitting.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to be her boyfriend

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Well balanced romance mystery drama with combustible chemisty & amazing acting

I chose to watch this drama because of Raiana's positive review and my mood for something steamy. This is my first drama that has both Chen Jing He and Cui Shi Yi together. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I have watched drama starring real couple but the chemistry just didn't translate well on screen. Not this one - damn what a sizzling chemistry! The first intimate encounter was damn spicy. Their kisses 🔥. I liked how affectionate they were with each other.
2. Ethics - I liked how ethics was a core theme in this drama from the time FL's decision to support the disadvantaged clients to SFL's decision to do what's right by law.
3. Dynamics - I loved the dynamics between ML and his subordinate / friend - they provided much needed comic relief. I also liked the secondary romance.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate is the MVP of thos drama!
5. Language - There is a significant amount of dialogue in Cantonese and I found it wonderful to hear. However I was surprised by the use of certain English words in the drama.
6. Antagonists - I really enjoyed their arc.
7. Styling - Girl, Cui Shi Yi was freaking hot especially in those shorts! Most of the cast wore wonderful outfits.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What is that supposed to mean???

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to her house for the first time

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Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

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Zhang Yun Tao in jiejie romance that doesn't meet my expectations

I watched this drama because my reddit friend had written a review & mentioned that this is a jiejie romance. This is my favourite trope and with Zhang Yun Tao being the male lead, I had higher-than-average expectations. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - This drama is filled with many steamy scenes with Zhang Yun Tao uttering spicy dialogue. Physical touch is the love language of the couple.
2. Styling - I like the clothes worn by ML & FL. Zhang Yun Tao looked like a bad boy because he wore an earring and in one scene, he wore biker's outfit. The apron hahaha is becoming a trend I see.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed FL's revenge towards the green tea even though the approach was quite bizarre.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend (the actress even played SFL green tea in another Zhang Yun Tao drama).

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There is a flaw in their romance. FL resisted the relationship out of fear and in the third act, she seemed to cave in due to pressure from grandma and ML. I didn't like it and the drama ended too soon after she "agreed" to be with ML in romantic relationship.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Yun Tao & Liu Can even though their characters were intimate in many scenes. Liu Can's acting was ok for this drama but in the sea of vertical drama actresses, she was not outstanding and I am more likely to forget her name after finishing this review.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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Gulugulu. Warm drama about secret relationship at workplace

I have to admit that I really like Zhang Yun Tao's visuals. I am more likely to check his dramas when they were fresh releases even though he's not even in my top 10 favourite vertical drama actors. I think it's because I had never watched a good romance drama by him. Well that change with this drama - I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start FL seemed like a doormat but that changed when she started a fulltime job. I enjoyed watching her as newie jewellery designer. She solved problems on her own with very little help from ML.
2. Romance - This is one of workplace romance dramas that I enjoyed immensely. It's wonderful to see ML discussing and guiding FL about work. I also loved that ML fell harder for FL because of her excellent attributes. Their make out sessions and the big height difference were hot.
3. ML characterisation - I liked ML for being a good mentor and boss. It's great that he was clear about personal space with his subordinates.
4. Workplace dynamics - In addition to mentorship, I also enjoyed this drama because of work rivalry element. Antagonist refused to accept ideas from much junior colleague and insisted that her idea was the best because of her education achievements. This happens in real life!
5. Styling - This is the best styling Zhang Yun Tao has had. Gosh he looked extra handsome with that long hairstyle.
6. Acting - This is my first time watching Xu Lan Di and I really enjoyed her acting. Will explore her other dramas. This drama is my favourite Zhang Yun Tao because his character was warm. Xu Lan Di and Zhang Yun Tao had great chemistry.
7. Supporting characters - FL's close colleague is a good friend. I also liked ML's grandma & her employee/caretaker.

What I disliked:
1. Coercion - I disliked their first intimate encounter because FL was coerced into it.
2. Antagonist - Ok SFL green tea went overboard with the kidnapping. She was cuckoo.
3. Confidentiality - I hate it when a doctor character discloses FL's medical condition to other people.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed that he loves FL

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Very likeable characters with spicy & sweet romance and sizzling chemistry

I got to know about this drama from a sub-reddit when a member posted a review. This is my third drama of Zhang Ruo Chen - I love her when she played a forensic scientist. I had never watched Wang Zi Yi's dramas before. I was informed that there are multiple adaptation of this plot and this version is the first adaptation that I watched. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely and could watch this drama multiple times.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that Zhang Ruo Chen's charm made the character so likeable that it's easy to forgive her bad wife past. I also enjoyed Wang Zi Yi's acting. Both of them had sizzling chemistry that their scenes together were so delightful to watch.
2. FL characterisation - Ok I watched Zhang Lei's adaption. I can't remember her leading lady's name but she had "mean" vibe in her FL. Zhang Ruo Chen's FL was compassionate with ML and her father once she got the inside scoop from the "audience". She was also smart & cheeky in managing her cousin & the guy she used to have a crush on.
3. Romance - Damn, that first spicy scene was 🔥. Their make out scenes were hot too because desire was felt in both of them. I love their sweet scenes especially the love letter & Kim Seon Ho's infamous pose. I loved that they communicated regularly with FL confronting ML on his jealousy. I also liked them for having fun, being affectionate and teasing SFL & SML
4. ML characterisation - I liked ML because he was very likeable. Wang Zi Yi's ML didn't seem as desperate to please FL as Zhang Lei's FL.
5. Supporting character - I really liked FL's father whose character was kind and amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Public comments - I wasn't used to this format of public comments appearing on screen so I was overwhelmed. They also appeared on screen at a breakneck speed in the beginning of the drama so it was hard for me to keep up & understand the info.
2. Antagonists - OMG FL's cousin who is SFL is not only manipulative but also irritating. She calling out FL to announce the arrival of SML was just plain rude.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL's love letter for him to SML & SFL

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FL finally got away from psychotic ex

I never realised that Garvey Jin has crossed over to vertical dramas until a reddit friend talked about this vertical drama. I liked Garvey in Begin Again but couldn't finish Redeeming Love. I enjoyed Zhao Mu Yan's acting but haven't watched her dramas since February. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see Zhao Mu Yan as CEO who worked hard but encountered challenges due to envy. I liked that FL tried her very best to find solutions without giving into demands of bitter ex lover.
2. Romance - The start of FL-ML relationship was spicy and full of sexual tension. ML was smitten and determined to be by her side. It took awhile for FL to give into love but it's understandable considering FL had just got out of a toxic relationship.
3. Supporting characters - I really like assistant Feng & FL's subordinate.
4. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan wore beautiful outfits for this drama. I loved her red dress at the engagement party.
5. Visuals - Zhao Mu Yan was so beautiful. There were many attractive actors e.g Garvey, actors who played SML & Assistant Feng.
6. Height difference - I know Garvey is super tall and Zhao Mu Yan is tiny. Their height difference was alright due to camera angles but once or twice I saw Garvey bent a lot. Poor him!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - OMG FL's ex was despicable for manipulation and imprisonment. He got his comeuppance alright. His father & wife were evil as well and I didn't see them getting punished.
2. ML's characterisation - I wish ML had informed FL of his real identity sooner so that FL and ML could devise a strategy to show that there was no favouritism. I also disliked feigning injury to gain sympathy from FL.
3. Relationship - I wish they had a proper discussion about their relationship once ML's secret was out.

Favourite scene
When FL was traumatised by her ex. That was scary hence memorable!

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Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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How a canary planned her escape from vicious "owner"

I am in Huang Bo phase because I am preparing a reddit post on his dramas. This drama has been in my 'Plan to watch' list since I discovered Huang Bo early this year. Wow, I am in disbelief. Despite the toxicity, I enjoyed this drama for the beautiful shots & amazing performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG, she was a canary to a possessive lover. I loved her for fighting for freedom and never giving up. Such a beautiful but tragic backstory.
2. Acting - This is my second drama with Huang Yun Yun as FL and wow, what an impressive performance. She was able to showcase different facial expressions. Huang Bo played a convincing psychopath that I was so concerned for FL's wellbeing. Huang Bo and Huang Yun Yun had amazing chemistry despite their characters being in predator-prey relationship.
3. Ending - It's a brilliant idea to do something different and related to the poster.
4. Styling - Huang Yun Yun was elegant when she wore dresses - my favourite is the light blush dress. I also loved her all black ensemble she wore when she confronted ML for the final time.
5. Length - This drama is under 100 minutes, which is good because I couldn't take anymore abuse.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes e.g. dancing scenes & forced intimacy scenes.
7. Supporting characters - Different characters added value to this drama: Yang Xue, FL's male friend, ML's staff.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, the ML is the villain and he is the most vile partner ever. He was possessive, conniving and insecure. It's unbelievable that he did those things to make sure FL stayed with him.
2. Romance - Toxic love.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Solid historical revenge drama with captivating ML

I don't remember how I came across this drama - was it because I missed watching Wang Zi Jia or was this drama recommended in a sub-reddit? I am glad that I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Zi Jia continued to impress me with her acting. This is my first drama of Yang Yu Bin and wow, I was impressed by his facial expression and posture. He was captivating on screen!
2. Revenge - Both characters sought justice for their families. ML's revenge plan was more subtle. It's cool that FL executed her plan without help from ML. She was smart.
3. Romance - There was a good mix of sweet and spicy. I loved how affectionate they were with each other. ML being playful with FL was cute then hot.
4. Styling - I really really liked ML's styling. Their wedding gowns were beautiful.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's older servant because she was protective of FL. ML's righthand man was good too.
6. Length - Great that this drama is less than 1 hour 50 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL for enduring abuse from relatives & sister wives/concubine. That punishment she received in the past was nasty.
2. Antagonists - A few were introduced. They were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

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When antagonist reigned supreme

I was going through iQiyi shorts collection until I saw the poster of this drama. I clicked play because I am Huang Bo fangirl and I was curious about Xu Dan's acting. This drama was an OK watch despite its many flaws.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience in facing hardships. She was on her own so I understood why she never openly fought back.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Xu Dan and the actress who played Tang Si Han. Huang Bo did good with his role too. I disliked his character at one point.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow Tang Si Han is the most vicious antagonist I have seen in vertical dramas. She was a psychopath who has no moral compass. Her biological mother was another vile character.
2. Abuse - There were so much physical & mental abuse endured by FL. I was stressed.
3. Romance - Even though FL & ML were together in a romantic relationship, there was hardly any romance in the drama.
4. Mrs Tang - Gosh she was mean and dumb. She should have done a DNA test to confirm Tang Si Han's claim.

Favourite scene
When Tang Si Han visited ML's father at the hospital

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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