emberzmars

Letdown by Zhu Xiao Xue's bland acting. She was miscast!

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I was excited when this drama was released. I had not watched Zhu Xiao Xue's acting so I was curious. I must say I was disappointed with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I always see some 90s Johnny Depp in Xie Yu Wang. So when ML dressed like a rockstar for this drama, I simply loved it.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his flirty nature.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant, FL's grandpa & FL's bestie.
4. Kisses - Good kisses thanks to XYW.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's fiancé / boyfriend & his adopted sister were mean.
2. Acting - Unfortunately Zhu Xiao Xue seemed out of place. This drama has a tinge of comedy even with revenge focus but ZXX lacked charm to pull off this role. There was no chemistry between her and XYW. I also disliked the acting of SML. His acting lacked conviction for a scumbag who was willing to harm FL. The actor seemed goofy with that styling & acting style.
3. Romance - Sadly I didn't buy the romance arc at all. FL was more focused on revenge against her ex - she couldn't be bothered with ML until the last 20 minutes or so. The lack of chemistry between ZXX & XYW also didn't make me want to root for them.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL after love confession.

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Fast-paced transmigration, inner thought drama with fantasy elements. I liked it a lot!!!

I am preparing a reddit post on Sun Qian Xun's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my assignment. I like Wang Nan's acting too so I had some expectations. Thankfully they were met!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, confident and smart - I liked her no-nonsense personality. She also kicked ass!
2. ML characterisation - He was a nice, gentle & sensible guy. He didn't take long to trust Lu Li's thoughts and once trust was built, his thoughts of her changed.
3. Acting - Sun Qian Xun & Wang were great in their roles. I particularly liked SQX's facial expressions when she was reading people's fate. It was also wonderful to see her performing some stunts. They also had good chemistry & synergy. The supporting cast did well too especially the actress who played the white moonlight.
4. Romance - Slowburn and sweet. FL came from a different world where romance wasn't a priority so I understood why it took awhile for her to acknowledge her feelings. There was warmth between them and the kisses were good albeit brief.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and siblings. This is one of the rare dramas where there was no assistant to any of the main characters.
6. Tone - It was fast paced & lighthearted with good action sequences. VFX was well done too. Different from other inner thought dramas I have seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - While I enjoyed the arcs for both antagonists, I felt the male antagonist's arc lacked development.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML at the cliff

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Frustrating tale of amnesiac ML & domineering FL

I watched this drama because of Xue Zi Qi. I loved her performance & chemistry with Fang Zheng Nan in their collab drama. I got a feeling her character in this drama would be domineering so I had some expectations of the drama. Unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Xue Zi Qi looked damn gorgeous in red / burgundy pant suits. She also wore beautiful outfits.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was smart & capable. She proved to be a worthy heiress.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend, grandfather, ML's uncle & aunt.
4. Action - I liked that FL can fight baddies. Enjoyed the action scenes a lot.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was sad that ML only showed interest in way past the 1 hour mark. There was too much push / resistance from ML and FL was very aggressive in her pursuits for ML's affections. I didn't like that she was willing to settle - she said she didn't mind being ML's mistress. I felt like FL was chasing nostalgia rather than accept ML's change of heart / behaviour.
2. ML characterisation - He was bland.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival took advantage of ML's amnesia to pose as his girlfriend.

Favourite scene
When ML was proactive in making out

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This drama with reversed gender role was a letdown. I didn't buy their romance

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and was intrigued by FL because reviewer said FL was domineering. Since this drama was available on iQIYI and I needed to utilise my subscription, I decided to watch this afternoon. Drama didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I really liked their acting as their individual characters and as a couple. Wang Yun Yun and Wang Kai Mu had good chemistry. I was moved by their performances in one or two scenes.
2. Supporting characters - FL's Vice President turned out to be a nice guy.
3. FL characterisation - I had mixed feelings about her character. I liked that she was goal-oriented and generous with charity work. I also liked that she never talked bad about Gu Ling Ling.
4. Hopsitalisation - It was sweet to see their relationship grew when FL was hospitalised for her injury.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they gave off "money & power" vibes. Wang Kai Mu looked good in the blue suit.
6. Intimacy - I liked the bathtub scene.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I disliked FL's pursuit of ML. To me, she treated him as a commodity. That attitude of "I have the means to get whatever I want and I want him". ML was so resistant at the start that I didn't buy that he genuinely fell in love with her. She saved him from an attack so when he started to question his feelings for FL, it seemed more like gratitude not love. Overall, this drama had too many "push dynamics" so the relationship felt forced, to me.
2. Antagonists - Gu Ling Ling was annoying brat. I hated her for playing a victim. Her brother & uncle were despicable too. Too bad brother got jailed because Gu Ling Ling's arc was draggy & boring. I was hoping the brother sought revenge.
3. Writing - For a 82 episode series, this drama felt "underdeveloped" & "unsatisfying". I wish there was a few episodes of ML connecting with his biological family, working to establish himself as Young Master Pei and reflecting on his relationship with FL & Gu family.
4. ML characterisation - His character felt very two-dimensional to me. I disliked that he didn't believe when the staircase incident happened.

Favourite scene
They spent quality time together when FL was hospitalised

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FL sought revenge for her daughter & seducing ML was part of her plans.

I first noticed this drama when I browsed new vertical drama releases. I liked FL with short hair (length above shoulder) and since this drama was talked about a little in a subreddit that I joined, I decided to watch it. I must say this drama exceeded my expectations and in my opinion, Nanny Don't Flee is better than Revenge Maid starring Wen Mo Yan, Ye Hao Ran & Wang Dao Tie.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Shuai, the actress who played antagonist & Zhao Ting Yi were excellent in their roles. I was captivated by their performances.
2. FL characterisation - FL carefully planned & executed her revenge against her daughter's bully. She was focused and smart.
3. Romance - Part of FL's revenge plan is to seduce ML and this plot device was way more satisfying than Revenge Maid. There was great push & pull dynamics and their scenes together were hot. I felt that ML was genuinely falling for her. I wanted more from them! I was even surprised by the other love interest.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the maid who was loyal to FL. I also liked, to some extent, FL's second love interest.
5. ML characterisation - I liked him despite him being a terrible father for not noticing his daughter's mean streak. He caught FL's scheming but was curious and followed along her plan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, she was mean even when she was a teenager. Rich kid who never took accountability for her actions.
2. FL's action - I was dismayed when FL had a miscarriage. I thought she would and could carry her pregnancy to full term.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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

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

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

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

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

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Second chance after a near divorce. Too bad I disliked FL

I watched this drama after watching Decad starring Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Zi Yi. I love that version so much so I was curious about this version. I've always liked Zhang Lei's visuals so yes there was some expectations. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull between ML & FL. There was a dash of spice in their romance.
2. Male model scene - This scene was brutal. I liked that male models went all out to entertain their target. And it was great way to punish SFL.
3. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by ML & FL.
4. The ending - Even though it is a cliffhanger, we get to see the attic.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Unfortunately I disliked FL. She had this mean vibe towards ML i.e. she always wanted to see ML cry and thought of ways to see him cry. She also seemed guarded even with ML, I feel.
2. Antagonist - SFL was annoying as hell.
3. Chemistry - There was lack of chemistry between Zhang Lei & Xu Dan.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Sweet age-gap romance with wonderful chemistry

I always enjoy Zhao Guan Yu-Lin Zi Rong collab after watching 2 of their dramas, which I love. I enjoyed this drama. It is so sweet!

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a slow burn romance, which is fitting because FL is young university student who is 9 years younger than ML. There was assumption made by ML about FL but this misunderstanding was quickly rectified and then ML started to fall in love hard with FL. I liked that ML waited until FL consented. There were plenty of sweet moments in this drama!
2. FL characterisation - She was concerned about being a burden to her new family, it's disheartening. Regardless of her circumstances, she remains positive about life. Once again, I am impressed by Lin Zi Rong's acting.
3. ML characterisation - It's good to see a bigshot humbled by a kind, genuine individual. I liked how protective, caring and respectful he is of FL. Zhao Guan Yu did well in his role.
4. Supporting characters - ML's executive assistant felt more like a close confidant to ML with his responses to ML's behaviour. I also liked ML's grandma, cousin (he's cute), FL's bestie and the Gus. Gu Yun Bai, portrayed by Du En Yu, had a rather interesting haircut.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling as it followed the different phases of her life.
6. Hidden identity - I usually don't enjoy hidden identities being dragged too long but in this drama, I understood why the identities were kept longer than expected.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Green tea Gu Qingyao should be punished heavily after she tried to put FL in a shameful position. The Mus were despicable but the son redeemed himself in the end.
2. Scenarios - FL had such bad luck as she encountered many difficult scenarios from drugging to kidnapping.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared late night snack for FL. So sweet!!!

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Heartwarming & hilarious tale about raising an instant family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The blood testing

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FL surrounded by toxic people

I watched this drama yesterday as I was in Huang Bo mood. Damn, this drama had negative vibe from start to almost the end. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked Shen Xing Chen despite the bad fate that befall her. I wish she had taken the opportunity presented in that third act.
2. Acting - Great acting by 5 prominent characters - FL, ML, white moonlight, ML's parents & FL's teacher.
3. Supporting character - I liked FL's teacher. He had crush on FL but never stepped outside the set boundary.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG that white moonlight is one of the most evil antagonists I have seen in the world of vertical dramas. Bat shit crazy! ML's parents were toxic and selfish. I was shocked by the crime that they committed.
2. ML characterisation - As much as I liked Huang Bo, I disliked this ML from the start. ML's behaviour was like a rollercoaster ride. He was mean at first then loving and at times indifferent.
3. Romance - There were genuine feelings between the couple in the 2nd & 3rd act. However ML was surrounded by toxic people that I felt FL should leave and stay away from them for her sanity in the long run.

Favourite scene
When ML's parents turned their backs on ML & FL. That's their true colour

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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

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Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

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

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

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


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

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