emberzmars

A pleasant surprise - simple story about love & career of an actress + good kisses

I watched the first two minutes of this drama when I was helping a member of subreddit CShortDramas to find video upload with English subtitles. I got curious even though the names of ML and FL were unfamiliar to me. I was glad that I watched it because it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good kisses but the hot kiss on the poster / teaser trailer seemed to be missing (or maybe I expected too much???). Nevertheless I really liked the dynamics between FL & ML - they were tender, affectionate and gave warm feeling to me.
2. FL characterisation - Both FL & ML were in the entertainment industry. She didn't want her marriage / relationship with ML to be known to the public because she wanted to be judged by merit not by connection. I respected her decision and liked that she was focused on her goal.
3. ML characterisation - He showed some moments of jealousy but wasn't possessed nor toxic. I liked that he knew how to behave when provoked.
4. Setup - I liked that the setup was related to acting / entertainment industry. There were scenes of them being on set to shoot a drama / movie.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Perfect to watch in one-sitting.
6. Plot - I liked that this drama is a simple story that covers love & career. No melodrama.
7. Acting - This was my first time watching the performance of Xia Huan Ting and Wu Jun Jie. I liked them and the chemistry was sizzling. Apparently they are dating in real-life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - An up-and-coming actress who was opportunistic and manipulative. She didn't mind harming people to advance her career.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he was working

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Family is core theme of this FL-married-to-single-dad drama

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I watched this drama as part of my assignment. I liked Li Quan Cheng and had seen their douyin video - it was adorable. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was feisty but kind & reasonable. I liked how she punished her stepson who had bad attitude.
2. ML characterisation - Kind-hearted but firm decision maker. I liked his protective nature.
3. Romance - Sweet and they seemed like a couple who understood each other without talking too much. No steamy kisses but many quick kisses & pecks. Their love language is act of service.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. From FL treating her stepson like her own child to FL mending relationship with her adopted sis.
5. Growth - There was two supporting characters that threw me off when she first appeared on screen. However there was character growth and by third act, I realised that I liked them.
6. Compassionate - This value was demonstrated in several scenes by FL & ML. I appreciated those scenes.
7. Acting - I enjoyed their performances, as individual characters and as a couple. There was good chemistry between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents too controlling & foolish. Not respecting ML's wishes & decision. FL's adopted mother & brother were horrible.
2. Son's action - There was a point where ML's son called FL by full name. I thought it was rude of him. He should call FL aunty if mother / mama was too much for him.

Favourite scene
FL taught ML's son a lesson because he got bad attitude

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I wanted more romance in this revenge tale

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Wang Chen Peng. This is their second collaboration although I haven't watched the first collab, I was excited for this drama. I watched it the same day of its release and had mixed feelings about it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - I loved watching FL being a seductress.
2. Plot - Wow I didn't expect a revenge tale to go big like this. I liked the plot twist reveal at the grave. Refreshing.
3. FL characterisation - Her mission was clear. I liked that she recruited her trusted allies in enacting revenge.
4. Styling - FL's outfits were beautiful. My favourite is the white business suit she wore at the start as it complemented her body shape. I also loved ML's outfits. Wang Chen Peng looked dapper in the grey suit.
5. Supporting characters - The gang of butler, makeup artist, fashion designer & dietitian.
6. ML characterisation - I liked his other identity - he was not an idle rich man.
7. Dynamics - I loved the seduction scenes and the kisses as it created enough sexual tension between FL and ML and between FL and SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, the male antagonist was a different kind of villain. Female antagonist was a bitch. Both were unethical & unlawful.
2. FL's action - I felt FL should have gone for partnership with ML once the video reveal backfired.
3. Romance - It was rather one-sided with ML clearly attracted to FL while FL was focused on her goal. I wanted FL to desire ML.

Favourite scene
The dance by the pool

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Wonderfully written fantasy drama about revenge, partnership & power struggle

I was in the mood for supernatural themed mini drama last month because of Halloween. I came across this title online somewhere but was dismayed when youtube link was region-locked. However the weekend before Halloween there was another link made available. I was delighted & watched it two days before Halloween. I enjoyed this mini drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the wood soul concept. I also liked the “vampire” concept was done in atypical way. VFX was done well.
2. Main characters - I liked that the three main characters (including ML's nephew) were morally ambiguous. I also liked that they didn't not fully trust each other.
3. Action - Amazing fighting sequences. I liked that FL was able to fight baddies even when her wood soul wasn't fully unleashed - she was not a damsel in distress.
4. Writing - Refreshing take on power struggle. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. I also didn't expect the comedy bits.
5. Acting - Good performances by the cast. Ye Sheng Jia has improved a lot since Fortune Hunter. Xu Zhen Zhen did much better here than Enslaved by Love.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. I also liked that ML's bathrobes - great display of abs.
7. Family - Family is the core theme. There were 2 dysfunctional families.
8. Supporting characters - I loved Cheng Qi even though he didn't have much screentime. ML's subordinate & FL's servant were good characters too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Evil. Greedy.
2. Chemistry - I wish both YSJ & XZZ had upped their on-screen chemistry so the romantic scenes (even without kissing) felt fiery & warm.

Favourite scene
When FL stroke a partnership deal with ML

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Enjoyable long time crush drama with variety show as a plot device

I added this drama to my playlist but I didn't recall the reason for the addition. The main actor & main actress seemed unfamiliar to me. Anyway I watched it last week - it was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sneaky with all approaches to get FL in his orbit. Fret not, he was a sweet guy.
2. FL characterisation - It was great that she wanted to move on after discovering SML's bad attitude. I don't like FLs that wallow in self-pity for too long.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with ML having longtime crush on FL since they were in university. He liked caressing her face and I dig that!
4. Symbolism - I liked the hidden symbols of cat & butterfly.
5. Styling - FL looked pretty in her traditional outfits. I loved ML's shirt that has butterfly embroidery.
6. Variety show - I liked the use of variety show as a plot device to get them to know each other.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ruo Yan was such a high maintenance girl. Zin Mo was a scumbag for bad behaviour towards FL. I also disliked the other female contestant because she was hungry for fame.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch this one because I had never seen Zhong Zheng as ML before. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad that I chose this drama. I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and determination to do well for herself. I was moved when there were scenes that told viewers about her upbringing with her father.
2. Sibling dynamics - It was great to see how the relationship between FL and SML who is her stepbrother progressed from frosty to warm. I liked that ML realised the misunderstandings and tried best to improve his relationship with FL in his own way.
3. Romance - Slowburn friend to lovers trope. ML fell for FL but realised that FL needed to feel secure in her new home. So he was never explicit nor aggressive in his pursuit of her.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he quietly supported FL and always tried to find ways to be around FL.
5. Acting - Wonderful performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhong Zheng, Yue Yang. It was nice to see the actress who played FL's mother in a loving mother role - I always saw her as evil ex-wife and stepmother.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two buddies, FL's mother & stepfather and FL's two friends.

What I disliked:
1. Blind date - I disliked the girl who was on blind date with ML. She was going to take advantage but luckily her green tea ways were caught on by many.
2. FL's relatives - I disliked her father, stepmother and half-brother.

Favourite scene
When SML overheard his stepmother telling their housekeeper about FL's upbringing in her father's home

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Good kissing scenes but Zhao Mei Xuan's acting was bland

I really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals so whenever I see his drama poster, I am more likely to watch the drama. I am unfamiliar of the actess but I enjoy unplanned pregnancy trope plot device. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Ji Jun Liang - Handsome and his character is Mr Nice Guy. I liked his acting in this drama.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was firm with boundary & feelings when his childhood friend who loved him encroached in his space. I also likee his protectiveness.
3. Kisses - Plenty & great.
4. Styling - Well-picked outfits for ML & Ming Zhou SFL.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor / brother.

What I disliked:
1. Zhao Mei Xuan - For a character that meant to be optimistic & warm, her performance was bland & forgettable.
2. Chemistry - No spark betwen ZMX and JJL despite the abundance of kissing scenes. Her facial expression was blank different from JJL who showed desire on his face.
3. Romance - Mostly one-sided with FL taking passive role. FL only iniated effort close to third act.
4. Antagonists - Mingzhou was entitled rich brat who was possessive of ML.
5. Length - Too long.
6. Styling - Her clothes not flattering. They emphasised on her naivety - maybe that was the intention.

Favourite scene
When ML went shirtless

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Light but sexy drama about faceblind ML & his secretary

I was browsing new releases and randomly picked this drama. I hadn't seen the work of Nie Zi Xuan nor Li Nuo so I was curious. Wow, what an opening scene! I decided to watch the drama in full and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - The first minute was damn hot. Their intimate scenes were hot because I could sense desire mixed in with slight playfulness.
2. Nie Zi Xuan - Well, hello gorgeous. He was Adonis - a manly man with sharp jawline. I loved his voice.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend.
4. Main characters - Both were likeable. I liked that ML knew about the deception early on and just played along with FL's ruse.
5. Tone - This drama was lighthearted.
6. Acting - Both Li Nuo and Nie Zi Xuan gave good performances individually and as a pair. They had believable chemistry and I assumed good rapport because the intimate scenes were damn hot.

What I disliked:
1. Fake identity - FL's ruse went on too long. I wish she had come clean after the second time they were intimate.
2. Romance - They had sex and they worked together. However I wish there was more time spent on their romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The morning after their second intimate encounter

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Well-written jiejie romance drama that felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I'd like to thank MDL user Fae for sharing link to this drama. I was not familiar with the main actor and main actress so not much expectation. I enjoyed this drama immensely and was impressed by the production quality.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot intimate scenes such as passionate kissing and a cosplay. I also liked that there were tender and vulnerable moments by both characters. One of my favourite scenes is when ML felt undervalued and broke up with FL. I liked how ML stood up for his rights in the relationship because usually in jiejie romance, ML closed one eye when he was mistreated by FL.
2. ML characterisation - As expected, he had cute puppy vibe when he was playful with FL but there were serious moments. I liked that his character grew.
3. FL characterisation - FL was sensible and likeable. I also liked that FL had some character growth as well. She realised her mistake and fought for her relationship.
4. Writing - I liked how this story was told because it felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama without filler scenes. There was one scene I enjoyed a lot - FL had a chat with her close colleague about dating a younger man. I liked how these tropes were explored in this story: Older woman-younger man romance, office romance, hidden identity, longtime crush.
5. Supporting characters - I loved FL's close colleague Annie for being wise and funny. I also liked ML's assistant - he gave good advice.
6. Acting - Wonderful performances by Wang Xiao Shi, Yu Yi Fu, the actor who played FL's ex and the actress who played FL's mother. Great chemistry between Wang Xiao Shi and Yu Yi Fu.
7. Styling - Amazing outfits chosen for FL because in reality Yu Yi Fu is older than Wang Xiao Shi.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - A substantial antagonist with a good arc. FL’s ex was cunning and despicable for going to FL’s mother to get FL to marry him. I also disliked FL's mother at one point for not backing her own daughter. She was too concerned about face saving than her daughter's happiness.

Favourite scene
The cosplay

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Inspired by When the Phone Rings but my gosh the writing & acting were poor

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I picked this one because it was short. It turns out that this drama was inspired by kdrama When the Phone Rings. That's my favourite drama from last year so I had some expectations for this drama. This drama is literally fated to sink - I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Great kissing scenes courtesy of Xie Yu Wang.
2. Actor's set - FL was an actress who got a role in a movie / tv drama. I actually enjoyed the filming scenes. She deserved to be scolded by director in the first shoot for not taking her wedding ring off.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant.
4. Length - Thank gosh this drama was less than 100 minutes. I did increase speed to finish it quickly.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I knew she was young but my gosh I found her childish and silly. She was unhappy with ML's tracking her moves (rightfully so) therefore retaliated by pranking him. She
deliberately sought a phone & technology to do so.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it at all with FL's immature behaviour. There were a lot of assumptions made by both side - they hardly communicated.
3. Plot - Some elements were borrowed from the kdrama e.g. forced marriage, special phone, pranking, threats via intimate photos / info. While I appreciated that this drama isn't a carbon copy of WTPR, the writing itself is poor. I was disengaged the moment FL staged a kidnapping.
4. Acting - The main actress's performance was bad. She played an actress who got leading role but my gosh she was not charismatic nor outstanding. There wasn't chemistry with Xie Yu Wang.
5. Antagonists - FL's mother was despicable for selling FL to settle her debt. I also disliked the lady who seduced ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was scolded by the director for not taking off her wedding ring

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

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Sweet drama about clingy ML & FL with many skills

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML teased his grandmother

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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