emberzmars

Final 11 minutes of the story was a mess and no chemistry between the leads

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this one because I also enjoy Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I had some expectations about this drama. Unfortunately this drama felt short to me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She transmigrated into a novel she had written and instead of predetermined supporting character, she became main character. I liked her thoughts of completing her mission. Very entertaining but she clearly didn't know how to outwit the system.
2. ML characterisation - We knew he transmigrated too but I was surprised that he had been given mission. I too enjoyed watching his antics. ZZD playing a charming, mischievous guy is always fun to watch.
3. Plot twist - The plot twist at ML's office marked the start of third act and damn, I liked it.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Zhuang as he was an abstute observer and mostly nice person. His character had depth. Played brilliantly by Ji Jun Liang.
5. Relationship - Interesting to see different dynamics between FL and ML at different stages of their relationship. There were some good kisses between them.
6. Styling - I liked the different styling given to FL before and after transmigration. The men's formal wear for the banquet was good. Both ZZD & JJL looked very handsome.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him for being harsh to FL before transmigration.
2. Final 11 minutes - WHY??? 180 degree character change was a disappointment.
3. Acting - SQX's acting was one note and stiff - she lacked charm in most of her scenes. I also didn't sense any chemistry between her and ZZD. Their relationship lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The plot twist

Read More

Great start to this drama about dog curse but the writing & execution lacked finesse

I am always fascinated with fantasy / supernatural genre in vertical dramas and the word 'dog' is in the title. So this drama definitely caught my attention when it was a fresh release. After reading positive comments on youtube and reddit, I decided to watch it. It was enjoyable despite the plot hole.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Great push and pull dynamic. It was cheeky of writer to add "leash". "petting" and "dog in heat" into its screenplay because that definitely created heat for this drama. First time I saw this real life couple in steamy scenes.
2. Dog plot device - I loved every single scene with dogs from glass-wearing golden retriever to bring-your-dog-to-work policy. It was also touching that this drama was about FL's dog.
3. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man, a fiercely loyal employee of the Yan family. Henry the business rival was not bad too. Last but not least, I loved the golden retriever and the dobermann.
4. Antagonist - Thank gawd the antagonist was not bai yue guang with non-stop "Ge Ge". This drama had a good antagonist arc - he wanted to take over as the company's CEO. Even secondary antagonist's arc was satisfying.
5. Tone - Lighthearted and some comedic moments.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - I don't know why Bai Xin Yi often wear unflattering clothes in her dramas. In this drama, she looked like plain jane when in work clothes. I hated her shoes - wearing mary jane with socks is no no for me.
2. Kidnapping - This scene lacked tension and was poorly shot.
3. Ending - Abrupt. I was bummed that there was no reference to ML's father.

Favourite scene
When the dog curse was first introduced to the audience

Read More

A couple at the verge of divorce...a well-written drama with an emotional punch & great acting

I was intrigued by the drama when it was heavily mentioned in subreddit CShortDramas during its release. I have seen dramas by Tian Yuan and Ji Jun Liang. I like Tian Yuan's acting but as much as I like JJL's visuals, I found his dramas lack uummpphh mostly because the lack of chemistry with his leading ladies. So today I decided to watch Chasing Routine. I literally just completed this drama and wow, so many thoughts going through my head.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say this is one of the best written vertical dramas from this year. The three acts had a clear concept and were executed well. I cried because was moved by a few scenes in act two. Kudos to the writers.
2. Main characters - I liked that both characters were flawed. There was character development in both FL & ML and I appreciated that they work their hardest to be better versions of themselves.
3. Acting - Wow, great performances by both Tian Yuan & Ji Jun Liang. They matched each other's skills and intensity. The hotel room scene was the highlight of their performances.
4. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as I saw different examples of family units: i) FL & ML, ii) FL's mother & brother, iii) ML's parents.
5. Forgiveness - It is hard to move on when there are resentment, nitpicking or lingering feelings. Best way to move forward is to forgive, which was demonstrated in the scene at the hospital.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL, ML & ML's assistant / admirer. The lime green dress looked good on FL while my favourite outfit for ML is the ensemble he wore for dinner with his brother in law & annoying guy.
6. Supporting characters - Usually in my culture, mother in law can be harsh towards their daughter in law but I really liked ML's parents for being supportive of FL. It was nice to add that conversation between ML and ML's mother about having kids.
7. Romance - There were ups and downs in their relationship that we got to see. A very emotional ride. Their love language is act of service and there was one kiss I think.
8. Ending - I was hoping it would be that news and I was right. They deserved it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's mother & brother were atrocious and ungrateful. Lived off well but never appreciated ML. I couldn't believe the brother for still befriending the attacker of his sister. That guy with horrible centre-parting hair was an ass who wouldn't take no for an answer.
2. SFL - I disliked ML's assistant / admirer for the GeGe / cooing and for taking credit for FL's work. However she redeemed herself at the end, which was a nice surprise.

Favourite scene
The hotel room - a lot of feelings involved.

Read More

Hilarious transmigration, systems drama with great romance arc

I came across this drama on youtube a few days ago and after reading positive comments, I saved it into my playlist. Yesterday I was in the mood for something warm with good kisses so I watched this drama. I was not disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama uses transmigration and systems trope and I enjoyed it. I liked that FL was given two options i) return to original world, ii) remain in the same world, because many systems drama that I watched do not offer them to main characters making me feel like they had no choice but to stay and make the best of the current world.
2. FL characterisation - She gave mixed signals to characters closed to her but I found her charming & likeable.
3. Acting - Guo Xin Rui was awesome in this role with great comedic performance. She made FL self-deprecatingly funny. This is my second Ma Shuo Qi drama and I liked his performance as well. GXR & MSQ had great chemistry here.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with FL trying to follow the plot but couldn't and ML trying to resist FL's charm but failed to do so. Even when there were at odds with each other, I could sense the sexual pull between them. Their kisses were good. There was even a cosplay scene which was adorable & funny.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's sister - she was sensible, strong & had a no-nonsense mindset. She was the opposite of scatterbrained FL. I also liked ML's friend who ovserved ML's behaviour and kept teasing him for being a love brain.
6. Comedy - So many hilarious scenes. My favourite is when ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back.
7. Kidnapping scene - Damn, what a refreshing take!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked ML's childhood friend who overstepped the boundaries because of her "love" for ML. She was disrespectful towards him. I also disliked ML's adopted sister who was possessive of ML because of her love for him. It was wonderful to hear FL telling her the reality of the situation betwen adopted sister and ML. I also disliked ML's mother for favouring childhood friend over her own daughter-in-law. They already married so move on!

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back

Read More

FL escaping from mother's clutches and bumped into ML. A sweet, slow burn romance ensues.

I was in the mood for pregnant FL dramas so I chose this drama assuming it would cover it. Nope, I was wrong but good thing I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was courageous to go against her controlling mother. I liked her resilience, compassion and desire to live her own life.
2. ML characterisation - He was sweet, protective and respectful. I liked that he was genuine about helping FL. He never set any conditions e.g. contract girlfriend / relationship.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying because of the emotional intimacy between FL and ML. There were good kisses with a few initiated by FL.
4. Qipao design - I loved this plot device because traditional clothes fascinate me.
5. Supporting characters - Huan Huan was a great friend. She was perceptive and smart to help her uncle indirectly to win FL's heart. I really liked Butler Xu.
6. Wedding - Gorgeous wedding with a special 'kiss under a veil' moment.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's mother was overbearing and controlling. She treated FL as commodity and I hated her for forcing FL to do things her way. FL's rival at university was another horrible person. She was a snob.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be ML's girlfriend

Read More

Similar to US tv show Jane the Virgin, FL was artificially inseminated

I was in the mood for Aorigele dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I had low expectation but wow I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her because there was character growth. At the start, she was mousy and insecure but she slowly learned to trust her judgements & convictions.
2. ML characterisation - He was so sweet. I liked that he was a nice boss and didn't easily cave into family pressure.
3. Romance - Very sweet. I loved it when ML directly told FL that he was pursuing her.
4. Styling - Wonderful pieces selected for FL as you can see outfits that match varying stages of transformation. ML's outfits were great too. Plain white t-shirt was the highlight for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was a delusional b!tch who think ML was her possession. There was also another entitled ass who was condescending towards FL. I was delighted when both were punished. I disliked FL's father who was money-hungry scumbag. He too got punished.
2. Nails - OMG, so many raptor nails in the drama: delusional b!tch, entitled b!tch and even a gynaecologist. Having long fingernails for work at hospital just did not make sense.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL that he's pursuing her

Read More

Started great but lost its spark somewhere in the middle

I was in the mood for dramas about unplanned pregnancy so I chose this drama because of Zhao Zhen Dong. I was unfamiliar with Joey Chua - turns out she's from my country. Anyway the drama started out great and somewhere in the middle it lost its spark for me.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance was slowburn & sweet with ML iniated efforts most of the time. They are a couple that gave off quiet confidence & serene vibes.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm demeanour. He was also caring & protective.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend for being a great friend. FL's parents & younger brother often provided comic relief.
4. Medical field - I liked scenes related to their anatomy class and Chinese traditional medicine.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by ML, FL and her bestie.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that he made decision to send FL abroad after "a scandal". He treated her like a kid not like a partner. I thought their new family of three would travel together but no. That decision just didn't sit well with me.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex (actor looks like Wu Yu Hang) was typical scumbag but Jiang Xin was a jealous b!tch who wanted to compete with FL at personal & professional level. Her antics were tiresome.
3. FL actions - I felt FL was stringing along her ex and husband. She should tell the ex to bugger off and move on but instead she payed along ML's game. I thought she had her own revenge plans but no. Pity husband being caught in this stupid game.

Favourite scene
When ML massaged FL's legs

Read More

Mob boss took a career change & became a teacher. It was a fun watch!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch on a day which I wanted something with no romance. I enjoyed this drama immensely. It reminds me of American movies Sister Act 2 and Dangerous Minds where a new teacher had to deal with rebellious students who actually had potential to shine with the right direction. Anyway I am thrilled that there will be part 2.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I knew he took up teaching to fulfill his mother's wishes but he seemed to enjoy teaching and motivating young people with no clear direction in life. I liked that he maintained the boundaries of teacher-student relationship. He never disclosed his personal matters to them.
2. Acting - Gao Hao Jun was brilliant in this role - he was cool, calm & composed. I also liked the actor who played the most intimidating student, Wang Zion. He could show the different sides of his character.
3. Lessons - His lessons were fun. My favourite was chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Wang Zion, Lance & musician girl were my favourite students. FL teacher & principal were good too. I also liked Lance's parents who were cute supporters of their kid.
5. Townhall - I actually liked how it turned out. ML got the backing from parents of his students.
6. Ending - I liked that he took up a new challenge.

What I disliked:
1. Confrontation - It was anti-climatic. Because of his past "work experience" as a mob boss, I expected some violence to happen.

Favourite scene
Chemistry lesson

Read More

Sweet story about age gap / class difference romance with likeable leads

I was in the mood for vertical dramas about unplanned pregnancies so I chose this drama. I enjoy the acting of Zhao Zhen Dong & Zhang Ruo Chen. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was kind, resilient & self-reliant. She knew she had to stand on her two feet that's she couldn't easily accept ML's allowance. Zhang Ruo Chen was good in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He was skeptical but mystified by his attraction to her. I liked that he was caring & protective of her.
3. Romance - Slow burn & sweet. There were a few affectionate moments & some kisses though I wish there were more cultivation of relationship scenes.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Han Lin was the MVP. His presence brightened the drama. I also liked the Huo elders - I liked when 3 elders as a collective scolded ML. Wow 4 generations living togather. FL's new classmate who was protective of her was cool too. The maids were nice too especially the lead.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they were age-appropriate and fit her quiet personality. ML looked handsome in his work clothes.
6. Tone - Despite the bullying, the drama was lighearted & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family took advantage of her kindness. I didn't like that they were abusive, physically & mentally. The jealous factory workers and high school / uni friends were insufferable too.
2. Screentime - The drama is 1 hour 35 minutes, which is the length I like. However antagonists got too much screentime. I would have liked more time for cultivation of relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML & his assistant eavesdropped on FL's conversation with her uni friend

Read More

Intriguing opening scene but once cover was blown, drama became bland

Ok I have to admit - I really really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals that I recently developed a habit of watching his new releases. As expected, I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - The paparazzo scene at the start was exciting because it was something I had not seen in Chinese dramas.
2. Styling - The disguise was awesome. The pink wig looked gorgeous on the main actress.
3. Ji Jun Liang - Wow, he got to show us his body. His face card is top notch as expected.
4. Kisses - Good kissing scenes thanks to JJL. His character always initiated it.

What I disliked;
1. Romance - Lacklustre.
2. FL characterisation - She was silly like always fumbling. She was also cowardly - always scared of someone. I couldn't believe the things she did to ML.
3. Acting - The main actress was so inexperienced because her acting was very underwhelming. The only thing I liked about her was when she wore the pink wig - that persona was confident & self-assured.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

Read More

Heartwarming tale about FL hearing thoughts of half-dragon ML

I came across this inner thought drama on subreddit CShortDramas. The title implied that FL could hear ML's thoughts so I became interested and watched. I loved it a lot! I did a buddy watch of this drama with MDL user Fae.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I love this drama because ML is a sensitive soul despite the tough persona. I think he maintained that façade but slowly lowered his guard when FL showed kindness to him. I also liked his curiosity and protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - They were affectionate and sweet. Well FL cheated because of her superpower hahaha but it's a great setup for couple's communication.
3. Inner thought trope - I usually watch dramas in which FL's thought could be heard by ML but this is the other way around. It's refreshing to see/hear ML's inner thoughts.
4. Fantasy element - I loved the dragon arc even though there was only a few scenes. ML in dragon form is ker ai!
5. Styling - The makeup and props for dragon form was done well. The scales on his face & arm were beautifully done. Even the claws looked like a proper prop and not flimsy gloves. I couldn't believe he even had a tail LMAO. The walkie-talkie horns were
adorable!
6. The ending - I liked that there was a discussion on labour and the form of their child - as an egg or a human with dragon
features. My guess was wrong - I wish the child was born in half-breed form.
7. Antagonist - The antagonist here isn't that bad. He didn't overshadow the couple in terms of storytelling.
8. Supporting characters - I loved ML's mother. The relief on her face when FL knew his secret identity. She's such a wonderful lady to have raised an orphan who turned out to be different from other people.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - There was no kissing scenes. I want to see lust & real kisses since their relationship was healthy.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother knew that FL was aware of ML's secret.

Read More

Great acting in this BDSM tale of two people with complicated lives

I watched this drama as I was preparing for a reddit post on my favourite dark and dangerous female leads. I knew BDSM is an element of this drama so I wasn't shocked. I must say I enjoyed this drama a lot.

Trigger warning: BDSM, Mental health issue, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Romance - One of the steamiest dramas with BDSM element to boot. I enjoyed watching dominant female & submissive male dynamics as they both consented to this dynamic.
2. FL characterisation - She had mental health issues but I liked her character because she wanted to be in a better place for herself and others that cared for her after being given a second chance.
3. ML characterisation - His motives confused me at times because the past version of him was vengeful. However I liked watching his struggles and character growth. It seemed to me that he knew the difference between love and gratitude.
4. Acting - Wonderful acting by Yue Yu Ting & Zhang Chi. They played off each other's energy & intensity.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and ML.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours which was perfect for me. Not draggy.

Disliked:
1. Confusion - Her life before rebirth & the sabotage confused me. I didn't quite understand the supporting character's insistence on pulling FL & ML apart. I knew the success would benefit the culprit but so what?

Favourite scene
When ML consoled FL who had harmed herself

Read More

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

Read More

Touching drama about flash marriage, partnership and sense of belonging

This drama was recommended to me by reddit friend. I am a fan of Han Jia Hui dramas and Li Zi Jie has his charms. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slowburn with great emphasis on growing feelings and sense of belonging. They communicated on regular basis and while there was slight awkwardness between them, I could feel that they liked each other.
2. FL characterisation - She was neglected by her biological family but decided to cut ties once the condition became unbearable. I liked that she protected the people she cared the most and that included ML.
3. ML characterisation - ML had his own personal struggles to battle. I liked that he was protective of FL and was honest to FL about his growing attraction to her.
4. Supporting characters - It's great that ML had uncle, aunt & cousin who loved him.
5. Board meeting - I was delighted when a director openly challenged ML's father's capability as President because of the scandals.
6. Acting - Li Zi Jie nailed his role. I was moved by his performance especially in the last 20 minutes or so. Han Jia Hui was given more comedic bits and she did well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father and grandmother were the worst offenders for the ill treatment towards ML. Other baddies in this drama included ML's stepmother, FL's father, stepmother and half sister.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 40 minutes, I felt the drama was too long given that a lot of screentime given to antagonists.

Favourite scene
Dialogue between ML and his father.

Read More

Strong FL left scumbag husband. No reconciliation - thank gawd!

I found out about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I didn't recognise the main actor & main actress but was willing to give this a shot considering its short running time. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a devoted partner (in lofe & at professional level) to ML but once her trust was betrayed by ML, she decided to leave ML, took her half and move on. I really liked her determination to rebuild her life.
2. Acting - I really liked Wu Yue's acting. Li Si Yang was overshadowed by her but he gave a good performance too.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant because he put some sense into ML. I liked the man who pursued FL post-divorce because he appreciated her wisdom and success and never felt intimidated.
4. Romance - I was surprised by this arc. Older woman-younger man dynamics. There were not many romantic scenes between them but their kiss was hot.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not prioritising FL during their marriage. He wanted to reconcile with FL very badly but fate was not on his side. He got his retribution.
2. Casting - The actor who played ML's assistant was handsome. I wish he had swapped roles with the actor who played FL's new love.

Favourite scene
When FL's new love tended to her wounds

Read More