emberzmars

Lighthearted tale of cultivation

I am a fan of Li Ke Yi so when I found out about this drama, I added to my watchlist. I got around to watch a month ago. I enjoyed it although at times I did unconsciously compared this drama to Great Grandma Reborn at 18 because of her character's personality.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart. With her supernatural power, she was able to teach people a lesson.
2. Tone - It's funny and lighthearted.
3. Supporting characters - Yay, a familiar face - ML's grandfather. I also liked FL's mother & the arc for FL's father.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes for ML & FL.
5. Approach - I really liked that she used social media to gain followers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - She was envious and vicious towards FL - she was ok to harm people who got in her way. Ungrateful to her adopted family. Sow seeds of discord.
2. ML characterisation - He was like a filler character. I didn't get his purpose in this story because there was hardly any romantic moments or inclination.

Favourite scene
When she wowed ML's family & guests with Guqin playing.

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Revenge by calculating cause and effect

Yu Ke Ran impressed me when I first saw him in The Heartbreak Alliance. I was in the mood for something supernatural and saw a trailer of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I watched it a few days ago and wow I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - Plot was unique - a revenge tale that kept me guessing. I was surprised that the police caught onto him quickly.
2. Fantasy - ML's superpower was calculating cause and effect. Fascinating. Although his superpowers mostly shown for his revenge, there was the good side of the power - the medical treatment.
3. ML characterisation - Antihero. I liked that he was a morally grey character. He was hellbent on enacting revenge that he didn't care about being punished by the law. Tactical - he didn't mind villains being harmed indirectly by his calculations.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the rich woman who later became his ally. I also liked the police force.
5. Acting - Once again Yu Ke Ran impressed me with his acting. I also liked the acting of actor & actress that portrayed the leading police officers.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wang siblings were vicious & rotten brats. Their father was the worst.
2. Punishment - I was surprised that he was sentenced to prison. Was there any legit evidence that link him to the antagonist's death?

Favourite scene
When he wanted to impress a brain surgeon

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Steamy start but FL didn't put much effort in her relationship with ML & the kids

I got to know this drama from my reddit friend the week of Halloween. The last time I watched short dramas that feature a mermaid / merman was back in May so I was excited. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements like the appearance of ML's scales, tail and gills.
2. Kisses - Good kissing scenes. That opening scene was hot.
3. Styling - I liked the matching outfits they wore - the black business casual when ML showed dowry for FL and the white casual outfits when ML offered shoulder massage.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the twins. They always planned dates for their parents. I also liked ML's butler / subordinate.
5. Styling - I liked the merman outfit + VFX for merman scenes. I also liked FL's businesswear.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - They didn't spend a lot of time together and they always bickered & had misunderstandings. I felt FL didn't make much effort in their marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was too focused on her career and her stepmother - I found her unlikeable.
3. Antagonists - SML was interested in the study of mermaids. I hated him for abducting the kids to lure ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Good biological daughter vs adopted daughter story but with underdeveloped romance

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked for dramas to watch and decided on this title because I like Ji Jun Liang. It seems that Zhang Ruo Chen has done a few "biological daughter vs adopted daughter" dramas. I enjoyed this one.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her stance on her involvement with biological family after the rebirth. She never forgave them for their atrocious behaviour in the past life. I also liked that she helped her new family when she could have stayed quiet / passive.
2. Dynamics - Fascinating to see different dynamics between her and new foster brothers and between her and biological brothers.
3. Acting - I liked the performances given by Zhang Ruo Chen, Ji Jun Liang & Hu Wen Le.
4. Hard work - I liked that hard work was demonstrated as an important value in achieving success. One cannot just rely solely on fate.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted sister was vicious & envious of FL. She manipulated her brothers but the brothers and father were at fault too for indulging her. They were idiots.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance between FL & ML was underdeveloped. FL seemed to spend more time with her other foster brother than with ML.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 34 minutes, I found the drama was too long as some arcs were draggy.

Favourite scene
When FL & new foster brother sold stuff at booth

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Great first & second acts but third act ruined by unnecessary drama

I am a massive Huang Bo fan so I was excited to watch this drama when it was released. The drama started off with a bang with exciting first and second acts but seemed to run out of steam in the third act. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bubbly & flirty. Smart to approach ML for a safe space.
2. Romance - I liked the pacing from the start because of the banter between the leads. Good kisses with sexy intimate scenes. Hand-holding was sweet.
3. ML characterisation - He was prickly and sickly but warmed up to FL after her countless attempts to be nice to him. I liked that he strived to improve his leg condition. He also knew his boundaries with other women.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Qin secretary and ML's mother.
5. Styling - I wrote a reddit article about ML wearing black pleather jacket, white shirt, black tie & black trousers before this drama was released. Turned out Huang Bo too had worn this ensemble. I also liked FL's beautiful clothes.
6. Acting - I enjoyed Mai Tong & Huang Bo performances. They had good chemistry even though it wasn't fiery nor sizzling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father & half-bro were the worst people in this drama. FL's family was horrible too. ML's ex girlfriend was pathetic.
2. ML's mother's action - Apparently the green tea saved ML mother's life. Asking ML to check on green tea's wellbeing crossed the line. She shouldn't feel obligated to fulfill green tea's request.
3. Third act - It became messy after Qin announcement. How I wish the writer had focused on Qin heir situation than on emotional cheating (FL hung out with a man at a club which I considered emotional cheating). Why ruined the good, stable relationship between FL and ML with this scenario???

Favourite scene
When ML worked hard on his leg treatment

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Jiejie romance meets legal case. Unfamiliar leads but good performance & storytelling

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope and I dead positive reviews about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so I was excited to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling - I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tropes - Jiejie romance meets legal case. There are a few vertical dramas that use these tropes but everytime it has a different storyline. Good amount of screentime & storytelling for those arcs.
2. Romance - I liked romance development even though it started with a one-night stand. Fun to watch the playful banters.
3. Dynamics - It was great to see interactions between ML and his uncle. I also enjoyed watching the dynamics between the uncle and FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's uncle Inspector Fu (Du Yao was fantastic in this role). FL's younger brother & FL's bestie were great addition to the drama.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits especially that lime green business suit.
6. FL characterisation - I enjoyed the part where she told ML about her journey to become a lawyer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - There was only a minor baddie in this drama which was FL's boss. He was handsy with FL and constantly harrassed FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother found out that ML was dating his sister

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I loved ML's hairstyle in this time travel drama

I have to be honest - I am not a fan of Peng Yao's acting. I usually skip her dramas but this one caught my attention for two reasons: an unfamiliar actor in blonde / silver wig and a short running time. I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a great but a sad start. It definitely made me want to continue watching this drama.
2. Romance - This is a slowburn romance. I liked that FL didn't explicitly mentioned to ML that she came from the future. Since ML was young and a stranger to FL at this time, FL tried her best to earn his trust. Good kissing scenes.
3. Styling - I really really liked Wang Nian Jiang Cheng's hair - the silver / platinum blonde looked great on him!
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandmother.
5. Duration - The running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Confession - A good scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - At times the pacing was slow so I increased the speed during those scenes.

Favourite scene
When ML went to FL and kissed her

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This drama frustrated me because FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud

This drama received a lot of love in sub-reddit CShortDramas so I watched it out of curiosity. I must say that I did not enjoy this drama as much as others. I think the intimate scenes covered the flaws of this drama. I had watched Xu Zhen Zhen in mini dramas but never found her acting that impressive and same case here. There are plenty vertical drama actresses who can outperformed Xu Zhen Zhen if any of them were given this role but then again, the acting wasn't the only problem.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes (which is why this drama was talked about so much on reddit). ML's love language is act of service.
2. Supporting characters - Wan Wan was a good friend for dispensing advice to clueless FL. I also liked that FL's parents were astute observers. I liked Ji Jun Liang's scenes even though there were only a few.
3. Editing - Beautifully shot intimate scenes.
4. Ending - She was finally honest with her feelings for ML in the final 3 minutes.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by the leads and supporting cast.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - I increased speed in most parts of the drama because the pacing was too slow.
2. Communication - The first act started off good with scenes that show the problem between couple - two emotionally distant people married to each other and did not communicate unless in bed. Then I became disinterested because the push dynamics were too much with genuine pull dynamics (excluding intimate scenes) coming in at halfway mark after the icy barrier slowly thawed. FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud - it was frustrating.
3. Jealousy - FL's cousin was horrible for judging FL & trying to get to ML's company through connections rather than through merit.
4. Main characters - I couldn't relate to any of the two because I found them unlikeable. FL was too accommodating for my liking. She had many thoughts but just gave in to her husband's demands without having a dialogue with him.

Favourite scene
When FL told a doctor friend that ML knew her better than him

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Many entanglements but I liked the chemistry between leads and dynamic between FL and her brother

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I liked her chemistry with Feng Xiang Kun in another drama so I chose this drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances and insane chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Feng Xiang Kun. It was also a pleasure to see Wei Ruo Chen and Biscuit Lala acting in supporting roles.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother who was on her side the whole time.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL.
4. Plot - Interesting twist. I pity FL for the betrayal she faced.
5. Romance - Subtle and slow but I could sense the attraction growing between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's entanglement was horrible. ML's pursuer was nasty & possessive. FL's stepsis was insecure and pathetic.
2. Tone - At times I felt the drama moved slow and another time drama was melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother reassured her that he's on her side

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Offbeat comedy with wonderful performances but no romance

I added this drama to my playlist a few months ago when I was perusing the work of Zhao Mu Yan. I had only watched a handful of Zuo Ming dramas and I liked his acting. I finally decided to watch this drama today and I enjoyed myself.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Offbeat. I was entertained even though slapstick isn't my type of comedy.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic as transmigrated Wang Ma who wanted to investigate her death. Good comedic timing. I also found ML hilarious thanks to Zuo Ming's good performance.
3. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between FL and ML. They were in an arranged marriage but ML slowly developed feelings for FL.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart but flawed which is acceptable. Her thoughts and comments were funny.
5. ML characterisation - Earnest himbo. Non-threatening CEO.
6. Final 15 minutes - The best part of the drama was when FL worked with her dad to catch the perpetrator.
7. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan was so adorable in maid uniform. The multiple leggings scene was hilarious.
8. Duration - I also liked that this drama is only 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't romance but there was a hint in the final 2 minutes. It is a shame because Zhao Mu Yan & Zuo Ming looked good together.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist found out that he had been framed by FL

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Tragic, no-rebirth revenge tale with a dash of romance

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and to my delight, I found this drama. I started to enjoy Chen Tian Xiang's performances after discovering him in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. So I watched this drama a few days ago and overall liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - Wow, what a shocker! She was determined!
2. Revenge - I'd say revenge is the main focus of FL. I liked that she noticed potential threat in the harem, by chance and that this revenge drama is without rebirth. FL got justice.
3. Romance - This arc was carefully designed by FL. Even though there were not many romantic scenes, I could sense love especially from ML's perspective. The intimate scenes were hot.
4. Final 10 minutes - FL's action shocked me.
5. Supporting character - It was great to see some characters supporting FL and saw her sincerity and acts of kindness.
6. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was amazing especially in the final 10 minutes of the drama. Chen Tian Xiang and the actresses portraying FL's love rivals gave good performances too.
7. Ending - I liked the ending even though I wish FL had taken the predictable route.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cut throat concubines. Wow, I just couldn't believe that they wouldn't mind harming pregnant love rivals.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 45 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
That final dialogue between FL and ML

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Transmigration with a twist - the last 15 minutes increased my enjoyment of this drama!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan dramas for an upcoming reddit post on her dramas. I decided to watch this drama because the poster was eye-catching and I had not watched Liu Zi Heng's dramas. The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new) but the last 15-20 minutes were refreshing - I changed my view from an average score to a B+.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the light-hearted vibe of this drama. It was endearing to see Zhao Mu Yan in this character and to see FL's inner thoughts heard & appreciated by her family.
2. Transmigration arc - It's great to see FL having a conversation with the system about her living the life of someone else (the host). I appreciated it a lot because many transmigration dramas have their main characters accepting their fate in the new world. I also loved the fact that FL told ML about her situation.
3. Romance - Despite the flashbacks / dejavu, I totally bought the concept of ML having real feelings for FL. The relationship developed slowly because romance wasn't a priority for FL but once FL and ML got together, the love and desire were clearly on display. Great kisses and passionate intimate scenes. The confession close to the third act is my favourite part of their romance.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Zhao Mu Yan and Liu Zi Heng. They had great chemistry.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her parents and between FL and her brothers. The staircase scene was just comical.
6. Final 15 minutes - Good writing that is supported by wonderful performances. The unexpected visit was a nice touch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The adopted daughter was insecure and envious of FL. She was up to no good but I was glad that the family noticed her true colours and disowned her. I also found her arc bland as I had seen so many arcs like this one - that's why I mentioned "The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new)" at the start of my review.

Favourite scene
The confession by FL to ML

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Affectionate main couple and fabulous outfits are reasons I enjoyed this drama immensely

I am preparing a reddit post about Zhao Mu Yan's dramas so I have been watching a lot of her dramas. I picked to watch this drama last Saturday because I also liked Zhang Chi. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was electric dynamic between them. Amazing kisses and intimate scenes. I also loved that they were tender and affectionate with each other. The cupboard scene was extremely sweet.
2. Styling - I loved, loved, loved FL's outfits. My favourite outfits from vertically-filmed historical dramas - I wish I could buy and wear them. I also liked ML's outfits - the navy and gold outfit with that top hat looked fabulous on Zhang Chi.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't clear about her motive in getting close to ML at first but later got the info when she mentioned antidote. I liked the allure exuded by her character.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was wary of FL and yet never strongly resisted FL's charms. He was a smart guy to cover FL's tracks once he figured something was off about her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's servant & ML's right hand man and the bodyguard / secret soldier.
6. Duration - I loved that this drama is under 125 minutes. It was an easy watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - He was selfish. I felt his arc was simple.
2. Ending - I didn't like the action taken by them then suddenly they were happy. Was that action a dream or real?

Favourite scene
When ML went to the cupboard

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FL disguised as a man + suspicious ML + infatuated SFL = a fun watch!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and while perusing her list of work on this website, I was intrigued by the synopsis and comments. I decided to watch it on a weeknight and my gosh I enjoyed the drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was excellent playing a woman disguising as a man. She nailed those comedic moments. She could pass as a pretty boy but her manicured nails were kinda obvious (albeit fabulous). Wang Jia Mao was great in his role as the intimidating Prime Minister. Chen Mu Ye was fantastic as the SFL too.
2. Dynamics - I loved watching the interactions between ML and disguised FL. I also enjoyed watching the Princess's infatuation with FL-incognito. These moments provided the comic relief.
3. FL characterisation - The reason why FL disguised herself as a man was explained and I thought it was plausible. She was smart and a quick thinker.
4. Romance - There was strong sexual tension between FL and ML. When they did get together, wow the tension was fueled by fire and heat. I also felt like FL and ML had a strong bond and understanding without spending too much time together. Their relationship was healthy.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML and SFL. The stylist was great at picking outfits that hid Zhao Mu Yan's femininity and gave more androgynous look. The makeup looked good too - not overly done on FL & SFL.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the Princess. She was adorable, confused but kind. I also liked ML's subordinate.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama is only 1 hour 46 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist arc wasn't fleshed out much. It felt forced because it was only given a spotlight in the last 20 minutes of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL was trying to hide from the Princess but at the same time, hide her secret from ML

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Fiery chemistry, steamy and sweet scenes are the best things about this drama

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I really enjoyed the historical drama starring her and Wang Jia Mao so I got curious about this collab. I must say I enjoyed this drama too - wow, their chemistry really worked wonders.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy and heartfelt kisses as well as sweet and tender moments. The body measurement scene was sexy and full of tension. It's heartwarming that both protected each other from being harmed. I could sense love coming from both sides.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan played dual roles with excellence. I was smitten by Wang Jia Mao's performance - he was dashing, sexy and endearing while playing this role. Fiery chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Wang Jia Mao.
3. Styling - Fabulous outfits selected for ZMY. The blonde wig suited her so much - she was like a goddess not a cosplayer. Wang Jia Mao looked hot in the outfits selected for him too.
4. Reborn - Good storytelling. I liked that FL profited from being reborn with knowledge from past life.
5. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was smart and a quick thinker too.
6. ML characterisation - He was a sweet and smart guy. I liked how he played along with FL's charade after knowing her secret.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Masked female assailant was crazy for wanting to kill the main character. I also disliked FL's father and sisters. There was also a small-time baddie character.
2. Screentime - There was too much time given to various baddies that I was at times distracted by my phone (I watched this drama on my tablet).

Favourite scene
When Shi Qi took ML's body measurements

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