emberzmars

Spicy & funny start - highly entertaining drama

I am glad to have found this page - I watched this drama on 15 January 2025. I am Zhang Chu Xuan's fan and always search for her dramas online because I know I would be entertained. I am familiar with Wang Yi Ran so I was excited to see their collaboration. I was highly entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was originally an overworked surgeon who fainted in an operating room and when she woke up, she found herself in the 80s, sleeping next to ML. She used her knowledge of modern medicine to earn a living and at the same time helped other women to be empowered.
2. Romance - The very first scene was spicy & funny - I love a take charge FL! I like the pacing of romance development between FL & ML. I know my gal can kiss but damn it was my first time seeing a carnal Wang Yi Ran (previous dramas that I watched didn't have real kisses).
3. Comedy - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Yi Ran excelled in their roles. I enjoyed their comedic bits so much. ML's right hand man was funny too.
4. Music - Zhang Chu Xuan was cute singing that famous song at the end.

What I disliked:
1. Transmigration - I assumed FL could stay in the 1980s instead of going back to 2020s. It'd be nice if there was an explanation.

Favourite scene
When FL gifted amulet to ML and ML's feelings soon after

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Complex tale of revenge with great acting & lotsa spice

I was genuinely surprised when I stumbled upon this drama. Guo Yuxin's acting always impressed me and I am a fan of Ke Chun. I watched this drama straight after completing another Ke Chun drama titled Save Me. World Upside Down is way better than Save Me (you can find my review on the MDL page) and one of my favourite dramas.

What I liked:
1. Guo Yuxin's acting - Guo Yu Xin played 4 different characters: original He Yan before accident, Lin Xiao, He Yan impersonator & Lin Xiao's daughter. I like her facial expressions especially when she was conflicted between He Yan's instructions & her instincts about Yu Ge.
2. Ke Chun's acting & ML characterisation - It thrilled me to watch Ke Chun playing an anti-hero. ML had a hidden agenda and was sketchy but repented after discovering love.
3. Romance - FL & ML had a volatile romance as both had hidden agendas. Amidst the sex and plenty of kisses (spicy), there were hugging, several princess carry & moments of genuine affection (sweet). Ke Chun and Guo Yuxin had great chemistry and their kisses were blazing hot. Lin Xiao was overwhelmed by Yu Ge's bold moves...well who wouldn't if your man was Ke Chun?
4. The ending - Ke Chun nailed the scene after the time jump - he looked weathered but hopeful. Bittersweet.
5. Second female lead - One of the best arcs I've watched in vertical drama. At first I was baffled by why the actress wasn't billed as main character after the accident. SFL was developed in such a way that audience would sympathise, root then loathe (at least that's what I felt).
6. Supporting characters - They didn't have much screentime but their presence made an impact to the story. These characters include ML's accomplice, ML's father, ML's mother & ML's admirer.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - He was cruel towards FL in one scene and gosh I hate him for that.
2. He Yan's ending - I wish there was a scene to show how her character was wrapped up.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL then FL saved ML

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

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Sports meets noona romance

I love Zhou Yu Tong's acting in Begin Again. I had never watched Wu Lei's acting so I watched this cdrama for both of them.

What I like:
1) Wu Lei's acting - wow, I was blown away by his commitment to the role. He really looked like a top-tier athlete and his good looks is a bonus.
2) Tennis - I must have overlooked the synopsis because I didn't expect plot to focus on tennis coaching. As tennis fan in 2000s, I enjoyed the tennis scenes immensely. I love watching Wu Lei & Xia Hao Ran playing tennis & their physicality. Great to also see community from coaches to nutritionist.
3) Supporting characters - My favourites are Coach Zhang Yan, Jiao Jiao & Luo Nian.

What dislike:
1) Liang You An's characterisation - her character started off great in the first few episodes when she was at Y Space. Then I didn't like her character when she acted more like a manager than a girlfriend. I dislike when she made decisions for Sang Chuan without discussing with him.
2) Y space involvement - too much interference & I think the later parts were unnecessary because the club was already financially independent.
3) Second leads' romance - I wanted to see more Coach Yan - Luo Nian's romance because of the emotional baggage they have is intriguing.

Favourite scene:
Song San Chuan first match that he won. What a thrill!

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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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Impressed by the writing and acting despite the goofy styling

I found out about this drama on Tian Shou Le, Ta Lao Gong Er Zi Shi Feng Huang MDL page. Other MDL members were talking about a werewolf drama and I got curious. I did a buddy watch of this drama with Fae and both of us enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's an awesome mom! I love her protectiveness over and love for her son. That dialogue when she comforted her son because his werewolf features were showing, was really touching. This is my first time watching Lin Zirong and I must say I was impressed by how she expressed her character's emotions. I'll definitely watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - I loved it when he apologised for misunderstanding FL at the start of their acquaintances. It's quite rare for me to hear ML explicitly say sorry for making assumptions. Anyway I liked ML as an individual, boss/leader, and a father. Zhao Guan Yu was good in this role.
3. Romance - The romance had a good balance of sweet gestures and spicy intimacy. I usually don't like sex scenes when FL is intoxicated but in this case, it seemed that alcohol lowered her inhibitions and led her to express her true feelings. That scene was hot because she took initiative. I also liked that they talked about their feelings and initial impressions of each other.
4. Supporting characters - The kid actor was well cast and did well in his role. His eyes looked like Lin Zirong's and loved the mullet hair. ML's assistant was a great sidekick and I also liked the other werewolf who told FL about the prophecy.
5. Styling - I find the werewolf hair and paws so adorable hehehe. I wish the stylist had not used glasses on ML. Just let him rock that weird hairdo, fangs and coloured contact lenses without the glasses.
6. Wolf lore - I liked how wolf lore was integrated into the story e.g. 1 mate for life, travel in packs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I think the baddies at the restaurant was quite random even though they were connected to FL's cousin. However overall I think there were good variation of baddies from FL's family & ML's wolf tribe to the evil scientists.

Favourite scene
FL calmed her son who was starting to show his werewolf features in public

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Visually stunning CP & ML's flirtatious behaviour made me giddy with excitement

I am a fan of Han Jia Hui and Zhao Zhen Dong. I had saved this drama in my playlist the day it appeared on my Youtube dashboard. I only watched this drama 2 nights ago when a reddit user mentioned it in our discussion on Zhao Zhen Dong. I was very delighted and giddy throughout the drama. I watch this drama on repeat, well my favourite scenes of course!

Korean song "Guilty" by Taemin was played during one scene but for me, I am reminded of Taemin's song "Want" after completing this drama. The song, which is about feelings of desire, nicely encapsulates ML's feelings for FL.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Damn both Zhao Zhen Dong and Han Jia Hui made an extremely attractive CP. Their styling was impeccable too. I loved Zhao Zhen Dong's all white ensemble (so much skin!) and Han Jia Hui's maroon jacket & maroon skirt.
2. Romance - Yes, for once this romance heavy drama met my expectations! OMG their romance was sexy and mature. That finger licking moment shocked me!!! I loved that ML was turned on by FL when she was affectionate (inhibitions lowered) and he asked for consent. That kiss was smoking hot! I also loved the ending scene.
3. ML characterisation - OMG Ximen Li Chen was coquettish with FL, I loved every moment of it! It's wonderful that he was patient, respectful and supportive. I punched the air when ML confronted his family and informed them of his intention to marry FL.
4. FL characterisation - I felt her pain when she said ML at the accident. I understood why she guarded her feelings but slowly she let her guard down and was won over by ML's sincerity. I enjoyed her works scenes though it'd be nicer if there were more.
5. Supporting characters - I was drawn to the actor who played Shen Xing who has deep voice. I liked ML's friend and FL's colleague.

What I disliked:
1. ML's grandfather - He was selfish and disrespectful towards ML and FL.
2. FL's ex - Damn, he was a rude guy. I was in disbelief watching the introductory scene.

Favourite scene
ML was turned on by FL when she was affectionate and he asked for consent.

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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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Family is core theme of this drama

I came across this drama as I browsed Zhang Chu Xuan's list of dramas on Chinesemov.com The title intrigued me so I decided to watch last week. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The introduction was amusing. I liked how FL decided to turn around the character that she inhabited. She's smart & compassionate so that changed people's perception of her. I also enjoyed her scenes as family provider.
2. Family theme - I loved that family is core theme in this drama. A few scenes were touching.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the three brothers & FL's daughter in law. It's wonderful that they were given arcs for character growth. Anyway that milk scene was funny because it backfired.
4. Styling - Loved the vibrant clothes worn by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Zhang Tian Jing - I understand that his character doesn't have a lot of scenes but I found him lacking screen presence. His performance was underwhelming for me.
2. Romance - It is subtle but due to the lack of chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Zhang Tian Jing, it seemed unnecessary to have romantic interest.

Favourite scene
When the youngest son defended FL from a bully & his father

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Wang Dao Tie as stud for hire just made me swoon!

I have been wanting to watch more Wang Dao Tie's dramas but kept forgetting about this drama until I stumbled upon the comment section of this page. So I watched last night and damn it was perfect for evening watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is independent and focused on personal and professional goals. I liked that she stopped believing ML's nonsense once served with divorce paper and did not go back to the ML. This is the first time I watched Zhao Jia's acting and she did well in this role.
2. ML characterisation - The quiet guy who had a crush on FL but never did anything about it until FL was divorced. ML started as a stud for FL to get pregnant but hey hey he has hidden agenda. I liked that the way he supported and comforted her and was always concerned about her mental wellbeing.
3. Romance - OMG the romance is freaking spicy! Damn, Wang Dao Tie's chest looked good. The kisses were hot and there were also plenty of sweet gestures between the couple.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's spy/employee very much because he was quick thinking. At first I wasn't a fan of FL's grandpa because of the request for great-grandchild but I liked him when he told SML that he respected FL's life choice post-divorce.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for all 3 leads. FL wears stilettos and Jin Jiayu still towers over her and Wang Dao Tie, wow!

What I disliked:
1. SML - I must say that FL's ex husband is a selfish and manipulative douchebag. I can't believe he never took responsibility for those fake charades he did prior to the divorce. Jin Jiayu was excellent in his role because I freaking hated him!
2. Secondary antagonists - The lady baddies were annoying as hell especially the white moonlight. I was shocked when she took advantage of FL's illness.

Favourite scene
When ML comforted FL when she was in pain

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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Plenty of kisses but I dislike FL and drama length

I was recommended this drama on reddit I think because the discussion was about steamiest scene. This is my second Liu Lan Bo drama and it is my first time watching Xiang Yun Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OK the FL and ML are not shy about KISSING AT ALL. Their first kiss was very spicy as it involved tongue & was done in public. Great kisses in terms of quality and quantity. The couple was also affectionate with each other.
2. ML styling - Great outfits which then elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness . I like the black jacket & black wide leg trousers.

What I disliked:
1. Common arcs - I am tired of common arcs such as jealous sister, abusive ex, lost / kidnapped child. The ex got too much screen time. I wish the drama had told a different story.
2. Length - The total duration of this drama is close to 3 hours 12 min. After reaching second hour mark, it was draggy so I fast forwarded so I could mark this series as complete.
3. FL characterisation - I wasn't fond of FL as I just felt she was two dimensional despite the long duration of this drama. I don't feel like she really loved ML in her past life because of her actions. When given second chance, I felt she said she loved him because she was afraid in the past & behaved stupidly around him. To me, it felt more like gratitude because I didn't see emotional buildup of their relationship.
4. Acting - I assumed FL was 25 years or younger because ML was 25 years old. I don't like childlike / immature FL so yes not a fan of Xiang Yun Jie's approach to the character. I felt she was outshined by Liu Lan Bo's aura & acting.
5. FL styling - Not a fan of FL's clothes. Too high school-ish. However the light blue dress was gorgeous from the back and from the front she looked like Tinkerbell.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about her dreams & they had honest conversation about their relationship

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The type of romance dramas I love - love, lust & frequent communication

I was drawn to this drama because of the title 'Seductive Kiss of The Rose'. A quick glance at the comments confirmed my gut feeling - this drama was worth watching. I enjoyed it very much that I occasionally watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I was delighted to see 2 mature adults experiencing romance even though their marriage was arranged. It was a great mix of love, lust & frequent communication. Many steamy kisses & innuendo. ML's use of term of endearment was very sweet - I found Zhang Yi Hong's nasally voice soothing.
2. FL characterisation - She was a smart, capable CEO managing family business. She was also a kind & loving person as seen through her relationship with ML & her family. This is my first time watching Zhou Fei. I really liked her acting.
3. ML characterisation - He had this mysterious and dangerous aura surrounding him. I liked that he was loving & protective of his wife. Zhang Yi Hong was excellent in his role.
4. Sibling dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her brothers. Her brothers trusted her.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling. She had a dark but kind vibe that reminds me of Morticia Addams.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, antagonist in this drama was something else. He must have felt emasculated by FL's capability as CEO.
2. Death - Why must that person die? I was very sad.

Favourite scene
The golf course

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A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

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