emberzmars

Sweet & mature slow-burn romance

I saw this drama on my Youtube dashboard & quickly browsed comments section. Most users gave positive comments so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) Mature - I am a fan of marriage of convenience & cohabitation tropes and this drama handles both tropes well. Despite them being strangers, they negotiated & navigated their relationship via mutual respect & mostly clear & frequent communications. It's also great that this drama isn't too melodramatic like other vertical shot drama because excessive yelling & violence could ruin my enjoyment.
2) FL characterisation - I like that she's confident, level-headed woman. She faced challenge head-on and I like how she never gave up believing in ML's love for her.
3) Grief - I like how grief is portrayed & dealt with in this drama.
4) Acting - I like Zhu Mo Yen's acting in this drama. Subtle but with impact. Great chemistry between Yu Shang Xu and Zhu Mo Yan. They matched each other's temperament & even visuals.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - I wish there were more affectionate scenes between ML & FL.
2) ML's female friends - I understand that they are protective of ML & were apprehensive with FL. However they should be mindful & tactful when interacting with sensitive issues related to ML & FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother died

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Light dramedy that exceeded my expectations

'Invisible Love' is my second vertical drama that paired Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. The first drama is 'Bride Under the Moonlight'.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - Wow, I was surprised from the get-go because the start was funny.
2) Drama - Then somewhere in the middle there was the car accident. I didn't expect this scene to be emotional - it really touched my heart.
3) Acting - I really enjoyed watching both Zhang Chu Xuan and Sue Yue's acting especially when they were both on screen together. They looked like a real couple who genuinely cared for each other.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - It's not that I dislike, I just wish we get more romantic scenes especially towards the end. I want more kissing scenes!
2) ML's father - I dislike him for taking that action for his sons. He also didn't seem to build a relationship with his granddaughter.

Favourite scene
Car accident

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Light & cute family drama with corporate espionage thrown in

I love the pairing of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan in Your Trap. Thus that led me to this series. I'm delighted that Shen Hao Nan used the same hairstyle as the one in Your Trap. With this hairstyle, he resembled Mark Tuan of kpop group GOT7.

What I liked:
1) Romance - This series displayed better falling in love scenes than Your Trap. I like the montage clip of younger Mun Yunge and Si Qingye because they had fun and looked like a real couple in love. That morning after conversation was funny. The kisses were hot but in one scene I am not sure whether it's right to proceed.
2) Kids - They are adorable but hhhmm quite mature and observant for six year olds. I have seen the child actor who played Xingxing in a vertical drama about a triplets. His character was similar too - he was an intelligent boy who is leader amongst his siblings.
3) Styling - I really like the outfits for Qingye and the kids because they wear bright colours. Yunge's clothes were pretty too but I don't like the shoe choices. Maryjane with socks on a mum is not my style. Yunge also wore a pair of heels that were strapped to her ankle for her business meeting at a club. She should have worn slip on heels so that shoes fell on the floor during the makeout scene (more dramatic effect).
4) Zhao Dong Hao - He was memorable despite the lack of screentime. He had six-pack abs but damn that scene was too short.

What I disliked:
1) Ning Wu Hui's arc - Instead of cramming Ning Wu Hui's part in 1 episode, the series should expand this arc into 3 episodes. First episode could be about Ning Wu Hui meeting & seducing Si Qing Ye, second episode could be her mission and third episode could be about her accident that led to memory loss.
2) Mu family arc - I feel like Yunge's identity as a member of Mu family wasn't explained clearly. Why did she do to earn her grandpa's assets? What did she do for a living after giving birth? Why did she work at Qingye's company instead of her own family company? The cousin rivalry felt empty because the cousin character was two dimensional.
3) Dubbed voice - Why were the voices dubbed? I love Wen Mo Yan's voice but her dubbed voice had this "cute" sound to it.
4) Villains - I feel like they were too many villains that ultimately were underdeveloped. Had Lu Xiao had more depth to his character.

Favourite scene
The kids birthday party. I didn't expect raw performances by both leads.

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Sexy business rivalry drama that could use more kick

I am big fan of Wen Mo Yan because of her work in 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'. Oh boy, this drama is something alright.

What I liked:
1) Kisses - Damn the kissing scenes were very hot. Episode 1 was already spicy and episode 16 gave me a shock! Both Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan had great chemistry that they were able to portray lust and passion in their makeout scenes.
2) Han Qing characterisation - Kudos to Wen Mo Yan for taking this role. She's got the acting chops to play a sexy siren (her voice and legs are sexy). I like that Han Qing stuck to her principles - she's not into framing innocenet people.
3) Shen Hao Nan - Damn, he is handsome and kinda resemble Mark Tuan of kpop group GOT7 (go watch Crash & Burn or You Calling My Name video to see the resemblance). This is my first time watching his drama and he played the role well. I'm keen to check out his other work.
4) Styling - I like outfits and styling for female and male leads. Stylist must work hard on Shen Hao Nan's hair because the way it's coiffed seemed intricate.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - ML Feng Si Qian is trapped by stipulations made by his father in law but I don't "feel" that much suffocation from him. If the writer had made it clear that his selfworth is tied to the company then his character would be more compelling. I think the villain could be more complex too instead of a straight cut greedy character.
2) Certain scenes - I don't like the scene of Han Qing playing violin in episode 1. The camera angle wasn't good so she looked possessed. Plus that scene doesn't add value to the series.
3) Romance - I wish we were given more "at work" scenes because I think that's how Feng Si Qian fell for Han Qing. I'd like to see them slowly falling in love instead of being told that they were in love.

Favourite scene
Han Qing tended to Feng Si Qian wound then they made out.

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Well written, fast-paced romantic suspense series

I can't remember what led me to this series but glad I watched it. It covers many genres: romance, thriller, action, drama and a bit of science fiction. With 16 episode format, I think this series can be adapted into Korean drama.

What I liked:
1) The writing - This series was well-written and engaging, thanks to its tight running time (16 episodes with each episode lasting 25 to 45 minutes). Even though I figured out the doppelganger, I appreciate knowing the intent behind this doppelganger arc. I also like that 3 supporting characters (Ding Bei Fan, Tian Sui, Jiang Tian Cheng) had substance & played important roles in the storytelling.
2) An Yue & Xu Xi Xi's characterisation - It's wonderful to see contrasting personalities of these individuals but the evil twin wasn't evil all the time. I understood and sympathised her despite the mean demeanor.
3) The romance - For a romantic suspense series, there was good amount of romance between female and male leads. Makeout sessions were hot but my favourite is the first kiss - I was surprised. Yilia Yu and Tsao Yu Ning seemed very comfortable with each other, so the development of their love story seemed natural.
4) Acting - Good acting in particular Yilia Yu, Tsao Yu Ning and Wu Hao Ze. The latter was a standout because he was earnest at playing a newbie in entertainment industry who is attracted to a talent manager that already has a suitor. Tsao Yu Ning did well in expressing different feelings such as desire, concern, anger, love.
5) Action - Wow, the action scenes were impressive. The fights were well choreographed and even the 'blast from the past' scene was good.

What I disliked:
1) The music - I think there are 2 separate English songs used in this series. The lyrics are sound though I would tweak some words of the main song to make it more meaningful. The only thing I cannot stand is the voice. The song is too loud (sound mixing needs to be fixed) and singer's voice doesn't suit the song/moment.

Favourite scene
When the bomb was about to explode

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Goofy, charming ML the reason I enjoyed this series

I watched Strong Woman Bong-soon in December 2023 after completing Strong Girl Nam-Soon in November 2023. Yes, I was late to the party.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Min Hyuk characterisation - I found him goofy & very charming. He had golden retriever persona. I like that he's cool with being labelled gay - seems like he is not homophobic. I also like that he wasn't intimidated by a physically strong woman. Role was played brilliantly by Park Hyung Sik.
2) The romance - I like how their relationship developed. They were boss-employee first then lovers. The Min Min scenes were excellent. Made me miss moments when I was flirting & giddy with excitement.
3) In Gook Doo - I also like his character and Kim Ji Soo. Serious cop who is oblivious to his best friend's crush on him.
4) Comedy - Comic relief mostly provided by Secretary Goo and the random gangster led by Kim Kwong Bok. I enjoyed those scenes though I found some scenes quite random.

What I disliked:
1) Childlike FL - In general, I don't like cute, childlike female leads especially when they are already past mid-20s. I don't like how Bong Soon was written as she didn't use her strength well as a bodyguard.
2) Too many in one series - This series cover various genres (thriller, fantasy, romance, comedy). While I enjoy romantic thriller, I found the slapstick comedy didn't gel well with the pverall storytelling.

Favourite scene
The Min Min scenes because it made me giddy!

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Refreshing twist on business rivalry and marriage of convenience

I noticed this series when browsing my iQiyi dashboard. I wasn't familiar with any of the cast. However I thought I should watch this series after reading MDL reviews. Glad I did it!

What I liked:
1) The romance - Because Female lead and Male lead had different personality (she was more serious, no-nonsense businesswoman while he was bright but confident architect), I expected a lot of "push" in the development of their relationship. Luckily the "push" factor wasn't too long as Female lead realised what a great man Male lead was. I love how natural and comfortable both were with each other. The hand holding, the affectionate gaze, the kisses, the playful banter...I felt like watching a real couple in love.
2) Ye Cheng Su characterisation - At first I was apprehensive about his character because he appeared childish. However he proved me wrong when he took business matters seriously. I like that he was patient and secure about his capability and his relationship with Gu Ling Se. His character has shown a lot of growth by the end of the series.
3) Supporting characters - Most of the supporting characters were well developed. I enjoyed watching Bei Chen (especially his random utterance of English words), Secretary Jin, Mu Qiu Hui, Uncle Zhao, Piao Piao. Even Gu Huai Heng, Gu Pei Ya and Jiang Han was a delight to watch
4) The plot - I find this series rather engaging as it has nice balance of personal and professional lives of the FL & ML. I also like the arcs of Jiang Han and Pei Ya.
5) Outfits - I love the outfits for Gu Ling Se. The leather jacket and tight pants for motorcycling made her hot while the dresses made her pretty.

What I disliked:
1) Business aspect - I was slightly lost after Gu Huai Heng made his big move. I didn't like how that affected the relationship between FL & ML. I also expected some explanation about Future Corporation's direction after the acquisition but nope, there as none.
2) Ye Cheng Su's hairstyle - I don't like his hairstyle except the one in the ending because that hairstyle made him looked much younger than Gu Ling Se and less serious about work.

Favourite scene
When Gu Ling Se surprised Ye Cheng Su with the lantern festival

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Light, fluffy vertical drama with good looking leads

I love Zhang Chu Xuan's performance in 'Captive love from the mob boss' so I went to look for her work. The synopsis was interesting so I searched and found a full movie version of this series on Youtube. I clicked 'Play', what else?

What I liked:
1) The romance - I like Gu Huai Yan and Duan Qing Yu from the start of this series. That one night stand reminded me of 'Fated to Love You / You are My Destiny'. Sweet and playful romance between them - a lof of physical touch. It's cute to see Gu Huai Yan acknowledges his feelings for her and acted on them.
2) Visuals - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Lu Shan Dong are very good looking although Zhang Chu Xuan's styling for this series made her look like university student rather than a working adult.
3) Pacing - Easy to digest series because of its fast pacing.
4) Similarity with other dramas - This series reminds me of 'Follow My Dear General' due to the rashes and 'Love Me in Three Days' due to the treatment.

What I disliked:
1) The ending - Quite flat for me. Wish they would talk more about his medical condition, their feelings and future together.
2) Subtitles - Some episodes were missing subtitles, if I am not mistaken. However due to the fast pace nature of this series, I could roughly guess what is happening during those episodes.

Favourite scene
It was raining and Duan Qing Yu taught Gu Huai Yan about dating

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Exciting start but I lost interest due to FL's action

Started this show roughly on 22 November when the series had roughly 12 episodes. It's quite rare for me to watch a mini drama that is still airing (Fatal Allure was another exception). I only completed the series today 6 December because damn I struggled with this series. Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1) Time reset - It was interesting until halfway through the series. The scenarios were enjoyable and unpredicable.
2) Romance - There was one predictable scene that led to Zhi Li and Chen Che kissing and I liked that. Most of the kissing scenes were sweet. I also enjoyed the secondary romance.
3) Eddy Geng - Handsome. He resembles NCT Jaehyun and Taeyong , I find.
4) Suppoting characters - I like FL's senior and her love rival.

What I disliked:
1) Shen Zi Li's characterisation - I like her at the start. Once she became suspicious of Chen Che and started to harm him, I started to lose interest in this drama. Why did she act that way??? You are a bloody healer. I dislike her for being rash.
2) Length - I find 32 episodes format to be draggy especially when each episode is 20 minutes long. After losing interest in the series around episode 16, I pushed myself to finish because this is a mini drama. I didn't pay much attention since they were repeating the same scenarios.
3) Ending - I find it strange that they were energetic after losing blood. Why were they hopping?
4) Acting - I didn't enjoy Sun Xue Ning's acting as much. She could have expressed anguish when the villain was unveiled.

Favourite scene
When Zhi Li and Chen Che went undercover in that lady's mansion

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Light. fast-paced and unmemorable micro drama

I wanted a short length series that I can watch in one evening. I enjoyed First Kisses immensely even though it's a micro drama so I decided to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. The romance - For a series that last less than 2 hours, Just Fiancée has good amount of kisses. I like that both leads didn't play dumb after their first kiss and that their kisses were playful in nature.
2. Grandpa - He was nice even when knowing that he was fooled by his grandson. That scene of him reliving his past was adorable.
3. Lin Duo Duo - At first I thought he was going to act like his sister but he was more respectful. I was surprised by his action during the ending.

What I disliked:
1. The project - I feel that Su Yu should do more due diligence before deciding to continue the Xiaolin Bay project. He should have asked for status report because then he wouldn't get hurt.
2. Lin Shao Shao - She doesn't respect Su Yu. That harrassment could get her in trouble if reported.
3. Editing - Instead of 5 minute per episode, this series should be extended to 10 minute per episode so there would be more time to develop main characters and plot.

Favourite scene
When Su Yu apologised to Qiao Mai for neglecting her at the party

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Good start but lost its steam in second half

I was impressed with Deng Kai's acting in Broken the Heart so I was excited to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai's acting - I must say I like his acting here more than his acting in Broken the Heart because Murong Cang is more likeable and his make up here is less villainy.
2. First half of the series - was engaging. I kept wanting to go on watching.
3. Supporting characters - I love Fu Gui. His rivalry with Female lead Ji Xiang / Yunjiao was hilarious to watch. I also am surprised with Princess Xue Ping's character growth. I like her ending though wish it was given more screen time.
4. Comedy - I didn't expect to laugh a lot while watching this series.
5. Duke of Defender - He only appeared in the second half of the series but I quite like his character arc. I like that he didn't take typical villain action when confronted by the Emperor.

What I disliked:
1. Second half of the series - I started to lose interest when Yungjiao meddled in Murong Cang's plans for revenge.
2. Romance - I don't sense much romantic chemistry between Deng Kai and Jin Xi Zuan. Murong Cang and Yunjiao were more like brother and sister to me perhaps because of the overemphasis of their childhood. There was also more "push" / resistance between both Male and Female leads than there was "pull" / drawing in.
3. Power - I wish the story of Yunjiao's premonitions were better developed because that was fascinating. I was frustrated when she let go of her ability. She may not want to use it on Murong Cang but well she could use her power for other things.

Favourite scene
When Fu Gui and Ji Xiang bicker about being Murong Can's favourite employee

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Refreshing take on fake relationship and nerd/geek tropes

Whenever I am in the mood for mini dramas, I'd scroll my dashboard on WeTV. The title peaked my interest and I instantly click 'Play' after reading synopsis.

What I liked:
1. Xie Yu Fei characterisation - In this drama, the nerd/geek is the female lead Xie Yu Fei. I love her character - she's intelligent, self-assured, open to new experiences. I love it when she scolded Yao Zhen Zhen for overstepping the line but at the same time, acknowledges Yao Zhen Zhen's strengths. It was disheartening to see Yu Fei upset - those two scenes almost made me cry. Xu Jia Qi was amazing and very pretty as Yu Fei.
2. Writing - I enjoy watching fake relationship trope and gosh, this mini drama put a refreshing twist on it by ending the charade before halfway through the series. It's also great to see the growth of Ling Yang's character. He became less childish and more responsible for his future.
3. The romance - Gosh, I love that Yu Fei took initiative to kiss. Even though there aren't many kissing scenes, you see their love grows through their actions e.g. Ling Yang's cooking.
4. Supporting characters - I love the besties Qi Qing and Guan Pei as they are extremely loyal and protective of Yu Fei and Ling Yang.
5. Styling - I really like the styling for Yu Fei and Ling Yang. The leather jacket, white shirt, tie, jeans and combat boots on Zhang Zhi Yao - amazing. Don't mind the repeating combo. I like actresses with short bob but mature styling (i.e. no fringe). Xu Jia Qi looks pretty with every outfit even when she wears a plain tshirt at home.

What I disliked:
1. Factory sub-plot - Not a dislike but I wish this sub-plot was given more depth. It'd be nice to see how Ling Yang manages his family's legacy and how Yu Fei supports him through this path.
2. Yu Fei's parents - I don't like people looking down on others just because they have more formal education.
3. Wedding scene - I wish this scene had included the professor that asked Yu Fei to go on a blind date with Ling Yang. He was crucial to their love story, he should be at the wedding.

Favourite scene
When Yu Fei informed Ling Yang that she likes him

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Light & fluffy but with some spicy scenes

Watched this series after enjoying First Kisses starring Guan Jin Lin, who acts in this series.

What I liked:
1. Gender role reversal - I love that female lead Lin Wei Xu is state preceptor who is capable of martial arts, while the male lead Fu Su is a hostage/guest that subservient to the female lead.
2. The romance - The kisses and hand biting were hot. There were hugs too. That last scene was cute though wish the director had taken a spicier route. I also like that Lin Wei Xu is forward and frank about what she likes in Fu Su.
3. The plot - Straight-forward and engaging at the same time.
4. Merman make up - Even though merman has blue eyes, white/silver hair and fins near his ears, his physical appearance didn't throw me off.

What I disliked:
1. Master's murder - The motive for murdering the master seems silly.
2. Unresolved mysteries - How did Lin Wei Xu get her cold disease? What actually happened to Fu Su's mum?

Favourite scene
When Fu Su saved Lin Wei Xu from the cold attack

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Very likeable leads in a cute story with some depth

I must say that WeTV app is great at marketing their short length series. 'First Kisses' is one of short length series that was heavily promoted on my dashboard. Decided to watch after reading the synopsis.

What I liked:
1. Lu Pan Pan's characterisation - I love her character - rare to see a female athlete as main character. She's confident and self-assured and I like that she isn't obssessed about boys. She showed some vulnerability.
2. The romance - I noticed that some users criticised the kissing scenes in the comment section. I disagree - the kissing scenes were intentionally shot in those ways. The ones in the beginning were chaste because they were short term treatment (for the lack of better term) while the kisses at the end were genuine and passionate. I also appreciate the eye gazing, hugs.
3. The plot - This series reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' in which kissing treatmenet was a tool to bring female and male leads together. However this series has more depth - I like that 'First Kisses' elaborated on the amnesia trope.
4. Supporting characters - I like the guys (Luo Su, Yao Yi Fan and Wang Xiao Bing) but Yao Yi Fan is my favourite. What a supportive best friend.
5. Visuals - Guan Jin Lin is pretty while Song Pei Ze is handsome. I also find Zhou Zi Jie and Wang Chao Wen good looking.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - Some scenes felt like they were fast-forwarded even though their speed was 1.0x (I checked!). Blame the editing!
2. Directing - I wish the director had spent more time shooting the scene in which Pan Pan experienced a heartbreak & cried.

Favourite scene
When Lv You brought Pan Pan to meet his parents

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Tragic stories about love with great acting by 3 leads

Having seen Daisy Lu in The Fortune Writer, I decied to check out her work. 'Broken the Heart' captured my attention because I have also watched Cui Yi Liang's acting in False Face and True Feelings.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai's acting - Wow, he has a commanding presence and a menacing resting bitch face! Deng Kai was able to convey different emotions and demeanour when given a complex character.
2. Music - I am impressed by the score. I felt like I was watching a full length feature especially in the fight scenes.
3. Writing - I was engrossed in this series because the plot was different from other mini dramas that I've watched. I like that all 3 lead characters (Yu Wen Sheng, Yin Run Shui, Lin Cang Wu) were fully fleshed out.
4. Ending - I like it though I wish the last epilogue was made longer.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I wish they were more skinship in this series. Perhaps during flashbacks when Yin Run Shui tended to Yu Wen Sheng's wounds. I hate that Yu Wen Sheng was cavalier to Yin Run Shui's feelings by bringing another woman to their room.
2. Villain's arc - I feel that the villains were underdeveloped. Perhaps writers want viewers to focus more on complicated relationships between the three characters.

Favourite scene
When Yin Run Shui and Yu Wen Sheng talked about having children

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