emberzmars

Wonderfully written fantasy drama about revenge, partnership & power struggle

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When FL stroke a partnership deal with ML

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The confession

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML went shirtless

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This I Marry Your Father Instead of You drama was ok but lengthy

I was in the mood for 'I marry your father instead of you' dramas so I chose this drama. I was curious to see the performances by the leads since I had never seen their work. I am familiar with the plot because I watched Be Your Kiss starring Huai Wen & Lu Jia Xi. This version is ok but I still prefer Be Your Kiss.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She started off as a naive 20 year old but grew up once she got married to ML. I likeed that she had flaws.
2. ML characterisation - He was patient & loving husband. He was aware of his son's stupidity before he knew about his son-FL relationship.
3. Romance - Their first intimate scene was sexy because FL made the initiative. There were some kisses but not many. I liked sweet gestures done by ML such as cooking, leg massage. FL even seduced ML into having sex during second trimester but ML was overly cautious.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the housekeeper Li Ma.
5. Casting - Tao Si Yuan is close to his character's age and I liked that. He looked hot shirtless and without glasses.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML & FL as they were right for their age & personality. Her wedding dress was pretty. I also liked clothes worn by FL's mother & sister.
7. Plot twist - I appreciated the plot twist regarding SML / ML's son. It's different from Be Your Kiss.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible to FL. In addition to being a bitch, FL's sister was a snob thinking her relatioship with Fu Cheng Yu had secured her for life.
2. Acting - The two leads' performances were alright. I wish there was chemistry between them. The supporting cast's acting was not great but the actress who played FL's sister was pretty.
3. Duration - This drama is slightly over 3 hours. I was disengaged a few times but because of the familiar plot, I was able to let the drama play while I wrote reviews on MDL using my phone.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML into having sex during her second trimester

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Light but sexy drama about faceblind ML & his secretary

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The morning after their second intimate encounter

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The cosplay

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ML-driven revenge drama with electric chemistry and many baddies

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's drama. I selected this drama because I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting but the running time scared me. I was relieved that I could finish this drama over the weekend because I had mixed feelings throughout the whole viewing experience.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their relationship was tumultuous with earlier part of the relationship being about revenge / punishment. Their kisses were hot & intense. I liked whenever ML hugged FL from her behind. However I could see the conflict and growing feelings experienced by ML.
2. Acting - Great acting by Xie Yu Wang, Zhao Mu Yan and the actress who portrayed Pei Jia Ning. Electric chemistry between XYW & ZMY - I was glued to the screen whenever they appeared in the same frame on screen.
3. Styling - Great outifts worn by FL. I liked her work clothes and the brown ensemble looked fab on her. I also liked her high heels - ZMY petite standing next to XYW barefooted.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant / driver for his loyalty. I also liked FL's bestie for always being concern of FL's welfare.
5. Revelation - One of my favourite scenes was when ML told FL the truth about his mother's killer. Beautifully shot snowy day with the main characters holding umbrellas.
6. Ending - I liked the ending even though ML was undeserving.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Pei Jia Ning was bat s#it crazy. She was willing to hurt people so she could marry ML. ML's father and half brother were conniving. Zhou Qing Lin was boastful. I also disliked FL's brother for burdening his sister but good thing he repented.
2. ML characterisation - As someone who's watched too many FL-focused revenge vertical dramas, I understand the concept of taking advantage of ML.as part of revenge plan. So in this drama, roles are reversed - ML enact revenge by keeping FL as his canary. What I disliked about ML are his engagement to Ms Pei and him being ok with Ms Pei bullying FL.
3. FL's action - She was silly for taking her mother, who was still recuperating from a surgery, out of hospital room because she wanted to break free from ML. Honey, let your mother recover first then take her out.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is 3 hours+. With the amount of bad stuff and negativity, it was a tough watch.

Favourite scene
The revelation on a snowy day with both of main characters holding umbrellas

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

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

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

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

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

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Sweet drama about clingy ML & FL with many skills

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML teased his grandmother

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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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

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Pleasantly surprised by its storytelling. The revenge, romance and rivalry kept me engaged.

I wasn't familiar with the main actor and main actress but I was in the mood for reborn ML stories so I picked this drama to watch. I went into the drama “blind” and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Revenge trope - ML was betrayed by his loved ones in his past life so when he was given a second chance at life, he made different decisions. I liked that his revenge plans were not violent. He used his brains to seek justice instead. I hadn't watched many ML reborn & revenge stories so this one was a nice surprise!
2. ML characterisation - He was nice and gentle. I also liked that he wasn't intimidated by the more dominant FL. I must say I was charmed by Tan Yan Ping. He brought some depth to his character's Mr Nice Guy.
3. Romance - In most ML reborn & revenge dramas that I watched, romance was kept to the minimal. So I was surprised with the romance scenes because they were warm and affectionate with each other. I saw love and lust and the kisses were good! Even the antagonistic SML had good kissing scenes with SFL.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her dominant personality and her softness when alone with ML. She was a successful businesswoman - rich woman. So it was great gender reversal.
5. Rivalry - The rivalry between ML and his adopted family kept me engaged. I liked how FL was supportive of ML's initiatives.
6. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as seen in (i) ML's relationship with his adopted family, (ii) ML's relationship with FL, (iii) FL's relationship with her brother, (iv) relationship within ML's adopted family, and (v) glimpse of ML's biological family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's adopted family was horrible for mistreating him and favoring the long lost son. I also disliked ML's former wife who betrayed him in the past life.
2. Yapping - The confrontation at the banquet was interesting at first but then yapping happened.

Favourite scene
Home-cooked dinner and the make out session

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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

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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.

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