emberzmars

Letdown by doormat FL and lack of communication between the couple

I am a huge fan of Xie Yu Wang and have watched his older drama with Lu Lu Lu a few weeks ago. I was pumped when I heard about this drama because it's the second time Xie Yu Wang has paired with Lu Lu Lu. I was left disappointed by the time this drama ended.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - I loved XYW's kissing scenes. When permitted, he always expresses desire & passion in his kissing scenes, including those in this drama.
2. Twin trope - I liked how this story was done even thought the overall vibe was negative. There was a refreshing twist to the twin trope.
3. Styling - I liked XYW's clothes. The most stylish outfits I had seen on him.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie because she was rational and most of the time, smarter than FL. I also liked FL's daughter.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching interactions between ML and FL's daughter.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was annoying & evil. She favoured her eldest son over younger son. She disliked her daughter-in-law that led to disliking and punishing her granddaughter. I also disliked FL's family because they were parasites. Only concerned about wealth. The green tea character was pathetic.
2. Romance - They had sex but were distant & hardly communicated. FL kept on insisting on divorce due to pressure from her in laws. She was stupid.
3. FL characterisation - She was doormat - no wonder she was easy to be bullied. She married Si Ye out of guilt / pressure but never sought partnership from the marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML ate ice cream with FL's daughter

Read More

I felt they were miscast in this tale of arranged marriage between alpha FL & unserious ML

I recently noticed Cai Xin Yang after watching Wildfire by Daylight co-starring Shen Hao Nan. This drama is another version of Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan starring Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang. I am familiar with the storyline and enjoy Shi Tong's acting so with this pairing, I got curious and watched it. I liked it but prefer Sui Xing Chen Ru Qing Ci Zhan.

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - Damn he was hot in this drama. Funny that he played a man child who became a flirty lover.
2. Romance - Their banter at the start was amusing. Once they were intimate, their romance was hot and affectionate. Great kissing moments.
3. Supporting characters - ML’s friends were more involved in the couple's life through work.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML. Stylist was on point with ML's outfits as Cai Xin Yang got to flaunt his toned abs & arms.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was jealous of her so always scheming to bring her down.
2. Casting - While I liked both Shi Tong & Cai Xin Yang individually, I thought they didn't really fit the roles. FL was alpha and I couldn't see Shi Tong as an alpha opposite giant & toned Cai Xin Yang. Bai Xue Ru - Zhang Yi Yang had better acting and visual chemistry.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL at his birthday party

Read More

Great performances by the leads but the constant push was tiresome after awhile

I was in the mood for Ji Jun Liang drama after being reminded of his campus drama with Liu Xi Yu & Li Sheng Jie. I decided on this drama because it was said to have steamy kisses. I liked the drama although Chasing Routine is a more superior drama to this one.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ji Jun Liang & Tan Qi Qi were great in their roles, individually and as a couple. There were a lot of push dynamics here because FL was letdown by ML but JJL was great at bringing pull dynamics. There were scenes that almost made me cry.
2. Romance - There were ups and downs in their marriage. Even though FL was utterly disappointed by ML's inaction at the start, I think her love for him never extinguished.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie, older sister-in-law, ML's bestie, friend and FL's housekeeper.
4. ML characterisation - He was flawed but I liked his character. He wasn't a bad guy, he just made a bad decision that cost him his marriage. He looked remorseful when he found out about FL's feeling of being letdown. I also liked him for removing himself from a toxic environment.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that FL stood up for herself and told ML she wanted to put her needs first. I also liked that she didn't give in to ML easily. Definitely loved her when she fought against bullies.
6. Styling - JJL looked handsome with and without shirts.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jin Mei Mei was pathetic for wanting ML despite being married to another man. ML's grandparents were atrocious.
2. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 40 minutes long. I found some of the quarrelling too draggy. I wish FL had been frank & just told ML about her real feelings.
3. Ending - It ended abruptly. I wanted a proper reconciliation with dates & grovelling.

Favourite scene
When ML finally learned the truth about the kidnapping

Read More

Pleasantly surprised by the tone, main characters (Huang Bo played green flag ML) and the romance

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and he has collaborated with Liu Mei Na at least twice. I have watched their drama and liked their chemistry. So I decided to watch this drama a few days ago. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I didn't expect comedy at all looking at the long running time. There were plenty of comedic moments. I particularly enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML's assistant whenever ML requested for something that was against his usual behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - Multi-hyphenated FL: acupuncturist / healer, hacker, accomplished pianist. I liked her personality - sensible, smart & not easily bullied.
3. ML characterisation - He was relaxed. I liked it that he never intervene was FL was bullied - he knew FL could handle those problems on her own. I also liked that he encouraged FL to make her own decisions and never exerted his own opinions unless asked by her.
4. Romance - He fell first. I found it cute that ML asked FL to call him Gege. I liked that he longed for FL's love and affection but never forced her to do so. There was trust and a lot of communication and sweetness in their relationship.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for always having concern for FL. He never wanted FL to be bullied. I also liked ML's buddies.
6. Acting - Great performances by Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. I enjoyed seeing Huang Bo in green flag characters.
7. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. The dress worn by both FL and SFL at the piano competition were pretty too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible especially the mother-daughter combo. Si Qian Qian's scheming got tiresome.
2. Casting - I felt that FL's stepmother was miscast. The actress who played the stepmother looked like a woman in late 20s / early 30s - too young to be someone with an adult child.
3. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 45 minutes. Delighted that there were good arcs of FL, ML and their romance but the scheming could be cut short.

Favourite scene
When FL woke up from sleepwalking

Read More

Brothers rivals in love and career but most importantly a strong & career-focused FL

I got to know about this drama months ago when it was released but somehow I never had the urge to watch it even though jiejie romance is my favourite trope. I decided to watch this drama last weekend. Oh wow, I was surprised by the storyline. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Jiejie romance that started with one night stand then progressed into real love. ML was persistent in wooing FL - she was dumped by ML's older brother because she didn't have any status / connections to offer to him. I liked that there was affection between FL and ML.
2. Rivalry - Interesting twist on brother rivalry. I also liked the business rivalry arc.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was career-focused. Despite being dumped, she was able to focus her energy on her work - she's excellent at her job. I also liked that she was emotionally strong.
4. ML characterisation - He was smart & persistent. I liked those traits.
5. Styling - Great wardrobe. I loved FL's outfits which showcased her elegance and confidence.
6. Supporting characters - These characters were likeable: ML's friend, FL's bestie, FL's senior & FL's mother.
7. Acting - I liked the acting by the three leads but Zhang Chi caught my attention. I couldn't read his facial expressions which I took it as a positive move for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's brother / SML was controlling. He wanted FL as mistress but pursued business marriage for his professional gain. I hated the aunt who was family friend to ML and his brother.
2. Ending - Errrm they bickered and that was it?

Favourite scene
FL's taking down the antagonist during a press conference

Read More

Transmigration, mission & self-sacrifice are the words to describe this drama

I wanted to watch something on my iQIYI account and noticed this drama. I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting so I read the synopsis of Divorce Mission and decided to watch it. I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Lighthearted comedy.
2. FL characterisation - It was amusing watching her attempts to get divorce from ML. FL was quick to spot SFL's tricks and I liked that.
3. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of getting to know moments and bonding after the imperial exam. It made sense since FL was a different person transmigrated to the host body.
4. ML characterisation - I didn't like him at first but changed my mind in second act when FL and ML started to bond. I liked his protective nature especially when FL was ill.
5. Ending - I liked the ending although I wish it was longer.
6. Supporting characters - The immortal / system was adorable although I didn't like her instructions as the plot progressed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was manipulative.
2. FL's action - I hated her for sabotaging ML's relief effort during their expedition.

Favourite scene
When ML saved dying FL

Read More

Part 3 of The Great Grandmother Reborn at 18 continues to excel!

I am a fan of this series because of the ensemble cast, refreshing storyline and the core theme (which is family). I was delighted to know that Chen Tian Xiang had joined the cast because I liked him a lot in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. I watched this drama about two weeks ago when I was in the mood for no-romance vertical drama. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Part 3 had more funny scenes. I laughed out loud thanks to Chen Tian Xiang & Wang Pei Yan's antics. The parody scenes were also amusing. Doudou I never knew she had active imagination.
2. Acting - Superb performances by the cast. Wang Pei Yan had impeccable comedic timing. I also appreciated that Wu Tian Hao had more significant scenes in this round.
3. Styling - I liked San Ge's boyish outfits. Haha I was surprised to see Labubu figurine attached to his shorts / belt loop (I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearance in vertical dramas). Overall I must say that the Ji brothers were really stylish.
4. Family - Core theme that continues to touch our hearts. It was great to see this theme being explored in Zeng Hui's character and his family.
5. Ending - I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 4!
6. Supporting characters - I enjoyed the cameo of Ji grandpa's childhood rival. Their bickering was always entertaining. I also liked Meng Na's role in this drama.
7. Plagiarism - I liked this scene of big corporate plagiarism. It just shows that some companies / nations are insecure that they would resort to intelligence theft / plagiarism.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There wasn't a big antagonist arc that covers the whole length of the drama. Instead, there were smaller antagonist arcs such as the scheming couple, money-hungry descendant of Tang & campus belle. That campus belle was mean & insecure.
2. Mini arcs - While I think it's great that several mini arcs were explored amongst the big arc (San Ge), I found Ji grandpa's love story out of place because Tang family didn't have significant connection with the Ji. I also wished Wang Pei Yan's character arc especially related to his personal growth (not related to his family) was given more screentime.
3. Teasing - As much as I loved the Fifth brother, I felt the teasing & hitting were too much.

Favourite scene
When great grandmother did acupuncture treatment to Ji Mo Han

Read More

Trust and interdependence were pivotal in this slow burn romance. Wonderful acting & chemistry

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I decided to watch this drama because I wanted something recent that already has MDL page. Chen Jie Yi was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see her performance and chemistry with XYW. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb performances by both leads. I could sense that both challenged each other's capability especially during the emotional scenes. There were great chemistry and synergy between XYW and CJY.
2. FL characterisation - I empathised with her because she never had anyone else to rely on except for her father. When she had to become self-reliant, she grew more mature as time progressed.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked his character despite the mystery vibe. I also sensed growth in his character as time progressed.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant who witnessed good changes in his boss. FL's bestie was a good character too.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. Trust and interdependence were pivotal in the growth of their relationship.
6. Cameo - I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearances in Chinese vertical dramas but I missed this drama. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Labubu plushie on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's foster sister was an opportunist, pathetic & insensitive. Her boyfriend was horrible too.
2. Communication - It was frustrating to watch their misunderstanding & lack of frank conversations. However ML noticed this weakness and acknowledged it, which surprised me in a good way.
3. Duration - The drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times the pacing was slow and I was almost distracted.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings

Read More

FL proving her strength & worth to her biological family

I came across this drama poster when I was in the mood for physically strong FL. Good thing this drama was available on iQIYI paid subscription so I watched this drama there. I liked this drama even though there is no romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked how she was written. Despite being born a female, she excelled in martial arts training & physical strength.
2. Action - The action sequences were a delight. Yao Yu Chen performed those fight scenes really well.
3. Family - It is the core theme of this drama.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's mother and brother.
5. Acting - Yao Yu Chen was superb in this role.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's grandfather was a horrible man for his bias and cruel treatment towards his granddaughter. I also disliked the rival school of martial arts. The master and his goons were disrespectful.
2. Makeup - The moustache on the antagonist was funny looking.
3. The first meet - The first meeting between FL, her biological family and the rivals was too long. Well at one point the quarrel between the rival and FL/her family was tiresome.

Favourite scene
When FL fought the baddies that attacked her family's dojo

Read More

Enjoyable drama about FL's transmigration to 1980s world

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to produce a reddit post on my favourite Sun Qian Xun's dramas. Wang Chao Yang was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see the chemistry. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bold than average girl in the 1980s because of her modern world experiences. I liked her feistiness. Her ability as a translator was cool.
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Smitten by FL from the first sight of her.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with good kisses and intimate scenes.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the pink & green top & skirt combo.
5. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate was funny. Gu Sen was nice.
6. Ending - That final moment was cheeky!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiang Tang was malicious. She stole FL's boyfriend then when things didn't work out, she turned her sights to ML. FL's uncle and aunt were horrible too. Zhang Zi Jie was another terrible character but he redeemed himself.
2. Ignorance - It was silly for FL & ML to brush off a tip off when she was heavily pregnant.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk & ML came to pick her up

Read More

Enjoyable drama about wolves, love and family legacy

I was in the mood for supernatural / fantasy dramas leading up to Halloween. I saw this drama poster on reelxia so I clicked play. I enjoyed this drama a lot. This is my first time watching Cao Jing Hao and An Xiao Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy opening with lust & desire blatantly expressed by ML & FL. Their romance had a slow build-up when they reunited but overall they were sweet to each other. They were baby-faced couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her tenacity. She was smart to protect her mother's legacy from her horrible father and his new family.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & compassionate. I liked that he tried to make sense of FL situation even though there were some assumptions made.
4. Wolf arc - I liked the wolf community especially ML's close relatives. They were happy to accept FL & her kids into the community. The wolf training for cubs was adorable.
5. Supporting characters - The twins were adorable. I also liked ML's assistant and ML's close relatives.
6. Plot twist - Oh, I didn't expect that plot twist. I liked it a lot because then this drama has separate storyline from the other wolf dramas.
7. Styling - I appreciated the wolf styling for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - Shame on FL's father for abusing his grandchildren. I was also shocked that no one at the banquet said anything when the children were openly abused.
2. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious - her father was a freeloader. There was also jealous she-wolf in the community who always took opportunities to bring down FL. The three stooges at the Jones Group were stupid. It was silly that HR Head of Department did not recognise FL.
3. FL's action - She wasn't honest with ML when he asked about her kids the first time. I was also frustrated with FL when she jumped into conclusion based on hearsay / a few observations.

Favourite scene
FL & ML's first intimate encounter

Read More

For a jiejie romance released in 2023, this was OK

I found out about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the actor who played ML in this drama does not have MDL profile, I have seen him in another drama "Haunted Dreams". I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. They were strangers who were compatible & comfortable with each other. The shopping trip was sweet.
2. FL characterisation - She was kind & endearing.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was kind & likeable. He genuinely cared for his jiejie.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was the MVP. I also liked Qian Li.
5. Acting - I liked their performances and I think their chemistry was good.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - This drama was released in 2023 so I wasn't surprised that bullying scene was included in this drama. FL's department team members were nasty.
2. Antagonists - Wei Wei & Mr Shen FL's ex were horrible. I also disliked ML's mother for being gullible & self-absorbed - caring too much about status.
3. Age difference - Sometimes I wonder how does a writer determine the ages of ML & FL when writing an age gap romance. If I am not mistaken the age gap for this drama is 10 years. It would have been better if the age age was reduced to say 5 years since ML was a president of a big company.

Favourite scene
Date at the night market

Read More

Forgettable drama but I liked the styling & a particular scene

I was in the mood for physically strong FL so searched youtube for spy dramas and found this. This is my first drama of Yang Peng Cheng even though I had seen his name & face many times. This drama left me with mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked ML and FL's outfits. Very cool, spy wear.
2. Yang Peng Cheng - My first drama of his. I liked his visuals & voice.
3. Duration - Only 71 minutes! I like short short dramas.
4. Blind date - That was entertaining.
5. Supporting characters - Grandparents.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Lacklustre with no chemistry between the leads. There wasn't even sexual tension / pull dynamics between the characters. No real kiss.
2. Story - So much potential but the end product was boring.
3. Acting - The actress who played FL was forgettable. No stage presence. She needs acting lesson if she wants to continue in this competitive industry.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met grandparents from both sides

Read More

Drama felt disjointed and overall forgettable

I was in the mood for Wang Zi Yi dramas so I picked this one randomly. Wang Yan Fei was new to me at that time so I was curious. After completing this drama, I had mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as transactional relationship but soon real feelings developed. I enjoyed ML's flirty moments. I really liked that FL expressed her feelings later on.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boss / bro.
3. Threat - I liked that ML was threatened by Jiang because it showed that ML had a vulnerable side. In other vertical dramas, MLs are always untouchable.
4. Styling - I featured the maid uniform in a reddit post about maid uniforms in Chinese vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Dr Mu was despicable. He is the type who couldn't let go. The type who believes "If I can't have her, no one else can". Jiang was the same too, treating ML as a possession.
2. Writing - The story seemed imperfect with a few scenes that felt disjointed.

Favourite scene
When ML was slapped

Read More

Hidden identity kept too long but sexy chemistry made up for drama flaws

I like Hou Cheng Yue & Zhang Ji Jun's acting and know that they have collaborated before. I was excited for this drama especially after seeing positive comments on r/CShortDramas. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, that blindfold scene was sexy. Desire & lust were evident in both characters. I liked the dynamics between FL & ML with ML being slightly submissive to FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & physically strong. I loved that she never wavered from bullies.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his puppy energy. The running around was funny. He had his serious moments, which I enjoyed as well.
4. Styling - I liked FL's outfits. Also the contrast between FL & ML.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the middleman.
6. Duration - Drama running time is 2 hours 7 minutes - I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's stepmother was evil. Her son was horrible. Can't blamed solely on him because he had an enabler.
2. Hidden identity - Only unveiled at 75% mark of the drama. I wish ML had come clean earlier when confronted by FL.

Favourite scene
When ML picked up FL from a line-up of blindfolded men

Read More