emberzmars

Mature & introspective drama of character growth and second chance romance

I was finalising a reddit post on my 5 favourite Cheng Cheng's dramas when this drama was released. I decided to watch it before I published the post, just in case I could feature it in the post. I didn't include Get Married in my post but I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was rebuilding her career after a scandal. She was vulnerable but there was a quiet strength about her and I liked seeing her journey. There was a healing aspect to this drama.
2. Romance - This is a story of a second chance drama. Reconciliation was a slow process because FL wanted to rely on herself rather than being dependent on others in the restart of her career. I also liked that writer didn't harp on too much on childhood romance because their romance should not rely on nostalgia.
3. ML characterisation - ML still loved FL even post-divorce and I liked that he wasn't domineering. He was jealous when FL got attention from other men but he was never threatened her. I also liked that ML was flawed - too many MLs in vertical dramas were depicted as "perfect".
4. Tone - There were comedic moments that made this drama lighthearted.
5. Styling - I must say I loved ML's outfits. ML was a director of a variety show so his outfits were mostly outdoorsy and comfortable yet stylish.
6. Third party - There was no green tea in this drama and I loved it! Their relationship broke down because of their own insecurities.
7. Supporting characters - I loved FL's agent & the assistant director.

Disliked:
1. Reconciliation - I wish there were more time / episodes after they really talked about their failed marriage. I would like to see them rebuilding their romantic relationship.
2. Variety show - I understand that it was a catalyst for reconnection between FL and ML but I felt the variety show content wasn't relatable. Ideally the show could have been nore focused on communication so it would be parallel to FL-ML's past problem.

Favourite scene
When FL told her agent about the problems in her marriage that eventually led to her divorce

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Good acting, kisses and action scenes but so much misery faced by the leads

I thought I had written a review for this drama but somehow I was wrong. Good thing I have my notes written down.

This drama has been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I only got the mood to watch it a few days ago when I was looking for dramas with assassin. I liked certain aspects of this drama even though I was feeling miserable most of the time.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was trained as assassin but possessed a kind soul. Even when given an "order", she could think the pros and cons of the "order".
2. Acting - Great acting by Song Yu Jia and Fang Zheng Nan. They had great chemistry and were able to demonstrate killer sexual tension.
3. Action scenes - Song Yu Jia looked so cool during the fighting scenes. I'd like to see her in more action dramas.
4. Outfits - FL's outfits were pretty. I liked her wedding dress - a pretty, modern piece (most wedding dresses in vertical dramas have 80s look). I also liked the pink dress worn by ML's supposed fiancée.
5. Kisses - When consensual, the kisses were hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not being honest with his feelings for FL. He didn't do enough to get FL's forgiveness - he needed to grovel. I disliked the ending.
2. Romance - Toxic. ML constantly doubting FL's actions & thoughts and he kept on blaming FL for a crime she did not commit.
3. Tone - So much misery and misunderstandings. Both leads were teary eyed and unhappy most of the time.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's supposed fiancee fell into the pool.

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Draggy but good version of reformed gangster girl with doctor husband & son

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit member. This is the second time I watched FL Liu Can's drama but ML Li Ye Chen was unfamiliar to me. Overall the drama was a good watch but some parts were draggy.
There is the first version of this 'reformed gangster girl with doctor husband and son' plot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she turned her life around. She was mean in her previous life but had learnt her lessons and worked very hard to earn a living so her family of three wouldn't suffer from poverty.
2. Redemption - She was sincere about wanting to change and those moments made me teary eyed.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was so cute. ML's parents were suspicious of FL because ML was secretive about his marriage but they accepted FL after getting to know her.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The wide leg trousers & black jacket. Thr purple too & purple skirt combo.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - Too long. I got bored in the second half that I increased speed to 2.0x.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. With that length of drama, I thought we could get more romantic scenes but nope. Director & writer focused on her career instead. I also didn't feel much love & affection coming from ML.
3. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry but they got their retribution at the end.

Favourite scene
When FL tried out clothes at a store.

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Revenge tale with bad romance, paper-thin characters & plot

I was excited when I found out about this drama because I am a fan of both Chen Si Che and Yang Yu Bin. I was dismayed by this story as it did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Physical touch - Plenty of kisses in this drama although most seemed coerced.
2. Yang Yu Bin - Damn, he looked hot & very sexy shirtless. He could portray a character with tormented soul very well.
3. Styling - Perfect outfits for our leads. The disguise worn by FL was funny because there were unbelievable .
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Du Yu, ML's assistant & FL's two good friends.

Disliked:
1. Romance - It lacked development & mutuality. There was no genuine emotional connection between FL and ML. I wish they were honest with each other before halfway mark & had gone for partnership / alliance.
2. Revenge - FL's revenge plan wasn't clear. At times I forgot that she was seeking revenge for her sister.
3. ML's characterisation - He was mad, distrustful & unlikeable. I hated that he tortured FL.

Favourite scene
When FL went undercover by wearing a disguise

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Cool & intelligent Rong Yu and her good-looking great grandsons

I watched part 1 a few days ago and was blown away by the quality of production (writing, acting & directing). I decided to watch this drama as part of my preparation for a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas. I enjoyed part 2 very much!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top notch acting by the cast, which had 2 new additions: Wu Tian Hao & Wang Dao Tie. My favourite is Wang Pei Yan - he was amazing at portraying a rascal and that heartwarming lesson of humility.
2. Jinchuan's arc - My favourite arc. I liked how Rong Yu's instincts were right and she was quick to investigate.
3. Styling - My favourite is Wu Tian Hao's outfits. They managed to give different looks for his character's before and after. I also liked Wang Dao Tie's outfits though I don't quite understand why must he be punished while being shirtless huhuhu.
4. Supporting characters - Great to see Butler Yu , Duoduo and Mr Ji's childhood rival again.
5. Visuals - Attractive cast. Rong Yu has attractive great-grandsons.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I felt tired by the mother-daughter duo. Daughter was a spoilt brat who didn't appreciate hard-earned money. Hope season 3's antagonist is a new character.
2. Zeng Hui - He had a cameo but his face is in the poster. I wish they had Qu Gang in the poster too. Anyway his character was too small to bear any significance.

Favourite scene
When Rong Yu introduced the Jis to Jinchuan

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Caught by surprise with the light tone and steamy kisses

I am preparing a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my prep. This is my first time watching historical by Li Ke Yi and Wang Hao Zhen. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was sensible despite being trapped in ancient times. She was not defenseless but knew when to call for help. I enjoyed her playful banter with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He secretly enjoyed the attention given by FL and I loved that.
3. Romance - Slow burn. However the kisses were damn hot - gosh Wang Hao Zhen looked damn fine as a possessed / evil ML. However one scene had dubious consent.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man & best friend for interpreting ML's growing affections and giving advice when ML was cowardly. FL's scholarly brother was also a great addition to this drama.
5. Tone - Overall this is a light-hearted drama with a few touching moments. I also enjoyed the comedy bits.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits . Both Li Ke Yi & Wang Hao Zhen looked gorgeous in historical costumes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Empress Dowager arc seemed too simplified but then again it makes this drama lighthearted. I disliked the bullying scenes.
2. ML's actions - At times, the romance was frustrating because of ML's inability to express his feelings for FL.

Favourite scene
When all guards were injured and evil / possessed ML came to FL

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Inner thoughts + great kisses in Chinese republican vertical drama - I ❤️ it!

I discovered this drama by chance, I think via reddit. I was drawn to the title implying ML was not a nice guy but could hear FL's thoughts. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see his reactions whenever he heard his wife's thoughts. I liked that he put on menacing exterior but protective of his wife even when she feared him.
2. FL characterisation - She was so likeable - I loved it! I also liked her for having a crush on her hubby and being jealous of the "mysterious concubine".
3. Romance - Slow but gosh the kisses were great. ML kissed with fervour and that solution to keeping down the snoring was steamy and amusing!
4. Acting - This was my first time watching both Wu Jia Lu and Song Yu Bo and I was impressed by their acting individually and as a couple. The supporting cast did well too.
5. Supporting characters - ML's brothers were suspicious at first but they turned out to be wonderful.
6. Ending - I loved it!
7. Tropes - This drama excelled in both inner thoughts and Republican era tropes. The latter tends to be toxic but not this drama, which I loved!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh ML's father was envious of his son but overall quite interesting villain. Straightforward arc which I liked.

Favourite scene
ML trying to solve FL's snoring problem.

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The son An An is the highlight of this flawed drama

I was in the mood for Yang Han drama and since I have apid iQIYI subscription, I decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly despite drama's many flaws.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - Their son An An was smart, endearing & lovable. He was also protective of his mother. FL's bestie was awesome too!
2. Acting - Liu Yu Bo is the most adorable child actor I have ever seen and I squealed in delight whenever he was on screen. I think Yang Han and Sheng Yi Jie did well in the roles that they'd been assigned too. They have wonderful chemistry - I'd love to see them paired again in a romance-heavy drama.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by 3 leads. The cape-like jacket worn by Sheng Yi Jie was my favourite. Yang Han looked hot in henley.
4. Funny - There were some light moments that made me laugh but the best funny moment is the backfired trick. Jealous colleague wanted to shame FL but it backfired.

What I disliked:
1. Marriage - The weirdest arranged marriage ever. I was unhappy with the elders for that action. I also disliked the fact that he went radio silent with his wife for 6 years. He also never confronted his wife when he felt something was off. A lot of assumptions were made.
2. Antagonist - Gosh she was a psycho for wanting to harm An An.
3. Romance - I dislike that they liked each other while being married to someone else. I also disliked the lack of romance. I think there was only 2 kisses with huge episode gap between them.

Favourite scene
When An An first appeared

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Refreshing fantasy tale of revenge & transmigration but too bad Zhao Xi Xi had little screen time

I was in the mood for Zhao Xi Xi dramas after finding out that she has mini dramas on wetv. I chose to watch this drama instead because of the short length and highly positive reviews. I was enraptured by the storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, I didn't know where I was headed with this drama. I was on edge because of the plot twists. I liked how how the bodies were selected for FL to get her revenge.
2. Acting - Good performances by Zhao Xi Xi, Zeng Xi Tang and Wang Yi Lei. The supporting cast did well too.
3. Supporting characters - Pei Chen made the biggest impact for me because he had more to lose and well Li Ruo Xun was handsome.
4. Styling - Stylist who decided on Wang Yi Lei's final look should get a raise. The shit left unbuttoned, the ear cuff... be still my heart!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Mai Jia Ming was an evil man. The mistress was a b!tc#.
2. Screen time - Zhao Xi Xi had too little screen time for a main character so she didn't shine as much as other characters she's played. Wang Yi Lei even lesser than Zeng Xi Tang.

Favourite scene
When FL found out ML's other secret

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Cunning FL who punish her tormentors after rebirth

I came across this drama on reddit. I was curious because reddit or YouTube users claimed that this is a good revenge drama. I watched it yesterday. I quite liked it but felt it was missing something.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She vowed to punish those who tortured her in her previous life. After rebirth, she was tenacious & cunning but put on soft & delicate exterior to ensure successful execution of her plans. I liked that!
2. Revenge - I liked her scheming because she played with the main antagonist's mind.
3. Kisses - Romancing the prince was part of her plan and damn she was good. Her seduction shocked me and hahaha I think the prince got excited because of that element.
4. Comeuppance - Glad that Shen You Rue and the prince got the punishment they deserved.
5. Duration - About 102 minutes so it was a quick watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen You Rue was batshit crazy and cruel. The prince was a narcissist.
2. Familiarity - I watched too many female-pov revenge dramas set in historical time. So around the third act I felt bored because it was the same "fighting with antagonist" vibe.

Favourite scene
When FL delivered water to the prince after her rebirth

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Steamy kisses in this drama about ML with amnesia

I had high expectations for this drama after loving their previous drama White Moonlight Fading Pale and knowing that ML has amnesia (I adored Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's drama about FL with amnesia). I watched this drama within 2 days of its release but put on pause when the video stopped English subtitles in the second half of drama. I picked it up again when I saw another video option. This drama is a fine watch but I wouldn't repeat

What I liked:
1. Romance - These days, Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's kissig scenes are 🔥 - I wonder if there is a change in their relationship. Anyway I liked that they built trust during the span of his amnesia.
2. ML characterisation - The amnesia made him an endearing & more approachable character. I liked it.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor, FL's friend and the kid.
4. Health & fitness - I got a health scare 3 years ago so I liked it when dramas have health & fitness scenes. There was a boxing scene here and Qian Zhe looked fit!
5. Styling - Impeccable styling. My favourite is when both wore white. FL's friend wore a beautiful gown to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. ML's secretary - Intrusive. She shouldn't meddle in her boss' personal life.
2. ML's actions - I disliked him for believing what his secretary said without verifying with FL. I also disliked his cold indifference despite "having" feelings for FL.
3. FL's action - I disliked her for never correcting ML who mistook Lu Feng as her husband. The lie was too long anyway.

Favourite scene
The first make out session

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Familiar jiejie romance plot with good performances

I liked Chen Mu Ye's acting so I was excited to see the drama poster. From the title, I figure it would be a jiejie romance and I was surprised to know this is another adaptation of "I had one night stand with a younger man and 3 years later, we had a chance encounter". This is the fourth version that I have seen, 1) Liu Can-Zhang Yun Tao, 2) Zhou Jia Yi - Shao Wei, 3) Qin Tin Ai - Liu Yi Long. This version is alright.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Good performances from both leads. There was chemistry despite the big age gap between them. I was surprised that Cai Cheng Yuan was a participant in an international singing survival show. The actress who played FL's agent did well too
2) Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, FL's grandma, FL's bestie & ML's bestie (who's cute).
3) Romance - Great kisses. There were sweet moments too - I liked the back hugs. I also liked that FL comforted ML when visiting cemetery.
4) FL characterisation - I liked that it focuses on FL's struggles with her personal & professional demons.
5) ML characterisation - I also liked his character. He was gentle and devoted to FL. He had empathy for FL.

What I disliked:
1) Styling - I love a Morticia Addams style if it's done right but the black dress aged her. I also disliked her qipao for the photo shoot - it looked plain & not classy enough for a high fashion shoot.
2) Antagonist - FL's sister was annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL about his birthday wish

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I liked leads' performances in this rich guy-poor girl romance drama

I was really impressed with Aorigele's acting in 'After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever'. So I went through his drama playlists and this title had many positive comments. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is my first time watching Jin Yanna and I really enjoyed her performance. I also loved Aorigele's performance because he made the character soft-spoken.
2. Relationship - It's a slow burn romance that started off with student-teacher and then progressed into employee-boss, baby momma & later love. They resolved their misunderstanding in the first 28 minutes. I liked that writer didn't force a love relationship just because she was pregnant.
3. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant but not meek / a damsel. When she was bullied, she fought back.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him despite the forced intimacy. He was patient & rational & tried his best to understand FL's actions.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for talking sense to FL about her pregnancy and indirectly offered to be her family. I also liked ML's friend / cousin who always helped around and to some extent, FL's childhood friend.

What I disliked:
1. Forced intimacy - I'd say their first intimate encounter was rape. It sucked but ML apologised to FL.
2. Antagonist - This time antagonist was self-proclaimed future wife of ML. She was doctor but her actions and long raptor nails baffled me. FL's family was despicable.
3. Boundaries - I hated that ML allowed antagonist to stay at his family home.
4. Bullying - There were some humiliating scenes that I found unfair to FL.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings after FL got out of a trap

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Jiejie romance with off-the-charts chemistry & character growth

I stumbled upon this drama on my youtube dashboard. When I saw the first two minutes, I knew that this is another version of Zhang Yun Tao-Liu Can's jiejie romance drama. Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so I clicked Play and by the end of the watch, I felt satisfied way more than Zhang Yun Tao -Liu Can version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The chemisgry between Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei was off the charts. The push & pull dynamics were executed well. Their love language was definitely physical touch. The amount & creativity of sneaky kisses ML planted 🔥🔥🔥. I also felt that their romance had more depth and tenderness because there was more time of them as couple unlike ZYT-LC version.
2. FL characterisation - I liked seeing FL's growth. She was reluctant to be in a relationship because of her mental health struggles. Cen Ruan in this drama was more likeable and had more depth than the other version.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked ML in this drama because he had more depth as individual. He was respectful of FL - he never meddled in her problems unless FL requested help.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, grandma & best friend. ML's best friend provided some good laughs.
5. Styling - Liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML. I got many inspiration for my reddit posts. Anyway Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei were gorgeous in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father, half sis and stepmother were just money-hungry scums. I couldn't believe father's action to discredit FL's capability.
2. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long. I was vested in the story but couldn't watch this in one sitting.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to be her boyfriend

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Flash marriage drama that didn't quite meet my expectation

I watched this drama because someone on reddit recommended it. This is my second time watching Li Ya Ya and first time watching Gao Ming. It was an ok watch - I expected more since marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he's protective and respectful of FL.
2. FL characterisation - It's nice to see a doctor FL. I also liked her for apologising to ML because a heated conversation that happened before.
3. Romance - I could sense from the start that ML had a crush on FL despite the cold façade. Their dates were cute.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's parents for being kind to and supportive of FL. Loved ML's father's reaction when his wife meddled with their son and daughter-in-law's relationship. ML's assistant was good addition too.
5. Prophylactic - I didn't expect such scene but hey I enjoyed it.
6. The wedding - I enjoyed that chat amongst friends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow FL's ex was very bitter about the breakout. He was possessive. I hated him for wanting to control her post-breakup by threatening her career.
2. Scheming - The hotel room sneak-in was an invasion of privacy. Pity the hotel guest! I also disliked the false accusation by a patient of FL. Good thing the son came clean - bless his heart for having a pure heart.
3. Acting - I love flash marriage dramas but this one felt like it's missing something. I didn't sense much chemistry between Gao Ming & Li Ya Ya - they seemed awkward & perfunctory.

Favourite scene
When ML drunk dialled FL

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