emberzmars

Characters with layers & tumultuous romance are my favourite parts of this drama

I am a big fan of Chen Si Che and I like Zhan Zhuo visuals. I was intrigued when this drama was released. I watched it expecting a jiejie romance and oooo I liked what I saw.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I enjoyed the whirlwind romance. He was her kept man but once she knew his identity, he was set free. I liked this period because ML discovered a few things & realised what he truly wanted.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss. Loved that she was powerful & influential.
3. ML characterisation - He was flawed but underwent a lot of growth.
4. Styling - Chen Si Che lookked fabulous in red. Loved her outfits & Zhan Zhuo's navy suit.
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and the actor who played Jiang Ye were great. Zhan Zhuo was good in his role.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Ms Qiao & Jiang Ye.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle was an ass. Power hungry and manipulative. He even threw his son under the bus.

Favourite scene
When ML discovered FL's backstory

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Determind FL, sizzling chemistry & ML with fabulous abs - what's not to like?

I had seen a short behind the scene clip of Qian Zhe and Meng Na but I wasn't sure if it was from the earlier collab drama that they did. It turned out to be for this drama. I am a fan of Qian Zhe's acting and must say I like this collab between him and Meng Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was allure in their first encounter. The tango was sexy even though less fluid movements. There were great spicy and sweet moments between FL and ML. I loved their second dance, which they did in private.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in ensuring her father's patent not going to the wrong hands. She was smart to seek alliance.
3. ML characterisation - Tactical & resourceful. I liked that he genuinely wanted to help FL.
4. Styling - FL's engagement dress had a gothic feel. I liked! I also liked ML's outfits.
5. Rival arc - Riveting! I like the rivalry in business, sibling & love.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother, FL's father.
7. Duration - This drama is less than 2 hours. A plus point for me as I struggle with dramas longer than 2.5 hours.
8. Acting - I finally found a Meng Na drama that I liked! Enjoyed her performance here and she had great chemistry with Qian Zhe, I enjoyed his performance here too as there was a moment of vulnerability shown there.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I found ML's assistant a bit handsy. She went over the boundary. ML's brother was power hungry. FL's cousin was envious. ML's ex fiancée was annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML who was pretending to be vegetative

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I liked the Ruo Chen pairing in this family drama

"Double Ruo Chens!", was my first thought when I first saw the drama poster. I am a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting and I like Wei Ruo Chen's facecard - his dramas can be a hit or a miss! I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved Su Mo Ran’s sassiness and confidence, especially in the forced engagement scene. She wasn't easily intimidated - she snapped back at Feng Yi Yin & ML's sister on the spot.
2. Romance - I also liked how FL-ML romance developed - I did not expect ML to make a move so soon. There were a few good kisses and romantic moments.
3. Supporting characters - Oh, their daughter An An was adorable and delightfully cheeky, just like her mum! I also liked ML's grandmother and parents. They had empathy and did not believe the accusation made by Feng Yi Yin.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was not hung up on having relationship with "An An's" birth mother. He was skeptical with FL's presence around his daughter but that didn't stay long.
5. Kidnapping - Hahaha I didn't expect that person to be kidnapped.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast led by the charming Zhang Ruo Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feng Yi Yin was delusional & dangerous. She harmed An An! I also disliked FL's father, mother and stepsister.
2. ML's sister - Spoilt brat that acted like a petulant child.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate after their marriage

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Touching story about neighbours-turned-friends-turned lovers going on weight loss challenge

I was apprehensive about this drama because it is about a fat girl. However I watched it because I am a fan of both Liu Xi Yu and Ma Shi Yao and the short running time. I watched it on youtube and I believe drama is less than 2 hours long. I enjoyed this drama!

Trigger warning: Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Fat main character - A lot of the vertical dramas with a fat main character tend to use different actresses for "before" and "after" weight loss scenes. I believe the producer made a good call to get LXY & MSY to wear fat suits instead. What worked (for me) was the motivation and the journey of weight loss.
2. Romance - This drama explores friends-to-lovers trope. I liked it because they went on a weight loss journey together, discovered each other's inner strength and fell in love.
3. FL characterisation - She was very endearing. I liked her spirit and enthusiasm once she set a goal.
4. ML characterisation - He fell hard for her. I was moved that he tried to earn as much as he could so he could support FL with her goal. I also liked that he was a nice guy - he intervened when FL had a tough time.
5. Public opinion - In one of the scenes, there was a rumour that affected FL's reputation. I liked that crowd who gathered near FL & ML took their side instead of the rumourmonger's side.
6. Vlog - I enjoyed these scenes. I also liked that the characters talked about income from sponsored ads / product placement.
7. Acting - LXY & MSY did a great job in their roles. I was moved by their characters' actions and felt warm throughout the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His motives were unclear but I think he liked having one person who knew him and dote on him. He sabotaged FL's health challenge - he was selfish.
2. Moments - I wish there was one more episode to show us moments of FL & ML doing lovey-dovey stuff as a couple. That kiss was not enough!

Favourite scene
When ML stopped FL from committing suicide

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Fast-paced drama about a secret agent and the family she takes care of

I was randomly looking for a physically strong FL archetype in Chinese vertical dramas on my iQIYI app when I discovered this drama. I have seen Hu Jia Hao's dramas before but Guo Yang was unfamiliar to me. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this drama despite the ridiculous plot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - No-nonsense woman who was serious about work. She could kick ass & was smart. I loved her protective nature.
2. Supporting characters - The kid & ML's assistant were fun to watch.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his character grow.
4. Romance - Slow but I sensed desire and mutual attraction.
5. Duration - If I am not mistaken, this drama is less than 2 hours long. Short, 49 episodes on iQIYI.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Guo Yang, Zheng Jing Han & Hu Jia Hao. Guo Yang looked great when performing fight scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, a family of bullies that included a kindergartner. They were also hungry for money & power.
2. Romance - I wish there were more tender moments between them. Some scenes to show that they were bound to each other because of their kid, they genuinely fell in love with each other.

Favourite scene
Opening

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A pleasant surprise - simple story about love & career of an actress + good kisses

I watched the first two minutes of this drama when I was helping a member of subreddit CShortDramas to find video upload with English subtitles. I got curious even though the names of ML and FL were unfamiliar to me. I was glad that I watched it because it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good kisses but the hot kiss on the poster / teaser trailer seemed to be missing (or maybe I expected too much???). Nevertheless I really liked the dynamics between FL & ML - they were tender, affectionate and gave warm feeling to me.
2. FL characterisation - Both FL & ML were in the entertainment industry. She didn't want her marriage / relationship with ML to be known to the public because she wanted to be judged by merit not by connection. I respected her decision and liked that she was focused on her goal.
3. ML characterisation - He showed some moments of jealousy but wasn't possessed nor toxic. I liked that he knew how to behave when provoked.
4. Setup - I liked that the setup was related to acting / entertainment industry. There were scenes of them being on set to shoot a drama / movie.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Perfect to watch in one-sitting.
6. Plot - I liked that this drama is a simple story that covers love & career. No melodrama.
7. Acting - This was my first time watching the performance of Xia Huan Ting and Wu Jun Jie. I liked them and the chemistry was sizzling. Apparently they are dating in real-life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - An up-and-coming actress who was opportunistic and manipulative. She didn't mind harming people to advance her career.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he was working

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Action-packed first half but unfortunately this drama lost its momentum in second half

I liked Bai Xue Ru's acting. One day I explored her drama playlist and got curious when I saw the thumbnail. I had never seen Li Ke Le's dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the first half but second half lost its momentum.

What I liked:
1. Action - I loved that FL was a badass. She could fight baddies and attackers.
2. FL characterisation - FL had a mission to get an antidote to her poison & find her mother's killer. I also liked that she was a healer.
3. Supporting characters - Her friend / sidekick was awesome.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML wasn't easily deceived by FL's half-sister.
5. Acting - Bai Xue Ru and the actor who played the antagonist were very good.
6. Styling - I was surprised to see Bai Xue Ru in a maid's uniform because I had just published a reddit post on maid uniform spotted in Chinese vertical dramas and missed this drama. I loved Bai Xue Ru's red dress - what an entrance!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Bai Yi Yi was pathetic. Bai family was atrocious for abusing a child. Mu Huai Nan was hungry for power - another evil dude.
2. Romance - There wasn't enough romantic moments between FL & ML.
3. Second half - I was excited for this drama upon learning her background and the antidote arc but I felt these two elements weren't explored enough. The second half was bland / not memorable.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Where is the revenge?!! Plenty of kisses but no chemistry between the leads

I am a big fan of Destined to Like You. A member of subreddit CShortDramas told me that this drama is another version of Destined to Like You. Since I enjoy Ma Shi Yao's acting, I decided to watch and hhhhm this pales in comparison to the other drama.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Plenty of them and 95% was initiated by ML. He devoured her.
2. Supporting characters - I liked ML's buddies because they provided different points of view when ML confided in them. I also liked the guy who is friends with her sister.
3. Opening - That scene is memorable alright. My saved Youtube link is gone but I can still remember what happened in the first 5 minutes.
4. Styling - I liked outfits worn by ML & FL. Ma Xin Yu looked normal sized and that's nice in comparison to stick thin, underweight actresses.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Not good. Ma Xin Yu's acting was one-note. She seemed indifferent most of the time - her facial expressions were poor. There was lack of chemistry and synergy between her and Ma Shi Yao.
2. Romance - There was no emotion / desire behind those kisses despite the high volume. They kissed on cue and romance was mostly one-sided.
3. Revenge - This drama is supposed to be about FL seeking justice for her sister who was bullied by rich kids. However in this version, there was hardly any focus on the revenge. She was a scatterbrain. If I hadn't watched Destined to Like You, I wouldn't understand why she approached ML in the first place.

Favourite scene
When ML complained to his friends about FL's remark to him

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Family is core theme of this FL-married-to-single-dad drama

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I watched this drama as part of my assignment. I liked Li Quan Cheng and had seen their douyin video - it was adorable. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was feisty but kind & reasonable. I liked how she punished her stepson who had bad attitude.
2. ML characterisation - Kind-hearted but firm decision maker. I liked his protective nature.
3. Romance - Sweet and they seemed like a couple who understood each other without talking too much. No steamy kisses but many quick kisses & pecks. Their love language is act of service.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. From FL treating her stepson like her own child to FL mending relationship with her adopted sis.
5. Growth - There was two supporting characters that threw me off when she first appeared on screen. However there was character growth and by third act, I realised that I liked them.
6. Compassionate - This value was demonstrated in several scenes by FL & ML. I appreciated those scenes.
7. Acting - I enjoyed their performances, as individual characters and as a couple. There was good chemistry between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents too controlling & foolish. Not respecting ML's wishes & decision. FL's adopted mother & brother were horrible.
2. Son's action - There was a point where ML's son called FL by full name. I thought it was rude of him. He should call FL aunty if mother / mama was too much for him.

Favourite scene
FL taught ML's son a lesson because he got bad attitude

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I liked Lu Jia Hao but the whole story and Jia Bo Ya's performance were underwhelming

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the work of Li Jia Hao and Jia Bo Ya. The drama was alright.

What I liked:
1. Lu Jia Hao - He was charismatic & had stage presence even though he is not classically handsome. I liked his acting so will explore his work in the future.
2. ML characterisation - He was an arse for forcing FL to be with him but he knew he was at fault & admitted it openly to FL. I gave him points for being self-aware. I liked him when he teased FL about her kissing skill.
3. Opening scene - Strong & memorable!
4. Supporting character - I liked the assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Jia Bo Ya - Underwhelming performance. Her portrayal of a fearsome lawyer was unbelievable. That last scene when she was angry at her ex lacked conviction.
2. Romance - I didn't buy the romance because it was forced. FL did not show much interest in ML even when she supposedly had developed feelings for him.

Favourite scene
The veil

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Le Le and the child actor playing him are the best things about this drama

I was in the mood for Han Jia Hui dramas so I chose this drama because I hadn't seen Shu Tong's drama in months. This drama was an emotional roller coaster ride for me.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really liked Xu Mu, Huang Hui Hong & Le Le.
2. Le Le - That conversation between him and Xu Mu was heartfelt that I cried. The chat he had with his biological father was also emotional.
3. FL characterisation - I sympathised with her because she was trapped by evil people & as a result, suffered a lot. I liked her resilience.
4. Ending - I liked that ML wasn't given a second chance.
5. Third act - It was messy because there were many twists & turns but I enjoyed it.
6. Acting - Brilliant performance by child actor who portrayed Le Le. The cast performed their roles extremely well too. It's one of the few dramatic roles taken by Han Jia Hui. Shu Tong convinced me that he was a red flag ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Fang Hua Ting was a rude & vicious bitch. She abused the helpless. ML's mother was a black widow.
2. Misery - The relationship between FL & ML post-breakup was toxic. I felt that it was better they were out of each other's lives.
3. ML characterisation - I hated him for bullying FK especially when FL did not provoke him. He had serious trust issues.
4. Length - This drama is 3 hours 13 minutes long and is melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When Le Le had a conversation with Xu Mu

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Wow, I never imagined Yu Ke Ran could become a sexy vampire!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I enjoy dramas with supernatural themes so I decided to check it out. The plot was familiar but glad that Daddy is the Vampire King was not a carbon copy of my favourite supernatural vertical drama. I enjoyed this drama a lot and glad that this MDL page is live because it was impossible to find Chinese title online!

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked the vampire look from red eyes to black and red outfits. I must say FL's wedding dress was gothic chic! The daughter's dress after she embraced her vampire identity was chic too!
2. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm nature. I never thought Yu Ke Ran would look so good as a vampire. He was great in this role.
3. Supporting characters - I loved their daughter. She protected her human mummy when they were attacked. I also liked ML's subordinate / enforcer - the actor was good looking.
4. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the interactions and bond between ML and his daughter. Out of all the supernatural vertical drama with kids, this drama had the most natural looking interactions. Kudos to Yu Ke Ran and the child actress who played his daughter.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. I liked that ML studied romance - those moments provided comic relief. Good kisses with one very sexy scene that surprised me.
6. Fantasy - I loved seeing their supernatural power. I enjoyed watching the ritual for proper vampire transformation.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - The first and second acts were similar to A Story About Love. I wish the writer had adjusted by using vampire lore.
2. Styling - The styling for elders was amusing. The skull chain was an overkill.
3. Antagonist - The female vampire who was jealous of FL was atrocious. She harmed the daughter. Despite that, I'd say she got a good villain arc.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to check his body for injuries

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I dislike the FL in this time-travelling, family-focused drama

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang drama so I chose this drama for a few reasons: i) set in republican era (XYW was so excited about this opportunity in his weibo post), ii) intergenerational story, and iii) short running time. Too bad drama didn't meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Xie Yu Wang was very handsome in republican era military uniform. I liked the hairstyle too. The outfits for FL and her great-grandmother were beautiful although I didn't understand the need for FL's headgear. It was an overkill.
2. Acting - Great performances by most of the cast.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's son & wife.
4. Duration - Drama just under 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I disliked FL's telling ML out loud to distrust his assistant. I thought it wasn't smart move. I also disliked her boasting about being smarter than ML when they talked about their next move. She was advantageous because of her grandfather's story (secondhand source) but she never lived during that era.
2. Saving the family - I didn't understand why ML told General Zhang what FL said to him. That's giving the antagonist the advantage. ML should be more cautious.
3. Antagonists - General Zhang & Assistsnt Cui were evil. They assassinated the whole family & harmed ML's son.
4. Acting - I didn't like Tan Yan Yan's acting but it's because of the script she's given. For a drama with family as the core theme, there was a lack of chemistry between Tan Yan Yan and Xie Yu Wang. They were cold distant / business-like.

Favourite scene
When FL met her elders for the first time & introduced herself

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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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High production value & good acting but ML frustrated me

Gosh I have been waiting for this drama since August and it finally released yesterday. It has been awhile since I last saw Jiao Pei Kai / Bai Fang Wen. I watched it last night before bed then continued the next morning. I literally just finished this drama and have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Production value - Beautifully shot outdoor scenes at the Gobi Desert. Amazing landscape of the lesser seen China. This drama has pushed the envelope for the vertical drama industry.
2. Acting - Wonderful performances by Guo Yu Xin and Bai Fang Wen. I could see and feel the pain experienced by their characters.
3. Paper cutting scene - What a humbling scene! FL indirectly helped a girl to get back to school.
4. Crime arc - i enjoyed this arc even though the focus was inconsistent.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both leads. BFW looked rugged as a park ranger.
6. Supporting character - I liked ML's trusted colleague and the female doctor.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I got it that he was emotionally unavailable because of his personal demons. But why did he lie to FL about having a girlfriend while being married with her? Even though the "gf" caused a scene, I think FL's anger and disappointment were valid.
2. Romance - I was dismayed that their romance was very much "push" dynamics because of ML's stubbornness. Only when FL was in danger did he show vulnerability but even then he was not fully honest. This drama could have been a healing of two souls with both helping each other but unfortunately not.
3. Duration - 3 hours 18 minutes is the total screentime for this drama and I felt it was too long because the two arcs (romance & crime) were unfocused and not written well.
4. Ending - There were several flashbacks in the final 20 minutes. I felt it was unnecessary because the storytelling was drawn out that I remembered what happened from the start. I wish the drama ended with them together on a healing journey (action oriented rather than a promise).

Favourite scene
When ML tended to FL's injury

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