emberzmars

I liked the actors who played FL's brothers

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch the very first drama listed here on MDL. I was surprised to see the cast list because I had seen the work of the male supporting actors. The only person unfamiliar to me was Sean Pai - this is my first drama of his. I realised that ZRC has acted in three different biological vs adopted siblings drama and I enjoyed this drama.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Opening - I really liked the opening scene because it gave some limelight to the three biological brothers unlike any other rebirth dramas.
2. Reconciliation - I liked how the reconciliation scenes were written. There was a little "fantasy" twist to create awareness of past mistakes. Nice to see them plead to FL for forgiveness.
3. Acting - I enjoyed watching the actors who played supporting characters such as Wu Ming Yu, Ye Yang and Liu Bo Yang more than Sean Pai. Zhang Ruo Chen's acting fit the character which was a mixed bag for me.
4. Supporting characters - I liked that the brothers were given a lot of screentime unlike other biological vs. adopted family dramas. I also enjoyed the interactions amongst the brothers even though there were not many.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she learnt lessons from past life and decided to cut off from her biological family and live independently. I liked that she didn't want her relationship with second brother to be revealed at the company.
6. Tone - It was lighthearted most of the time but there was some violence.

What I disliked:
1. Beneficiary - I was dismayed that FL went to live an easy life with ML, who was essentially her sugar daddy, when she insisted to her brothers that she would make it on her own.
2. Antagonists - Adopted sister was insecure and manipulative. FL's colleague was another horrible person. Serves her right for trusting the adopted sister.
3. Romance - I liked the teasing in their first "intimate" scene post-rebirth. Their relationship was sweet & based on love at first sight but lacked depth. I wish there were more couple moments outside of FL's family drama because the romance was not believable to me.

Favourite scene
Grandfather's birthday celebration

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Gripping performances by Yuan Yu Han & Liu Xiao Xu in a tragic thriller

I was curious about Liu Xiao Xu when his drama with Wang Xiao Yi was released. I wanted to explore his work with a different drama. I chose this one because I had seen Yuan Yu Han in her drama with Huang Bo before. Whoa, I was glad to watch this drama first because I was blown away by performances by both leads and the writing of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the mystery & suspense elements. I also liked the use of twin trope here.
2. ML characterisation - Layered, complex and I liked the mysterious, "villain" vibe. He turned out to be an anti-hero who sough t justice for his dad.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her arc. She started as a bait for twin's revenge plan. From a victim later she became sympathetic to his cause.
4. Acting - Fantastic performances by the three leads. Yuan Yu Han continued to impress me with her acting capabilities.
5. Duration - I liked that this drama's running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twin's father.
7. Plot twist - OMG, that living room scene was unbelievable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas. Total psychopath - unredeemable.
2. Ending - Tragic. Wish it had ended a different way.

Favourite scene
When ML cried

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FL and the kids were entertaining but what a foolish ML!

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I chose to watch this one because it also stars Chen Bai Qao / Chen Gang and it's available on iQIYI. I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I must say the twins stole the limelight with their shenanigans. I couldn't stop laughing when they schemed to get FL in bed with their dad. I also liked Assistant Chen who was in favour of FL from the beginning and also FL's family butler.
2. FL characterisation - She was like jack of all trades. Even with memory loss, she got killer instincts and were able to defend herself against baddies. A FL who literally kicked ass. I also liked the girlboss side of her.
3. Acting - I really liked performances by Zhang Ruo Chen and the child actors.
4. Tone - Overall this is lighthearted comedy with a handful of action and dramatic scenes.
5. Rivalry - I liked that the sisters' rivalry involved them fighting over the family company. Like the reporter said "Wow, it's fun to see women / sisters fight over a company not over a man". They did fight over a man but I never took it seriously because FL never took it seriously.
6. Styling - I liked the different style of clothes for the different phase of FL's life.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was foolish for going along with what the antagonist said. Dude didn't seem to have any gut instincts.
2. Antagonist - FL's sister was evil to do those things including harming children. The other girl who pursued ML was stupid for believing the main antagonist. Good thing both got their retribution.
3. Romance - The romance was underdeveloped and ML needed to grovel for his wrongdoings. I wish there were moments between FL and ML to cultivate their romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL fought baddies to save the children

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Finally found Gao Ming drama that I enjoyed - him as a "vampire"

I am a fan of supernatural themed vertical dramas. I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched it a few weeks before Halloween and I enjoyed it. I musy say that this drama is better than Liu Lan Bo's vampire drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was kind and soft-hearted but wasn't naive to the point of sacrificial lamb.
2. Romance - Both genuinely liked each other but too bad bad events separated them. When they were together, they were sweet. I liked that FL wasn't shy about intimacy.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his protective nature. I also liked that he did his best to atone for his family's bad deeds.
4. Supernatural - He wasn't quite a vampire - it was more like a curse that fell on his family. I liked this plot device.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and the housekeeper.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast. I also liked the chemistry between Gao Ming and the main actress. I finally found a Gao Ming drama I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL Lola was batshit crazy. She did everything she could to get ML including harming FL. FL's university rival was silly & annoying. I also disliked ML's grandfather and cousin / rival. The family doctor was horrible too for being an accomplice.
2. Communication - I hated that ML distanced himself from FL because he believed the family doctor's advice. He should have discussed with FL instead.

Favourite scene
When FL came to rescue ML at a hotel

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Favourite 'I was treated badly by my biological family' drama!

I am in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen drama so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the poster because it reminds me of autumn. I had only seen 1 or 2 Zhang Zhi Wei's dramas so I was curious about this pairing. I watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama with Ji Jun Liang a few days ago. I saw some similarities and overall I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Rebirth - The rebirth trope was done well. I liked that FL focused on her career and not so much revenge. Well revenge was indirect.
2. Siblings arc - In many dramas with this plot of biological family favouring adopted kid, the biological siblings only realised their biasness in third act. In this drama, eldest bro realised something was amiss and quickly investigated in the first arc. I also loved that he was able to convince second bro about their wrongdoings and not third brother and their parents.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she became active participant post-rebirth by setting up new company & working tirelessly without depending on connections. This is different with JJL drama in which her character was less progressive (she became an employee instead of boss).
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he backed up FL after the first encounter. He was unhappy with how she was treated by her family but never set to punish them because he respected her wish.
5. Romance - There wasn't many lovey dovey scenes but they exuded mature couple vibe. I liked that ML was always around when FL met / bumped into her family. ML was attracted to FL but never aggressive in his pursuit - I liked that.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhang Zhi Wei and Li Hao. It was great to see Zhang Ruo Chen in less cute / more mature role. She also had good chemistry with ZZW.
7. Confrontations - The final confrontation between Su family, FL and Keke was riveting. I loved it when FL said that she was there to laugh at their stupidity. I also loved it when Keke pointed out the brother's mistakes. It's true that they were at fault for treating FL badly and they shouldn't blame Keke.
8. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL & ML that were featured on the poster. I also liked FL's business wear.
9. Supporting characters - I liked FL's eldest brother except that remark he said to FL about rushing to hospital if FL was injured. I also liked the housekeeper who empathised with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Jia family - Vile, gullible & idiotic. I couldn't believe the parents acted that way. Even if FL was adopted, there shouldn't be blatant favouritism. Glad that they got retribution.
2. Su Keke - She was evil. I appreciated that writer gave her a back story to make viewers sympathise with her situation. She didn't have to go to the extreme but she did and luckily got punished.

Favourite scene
Final confrontation between FL, Su family & Su Keke

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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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Yang Mie Mie kicked ass as a pint-sized witch!

My buddy Fae and I occasionally do buddy watches on sci fi / fantasy / supernatural vertical dramas. This is one of the dramas that we selected and personally this is my first Yang Mie Mie drama. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. Acting - I was impressed by Yang Mie Mie’s acting as she managed to convey two different personas (normal, obedient kid vs superpowered witch). I also liked Du Ya Fei’s acting considering how underdeveloped his character was. It was great to see both of them fighting baddies.
2. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching FL’s character development. She remained kind because of her foster parents but assertive when her old persona appeared.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the prologue at the start and later the demonstration of their powers. Great VFX in particular when FL fought the gangsters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL’s adoptive parents.
5. Styling - I liked the contrasting styling adopted for FL and ML. FL was innocent / untainted so she wore white / girly outfits. Meanwhile ML had been brainwashed by the elders so he had more rugged / edgy outfits.
6. Duration - I liked that this drama wraps up within 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The power hungry witch elders and their successor. However their arc was done well, I think.
2. Confrontations - I found the final confrontation had too much yapping. Since FL already knew the elders’ intention, I wish she had attacked them instead of the lengthy debate.
3. Chemistry - Thank you to Fae for bringing out this point. Even though this has no romance, there wasn't much chemistry between Yang Mie Mie and Du Ya Fei. Not even in platonic relatonship kind. I think it's because the characters as adults never spent time together.

Favourite scene
When ML remembered his childhood with FL

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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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Frustrating drama about a loving couple who made assumptions then divorce

Huang Bo is my favourite vertical drama actor. I liked Zhang Ya Meng's acting the most in Embrace in the Dark Night. I was excited when I knew about this drama. Watched it as soon as I found a video with English subtitles but I was left disappointed after completing the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhang Ya Meng and Huang Bo were good in their individual roles. The actress who played SFL gave a good performance too.
2. Supporting character - I liked FL's bestie.
3. Plot twist - Wow, I didn't expect it.
4. Final dialogue - I found the final conversation between FL & ML was powerful and meaningful.
5. The ending - Different from what I expected and I liked it.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - Despite the good individual performances, there was no chemistry between ZYM & HB. It was weird that even during the couple's good times, ZYM & HB seemed distant. The kissing scene was awkward.
2. Communication - I disliked that Nan Xi never confronted her husband of 3 years whom she had a loving relationship with. She suspected him of cheating and immediately wanted divorce. I also disliked the scene when FL & her bestie were talking about college dating. FL never refuted bestie's statement about FL's "college boyfriend" which was heard by ML then led to assumption & misunderstanding.

Favourite scene
Final conversation between FL & ML.

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Funny drama about older woman with multiple suitors

Huang Bo fangirl here. I watched this drama 24 hours within its release. It was different from any Huang Bo dramas I watched recently. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I liked that the drama focused on older woman with adult son. It was also refreshing to see her being pursued by 3 men & working at her son's company. Huang Bo's character was one of the 3 men and I categorised his character as ML despite FL's entanglement with her ex husband.
2. Supporting characters - I likes Qi Qi, FL's son, FL's male assistant & ML's assistant.
3. Visuals - Huang Bo looked handsome in his relaxed outfit (low v neck). The actor who played FL's son was handsome too. The actress who played Qi Qi was pretty.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart for wanting to be financially independent. That's a trait I admire.
5. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the long black skirt.
6. Tone - The fights among the suitor were comic relief. I appreciated that the battle between FL and her husband wasn't mean-spirited.
7. Acting - The cast gave good performances even though it was hard to believe Wang Man Man's character has an adult son who was in top management. I liked the chemistry between her and her suitors.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - This drama is almost 3 hours long with most scenes about fights among the suitors. I prefer shorter length with shorter conflicts.
2. Romance - Yes, she was pursued by 3 men but she hardly had quality one-on-one time with each of them. I wish there were longer & better romantic mini arcs.
3. Antagonists - I disliked FL's husband. He cheated on her but regretted and wanted forgiveness.

Favourite scene
The massage scene

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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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Inspired by When the Phone Rings but my gosh the writing & acting were poor

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I picked this one because it was short. It turns out that this drama was inspired by kdrama When the Phone Rings. That's my favourite drama from last year so I had some expectations for this drama. This drama is literally fated to sink - I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Great kissing scenes courtesy of Xie Yu Wang.
2. Actor's set - FL was an actress who got a role in a movie / tv drama. I actually enjoyed the filming scenes. She deserved to be scolded by director in the first shoot for not taking her wedding ring off.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant.
4. Length - Thank gosh this drama was less than 100 minutes. I did increase speed to finish it quickly.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I knew she was young but my gosh I found her childish and silly. She was unhappy with ML's tracking her moves (rightfully so) therefore retaliated by pranking him. She
deliberately sought a phone & technology to do so.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it at all with FL's immature behaviour. There were a lot of assumptions made by both side - they hardly communicated.
3. Plot - Some elements were borrowed from the kdrama e.g. forced marriage, special phone, pranking, threats via intimate photos / info. While I appreciated that this drama isn't a carbon copy of WTPR, the writing itself is poor. I was disengaged the moment FL staged a kidnapping.
4. Acting - The main actress's performance was bad. She played an actress who got leading role but my gosh she was not charismatic nor outstanding. There wasn't chemistry with Xie Yu Wang.
5. Antagonists - FL's mother was despicable for selling FL to settle her debt. I also disliked the lady who seduced ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was scolded by the director for not taking off her wedding ring

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Warm jiejie romance about girlboss FL & race car driver ML

I was browsing drama posters and the translated title of this drama - Scent of Her - grabbed my attention. I wasn't familiar with the main actress nor the makn actor but I decided to give this drama a chance. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a jiejie drama specifically about stepsister & stepbrother with no blood relation. They got into a marriage of convenience and I liked their dynamics. FL & ML were affectionate & loving. Even though their kissing scenes were not steamy, I sensed warmth whenever they were together onscreen. I liked the conflict that was presented in their relationship.
2. FL characterisation - She was a strong woman - girlboss. She was curious about the death of her mother.
3. ML characterisation - His sense of smell was off after an accident but he was comforted by FL's scent. I liked him especially when he was playful with FL. He knew when to be serious and responsible.
4. Investigation - I liked this arc.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant & ML's friend doctor.
6. Styling - I liked FL's wedding dress. I also liked ML's hair & outfits especially the black jacket at the start and the red & white jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & ML's mother were despicable. I also disliked FL's ex and FL's uncle.
2. Bedsheet - Their bed sheet was too girlish, it was amusing.

Favourite scene
When they talked about the time they disliked one another in the past then ML confessed his feelings

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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Adorable & funny romcom about cat curse and love triangle

I had this drama in my watchlist for months - I think I added it because of Li Zi Jie. I am in the mood for supernatural-themed dramas since Halloween is this Friday. I enjoyed the drama very much!

What I liked
1. Cat arc - The stand-in cat was so adorable. I liked the cat arc especially when the cat was around ML & SML. It was great that ML found out FL's cat identity at 67% mark of the drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was likeable and quick thinker. I liked when she caught her cousin framing her.
3. ML characterisation - His cat-phobia was too cute. Generally a nice boss.
4. Romance - Sweet romance with good push & pull dynamics. I liked when ML pet FL's head and when FL was feline playful with ML.
5. Styling - The all white outfit worn by FL when she was a cat was pretty.
6. Supporting characters - I liked SML a lot especially when he discovered FL's secret. I liked that he was a nice guy. I liked ML's assistant, FL's grandmother.
7. Acting - Great performances by the three leads. They had great chemistry with each other.
8. Duration - The running time is 1 hour 46 minutes. Pacing was good.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked FL's cousin for slandering FL especially the banquet event. That hired priest was a silly move - glad ML caught on.

Favourite scene
When FL turned Into a cat and was brought to office by ML.

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