emberzmars

Emotionally charged reincarnation tale with electrifying chemistry

I must say that I find Zhang Lei handsome. I was curious about his dramas so I watched his other drama but someone recommended this title. I just finished watching it and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was easily turned on by FL after noticing changes in her character. For me, the romance really clicked in the third act when FL started to pay attention to her feelings about ML. Their kissing by the pool scene was hot and emotionally charged as FL finally acknowledged her growing love for ML. I also found the kissing by the car scene very intimate because they were honest with their feelings regarding the other person and their relationship.
2. Reincarnation - I really liked ML's thoughts of his past lives as he was able to distinguish between his feelings for FL in present form from his feelings for FL in past lives. I also liked that he knew he was in control of his life journey.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was endearing. Great to see him again because I enjoyed the boy's acting in A Story About Love. I also liked FL's brother.
4. Sibling dynamics - This arc touched my heart. I totally felt FL's pain when her own brother didn't believe her. Her action was brutal but that was the best for her. Delighted to see grovelling scene.
5. Main characters - I enjoyed watching their characters grow. FL stopped becoming a doormat while ML started to make effort in their relationship. Great acting by Zhang Lei & Lin Qi Ting.

What I disliked:
1. Gossip - There wasn't a clear antagonist for this drama but that group of mean girls served the purpose of baddies I supposed. They felt out of place during parent-child event at school. I don't think any of them had children.

Favourite scene
The confession by the swimming pool

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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Domineering female CEO & a house husband entangled in family dispute & power struggle

I was curious about Li Quan Cheng's work so I decided to watch this drama. I had never seen Mai Tong's drama neither.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like flirty ML so this Ye Xuan Yi won me over. It's admirable that he doesn't feel emasculated by his wife's ambitious nature. Darn, how old is Ye Xuan Yi??? Li Quan Cheng played this role to perfection as he was able to demonstrate the serious and the cheeky sides of his character.
2. Romance - Sweet romance. Too bad their sexy time was interrupted. Anyway I loved how ML cared for FL. Their love language is act of service.
3. Supporting characters - Lei Yun was an awesome right handman. I liked FL's sister too.
4. Antagonist - I knew who the main culprit was before it was unveiled. I enjoyed the arc even though it was flawed.
5. Styling - Loved the clothes worn by Ye Xuan Yi and Lei Yun. Su Yin's magenta pantsuit was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. Acting - OMG the actress and actor playing the antagonists went over the top with their acting - like they were in pantomime. I also think Mai Tong's acting was inconsistent. She was great at portraying cool and distant head of company but as a wife witnessing a dying husband, she didn't express enough warmth & tenderness.
2. Shareholder meeting - Vertical dramas always get this scene wrong but the scene in this drama is absolutely ridiculous. The discrimination against people with physical impairment, the process of verifying company chairman made me mad. Good thing FL said something against the discrimination of people with mobility issue.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the shareholder meeting

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Solid performances in this mystery drama about never-ending love

I added this drama to my plan to watch list because I saw Liu Qing on the thumbnail. Once I clicked play, I realised FL was Zhu Mo Yan. I enjoyed this mystery drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid performances by both Liu Qing & Zhu Mo Yan. Good facial expressions. They also had great acting & visual chemistry.
2. Main characters - I liked that FL was determined to save ML from being harmed. Little did she know that ML tried to do the same too.
3. Romance - I could sense that ML was very much in love with FL even though he was standoffish. Their kisses were passionate due to the pent up sexual tension.
4. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat and in this case, it was left open to interpretation. I liked the bittersweet ending.

What I disliked:
1. SML - With that ending, I wonder why SML played a crucial part in the time loops. It bugs me that this was unanswered.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie tried to frame FL in front of her parents

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Jiejie romance with well written characters & plot. No silly green tea!

I enjoyed the acting of Wang Xi and Xia Jing Ran so when this drama appeared on my youtube dashboard, I was intrgiued & decided to watch. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & good dash of spicy with good kisses. I liked that ML was playful & coquettish. This jiejie romance made both ML & FL work on their issues rather than let them fester and create bigger misunderstanding.
2. FL characterisation - I liked how her character was written because we got to see her facing challenges at work.
3. ML characterisation - I don't like secret identity but in this drama, I could put it aside because he was smart, mature & genuine about his feelings for FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother especially when he was caught by ML for snooping. The dynamic between ML & FL's brother after that scene was fun to watch. ML's assistant was funny too.
5. Siblings - There were 2 pairs of siblings: 1) FL - her brother, 2) ML - his brother. Good contrasts in sibling dynamics.
6. Ending - Amusing & so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Miscast - I felt like both Wang Xin and Xia Jing Ran were miscast. Wang Xin loooked too mature for 22 year old guy while Xia Jing Ran lacked assertiveness for the role of successful older businesswoman and she looked youthful still. Nevertheless they did well in their roles.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught by ML

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Unlike other revenge tales, this drama warms my heart with its writing & acting performance

I decided to watch this drama as I was preparing to write a reddit post on Han Yu Tong's revenge dramas. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Many revenge dramas have a cold feel but I felt warmth throughout the drama. There was so much heart showcased by Zhu Yuanyuan. Plus I never expected comedy in a revenge tale.
2. Acting - Spectacular performance by Han Yu Tong and the actress who portrayed Zhu Yuanyuan. Cao Tian Kai was also good at portraying a goofball antagonist. The actress who played SML's sister was good too.
3. FL characterisation - Wonderfully written. FL is just a person who wanted to be loved. Even with physical transformation, there are still pieces of Zhu Yuanyuan in Qing Ting.
4. Theme - It's great to see themes such as self-worth & family love is explored in this drama.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching FL and ML relationship progress from strangers arranged to be marriage by their families to allies. Very subtle romance with actions mostly by ML, which is understandable considering FL's mission.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cruel & disrespectful. The mistress got the comeuppance that she deserved.

Favourite scene
When SML got ready in hotel bathroom

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FL too obliging even after multiple blackmails

I was perusing new releases and this drama's poster caught my attention. I always think both Li Zi Jie and Li Ke Yi have the prettiest lips in the world of Chinese vertical dramas. Thick, full lips. Anyway I watched within the first two days of release. I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I never thought I would see Li Ke Yi rocking top & trousers combo because she's always in dresses and qipao. I loved the wide leg trousers and brown top/jacket she wore. ML wore noce suits - I really like the teal blue suit.
2. Kisses - Good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's colleagues at BC group, the orphanage director & the kids .

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's arranged fiancée for the double standard, the greed & being controlling. His mistress is even worse. She acted as though she was already part of his family.
2. FL's characterisation - Having watched Spring Day starring Guo Yu Xin & Chen Zheng Yang a week ago, I felt that there are similarities between this couple & that couple. However I felt that FL was too obliging to the Ji family. Her arranged fiancée was disrespectful to her but out of respect/feeling indebted, she just persevered and accepted the blackmail. I also don't understand why she left a company that's good for her growth & wellbeing.
3. Relationship - I found the relationship overall had more downs than ups. Their secret relationship felt more like booty calls than actual, healthy relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL saw a painting at the orphanage

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Compact, sweet & spicy romance of 2 couples

I like Du Ya Fei's acting. I came across this series when it came out but never watched till I got reminded of it today on reddit. I have watched You Leave, I Leave prior to watching this. I enjoyed this very short series immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - For a series that is only 33 minutes long, there are plenty of sweet and spicy moments. I love both couples but second couple had me more emotionally invested in. I understand both FLs' insecurities in their marriage because their marriages were arranged by their family.
2. Acting - I enjoyed acting from all 4 leads especing Li Meng Qing & Xie Hong Xin. I am keen to explore their dramas after watching this drama. Overall, all 4 had great chemistry between them.
3. Sisterhood - I really liked the bond that FL and SFL had. SFL seemed to be adopted by FL's family. FL in this drama seemed to be a follower rather than a leader - that's cute.
4. SFL characterisation - She is the character I liked the most. I empathised with her. She undervalued her worth because of her identity so she just needed reassurance from her husband.

What I disliked:
1. Runtime - I wish the series could be at least 1 hour. I really want to see more couple scenes.

Favourite scene
When secondary couple reconciled

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Family is core theme of this drama

I came across this drama as I browsed Zhang Chu Xuan's list of dramas on Chinesemov.com The title intrigued me so I decided to watch last week. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The introduction was amusing. I liked how FL decided to turn around the character that she inhabited. She's smart & compassionate so that changed people's perception of her. I also enjoyed her scenes as family provider.
2. Family theme - I loved that family is core theme in this drama. A few scenes were touching.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the three brothers & FL's daughter in law. It's wonderful that they were given arcs for character growth. Anyway that milk scene was funny because it backfired.
4. Styling - Loved the vibrant clothes worn by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Zhang Tian Jing - I understand that his character doesn't have a lot of scenes but I found him lacking screen presence. His performance was underwhelming for me.
2. Romance - It is subtle but due to the lack of chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Zhang Tian Jing, it seemed unnecessary to have romantic interest.

Favourite scene
When the youngest son defended FL from a bully & his father

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Lotsa kisses but no chemistry & mousy & bland FL

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao's drama so I chose this drama because I thought this drama is a remake of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze starring Du Ya Fei.

What I liked:
1. Ma Shi Yao - Call me bias but he gave a good performance as a neurosurgeon with a threat on his career. I liked the scenes where he struggled with his illness.
2. Supporting character - I liked ML's friend that matchmade them.
3. Romance - The intimate scenes were spicy! I liked the sneaky kisses at work. ML was always the one initiating intimacy and there were plenty of shirtless ML scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Zhu Xin Yu - She gave an underwhelming performance. One note expression - perpetually surprised at everything.
2. FL characterisation - Mousy & bland. What made ML attracted to her a lot until he wanted a committed & long-term relationship?
3. Styling - FL's styling seemed to be modelled after anime character. White body fitting top with sexy back but let's hide sexy image with glasses. Oh I dislike when a character wears a pair of glasses that doesn't have lens. What is the point??? I also didn't understand why a medical intern have long nails.
4. Chemistry - There was no chemistry between Ma Shi Yao & Zhu Xin Yu.

Favourite scene
When he had a panic attack that caused him to doubt himself

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I liked secondary couple more than main couple

I am a fan of Huang Bo. I watched this drama on 16 February 2025 but forgot to write a review until today when I am doing homework on his dramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was determined to make his marriage work after he had time for his personal life. He respected his wife. Huang Bo looked dashing in a SWAT uniform.
2. Supporting characters - I really like FL's best friend as she was spunky. I was intrigued by ML's brother from very first moment he appeared. It's good to see that he had his own arc. FL's senior doctor colleague was memorable & a good rival to ML.
3. Romance - Sweet romance once the awkwardness was gone. A lot of caress and hand holding. It's also cool that there is secondary romance story in this drama. They were so adorable.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I wasn't fond of ML for leaving his bride for work immediately after wedding & no communication until 3 years had passed. He never apologised for this action.
2. FL characterisation - I found her too timid for my liking. Her character wasn't memorable. I only remember she attended to husband's wound in the middle of hospital hallway.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival was annoying and unbelievable. How could she become a medical intern / officer with that reckless behaviour? There was also another woman who thought she should be ML's wife.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie met ML's brother

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Longtime crush rewarded with heavy kisses once they got together

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit member who says that this drama has FL chasing ML first. I have mixed feelings about this drama.but overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is heavy on kisses - good quantity & quality. FL & ML went all out with passion & desire felt in their makeout session. There were also sweet gestures done by both FL & ML.
2. Styling - I really liked clothes worn by FL who was 22 years old because they reflected her youthfulness.
3. Acting - This is first time watching drama of both Li Jia Chen & Li Ya Ya. They were good in their roles as they seemed very comfortable with the close contact.

What I disliked:
1. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long that I felt bored halfway through so I doubled the speed. I wish the pre-confession phase was shortened and antagonists' screentime were reduced.
2. Antagonists - There were 2 of them and both got a lot of screentime. One should be jailed for his crime.
3. FL's characterisation - In general, I am not a fan of childlike FL. She is one of them but her act is tolerable because it's just her playful nature.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate encounter

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The couple's playful banters were fun to watch

I am going to write a post on Zhang Chu Xuan's dramas so I watched this drama as part of my homework. I am always curious about Yao Guan Yu even though I haven't found his drama enjoyable enough for me to watch repeatedly. Overall I liked this drama but won't watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their banters were so entertaining and that's their love language. Yao Guan Hu excels in smirking once more. There were some nice kisses though I wish we had gotten steamy scenes and more time dedicated to their romance.
2. Empowerment - Zhang Chu Xuan has taken many women empowerment roles and I like it a lot even though in reality these milestones did not happen back in early 20th century. In this drama, she succeeded in getting a divorce and being appointed as a strategist in the army.
3. Acting - Solid acting by Zhang Chu Xuan, Yao Guan Yu, SFL & SML.
4. Antagonist's first arc - I actually liked SFL's character arc in the first act. She was a formidable nemesis to FL and I think the points about arranged marriage vs love match were valid.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's second in command & FL's maid. Even FL's mother was adorable despite short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists' second & third act - Ok writer went crazy (pun intended) with SFL's character arc once the 4 leads were in military. I liked SML when he realised that SFL had gone overboard. He was able to distinguish right and wrong. However he & his family were very cruel at the end.

Favourite scene
When ML woke up after a surgery

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Good looking couple in underdeveloped romance

I watched this drama months ago and forgot about it until I checked Chen Gang's playlist. I watched it second time few days ago and submitted this drama as New Title so I can write a review. Have to say that this drama is forgettable.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Chu Xuan wore pretty outfits and I loved the biker look at the start of drama. I liked Chen Gang's paisley tie. Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Gang are good looking.
2. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Chen Gang and Wei Ruo Chen did good with the given script despite the horrible writing. However Zhang Chu Xuan's voice sounded different.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - Trigger warning: This drama has scenes of someone physically abusing elderly. Plenty of slapping too.
2. Antagonists - SFL looked like Wang Yun Yun / Cai Cai Yun. Anyway SFL is evil.
3. Romance - Severely underdeveloped. With less than 20 minutes to the end, I still didn't buy that FL had feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to help ML with change of bandage

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An enjoyable tale of time travel, gratitude and love

I was in the mood for vertical drama set in the 80s last week. I had never seen the work of Wu Jiao and Hu Jia Hao. This drama was light and entertaining.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a critically acclaimed in the present but when time travelled, she decided to support a struggling noodle shop. Very entrepreneurial. It's admirable that she wanted to lessen the dependency on her husband hence she looked for a job. I liked watching scenes of her working and cooking.
2. ML characterisation - He was quite progressive for a guy who lived in 1980s and worked at the military. I liked how we see the changes in ML's thoughts of his wife. He's fair leader at military base.
3. Romance - I loved watching the progress of their relationship from awkward strangers to partners in life and love. Yes, we got a ML who craved for his wife's touch right at the start of drama! ML was sexually frustrated that it's amusing but it's great that he voiced his feelings.
4. Gratitude theme - I liked that gratitude is one of the main themes of this drama. FL appreciated her newfound parents, noodle stall owner was grateful for successful business.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's boss and comrades. It's wonderful to see ML seeking love advice from his boss. Parents of FL & ML were nice too even though they didn't get much screentime.
6. Ending - Sweet and done well.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower - She had a cool superpower but it was never explained if there were implications from using the power.
2. Antagonist - I felt like slapping that lady who was envious of FL and her colleagues. Good thing she didn't get a lot of screen time.

Favourite scene
When FL was abducted and ML was desperate to save her

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