emberzmars

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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Steamy kisses but same old plot devices in this drama

When this drama was newly released, the Google translated title caught my attention - "Vulgar Plot". I decided to watch it today because I wanted a drama that's around 1.5 hours and I also enjoy Lin Rui Xue and Wang Nan's acting.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama had a lot of stramy kisses (sometimes I wonder how Zhang Bei Xi feels about it). There was fondness and affections between them. I liked that he called her "jiejie" - I think it's because of the rescuing she did at the second meet. ML did a lot of giving in this relationship.
2. Challenges - I liked that both characters faced challenges that could affect their livelihood - FL and her career, ML and his family dispute.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - I am tired of this "I have to break up with you to protect myself and/or us". I wish FL had confided in him about the threats. I also found FL to be passive in the relationship.
2. Antagonists - Wow, so many baddies here: ML's self-proclaimed fiancée, FL's friend, ML's family. The self-proclaimed fiancée was intrusive - she didn't have the right to simply enter ML's house. Glad she was told off.
3. Oversight - It was odd that FL had to search online for signs of falling in love when she's written books about it. Hadn't she done a lot of research prior to hooking up?
4. Ending - I didn't like it. I felt like it was a cop out.
5. Plot device - There was kidnapping & hit by moving vehicle scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued ML from being harassed by another woman

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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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I liked the leads' chemistry and their kisses in this version of a familiar plot

I became a fan of Song Yu Bo after watching him in inner thoughts drama set during Chinese Republican era last weekend. I browsed his list of dramas and this stood out because I was familiar with the plot - "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man". I have watched versions by 1) Shi Tong, 2) Zhang Shan & Zhao Guan Yu, 3) Cui Shi Yi & Aorigele. I was surprised that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of lust & love. Song Yu Bo did not disappoint me - the kisses were hot. I really liked watching their relationship progressed from one night stand to kept man / sugar mama and finally true lovers.
2 ML characterisation - Out of the four versions I've seen, Song Yu Bo's ML is my favourite. I felt that he brought more warmth & support into the relationship and was more like a partner. Meanwhile in the other versions their MLs were almost like bodyguards with FLs being the boss. I also liked that ML expressed his dissatisfaction with FL's decisions.
3. FL characterisation - I liked Wei Fan Shu's FL. She was more open to being vulnerable as opposed to FLs in the other 3 versions.
4. Acting - Both Wei Fan Shu and Song Yu Bo were great in the roles. They had sizzling chemistry with the right amount of push & pull dynamics.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked that she didn't come clean to ML about her pregnancy. I was baffled by that ending.
2. Antagonists - FL's cheating husband was possessive and nonsensical. How could you ask your wife to follow you & your mistress around at malls? How could you allow friends of the mistress to treat FL badly? The mistress was batshit crazy for the outrageous scheming in third act. I also disliked ML's grandpa for scheming. Anyway the actor seemed to young to play a grandpa - he could pass as older brother to FL's cheating husband.

Favourite scene
When they celebrated FL's birthday

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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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Story of reborn ML that is focused on romance not revenge. I loved it!

Lately I have picked up some vertical dramas in which ML given a second chance aka reborn trope. Since I already like the Qian Zhe-Wang Yi Yang pairing, I watched this drama with some expectations and I am delighted to see I love this drama so much. My favourite drama from this pairing.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - As mentioned earlier, it's rare for me to watch reborn ML. I liked this ML because he was a sensitive soul who did everything he could to please his lady. I always enjoy watching hot & menacing Qian Zhe playing a sensitive man.
2. Romance - This reborn drama focused on romance rather than revenge, which I love. ML was burnt by love once so he tried at love with another person. I loved that ML & FL negotiated the "code of conduct" in their relationship, which made sense since they were strangers when they did flash marriage. The kisses were damn hot and wow there were scenes involving condom.
3. Agreement - I loved that ML issued an agreement & compensation fee to his ex-lover (SFL) so that the break was clean aka no lingering unresolved issues.
4. Styling - impeccable! Qian Zhe had a different hairstyle too.
5. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool & collected. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL is a narcissist & arrogant. I hated her for milking her separation from ML despite claiming she wanted to get away from ML.

Favourite scene
The wedding scene

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Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

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Zhang Yun Tao in jiejie romance that doesn't meet my expectations

I watched this drama because my reddit friend had written a review & mentioned that this is a jiejie romance. This is my favourite trope and with Zhang Yun Tao being the male lead, I had higher-than-average expectations. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - This drama is filled with many steamy scenes with Zhang Yun Tao uttering spicy dialogue. Physical touch is the love language of the couple.
2. Styling - I like the clothes worn by ML & FL. Zhang Yun Tao looked like a bad boy because he wore an earring and in one scene, he wore biker's outfit. The apron hahaha is becoming a trend I see.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed FL's revenge towards the green tea even though the approach was quite bizarre.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend (the actress even played SFL green tea in another Zhang Yun Tao drama).

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There is a flaw in their romance. FL resisted the relationship out of fear and in the third act, she seemed to cave in due to pressure from grandma and ML. I didn't like it and the drama ended too soon after she "agreed" to be with ML in romantic relationship.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Yun Tao & Liu Can even though their characters were intimate in many scenes. Liu Can's acting was ok for this drama but in the sea of vertical drama actresses, she was not outstanding and I am more likely to forget her name after finishing this review.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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ML forgot the love he once had

I watched this drama within 3 days of its release because I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and the short duration of the drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - She devised a brilliant plan after being betrayed by her husband. This drama reminds me so much of Bao Zhi Yue's mermaid drama.
2. Relationship - The good times FL had with ML were bittersweet. ML was a good husband then. I liked their bed scenes.
3. Acting - Great acting by Huang Bo and Jin Xin Xin. The child actor did a good job too.
4. Ending - I like it even though I thought it was harsh.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was naive for falling into scheme of SFL. He had shown remorse and seemed genuine about wanting to reconcile with FL but it was too late.
2. Antagonist - Wow, what an evil person!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Gulugulu. Warm drama about secret relationship at workplace

I have to admit that I really like Zhang Yun Tao's visuals. I am more likely to check his dramas when they were fresh releases even though he's not even in my top 10 favourite vertical drama actors. I think it's because I had never watched a good romance drama by him. Well that change with this drama - I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start FL seemed like a doormat but that changed when she started a fulltime job. I enjoyed watching her as newie jewellery designer. She solved problems on her own with very little help from ML.
2. Romance - This is one of workplace romance dramas that I enjoyed immensely. It's wonderful to see ML discussing and guiding FL about work. I also loved that ML fell harder for FL because of her excellent attributes. Their make out sessions and the big height difference were hot.
3. ML characterisation - I liked ML for being a good mentor and boss. It's great that he was clear about personal space with his subordinates.
4. Workplace dynamics - In addition to mentorship, I also enjoyed this drama because of work rivalry element. Antagonist refused to accept ideas from much junior colleague and insisted that her idea was the best because of her education achievements. This happens in real life!
5. Styling - This is the best styling Zhang Yun Tao has had. Gosh he looked extra handsome with that long hairstyle.
6. Acting - This is my first time watching Xu Lan Di and I really enjoyed her acting. Will explore her other dramas. This drama is my favourite Zhang Yun Tao because his character was warm. Xu Lan Di and Zhang Yun Tao had great chemistry.
7. Supporting characters - FL's close colleague is a good friend. I also liked ML's grandma & her employee/caretaker.

What I disliked:
1. Coercion - I disliked their first intimate encounter because FL was coerced into it.
2. Antagonist - Ok SFL green tea went overboard with the kidnapping. She was cuckoo.
3. Confidentiality - I hate it when a doctor character discloses FL's medical condition to other people.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed that he loves FL

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Bad romance & draggy Chinese Republican era drama

I enjoyed Yang Yu Bin's costume drama which he co-starred with Wang Zi Jia. I found out that Yang Yu Bin acted in Chinese Republican era drama so I was excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was captivating on screen. I liked his acting even though I didn't have strong feelings for his character.
2. Styling - I must say Yang Yu Bin looked damn fine in Chinese Republican era military uniform. I also liked his black trench coat.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was a bad romance. There were sweet gestures and spicy moments. However there was no trust between FL & ML even until the end. A lot of assumptions made because no honesty between them.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like her character at all. She was always suspicious of ML so she lied to him all the time. She's a blind follower, just following instructions without feeling the need to follow her instincts and investigate the truth.
3. Duration - This drama was 2.5 hour long and I found it draggy.
4. Transmigration - I felt this wasn't required since FL just followed the course set for the original character that she inhabited.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday

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