emberzmars

Underwhelming mystery-romance tale

I ❤️ Cui Yi Liang in False Face and True Feelings & enjoy Chen Yu Feng's dramas. When I saw this drama advertised on iQiyi, I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. Wang Xin Yan characterisation - I like her determination to seek justice for her bro. She's flawed but not silly nor annoying. Cui Yi Liang was great in her role.
2. Guo Xing Ye - Wow, he was visually stunning in this drama. Acting wise quite good too.
3. Revenge - Watched many revenge C dramas and this tale of revenge is quite refreshing. I ike FL devise different strategies to outwit her enemies and how she got ML to become her ally.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Sadly it is underdeveloped. I wanted more from my two favourite mini drama actor & actress but they didn't provide much tension.
2. Xie Xin Ni - Possessive & vicious. I pity SML.
3. Mrs Xie - Evil & manipulative.

Favourite scene
Blue dress scene

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Bland story about strangers in flash marriage

I had watched another vertical drama about paralysed ML and since I hadn't watched work by Zhu Yi Wei and Bai Xin Yi's work, I decided to start with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - They are a real life couple and the chemistry was apparent here.
2. Visuals - Good looking cast from main couple to ML assistant, ML brother & SFL.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - The disability arc didn't meet my expectations. In the other drama, the ML's use of fake disability was a test to vet out money-hungry relatives / rivals. He had charm while doing it but not this ML who is quite bland.
2. Romance - This drama didn't meet my expectation of strangers falling in love. I felt there was limit to both FL & ML interactions and I don't see them grow as ally then lovers.
3. FL characterisation - She was meek & crybaby. The other drama that I watched had FL who was protective of her paralysed hubby from start of marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML confronted SFL for overstepping boundary

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Good premise letdown by the writing

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan after watching their mini dramas, Your Trap & Lost & Found. It was tough to find this series but was delighted when I found it.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan proved once again that they had chemistry that translated well on screen.
2. Romance - That first encounter between their characters was full of sexual tension. Their kisses later in the drama are hot. The life saving scene at the end waa sweet.
3. Mistaken identity - FL thought ML was a male model and ha what a great hook for this drama. Shen Hao Nan was well cast for this role.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - I wish this drama had gone darker or bolder knowing that both Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan are capable of giving layered performances.
2. Rewatch value - Sadly this drama is not memorable enough for rewatch. I watched this drama a month ago before writing this review and couldn't remember the story. So I fast-forwarded to jog my memory and yes, the third act was nothing special.

Favourite scene
FL & ML first encounter in the waiting room

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Body swap drama that is very funny & touching

I was browsing Youtube when I came across this drama. I have seen Xuo Yi in other cdrama but Wang Nan was new to me. The comments in Youtube link were generally positive so I clicked 'Play'.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wang Nan & Zuo Yi excelled in their role. They were able to distinguish the personas that they were in.
2. Comedy - This is one of the funniest vertical shot dramas I have watched!
3. Romance - I enjoyed watching how their relationship developed from strangers with animosity to allies then lovers. That kissing scene was hot.
4. Characterisation - It was great to see growth in both FL & ML both in personal & professional aspects of their lives.
5. The ending - It started with being hilarious then became touching & very sweet.

What I disliked:
1. FL's office stint - It felt random because she was an actress.
2. ML's mother - Unbearable

Favourite scene
The ending

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Rebirth-revenge drama done well

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard yesterday. I liked the first few minutes so I continued watching.

Edit: Adjusted overall score because I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. The start - The starting scene made me want to continue watching the series. I really liked that FL Shi Wan witnessed ML Fu Ting Chen confronting her family for their wrongdoing. This scene is different from other rebirth-revenge drama that I watched.
2. Shi Wan characterisation - I like that she was clear and determined about taking her revenge. I was surprised by how far she was willing to go but she said that she's not a goody two shoes. She's not a damsel in distress. She figured out solutions to challenges that she faced.
3. Romance - I enjoy scenes of Shi Wan being coquettish with her hubby. She being turned on by his viciousness made me giddy. The kisses were great because both parties desired each other. Zhou Hang & Yao Yuchen had good chemistry.
4. Plot - This drama is quite light with good pacing. I'd say this drama is FL who found her voice and strength after given a second chance at life.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - There are too many villains in this series. Would have liked it if there were lesser villains with tighter arc.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were on their way to the mall

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Slow burn romance with good acting

I watched this vertical shot drama because of Wang Hao Zhen after enjoying his performance as a douchebag husband who distrustful of his wife but wanted reconciliation post-divorce. I watched this series 3 weeks ago and had watched many vertical drama since then so I can't remember some things. Regret not writing review immediately because I can't find the drama on Youtube anymore.

What I liked:
1) Acting - This series leans more towards drama and both Wang Hao Zhen and Han Yu Tong excelled in their roles. Wang Hao Zhen was great in expressing his character's feelings on his face.
2) Romance - They started off as strangers who married to help each other but later trust and genuine feelings grew between them. Mature romance that doesn't dwell on prolonged misunderstanding.
3) Jin Ze characterisation - I like that he's a doctor who is comfortable making his own money rather than relying on his family's wealth. I also like his patience and genuineness.
4) Song Wan Xing characterisation - I like that she's a school teacher who is compassionate. She can handle her own problems - not a damsel in distress.
5) Supporting characters - I like the grandma!

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I can't seem to recall the things I disliked about this drama but I assume the villain was annoying.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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Impressed by acting & production value

I was intrigued by this series when it appeared on my WeTV dashboard. Once I checked out the drama details & found out that Hong Yao was the main actor, I immediately clicked 'play'. I was curious about his acting when finding out about his marriage.

What I liked:
1) Sisters arc - I enjoyed watching the Shen sisters especially when they were both on screen together. They had different personalities & approaches to their family mystery.
2) Acting - Kudos to the 4 leads. Hong Yao was excellent as alpha male lead who was rational & had a heart. Jiang Peng Yu was amazing in her role despite her young age. Yu Lang was captivating on screen. Lu Si Heng did great in his role.
3) Styling - Love the outfits especially Shen Zi Qiu's wedding dress & the qipao worn by the Shen sisters. Hong Yao & his character's right hand man looked dapper in their outfits & hairstyle. I love Hong Yao's manliness. Lu Si Heng's styling made him look like Korean idol Choi Youngjae from GOT7.
4) Supporting cast - I like ML's right hand man, Tang Zhe, Ms Meng, Shen Zhi Xia's servant.
5) Romance - Good amount of push and pull. High sexual tension. Hot kisses & sweet affectionate scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Deaths - I was shocked by the death of 3 characters. Once the 2 characters died, I lacked some motivation to continue the series.
2) Ending - I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When Shen sisters spent time together before the wedding

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Great start, alright end but most important, good chemistry

I am a massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan & have seen Xie Yu Wang in another drama with spicy scene at the start. Was curious to see how this pair work on screen so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) FL characterisation - I love that FL Jiang Yu Yang is not work that is common in cdramaland (businesswoman, designer). She is an actress who has a crush on voice actor. I like that she acts her age because I dislike childlike & childish FL.
2) Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan was excellent in her role here. She has great chemistry with Xie Yu Wang who gave a subdued performance of a CEO in love.
3) Romance - The flirting at the start was so sweet. That role play was hot. There is good amount of skinship though I wish there were more kisses.
4) Supporting characters - I like FL's best friend, Fu Yi Ze, ML's mother, FL's grandfather & ML's assistant. I was surprised when ML's assistant showed his emotions in a hospital scene almost at the end.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I notice that many villains in vertical shot drama tend to be women scorned due to rejection of ML. This archetype is tiring me. The heinous attacks villain did on FL were shocking.
2) FL's action - I dislike FL's action towards villain once she was drugged. I understand the wrath but to leave a woman in a known vulnerable situation just doesn't sit well with me.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML flirting on the phone at the start of drama

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Light dramedy that exceeded my expectations

'Invisible Love' is my second vertical drama that paired Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. The first drama is 'Bride Under the Moonlight'.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - Wow, I was surprised from the get-go because the start was funny.
2) Drama - Then somewhere in the middle there was the car accident. I didn't expect this scene to be emotional - it really touched my heart.
3) Acting - I really enjoyed watching both Zhang Chu Xuan and Sue Yue's acting especially when they were both on screen together. They looked like a real couple who genuinely cared for each other.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - It's not that I dislike, I just wish we get more romantic scenes especially towards the end. I want more kissing scenes!
2) ML's father - I dislike him for taking that action for his sons. He also didn't seem to build a relationship with his granddaughter.

Favourite scene
Car accident

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Tragic love story with sizzling chemistry and good acting

I watched this mini drama for 2 reasons: 1) Han Dong Lin (watched his performance in Guess Who I Am & She and Her Perfect Husband), and 2) Youku's kissing compilation of this drama ;) Wow Han Dong Lin had many kissing scenes in this drama than in Guess Who I am.

What I liked:
1) Main characters - I like that both male and female leads were flawed and morally grey characters. Though I don't agree with the actions taken by them especially female lead Gu Qing Yan, I understood why they did those things. I like Gu Qing Yan's confidence and self-assurance - she is different from other female leads in republican dramas that I've watched. She knows her sensuality and used it to her advantage but she also knew when to stop or say No. I also like that Ye Yi Fan is a badass but at the same time compassionate and loving towards Gu Qing Yan.
2) Romance - Wow, sizzling chemistry between Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang that translated well in their scenes together, be it intimate or normal interactions. I like that they were very tactile - Ye Yin Fan's hands on Gu Qing Yan's face, waist and even backhug.
3) Acting - Great acting by both Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang. They were good at expressing different emotions from sadness and confusion to joy and bewilderment. The supporting characters were played well by the actors too.
4) Ending - I didn't feel 'happy' or 'satisfied' after the end of episode 26. I find the ending bleak because that last scene did not feel real to me, in other words that's his imagination . I think Gu Qing Yan never returned to Ye Yi Fan because she wanted to protect Ye Yi Fan from further misfortunes.
5) Outfits and styling - I love the costumes especially Gu Qing Yan's. Her qipao collection was beautiful and sexy. Ye Yi Fan's hair and outfits looked modern at times but Han Dong Lin looked good in them because of his good looks and build.

What I disliked:
1) Pain - I disliked that Gu Qing Yan inflicted pain on herself at least twice. I understood the frustrations but harming yourself was quite rash & drastic measure to cope with your emotions.
2) Secret - I also disliked that Ye Yi Fan was not forthcoming to Gu Qing Yan about his family's tragedy. If he had told her his secret, she wouldn't have taken a rash decision.
3) Nails - Han Dong Lin's nails seemed manicured and coloured with pale polish. It bothered me because the colour was too obvious.

Favourite scene:
Fireworks scene. Unexpected grand gesture that shows Ye Yi Fan's tenderness and affections for Gu Qing Yan.

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Fun & light action, comedy, thriller, drama

Korean dramas on Disney+ Flex x Cop have been hit and miss for me. For me, Flex x Cop is a hit. Watch it if you want a fun & light action, comedy, thriller drama.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Bo Hyun always great at playing man baby but this role showcased his skills in both comedy & drama. I like when main character who is in a serious field has fun at work!
2) Supporting cast - Kyungjin character is so cute, glad he got a happy ending hahaha. I also enjoy the developing bromance between Isoo & Junyoung.
3) Love that the opening theme goes for a rock song . I also like other songs featured in the OST such as Hey! by Lucy and Shadows in the Night by Hersh.
4) It's great that writers did not fully explore romance between Isoo and Jihyun.
5) I like that the show showcased two different types of family dynamics: close-knit (Jihyun's family) vs cold, distant (Isoo's family).

What I disliked:
1) I understand that Isoo has connections but with that level of professional and life experiences, I am surprised he managed to solve a lot of the cases.

Favourite scene:
When Isoo was down and it was noticed by his cop friends.

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Always treasure family over money

I watched in Malaysian cinema on 9 June 2024. This movie reminds me of my own grandma. When I was on summer break from uni in Australia, my dad asked me to return home. I visited my grandma 1 week before I returned to Australia then few days after, my grandma passed. I was grateful that I made the trip to visit her.

What I like:
1) How to make millions before grandma dies is beautifully written & directed film. Cinematography was well done. Well done, Pat Boonnitipat and his team!
2) It is set in Thailand but the core themes relatable to Malaysian audiences. Some cultural practices are same here.
3) Wonderful acting by Putthipong Assaratanakul & Usha Seamkhum - their dynamics translated well on screen. Supporting cast did well too.

What I dislike
1) I think the title is misleading because I thought M worked multiple or sketch jobs to gain that much of money

Favourite scene
When M bathed his grandma. I understand perspectives from both sides.

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Campy start but enjoyable series

Playing house is my first mini drama. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1) I enjoyed it despite initial campy set-up. I see similarities to kdrama W but this series is focused on romance, not thriller.
2) Pleasantly surprised by plot twist on episode 17.
3) The actors played their roles well (including hotel staff). Tu Zhi Ying is star of this series. Cavan Wen has strong, stern face which suits cold CEO but it was good that he got to show doubts, insecurity during series.
4) Good romantic tension. Their first kiss was hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1) I wish the ending was different because I prefer both He Lu Yan & Qi Lin to start their relationship rather than confirming their love because whatever happened in the novel was fictional.
2) Wish Ji Xiao & Wei Lan was introduced onscreen so we can see some sparks.

Favourite scene
Their first kiss

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Light but thought provoking series exploring AI and loneliness

This underrated kdrama focuses on characters that go out of their comfort zone. I enjoyed My Holo Love because it has a great combination of genre (tech thriller, romance, drama, comedy) with great performances led by Yoon Hyun Min and Go Sung Hee.

What I like:
1) Dual roles - let me highlight on characters Go Nan Do & Holo, both played Yoon Hyun Min. Nan Do creates artificial intelligence (AI) called Holo. Yoon Hyun Min was brilliant in portraying both roles. Surprisingly at times Holo seemed more "human" than Nan Do.
2) Genre - I expected typical romance kdrama. I love the tech thriller angle with bits of comedy (who knew Nan Do could be funny) .
3) Writing - The series explored AI, which prompted me to think a lot but at the same time, the AI content is light and easy to digest. I cried at least in two scenes because of the dialogue and performance of main leads.
4) Acting - My first time watching Yoon Hyun Min & Go Sung Hee and I am impressed. Go Sung Hee seemed natural in this role. She should act in more main roles.

What I dislike:
1) I wish Chansung's character was meatier - perhaps leverage on his conflicts with his father.
2) I enjoyed Chansung's chemistry with Goo Yoo-jin. Wish they were given more screentime.

Favourite scene:
When So-yeon told Nan Do that she likes him and reassured him that he deserves to be loved. I cried during this scene.

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Enjoyable body swap story

After avoiding kdramas for a few months, finally broke my "fast" with this. Branding in Seongsu is a light romantic thriller
with bits of comedy.

What I like:
1. The mystery plot - was thrilling especially in the 1st part.
2. Acting - Kim Ji Eun & Lomon did well playing their roles (first
time watching their acting) although at times Lomon stole the show when he played Naeon.
3. Kissing - Wow Lomon can kiss. The first kissing scene was hot.
4. Song 'On my hill' - Love this song because the alluring beat is fitting for seductive moments.
5. Supporting characters - Team Underdogs out shined other side characters. Joo Rex reminds me of P1harmony's Keeho. Hehehe

What I dislike:
1. Villains - underdeveloped & tad predictable.
2. Supernatural element - wish they develop that element. It'd be interesting if the 'demon' is tied to Naeon's feeling of guilt.

Favourite scene:
As a non-drinkers, I enjoy the Mood project the most. I know there is non-alcoholic soju sold in Thailand because it is endorsed by Mark Tuan, a member of GOT7.

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