emberzmars

Gripping romance thriller with sublime acting

I was on kdrama slump after disappointment of Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale & Cinderella at 2 AM. On 26 November 2024, I was about to watch cdrama on Netflix during lunch when the trailer of 'When the Phone Rings' automatically played.
Mature looking male lead ✅
Arranged marriage ✅
Thriller ✅
Intriguing...I immediately clicked 'Play'. I was excited for the series!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin followed by supporting cast such as Heo Nam Jun, Han Jae Yi, Yoo Sung Joo, Im Chul Soo, Park Yae Jun. Yoo Yeon Seok was great at microexpressions - just watch episode 6.
2. Romance - I wasn't fond of Baek Sa Eon's frosty attitude towards Hong Hee Jo at first but that facade was lost once he realised he could lose his wife.
3. Voice theme - Both Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo lost their voice and autonomy at the start of the series. I like that the show their growth and resilience in reclaiming their voice and position within their family.
4. Baek Sa Eon characterisation - He was cold and distant at the start of the series, which turned out to be his defense mechanism against potential threats. I love watching his character growth. One thing is consistent throughout the series: his commitment towards his marriage. There were plenty of shots featuring his wedding ring. Would love to see more of his negotiation skills, which was hinted in the last episode.
5. Hong Hee Joo characterisation - She's soft spoken and dainty but grew stronger once she found convinction. She in a nightgown and being cheeky with Baek Sa Eon was my favourite part of her character.
6. Sign language - It's wonderful to see significant sign language scenes being featured in a tv series. My favourites were 1) when Hee Joo did live sign language interpretation during her interview and when she and Baek Sa Eon used sign language in the lift.
7. Music - 'See the Light' is wonderful song - it's been added to my playlist. I love the score especially the one featured during the rescue.
8. Thriller - I love the thriller suspense elements of the series especially regarding the kidnapper. The shots were gripping!

What I disliked:
1. Argan arc - Hee Joo going to foreign land alone was silly because she didn't have an exit plan.
2. Crime connection - I think the scenes that connect kidnapper to his mastermind and the orphanage were too simplified.

Favourite scene:
Baek Sa Eon-406 caller scene at the end of episode 6

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Revenge tale marred by main actress performance

When this drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard, I was intrigued because of positive comments & Ke Chun (he is one of my favourite actors). It gained many views within 3 days but sadly links were removed. I managed to watch before the last link was removed. Glad I did watch it because I have a few things to say about this drama and my review is different from other reviews.

Edit: Despite not enjoying this drama as much as others, I am often reminded of this drama & American singer Lana Del Ray. I think her song 'West Coast' fits Yu Yin's character so much. She also gave me Lana Del Ray vibes with her blank look.

What I liked:
1. Ke Chun's acting - I must say that Ke Chun proved to be one of the many good actors in vertical drama land. He successfully demonstrated many facets of his character and I always enjoyed his vulnerable moments the most.
2. The competition - I very much enjoy the painting competition between FL and her family's rival. Each competitor used unique tool to showcase their talent.
3. ML's styling - I have never seen Ke Chun in oversized clothes in other dramas. He can pull it off and gosh he looked even taller with wide leg pants.
4. Paintings - Beautiful & insightful.
5. Revenge arc - I must say the revenge against FL's stepmum was shocking but fulfilling. Damn, what a brilliant move by FL!

What I disliked:
1. Yu Yin's acting - I felt Yu Yin was miscast. I dislike her performance because she couldn't convey different emotions of her character. There are 3 personas of FL: i) naive / unwordly which she used in public, ii) manipulator which she used with her family members & ML, iii) true self which she used with her grandma & later ML. Her facial expressions were mostly similar (blank/stoned) - I expected anguish when tragedy happened to her grandma and conflicted emotions (lust vs indifference) when ML started pursuing FL.
2. The ending - The whole family saga at the ending was boring that I couldn't be bothered to pay attention.
3. Romance - A lot of people liked the intimate scenes but I found them sterile. There was lack of chemistry between Yu Yin & Ke Chun & it was one sided love most of the time, which was actually verified in the drama but then again, I blame this sterility on Yu Yin's acting.

Favourite scene
The competition

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Queen Woo draws parallel to British film Elizabeth (1998)

I was intrigued by Queen Woo after seeing two versions of the series on Viu - "Why is there a censored version?". Read article and viewers' opinion on the explicit content which further led me to watch this series. Glad that I did!

I understand if the series creator and writer wants to dramatise the tale of Queen Woo as this technique has been done in Hollywood many times. I don't understand the fuss about its historical inaccuracies - if viewers wants Queen Woo's story to be true to history, then they should search for documentary not a tv drama.

What I liked:
1) Plot - I don't watch Game of Thrones so can't comment on the similarities with that series. However when I watched Queen Woo, I got this Elizabeth (1998 British film starring Cate Blanchett) vibe. That character growth, dynamics with prime minister and stance on political marriage (or in Queen Woo's case, remarriage) in particular.
2) Queen Woo characterisation - Queen Woo started off as a chess piece in the kingdom of Goguryeo and the 5 tribes. It's great to see her character acquired certain skills (fight training, military strategy/analytical thinking) before the untimely death of the King and used those skills confidently to revamp the top management of her nation. Jeon Jong Seo was excellent as Queen Woo. Her emotions were expressed in her eyes, mouth and body posture.
3) Prime Minister Eul Pa So - What a compelling character! He was cunning even from episode 1 I was suspicious already! I was drawn to Kim Mu Yeol - he was magnetic on screen.
4) Dynamics - I enjoy watching different dynamics between King Gu and Queen Woo and between Queen Woo and Eul Pa So. Ji Chang Wook did great in expressing different feelings of King Gu for his Queen - the gentle gaze, soft smiles and later part, indifference and Queen Woo's reactions to those feelings. I also like the chemistry between Queen Woo and Eul Pa So. The battle of wits, either through military strategy discussion or chess games, seemed like foreplay between them. Though it is not implied, I would not be surprised if he is attracted to her. I want them to be romantically together!
5) Battle scenes - Those scenes were thrilling & done well - - good choreograph and amount of gore.
6) Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching these characters on screen: Moo Gul, Mo Chi, Woo Sun, Bal Gi, Mil Woo. They enrich the series with their intent, motivations and actions.

What I disliked:
1) Explicit sex and nudity scenes - I was bothered by the explicit sex and nudity scenes because I feel that most scenes were unnecessary. The only ones that add value to the storytelling are Woo Sun / Shaman Sa Bi / King Go Nam Moo (she was drugged which led to that fantasy) and Third Prince and his wife (she was forced/coerced to have sex with him and overall that scene just showed how vicious he was) .
2) Side characters - I find some side characters were overdeveloped (too much screentime) e.g. Yeon Bi while others were underdeveloped e.g. Crown Prince, the clan in black robes. I would love to see more backstory from those characters / clans so me / viewers understand the importance of that tribe to Queen Woo's alliance and eventual ruling.

Favourite scene:
When Queen Woo confronted her sister. I didn't expect it would go down in that manner.

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A revenge drama with a slight dash of older woman-younger man dynamic

I love I Just Want You - a jiejie romance drama starring Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao. So yesterday when my reddit friend told me about their second collab drama, I was stoked. I watched it last night and enjoyed it despite being disappointed in some areas.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - I liked that FL hired ML to be part of her revenge against her scumbag husband. The relationship between FL and ML grew as time progressed. They developed feelings for each other and yes, there were some kisses.
2. ML character - I liked that he was not a follower. He also gave smart ideas in order to ensure the success of their revenge plans.
3. FL character - Smart, tactical & resourceful. Her revenge plan was elaborate.
4. Acting - Superb performances by Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by the cast. I liked ML's outfit when he and SFL shopped for handbags. There was an androgynous look with Wu Tian Hao wearing that particular belt.
6. Gym - This scene was exciting!
7. Supporting characters - I liked FL and ML's friends and acquaintances who helped with the execution of their revenge plans.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil scammers. She was a gold digger too - she had scammed a few men before.
2. Ending - I had a feeling that it was going to be a bitter one. The ending shouldn't be a surprise considering ML's health status which was known by FL at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML discussed the step-by-step revenge plan

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Fast-paced transmigration, inner thought drama with fantasy elements. I liked it a lot!!!

I am preparing a reddit post on Sun Qian Xun's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my assignment. I like Wang Nan's acting too so I had some expectations. Thankfully they were met!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, confident and smart - I liked her no-nonsense personality. She also kicked ass!
2. ML characterisation - He was a nice, gentle & sensible guy. He didn't take long to trust Lu Li's thoughts and once trust was built, his thoughts of her changed.
3. Acting - Sun Qian Xun & Wang were great in their roles. I particularly liked SQX's facial expressions when she was reading people's fate. It was also wonderful to see her performing some stunts. They also had good chemistry & synergy. The supporting cast did well too especially the actress who played the white moonlight.
4. Romance - Slowburn and sweet. FL came from a different world where romance wasn't a priority so I understood why it took awhile for her to acknowledge her feelings. There was warmth between them and the kisses were good albeit brief.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and siblings. This is one of the rare dramas where there was no assistant to any of the main characters.
6. Tone - It was fast paced & lighthearted with good action sequences. VFX was well done too. Different from other inner thought dramas I have seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - While I enjoyed the arcs for both antagonists, I felt the male antagonist's arc lacked development.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML at the cliff

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Frustrating tale of amnesiac ML & domineering FL

I watched this drama because of Xue Zi Qi. I loved her performance & chemistry with Fang Zheng Nan in their collab drama. I got a feeling her character in this drama would be domineering so I had some expectations of the drama. Unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Xue Zi Qi looked damn gorgeous in red / burgundy pant suits. She also wore beautiful outfits.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was smart & capable. She proved to be a worthy heiress.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend, grandfather, ML's uncle & aunt.
4. Action - I liked that FL can fight baddies. Enjoyed the action scenes a lot.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was sad that ML only showed interest in way past the 1 hour mark. There was too much push / resistance from ML and FL was very aggressive in her pursuits for ML's affections. I didn't like that she was willing to settle - she said she didn't mind being ML's mistress. I felt like FL was chasing nostalgia rather than accept ML's change of heart / behaviour.
2. ML characterisation - He was bland.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival took advantage of ML's amnesia to pose as his girlfriend.

Favourite scene
When ML was proactive in making out

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Inner thought drama that lacked spark & wow factor

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I enjoyed some of Wei Lin dramas and that Wang Bing Xiang drama with Liu Yi Fan / Tian Tian Yi. I watched this drama within 2 days of its release. It was alright but I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Tone - There was good mix of comedy and drama, making it lighthearted.
2. Acting - Wei Lin excels in comedy. She made her character likeable even though FL seemed silly at times. Wang Bing Xiang was alright as a domineering CEO.
3. Styling - Loved ML's outfits. I also liked the pastel outfits worn by the female colleagues in one gossip session.
4. Inner thought arc - It was entertaining to see ML's reactions to FL's inner thoughts.
5. Hug - I liked that hugging scene.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, her husband was gullible to be fooled by his secretary. Disliked both of them, ML's stepmother & FL's family.
2. Cheating - I am not a fan of cheating stories. So I didn't like that they initiated a relationship before FL was divorced.
3. Chemistry - I couldn't sense any chemistry between Wei Lin and Wang Bing Xiang. Their kissing scenes lacked intensity.
4. Lifespan - The lifespan countdown was an interesting concept that drew me to this drama. However this plot device was underdeveloped, which was a shame.

Favourite scene
When ML first discovered that he could hear FL's inner thoughts

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FL sought revenge for her daughter & seducing ML was part of her plans.

I first noticed this drama when I browsed new vertical drama releases. I liked FL with short hair (length above shoulder) and since this drama was talked about a little in a subreddit that I joined, I decided to watch it. I must say this drama exceeded my expectations and in my opinion, Nanny Don't Flee is better than Revenge Maid starring Wen Mo Yan, Ye Hao Ran & Wang Dao Tie.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Shuai, the actress who played antagonist & Zhao Ting Yi were excellent in their roles. I was captivated by their performances.
2. FL characterisation - FL carefully planned & executed her revenge against her daughter's bully. She was focused and smart.
3. Romance - Part of FL's revenge plan is to seduce ML and this plot device was way more satisfying than Revenge Maid. There was great push & pull dynamics and their scenes together were hot. I felt that ML was genuinely falling for her. I wanted more from them! I was even surprised by the other love interest.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the maid who was loyal to FL. I also liked, to some extent, FL's second love interest.
5. ML characterisation - I liked him despite him being a terrible father for not noticing his daughter's mean streak. He caught FL's scheming but was curious and followed along her plan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, she was mean even when she was a teenager. Rich kid who never took accountability for her actions.
2. FL's action - I was dismayed when FL had a miscarriage. I thought she would and could carry her pregnancy to full term.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Refreshing tale of second chance in life with spectacular performances by 3 leads

I was attracted to the poster when I first noticed this drama. The green background sets it apart from other drama posters. Anyway I am a fan of Wang Zi Jia since I watched her in mini drama First Choice. I loved Feng Xiang Kun's performance in Fake Love but couldn't find his other dramas with the same intensity. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - First of all, I love the English title because it's fits the drama to the T. I was hooked to this drama and couldn't predict what would happen next. A good sign for a seasoned tv drama viewer like me. The plot twist OMG!
2. Rebirth - I liked that second chance was given to both leads. Thankfully her decisions post-rebirth were fruitful.
2. FL characterisation - She was emotionally strong to have gone through several tragedies in her life. It's wonderful to see her prosper in her second life.
3. Acting - Wang Zi Jia carried the weight of this drama and she gave a spectacular performance. I felt for her pain even from the start when she discovered the magic diary (luckily no Tom Riddle involved!). Feng Xiang Kun and the actress who played the green tea / mistress were great in their roles too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents who had nice mini arc there.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - This is rare instances in which ML was antagonist in a vertical drama. It made me wonder about real life when couples fall apart even though they have made 10,000 promises before or at the start of their marriage. What happened to ML to forego the "I will stay with you forever" promise made to FL? I did however liked that he realised his mistake & protected FL one last time.
2. Green tea - The most despicable character I have seen in a vertical drama. Desperate and insecure since she was young - I can't believe she hired goons to harm FL. Great to know that she got her comeuppance.
3. ML's parents - Another set of horrible people.

Favourite scene
When 30 year old FL communicated with 18 year old ML

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Well-written comedy-drama about self-worth & pursuit of happiness

I saw the poster when this drama was newly released. I thought it was cute but didn't plan on watching it until I saw a poster of a new Li Ke Yi-Wang Pei Yan collaboration today. So I thought "Why not watch Love Yourself More first?" Glad I did because this drama brought a lot of joy!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I don't usually like university student FL because they tend to be immature but I liked Li Chao Chao a lot! She is smart & comical and most importantly I saw character growth. Wonderfully played by Li Ke Yi.
2. ML characterisation - What I liked the most about Chen Chi is that he was a good friend to FL. It's great that he listened to his mum's advice about giving FL room to make her own decisions and learn from that experience. This is my first time watching Wang Pei Yan and he excelled in this role.
3. Messaging - I loved that this drama explored a few concepts such as self-worth, pursuit of happiness. You can see these themes experienced by characters other than FL & ML. I liked that there is depth in this light & bright drama.
4. Comedy - I laughed out loud in some scenes. Good blend of comedic and dramatic moments.
5. Romance - Super sweet with some good kisses. Oh it's quite rare to see dramas with FL that has 2 boyfriends at different stages of her life.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents, FL's bestie. It's great to see SML as a character with substance facing life challenges.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's mother was haughty and horrible but she learned her lesson at the end. Even though I didn't like green tea & her mother, I enjoyed their arc because yes in real life there are people who chase status and wealth.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML took a taxi ride

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Yao Guan Yu excels at smirking & sneaky seduction

I was intrigued by Yao Guan Yu so I chose to watch this drama on Damazone youtube channel 3 months ago. This is my first drama from both Yao Guan Yu and Zhang Yi Lin. I hate to say this but this drama is forgettable. Not a drama I'd watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - Damn, he gave me 'Leo Yang in Undercover Affair' vibes with his smirks & sneaky seduction. The amount of teasing and flirting, damn!
2. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL & ML. The red dress at the start of the drama was gorgeous!
3. ML characterisation - Despite the cocky flirty exterior he put for FL, he was devoted to FL.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Despite the good looking visuals of both YGY & ZYL, I felt that their chemistry was lacking. Too much push from FL, ML was too patient in their relationship.
2. Writing - Somehow this drama is not memorable to me. I couldn't remember a single scene so I had to rewatch before writing this review. I found the running time was too long as well.
3. FL characterisation - She's cool, independent woman but as a lover, I wish she had sorted out her feelings earlier. I couldn't connect with her character and I don't know whether to blame ZYL or the director.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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FL surrounded by toxic people

I watched this drama yesterday as I was in Huang Bo mood. Damn, this drama had negative vibe from start to almost the end. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked Shen Xing Chen despite the bad fate that befall her. I wish she had taken the opportunity presented in that third act.
2. Acting - Great acting by 5 prominent characters - FL, ML, white moonlight, ML's parents & FL's teacher.
3. Supporting character - I liked FL's teacher. He had crush on FL but never stepped outside the set boundary.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG that white moonlight is one of the most evil antagonists I have seen in the world of vertical dramas. Bat shit crazy! ML's parents were toxic and selfish. I was shocked by the crime that they committed.
2. ML characterisation - As much as I liked Huang Bo, I disliked this ML from the start. ML's behaviour was like a rollercoaster ride. He was mean at first then loving and at times indifferent.
3. Romance - There were genuine feelings between the couple in the 2nd & 3rd act. However ML was surrounded by toxic people that I felt FL should leave and stay away from them for her sanity in the long run.

Favourite scene
When ML's parents turned their backs on ML & FL. That's their true colour

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Female CEO embroiled in family saga but found love and support from former schoolmate

When I first discovered vertical dramas in December 2024, Dramazone Youtube channel was my go-to channel. I watched this drama there and I loved it so much. 'But Mr. Shen Is Too Charming' remains, till this day, in my top 10 vertical dramas that I watch on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like a strong female characters but when there is a strong female CEO as the main character, I love the drama even more. Lin Shu Tang is a smart & beautiful go-getter who has to face challenges from her own family. I liked her resilience. Lin Shu Tang was brilliantly portrayed by Si Jia Li.
2. ML characterisation - Shen Si is devious but does not have malicious intent. Despite having a crush on her and helped her in the past, he doesn't want her to be obligated to him. I really like that.
3. Romance - Damn, their intimate scenes are really hot. Kissing scenes were well shot. There were sweet moments too. He lent a shoulder for her to cry on.
4. Styling - I love the styling for both FL and ML. The white business suit worn by FL reiterated her power at the office.
5, Supporting characters - I really liked ML's friend especially in the hospital scene.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Wow, the family saga is just too much. I empathised with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised and ML came to visit

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Frustrating drama in which FL & ML made assumptions about each other

I find Yao Guan Yu visually striking so I am always drawn to his dramas. This is my second drama of his, I am unfamiliar with the main actress Zhang Qiu Zi. This drama is frustrating!

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - His character was a Mr Nice Guy. Yao Guan Yu had enough charm for me to finish this drama.
2. Styling - I really liked ML styling including.the pyjamas, which looked expensive.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's family because they genuinely liked FL. ML's bestie was good friend.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - OMG, 80% of the running time was spent on both FL & ML making assumptions about one another. Why are they not talking about their feelings. This is very frustrating!
2. Antagonists - SFL was insufferable! Pei Chi was way too nice to her.
3. Character development - Underdeveloped. I felt bored halfway through I started playing on my phone.

Favourite scene
When ML's father called ML to scold him for the alleged affair

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Light & fluffly

I am a fan of Xhang Chu Zuan & Shen Hao Nan so was delighted to find out that they have acted together.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama is light & sweet. Easy to watch.
2) Dynamic - It's great watching dynamics between Xhang Chu Xuan & Shen Hao Nan because they matched each other's energy.
3) Brothers arc - I like this dynamic despite the slight rivalry.
4) Villain - I like the arc because the actions affected ML so much.

What I disliked:
1) Family drama - FL having cruel family is common in vertical shot dramas and this does featured that trope.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL while they were in the car

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