emberzmars

So much suffering in this revenge mini drama

This fast-paced (10 - 15 min per episode) mini drama kept me awake until almost 2 am.

What I like:
1) Visuals - With that hairstyling, I find Yan Zi Xian resembled Jackson Wang during GOT7's Crash & Burn and Not by the Moon era so much!
2) Plot - I enjoyed the 1st half of The Revenge of Begonia. Fast-paced and somewhat coherent.
3) Intimate scenes - Gosh, episode 1 is already steamy. Then comes feeding medicine scene. I also found tender moments were pleasant surprise.
4) An Ning's best friend - Only Yumei is likeable because she is rational!
5) I like the ending of the villain.

What I dislike:
1) The 2nd half plot just non-sensical and messy. Why did An Ning doubt He Xing Zhou a second time???
2) He Xing Zhou's mother was insufferable. Mo Xiang was pathetic too.
3) Abuse & misery - I am surprised that abuse in front of servants was permitted in that household. An Ning also suffered a lot by being He Xing Zhou's wife.

Favourite scene
When He Xing Zhou tried to cheer up An Ning with a performance. That's the only time I see He Xing Zhou smiled.

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Light new adult drama that left me wanting more...in a bad way

I was deceived! I thought this was a noona romance with substance but this drama was light but underdeveloped. It's shocking because it is based on a new adult fiction. I haven't read the story though so my review is purely based on this series.

What I like:
1) I like the opening song Never Stop (Rock version) since the very first episode. I even love it more when I read the lyrics. Brilliant song about chasing dreams.
2) I like the first half of the series especially when Liang Chen and Lu Jing played games together. The sexual tension grew once Lu Jing figured out Little Box's identity and gosh I love those moments.
3) Visuals of the leads - Lin Yi was boyishly handsome in this series while Xu Lu has high cheekbones like a model.
4) Lu Jing's dorm mates and even rival was fun to watch. They were adorable with their shenanigans.

What I dislike:
1) The writing - It was a struggle to finish Love Scenery especially once it reached mid-point. Second half was dull & underdeveloped. I wish the writer went deeper with Liang Chen's problems. Ideally I think it would be better to start Liang Chen as critically-acclaimed artist who had to go on hiatus because of health scare and that's when she meets Lu Jing (gaming while recuperating). While recuperating, she evaluates her life achievements and potential and decided to tackle a new challenge by doing rock songs and going on survival show. Another subplot that disappointed me was the development of the main characters' love story. Yes we know that there are challenges dating a public figure or even dating an older woman but the show only told not show these "challenges". Too many montages and filler scenes. I wish there were scenes of actual conversations between Liang Chen and Lin Yi. Maybe a scene about them unintentionally making music together since she was looking for inspiration for next album and he plays violin.
2) Not a fan of Ma Shan Shan. She wallowed in self-pity 80% of the show and was indifferent to Sun Binyu and even Liang Chen. She didn't deserve that much screentime.
3) The romance - The chemistry between Lin Yi and Xu Lu isn't there. Xu Lu seemed skittish whenever Lin Yi's character became affectionate (this includes hugging). It also seemed that Lu Jing was the only one initiating kisses and being enthusiastic while at it.
4) Supporting characters - I feel that Sun Binyu and Ding Jiayun were poorly written characters. Their only purpose was becoming love interests. What a shame!

Favourite scene:
1) When Lu Jing took photo with Liang Chen with the toy with box-shaped head. Then he sent the photo to Liang Chen and asked her what she thought of the photo. That was very cheeky of him!

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Superpowered or not, good parenting is core

I was in Busan when this show was in second week on air. Saw a lot of ads. First few episodes were less interesting to me but I became invested in episode 5 onwards.

What I like:
1) Parenting styles of 3 different families. Lee Mi-hyun is overprotective of her son Kim Bong Seok because of his supernatural powers but she never stops him from experiencing normal adolescence. He goes to public high school and he is allowed to bring friends home. Jang Ju-won becomes a single father after his wife passed away. You can see his dedication in raising his daughter Jang Hee-soo in safe environment. Lee Jae-man is another exemplary father despite his limitations.
2) Espionage - love episodes when Doo-shik, Ju-won & Mi-hyun were completing their missions. Even Frank's missions were thrilling to watch.
3) Acting - great acting by the cast.
4) Ending was just wonderful.
5) Romance stories of two sets of parents.
6) I am intrigued by the mysterious student who was not detected.
7) The battle at school. I love that Bong Seok carried his mum home.

What I dislike:
1) Higher ups at National Intelligence Services especially Director Min Yong-jun. Opening a school to identify and recruit superpowered individuals without being transparent to all parents is just a bad move.
2) I found the earlier episodes were less interesting because too much focus on Bong Seok and Hee-soo. Once the episodes focused on their parents' past, then I became more invested in the series.

Favourite scene
When Doo-shik was captured by NIS at Mi-hyun's residence and the scene at NIS.

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Perfect balance of career-focused & noona romance

Noona romance is one of my favourite tropes. Highly recommended for those who want female-led series with balanced stories about their personal and professional lives. Makes me think of (i) ethics - what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships


What I like
1) Writing - this show portrays female characters as strong, capable but flawed (not Mary Sue). Kudos to Kwon Do-eun for writing a brilliant series.
2) Acting - brilliant acting by the cast in particularly Lim Soo Jung & Lee Da Hee,
3) Portrayal of female friendship - how one started while another one disintegrate,
4) The score - Millenial Love was magical upon first listen while Heart Shape on Ankle makes me giddy whenever I listen to it,
5) Park Morgan characterisation - as a music fan and someone who's Ta Mi's age now, I wish I had a boyfriend like him. He was confident, empathetic, supporting
6) Jang Ki Yong & Lee Jae Wook were devilishly good looking
7) What's Wrong with My Mother-in-Law
8) This series makes me think of (i) ethics what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships

What I dislike
1) The conflict between Ta Mi and Morgan - in real life, I wouldn't reconnect because that's a dealbreaker

Favourite scene
When Ta Mi was distracted by Park Morgan's presence in her office. That dialogue is what I imagine a progressive western series would write about. That foreplay is so sexy.

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Just alright

This drama is alright to pass time.

What I like
1. The action sequences were amusing. The reactions were comical but hey it made sense for normal people to react that way.
2. Great to see Kang Ki Young as main male lead.
3. Oh Min seok made me sympathetic towards his character but he's villain alright. His abs were damn fine though I am not sure if the scene was required
4. Supporting characters - I like Daeki & Kang Boom.

What I dislike
1. Story - I find the story average. The benefactor reminds me of The Uncanny Counter.

Favourite scene
When Kang Bom kicks ass

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Live action version of old Harlequin novel

I like reading Harlequin novels once in a while and modern releases are quite refreshing & enjoyable. My Lethal Man is like an adaptation of old Harlequin novels. Full of clichés!

Pros:
1. Pacing - It was good. Despite the clichés, I managed to finish this series within 2 working days.
2. Fan Zhi Xin - Handsome. Gosh his jawline & cheekbones. His acting was ok. He seemed to have fun in behind the scenes.
3. Romance - Plenty make out scenes 😝
4. Supporting male leads - I like them both!

Cons:
1. Male lead characterisation - Domineering, sullen boss type.
2. Female lead characterisation - Damsel in distress type. Needs saving all the time except when hero was recovering from mental breakdown and when she came with plan for necklace. I think those were only times she took charge.
3. Mystery - quite predictable.
4. Li Mo Zhi - She's older than Fan Zhi Xin and it shouldn't matter but for this drama, I think Li Mo Zhi could have soften her facial expressions so conflicts can be expressed better.

Favourite scene
When they made out at the bridge. I like when male lead hugs female lead from behind.

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Best mini drama I have watched!

I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.

What I like:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.

What I dislike:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.

Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!

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Wasted potential and I blame the writer

I found out about this TV series from reddit. I was excited because it had been awhile since Shen Hao Nan acted in mini dramas. By the 4th episode I was underwhelmed and once I finished episode 8, I decided to drop this series. I might as well re-watch Your Trap and Lost & Found which are both available on WeTV.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - She Hao Nan is handsome but with race car driver outfits, his handsomeness got elevated. Duan Jing Yi was quite good looking with the pink pixie cut.
2. Physical training - As someone who got into PT because of a health scare, I appreciate scenes of physical training be it at the gym or track.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - This is the biggest downfall of this series. There was opportunity for Shen Yi to train hard & showcase her talent while her twin brother Shen Nan recuperate. However writer chose to make Shen Yi fawn over Gu Yi Chen's handsomeness from episode 1. Gosh this arc felt stale, like a 80s Mills & Boon novel.
2. Racing practice - Why were all the racing practice done at an arcade? Why were there no scenes at race circuit?

Favourite scene
When Fang Chi discovered Shen Nan's secret

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Interesting cast but unlikeable main characters & soapy storyline

I had high hopes for this drama because I am a fan of Wang Zu Yi and Cheng Cheng and enjoyed Fan Zhi Xin's acting in Be Your Knight. I understand that this drama is an adaptation of a Thai drama - that's why the episode count is high for a mini drama. However after watching 20 episodes and a month long pause, I decided to drop this series.

What I liked:
1. Gao Hao En - His character is the best in the show. He was ML's unofficial therapist! Cheng Cheng was perfect in this role.
2. Visuals - I must admit that He Rui Xian and Fan Zhi Xin made a visually stunning couple.
3. Back stories - I appreciate that writers created back stories for Xu Ming Li and Bai Xia so their characters are more of substance.
4. Support roles - I liked Min Xing Han & Wang Xin - was pleasantly surprised when the latter appeared on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL Xu Nuo & ML Shen Jia. However their on & off relationship is tiresome.
2. FL characterisation - She was interesting at the start because of her plans to secure her position in the company. However she came off like a petulant heiress who made a big fuss when she didn't get things she wanted. She never planned properly & was easily distracted by ML. I couldn't relate to her but there was one time that I sympathised with her.
3. Length - 54 episodes are too many for a mini drama. They should have cutdown on the misunderstanding & communication breakdown.
4. Chi Ye characterisation - As I said earlier, I like Wang Zu Yi very much so I was letdown by his character's arc. The writers could have made him a formidable love rival to ML like Korean drama Boys Over Flowers (Team Yoon Ji Hoo here!) but from the start, Chi Ye was never given a chance. What a wasted potential!

Favourite scene
Whenever Cheng Cheng appeared on screen

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Fabulous drama about enemies-to-lovers, mothers and science

I think someone on sub-reddit CShortDramas recommended this drama. I enjoyed some of Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong's dramas but I have not seen any of Huang Yun Yun's dramas (I know I need to watch her dramas with Jin Jia Yu). I was excited about this drama from the first minute and wow, this drama is fabulous! Definitely on my 'watch on repeat' list.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that Li Chu is a scientist who is capable of taking care of herself and work. It's great that this drama showcased her growth - there were flashbacks to the time when she was awkward and inexperienced. Huang Yun Yun is fabulous in this role.
2. ML characterisation - I could tell from the start that Fu Si Yan had a crush on FL despite the animosity between them. I loved watching the way he supports FL without trespassing her domain. It's wonderful to see Lu Shan Dong is another green flag role because I missed his acting so much.
3. Supporting characters - Both of their mothers were delightful to watch. They are so competitive with each other that I find it amusing every time they bicker. I favour Li Ruyin (FL's mother) slightly more than Lin Shu (ML's mother) because she is progressive.
4. Romance - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between Li Chu and Fu Si Yan. Li Chu had more concerns about their relationship and I liked how Fu Si Yan reassured her and was confident in their love for each other.
5. Styling - This drama has FL going through a glow up. Her big, messy hair at the start reminds me of The Princess Diary's Mia Thermopolis. Li Chu looked different after the glow up - her 'after' look elevated her confidence & beauty.
6. Science - I loved that this drama showcased science, not just mentioned it in passing. The invention, the biometric reference - I loved it!

What I disliked:
1. Scientific thought - I was surprised that FL would believe ML's mother without seeking evidence. As a scientist, I expected her to do further testing.
2. Antagonist - Girl, the guy does not want you. Stop with the shenanigans and look for another man. With your connections and beauty, you should be able to find a man that matches your worth.

Favourite scene
When both mothers were being busybody at the hotel

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Sweet and slightly spicy doctor-soldier romance

I was on Lu Lu Lu drama binge as I really enjoyed her acting. This is my first time watching Ma Shi Yao's acting. I was excited before watching and after completing this drama, I felt fully satisfied.

What I liked:
1. Occupation - It's refreshing to watch dramas in which MLs are not CEOs. ML is a soldier while FL is a surgeon.
2. Romance - There was spicy and sweet romance. The first romance scene was hot though I wish there were more kisses. There was a heartbreaking moment, which got through to me (good acting!).
3. Adoption - I like the adoption arc as it somehow ties to ML's work. It's also refreshing to see the perspective of adopted child and their parents.
4. Acting - Lu Lu Lu and Ma Shi Yao were great in their roles. This is my favourite Lu Lu Lu's drama!
5. Music - Oh, I recognise Jackson Wang's song 'Why Why Why'. Ecstatic because I am huge GOT7 fan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There are 2 antagonists in this drama. FL's ex boyfriend (who is also nephew of ML) and FL's adopted sister. The latter was a pyscho.
2. Duration - I wish this drama was longer because it's fascinating to watch ML at work and I want more romance between ML & FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's ex boyfriend knocked on ML's door

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I enjoyed this series despite its flaws

Never planned to watch Strong Girl Nam-soon but yourdramachingu's clip on YouTube convinced me to give this series a go. I watched Strong Woman Do Bong Soon after this series so I had no expectation of Strong Girl Nam-soon. I see a lot of negative reviews for this series before writing this review. Here are my thoughts.

What I liked:
1) Family - This is the central theme of the show, which sets this series apart from its prequel. The FL had different upbringing because she went missing when she was a child but lucky for her, her adoptive parents were kind people whom raised her well. I also liked that Hwang Geum Joo felt secure of her role as biological mother of Namsoon. That scene when she brought Namsoon's adoptive mother to meet Namsoon was really touching - I cried.
2) The romance - I enjoyed watching the relationship of Namsoon and Kang Hee Shik. They got off the wrong foot the first time they met but later they became allies and eventually lovers. Despite Namsoon's childlike mannerisms at the start of the series, she didn't act like a child or played coy when it comes to romantic relationship. I like her take charge behaviour!
3) Kang Hee Shik - I like his character and as a romantic interest, I am more team Hee Shik. This is my first time watching Ong Seung Wu's drama. I think he did well in his role.
4) Homeless friends - I like both Ji Hyun Soo and Teacher No because of their kindness towards Namsoon when she was struggling in her environment. They also had story arcs.
5) Byeon Woo-seok - His visuals are insane, his high cheekbones and height amazes me. He is very handsome with that styling.
6) Music - I like Itzy's song for this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Comedy - There are too many slapstick comedy scenes in this series. I think this drama would rate better if the writer had focused more on the origin/genetic side of superstrength power in the format of drama rather than the use of the superstrength power in the format of comedy.
2) Characterisation of main female characters - There was so much potential with the developments of side characters such as Hwang Geum Joo, Gil Joong Gan but then they became bland. A lot people were turned off by Namsoon's characteristics which is the writer's fault. Perhaps the writer wanted Namsoon to exhibit similar characteristics as Bong Soon (childlike) but I think this is the wrong move because it led stronger comparisons and harsher comments.
3) Gil Joong Gan's love story - I don't have problem watching a love story of aged individuals. However given that this series focused too much on comedy, the love story of FL's grandma did not add any value to this series. Well other than creating suspicion of that guy's intentions.
4) Hwang Geum Joo - I hate that she fat-shamed her son. It was obvious that she favoured Namsoon because Namsoon was welcomed with open arms. Good thing Kang Nam In didn't harbour any negative feelings towards his twin sister. I also disliked the way Geum Joo treated her husband and brother.
5) Ryu Shi Oh - He's a clear cut baddie from the start but there was too much screen time for his character that people romanticised him. He did not fall in love with Namsoon, he was obsessed with her powers which is a total red flag. He has a fitting ending.

Favourite scene
When Hwang Geum Joo reunited Namsoon and her adoptive mother

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Can't stand narcisstic boss and doormat secretary

There were so many rave reviews about What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. I had never watched Park Seo Joon's dramas so this was my first. I also watched it for Chansung because I liked him in My Holo Love.

I gave up What's Wrong with Secretary Kim after episode 3. If you are looking for boss-secretary romance drama, go watch 'The Secret Life of My Secretary'.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - Many wonderful actors and actresses in this drama e.g. Pyo Ye Jin, Kang Ki Young, Chansung, Hwang Bo Ra (she was captivating)

What I dislike:
1) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't stand his narcistic personality and arrogant attitude. So self-absorbed.
2) Female lead characterisation - She was a doormat. I don't understand why was she still in touch with her ex-boss after resignation. If she was required to train new secretary, then she should just handle training and not give in to boss's work demands.
3) Childhood connectrion trope - Why was this trope used when the trio had not even maintained friendship as they grew older?
4) Romance - I feel like Park Minyoung was wrongfully cast for this series. I couldn't see any "romantic sparks" between her and Park Seo Joon.

Favourite scene
The only memorable scene from the 3 episodes that I watched was the sports day.

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