emberzmars

Transmigration, mission & self-sacrifice are the words to describe this drama

I wanted to watch something on my iQIYI account and noticed this drama. I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting so I read the synopsis of Divorce Mission and decided to watch it. I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Lighthearted comedy.
2. FL characterisation - It was amusing watching her attempts to get divorce from ML. FL was quick to spot SFL's tricks and I liked that.
3. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of getting to know moments and bonding after the imperial exam. It made sense since FL was a different person transmigrated to the host body.
4. ML characterisation - I didn't like him at first but changed my mind in second act when FL and ML started to bond. I liked his protective nature especially when FL was ill.
5. Ending - I liked the ending although I wish it was longer.
6. Supporting characters - The immortal / system was adorable although I didn't like her instructions as the plot progressed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was manipulative.
2. FL's action - I hated her for sabotaging ML's relief effort during their expedition.

Favourite scene
When ML saved dying FL

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Part 3 of The Great Grandmother Reborn at 18 continues to excel!

I am a fan of this series because of the ensemble cast, refreshing storyline and the core theme (which is family). I was delighted to know that Chen Tian Xiang had joined the cast because I liked him a lot in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. I watched this drama about two weeks ago when I was in the mood for no-romance vertical drama. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Part 3 had more funny scenes. I laughed out loud thanks to Chen Tian Xiang & Wang Pei Yan's antics. The parody scenes were also amusing. Doudou I never knew she had active imagination.
2. Acting - Superb performances by the cast. Wang Pei Yan had impeccable comedic timing. I also appreciated that Wu Tian Hao had more significant scenes in this round.
3. Styling - I liked San Ge's boyish outfits. Haha I was surprised to see Labubu figurine attached to his shorts / belt loop (I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearance in vertical dramas). Overall I must say that the Ji brothers were really stylish.
4. Family - Core theme that continues to touch our hearts. It was great to see this theme being explored in Zeng Hui's character and his family.
5. Ending - I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 4!
6. Supporting characters - I enjoyed the cameo of Ji grandpa's childhood rival. Their bickering was always entertaining. I also liked Meng Na's role in this drama.
7. Plagiarism - I liked this scene of big corporate plagiarism. It just shows that some companies / nations are insecure that they would resort to intelligence theft / plagiarism.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There wasn't a big antagonist arc that covers the whole length of the drama. Instead, there were smaller antagonist arcs such as the scheming couple, money-hungry descendant of Tang & campus belle. That campus belle was mean & insecure.
2. Mini arcs - While I think it's great that several mini arcs were explored amongst the big arc (San Ge), I found Ji grandpa's love story out of place because Tang family didn't have significant connection with the Ji. I also wished Wang Pei Yan's character arc especially related to his personal growth (not related to his family) was given more screentime.
3. Teasing - As much as I loved the Fifth brother, I felt the teasing & hitting were too much.

Favourite scene
When great grandmother did acupuncture treatment to Ji Mo Han

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Trust and interdependence were pivotal in this slow burn romance. Wonderful acting & chemistry

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I decided to watch this drama because I wanted something recent that already has MDL page. Chen Jie Yi was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see her performance and chemistry with XYW. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb performances by both leads. I could sense that both challenged each other's capability especially during the emotional scenes. There were great chemistry and synergy between XYW and CJY.
2. FL characterisation - I empathised with her because she never had anyone else to rely on except for her father. When she had to become self-reliant, she grew more mature as time progressed.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked his character despite the mystery vibe. I also sensed growth in his character as time progressed.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant who witnessed good changes in his boss. FL's bestie was a good character too.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. Trust and interdependence were pivotal in the growth of their relationship.
6. Cameo - I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearances in Chinese vertical dramas but I missed this drama. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Labubu plushie on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's foster sister was an opportunist, pathetic & insensitive. Her boyfriend was horrible too.
2. Communication - It was frustrating to watch their misunderstanding & lack of frank conversations. However ML noticed this weakness and acknowledged it, which surprised me in a good way.
3. Duration - The drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times the pacing was slow and I was almost distracted.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings

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FL proving her strength & worth to her biological family

I came across this drama poster when I was in the mood for physically strong FL. Good thing this drama was available on iQIYI paid subscription so I watched this drama there. I liked this drama even though there is no romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked how she was written. Despite being born a female, she excelled in martial arts training & physical strength.
2. Action - The action sequences were a delight. Yao Yu Chen performed those fight scenes really well.
3. Family - It is the core theme of this drama.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's mother and brother.
5. Acting - Yao Yu Chen was superb in this role.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's grandfather was a horrible man for his bias and cruel treatment towards his granddaughter. I also disliked the rival school of martial arts. The master and his goons were disrespectful.
2. Makeup - The moustache on the antagonist was funny looking.
3. The first meet - The first meeting between FL, her biological family and the rivals was too long. Well at one point the quarrel between the rival and FL/her family was tiresome.

Favourite scene
When FL fought the baddies that attacked her family's dojo

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Enjoyable drama about FL's transmigration to 1980s world

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to produce a reddit post on my favourite Sun Qian Xun's dramas. Wang Chao Yang was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see the chemistry. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bold than average girl in the 1980s because of her modern world experiences. I liked her feistiness. Her ability as a translator was cool.
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Smitten by FL from the first sight of her.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with good kisses and intimate scenes.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the pink & green top & skirt combo.
5. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate was funny. Gu Sen was nice.
6. Ending - That final moment was cheeky!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiang Tang was malicious. She stole FL's boyfriend then when things didn't work out, she turned her sights to ML. FL's uncle and aunt were horrible too. Zhang Zi Jie was another terrible character but he redeemed himself.
2. Ignorance - It was silly for FL & ML to brush off a tip off when she was heavily pregnant.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk & ML came to pick her up

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Enjoyable drama about wolves, love and family legacy

I was in the mood for supernatural / fantasy dramas leading up to Halloween. I saw this drama poster on reelxia so I clicked play. I enjoyed this drama a lot. This is my first time watching Cao Jing Hao and An Xiao Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy opening with lust & desire blatantly expressed by ML & FL. Their romance had a slow build-up when they reunited but overall they were sweet to each other. They were baby-faced couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her tenacity. She was smart to protect her mother's legacy from her horrible father and his new family.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & compassionate. I liked that he tried to make sense of FL situation even though there were some assumptions made.
4. Wolf arc - I liked the wolf community especially ML's close relatives. They were happy to accept FL & her kids into the community. The wolf training for cubs was adorable.
5. Supporting characters - The twins were adorable. I also liked ML's assistant and ML's close relatives.
6. Plot twist - Oh, I didn't expect that plot twist. I liked it a lot because then this drama has separate storyline from the other wolf dramas.
7. Styling - I appreciated the wolf styling for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - Shame on FL's father for abusing his grandchildren. I was also shocked that no one at the banquet said anything when the children were openly abused.
2. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious - her father was a freeloader. There was also jealous she-wolf in the community who always took opportunities to bring down FL. The three stooges at the Jones Group were stupid. It was silly that HR Head of Department did not recognise FL.
3. FL's action - She wasn't honest with ML when he asked about her kids the first time. I was also frustrated with FL when she jumped into conclusion based on hearsay / a few observations.

Favourite scene
FL & ML's first intimate encounter

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For a jiejie romance released in 2023, this was OK

I found out about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the actor who played ML in this drama does not have MDL profile, I have seen him in another drama "Haunted Dreams". I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. They were strangers who were compatible & comfortable with each other. The shopping trip was sweet.
2. FL characterisation - She was kind & endearing.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was kind & likeable. He genuinely cared for his jiejie.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was the MVP. I also liked Qian Li.
5. Acting - I liked their performances and I think their chemistry was good.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - This drama was released in 2023 so I wasn't surprised that bullying scene was included in this drama. FL's department team members were nasty.
2. Antagonists - Wei Wei & Mr Shen FL's ex were horrible. I also disliked ML's mother for being gullible & self-absorbed - caring too much about status.
3. Age difference - Sometimes I wonder how does a writer determine the ages of ML & FL when writing an age gap romance. If I am not mistaken the age gap for this drama is 10 years. It would have been better if the age age was reduced to say 5 years since ML was a president of a big company.

Favourite scene
Date at the night market

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Forgettable drama but I liked the styling & a particular scene

I was in the mood for physically strong FL so searched youtube for spy dramas and found this. This is my first drama of Yang Peng Cheng even though I had seen his name & face many times. This drama left me with mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked ML and FL's outfits. Very cool, spy wear.
2. Yang Peng Cheng - My first drama of his. I liked his visuals & voice.
3. Duration - Only 71 minutes! I like short short dramas.
4. Blind date - That was entertaining.
5. Supporting characters - Grandparents.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Lacklustre with no chemistry between the leads. There wasn't even sexual tension / pull dynamics between the characters. No real kiss.
2. Story - So much potential but the end product was boring.
3. Acting - The actress who played FL was forgettable. No stage presence. She needs acting lesson if she wants to continue in this competitive industry.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met grandparents from both sides

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Drama felt disjointed and overall forgettable

I was in the mood for Wang Zi Yi dramas so I picked this one randomly. Wang Yan Fei was new to me at that time so I was curious. After completing this drama, I had mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as transactional relationship but soon real feelings developed. I enjoyed ML's flirty moments. I really liked that FL expressed her feelings later on.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boss / bro.
3. Threat - I liked that ML was threatened by Jiang because it showed that ML had a vulnerable side. In other vertical dramas, MLs are always untouchable.
4. Styling - I featured the maid uniform in a reddit post about maid uniforms in Chinese vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Dr Mu was despicable. He is the type who couldn't let go. The type who believes "If I can't have her, no one else can". Jiang was the same too, treating ML as a possession.
2. Writing - The story seemed imperfect with a few scenes that felt disjointed.

Favourite scene
When ML was slapped

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Hidden identity kept too long but sexy chemistry made up for drama flaws

I like Hou Cheng Yue & Zhang Ji Jun's acting and know that they have collaborated before. I was excited for this drama especially after seeing positive comments on r/CShortDramas. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, that blindfold scene was sexy. Desire & lust were evident in both characters. I liked the dynamics between FL & ML with ML being slightly submissive to FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & physically strong. I loved that she never wavered from bullies.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his puppy energy. The running around was funny. He had his serious moments, which I enjoyed as well.
4. Styling - I liked FL's outfits. Also the contrast between FL & ML.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the middleman.
6. Duration - Drama running time is 2 hours 7 minutes - I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's stepmother was evil. Her son was horrible. Can't blamed solely on him because he had an enabler.
2. Hidden identity - Only unveiled at 75% mark of the drama. I wish ML had come clean earlier when confronted by FL.

Favourite scene
When ML picked up FL from a line-up of blindfolded men

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Characters with layers & tumultuous romance are my favourite parts of this drama

I am a big fan of Chen Si Che and I like Zhan Zhuo visuals. I was intrigued when this drama was released. I watched it expecting a jiejie romance and oooo I liked what I saw.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I enjoyed the whirlwind romance. He was her kept man but once she knew his identity, he was set free. I liked this period because ML discovered a few things & realised what he truly wanted.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss. Loved that she was powerful & influential.
3. ML characterisation - He was flawed but underwent a lot of growth.
4. Styling - Chen Si Che lookked fabulous in red. Loved her outfits & Zhan Zhuo's navy suit.
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and the actor who played Jiang Ye were great. Zhan Zhuo was good in his role.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Ms Qiao & Jiang Ye.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle was an ass. Power hungry and manipulative. He even threw his son under the bus.

Favourite scene
When ML discovered FL's backstory

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Fast-paced drama about a secret agent and the family she takes care of

I was randomly looking for a physically strong FL archetype in Chinese vertical dramas on my iQIYI app when I discovered this drama. I have seen Hu Jia Hao's dramas before but Guo Yang was unfamiliar to me. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this drama despite the ridiculous plot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - No-nonsense woman who was serious about work. She could kick ass & was smart. I loved her protective nature.
2. Supporting characters - The kid & ML's assistant were fun to watch.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his character grow.
4. Romance - Slow but I sensed desire and mutual attraction.
5. Duration - If I am not mistaken, this drama is less than 2 hours long. Short, 49 episodes on iQIYI.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Guo Yang, Zheng Jing Han & Hu Jia Hao. Guo Yang looked great when performing fight scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, a family of bullies that included a kindergartner. They were also hungry for money & power.
2. Romance - I wish there were more tender moments between them. Some scenes to show that they were bound to each other because of their kid, they genuinely fell in love with each other.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Action-packed first half but unfortunately this drama lost its momentum in second half

I liked Bai Xue Ru's acting. One day I explored her drama playlist and got curious when I saw the thumbnail. I had never seen Li Ke Le's dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the first half but second half lost its momentum.

What I liked:
1. Action - I loved that FL was a badass. She could fight baddies and attackers.
2. FL characterisation - FL had a mission to get an antidote to her poison & find her mother's killer. I also liked that she was a healer.
3. Supporting characters - Her friend / sidekick was awesome.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML wasn't easily deceived by FL's half-sister.
5. Acting - Bai Xue Ru and the actor who played the antagonist were very good.
6. Styling - I was surprised to see Bai Xue Ru in a maid's uniform because I had just published a reddit post on maid uniform spotted in Chinese vertical dramas and missed this drama. I loved Bai Xue Ru's red dress - what an entrance!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Bai Yi Yi was pathetic. Bai family was atrocious for abusing a child. Mu Huai Nan was hungry for power - another evil dude.
2. Romance - There wasn't enough romantic moments between FL & ML.
3. Second half - I was excited for this drama upon learning her background and the antidote arc but I felt these two elements weren't explored enough. The second half was bland / not memorable.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Where is the revenge?!! Plenty of kisses but no chemistry between the leads

I am a big fan of Destined to Like You. A member of subreddit CShortDramas told me that this drama is another version of Destined to Like You. Since I enjoy Ma Shi Yao's acting, I decided to watch and hhhhm this pales in comparison to the other drama.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Plenty of them and 95% was initiated by ML. He devoured her.
2. Supporting characters - I liked ML's buddies because they provided different points of view when ML confided in them. I also liked the guy who is friends with her sister.
3. Opening - That scene is memorable alright. My saved Youtube link is gone but I can still remember what happened in the first 5 minutes.
4. Styling - I liked outfits worn by ML & FL. Ma Xin Yu looked normal sized and that's nice in comparison to stick thin, underweight actresses.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Not good. Ma Xin Yu's acting was one-note. She seemed indifferent most of the time - her facial expressions were poor. There was lack of chemistry and synergy between her and Ma Shi Yao.
2. Romance - There was no emotion / desire behind those kisses despite the high volume. They kissed on cue and romance was mostly one-sided.
3. Revenge - This drama is supposed to be about FL seeking justice for her sister who was bullied by rich kids. However in this version, there was hardly any focus on the revenge. She was a scatterbrain. If I hadn't watched Destined to Like You, I wouldn't understand why she approached ML in the first place.

Favourite scene
When ML complained to his friends about FL's remark to him

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Family is core theme of this FL-married-to-single-dad drama

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I watched this drama as part of my assignment. I liked Li Quan Cheng and had seen their douyin video - it was adorable. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was feisty but kind & reasonable. I liked how she punished her stepson who had bad attitude.
2. ML characterisation - Kind-hearted but firm decision maker. I liked his protective nature.
3. Romance - Sweet and they seemed like a couple who understood each other without talking too much. No steamy kisses but many quick kisses & pecks. Their love language is act of service.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. From FL treating her stepson like her own child to FL mending relationship with her adopted sis.
5. Growth - There was two supporting characters that threw me off when she first appeared on screen. However there was character growth and by third act, I realised that I liked them.
6. Compassionate - This value was demonstrated in several scenes by FL & ML. I appreciated those scenes.
7. Acting - I enjoyed their performances, as individual characters and as a couple. There was good chemistry between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents too controlling & foolish. Not respecting ML's wishes & decision. FL's adopted mother & brother were horrible.
2. Son's action - There was a point where ML's son called FL by full name. I thought it was rude of him. He should call FL aunty if mother / mama was too much for him.

Favourite scene
FL taught ML's son a lesson because he got bad attitude

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