emberzmars

Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness couldn't save this crime drama

I recently became fascinated with Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness that I am always drawn to watch his dramas almost immediately upon release. I watched this drama on a fine Saturday and wow, I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension right from the moment FL met ML for the first time. Their romance took longer to develop due to circumstances but once the spark ignited, I saw ML's determination to win her heart. Quite sweet and some assumptions made - the romance was far from perfect.
2. Plot - It was unpredictable with third act was the most interesting to me.
3. Acting - I liked the performances by both leads. Li Sheng Nan was great in her crying scenes as she managed to evoke some emotions.
4. Styling - Ji Jun Liang was very handsome even in delivery person uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Yi FL's colleague was nasty.
2. FL characterisation - Somehow I found her bland after her runaway bride moment. She didn't act like a lawyer after being entangled with ML.
3. Continuity - At first ML had helmet while doing his delivery job but when FL hitched a ride, the helmet went missing.

Favourite scene
When ML offered FL a ride home after wedding cancellation

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Electrifying chemistry, plentiful affection and great acting in this spicy hidden identity drama

I noticed this drama when I was updating Li Quan Cheng's profile. I really liked Cui Yi Liang's acting. Somehow I watched another version Indulge in Your Trail first before watching this drama today. I prefer this version to Indulge in Your Trail.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn there were many spicy scenes. I also liked that there were plenty of sweet & affectionare moments. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Acting - Their chemistry was electrifying. Both of them played their roles, as individuals and as a couple, very well. I also liked SML's acting who also had good chemistry with CYL.
3. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool and calm - I liked that very much. She was also firm on boundaries with her ex. I also felt Cui Yi Liang's FL made more effort in their relationship than Yao Yu Chen's FL. She apologised immediately after hurting his feelings.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling from start till end. I loved, loved, loved FL's clothes in particular that sexy red dress. Li Quan Cheng looked hot & expensive. I even liked outfits for ML's mother.
5. ML characterisation - I admired his devotion towards FL - he made her his priority unlike her ex husband. I also liked that he enjoyed cooking for her.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie for being on her side all the time. I also liked ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was irritating for constantly referring to her as wife post-divorce. He wanted to get back together with FL but still in relationship with his mistress.
2. Smoking - There were many moments in which FL and ML smoked.

Favourite scene
FL's divorce party

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I enjoyed this drama about reborn ML as 8 year old with superpower

I discovered this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and thought it would my buddy watch & review activity with MDL user Fae. This is my first vertical drama with a kid as main character and overall I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Luo Zhuo Ran's performance really blew my mind. I must say he had a commanding presence for a child actor. The rest in the cast were good in their roles too.
2. Visual effects - I liked the scenes when ML used his superpower. The visual effects were good for a vertical drama.
3. ML characterisation - He loves his mum and would do almost anything to save her. I liked that he worked hard to earn money for the operation. He didn't use pity or go begging for money.
4. Supporting characters - The antique shop owner was my favourite character after ML. I liked how caring & protective he was towards ML.
5. Styling - I found Luo Zhuo Ran handsome for a young boy. I liked the contrasting hair styling between everyday hair and special banquet hair. I also liked the black jacket that he wore to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow ML's father was horrendous, which explains the opening scene between him and his son. I was happy that he and his mistress got their comeuppance.
2. Third act - I wish there were more action or fantasy scenes since ML had superpower. The slander at the end got me bored but I liked the debate about tourism & electric cars.

Favourite scene
When antique show owner found out the reason ML wanted to earn money

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Love Zhou Jia Yi, the writing and sci-fi element of this drama

MDL user Fae and I did a buddy watch & review on Love Algorithm and I love it! Thank you Fae for the recommendation! Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow I am impressed by Zhou Jia Yi's acting. Her interpretation of AI was very good - she managed to put some quirks but did not seem like an awkward / stiff robot. Wang Zi Lin was good in his role too.
2. Writing - That's clever writing there. There is a balance of slapstick & witty humour. I also liked the line about humans not fulfilling their promise - said by FL to Shen Chuan.
3. FL characterisation - FL reminded me of Bionic Woman and I loved that she was physically strong. I also liked that she only struggled with her feelings in the third act almost close to the ending.
4. Styling - FL had great styling - I especially loved the sleeveless top & long trousers she wore during the car accident. I loved the wigs & Jetsons space-inspired outfits worn by AI.
5. Framing - The director was smart in shooting scenes about FL's powers. The car accident scenes were well-framed even when there was a minute of green screen use. I also liked the VFX during FL's use of xray / hacking ability and also the fried robot / AI moments.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the techie brother to FL. He reminded me of Topher, the scientist / tech guy character in Joss Whedon's Dollhouse.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Chuan was a horrible person, envious of Huo Chen's success. I
hated that he ordered thugs to hurt / kill his
rival. ML's ex was power hungry & manipulative as well.
2. ML's parents - Father was typical character who favours one child over the other. ML's mother surprised me. She was a doormat who were afraid of society's views of herself & family so she'd rather her own & son's happiness.

Favourite scene
The water test during AI competition

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Caught by surprise with the light tone and steamy kisses

I am preparing a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my prep. This is my first time watching historical by Li Ke Yi and Wang Hao Zhen. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was sensible despite being trapped in ancient times. She was not defenseless but knew when to call for help. I enjoyed her playful banter with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He secretly enjoyed the attention given by FL and I loved that.
3. Romance - Slow burn. However the kisses were damn hot - gosh Wang Hao Zhen looked damn fine as a possessed / evil ML. However one scene had dubious consent.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man & best friend for interpreting ML's growing affections and giving advice when ML was cowardly. FL's scholarly brother was also a great addition to this drama.
5. Tone - Overall this is a light-hearted drama with a few touching moments. I also enjoyed the comedy bits.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits . Both Li Ke Yi & Wang Hao Zhen looked gorgeous in historical costumes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Empress Dowager arc seemed too simplified but then again it makes this drama lighthearted. I disliked the bullying scenes.
2. ML's actions - At times, the romance was frustrating because of ML's inability to express his feelings for FL.

Favourite scene
When all guards were injured and evil / possessed ML came to FL

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Wonderful chemistry & acting in this straightforward, wholesome romcom about mismatched couple.

I was in the mood to watch Guo Yu Xin drama. I chose this drama because it's short and I enjoyed their collab in a period drama. This drama was a fun & quick watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she could take care of herself i.e. baddies could never lay a finger on her. She was kind, considerate and patient.
2. Acting - It's was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin playing this type of role - physically strong woman but in touch with her emotions. I cried when FL cried because I could feel the pain. Lei Yi Hao was charming and handsome. Together Guo Yu Xin and Lei Yi Hao had great acting chemistry and it shone despite the lack of skinship.
3. Romance - Underdeveloped but somehow satisfying due to their chemistry. I could sense that ML started to like for her she was.
4. ML characterisation - He was a pompous ass at the start of the drama and I disliked him. I only liked him in the second half of the drama when he realised he had misjudged FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I liked that it's fast paced.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I wish he had apologised earlier and made more effort to win back FL. I couldn't believe that he only bucked up after being prompted by his butler and assistant.
2. Antagonists - Typical green teas - constant Gege cooing, possessiveness and delusional. Scheming to be the missus.
3. Kisses - I wish the kissing scene wasn't given that treatment. I wanted to see real kisses between them in a modern drama.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML about his feelings

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The son An An is the highlight of this flawed drama

I was in the mood for Yang Han drama and since I have apid iQIYI subscription, I decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly despite drama's many flaws.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - Their son An An was smart, endearing & lovable. He was also protective of his mother. FL's bestie was awesome too!
2. Acting - Liu Yu Bo is the most adorable child actor I have ever seen and I squealed in delight whenever he was on screen. I think Yang Han and Sheng Yi Jie did well in the roles that they'd been assigned too. They have wonderful chemistry - I'd love to see them paired again in a romance-heavy drama.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by 3 leads. The cape-like jacket worn by Sheng Yi Jie was my favourite. Yang Han looked hot in henley.
4. Funny - There were some light moments that made me laugh but the best funny moment is the backfired trick. Jealous colleague wanted to shame FL but it backfired.

What I disliked:
1. Marriage - The weirdest arranged marriage ever. I was unhappy with the elders for that action. I also disliked the fact that he went radio silent with his wife for 6 years. He also never confronted his wife when he felt something was off. A lot of assumptions were made.
2. Antagonist - Gosh she was a psycho for wanting to harm An An.
3. Romance - I dislike that they liked each other while being married to someone else. I also disliked the lack of romance. I think there was only 2 kisses with huge episode gap between them.

Favourite scene
When An An first appeared

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Electric chemistry, good storytelling & Wang Yi Ran in top form made this drama enjoyable

I saw Undead_AEM_Bug's review on my feed and this drama got me curious because hey I missed Wang Yi Ran. My last drama of his was the one with Bai Yan so yes that was almost 4 months ago. This drama did not disappoint me - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Wang Yi Ran - YES, he shined so much in this role. What a great performance! He was able to express different façades of his character.
2. Romance - Electric chemistry between WYR and Bai Xu Han. There was a great balance of spicy and sweet scenes and what I enjoyed the most is feeling the growing love between FL and ML.
3. Acting - Bai Xu Han, the actor who played senior Fang and the actress who played FL's stepmother were great in their roles.
4. Main characters - I liked that FL was emotionally strong but had moments of vulnerability as well. It must be hard to receive a health scare that could jeopardise her future. I also liked ML because he had his own mission to accomplish.
5. Plot - It's a revenge tale with many plot devices thrown in so plot holes are unavoidable. Despite the flaws, I enjoyed this drama because the obstacles faced by FL were different from what I've seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's stepmother was evil for abusing FL since she was a child. Her bro Mr Fang Senior was equally evil and status hungry. FL's stepsis was bad minion.
2. Abuse - Too much abuse faced by FL. Good thing she was emotionally strong.

Favourite scene
FL dealing with her husband’s demand for sex

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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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Solid drama about revenge, hidden identity & teamwork

I am a big fan of Zhao Xi Xi so I added this drama to my playlist right after The Love of a Fool. Links were not available until today when thehepburn shared new links in the comment. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Perspectives - At first the story was told from FL's point-of-view. Then around halfway through ML's perspectives got thrown in and that made it more exciting watch for me.
2. Revenge - The big fish was much more interesting than the small fish.
3. Acting - Zhao Xi Xi and Wang Yi Lei gave good performances. I think it could have been great if they increased the level of sexual tension. SFL & SML were good in their roles too.
4. Antagonists - One of the few dramas with good antagonist arc.
5. Identities - It's interesting that both main characters had opted for different identities and appearances.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was a kiss but I would have liked more kisses or affection after the secret's out.
2. Corporate scenes - I found the meetings and corporate problems less interesting.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL if she was Chu Tong

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Simple story about loving a person for who they are

I miss Guo Yu Xin so I decided to watch this drama today. I chose it because of the length and its historical setup. I liked it very much!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was kind and pure. She helped ML thinking he was a prisoner of the king when he was in fact the king (this is a hidden identity drama).
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he had 2 different exteriors: tough at work and in public, and soft/mellow in front of FL. Righteous king - he punished those who went against the law.
3. Romance - Very sweet romance with a dash of spice. Damn that bathtub scene was sweet then spicy. There are several good kisses in this drama. I also liked that they were very protective of each other.
4. Duration - This drama is less than 100 minutes and pacing was good. A simple story.
5. Wedding - I liked FL's reaction when ML finally admitted to being the king.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL & her mum for getting abused by her father and that silly princess.
2. Antagonists - Disliked FL's father, his mistress, FL's suitor and the princess.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

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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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Wholesome, warm & lighthearted comedy about time travel forward and sibling dynamics

I loved Chen Mu Ye's acting in a drama she co-starred with Wang Yi Ran. I was excited when this drama was released. I watched it this afternoon and it was such a pleasure watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Lin Mo was endearing, kind & unpretentious and I liked that.
2. Comedy - I laughed a lot watching this drama. Loved the warm & lighthearted tone.
3. Relationship - I loved the sister - brother interactions. It's clear that both brothers loved her dearly.
4. Acting - Chen Mu Ye was wonderful in this role. Even though she's in her mid-30s, she was able to transformed into a 18 year old character.
5. Supporting characters - My favourite supporting character goes to Jiang Tang. Capable employee - she should be given the president role. I loved FL's brothers, ML's butler and even FL's ex and the girl who was dating FL's second brother were not nasty.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What?!!! I also felt that the accident wasn't solved.
2. Romance - It was underdeveloped especially with that abrupt ending. I felt like ML and their potential romance didn't get enough screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded second brother after the staff meeting

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Familiar plot but both leads had rock vibe & gorgeous styling

I found out about this drama on reddit and it is an adaptation of "I had one-night stand with younger man overseas then we met again in China 3 years later" plot. I have watched 4 other versions in total - Zhang Yun Tao, Shao Wei & Cai Cheng Yuan as MLs. I enjoyed this version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He got the bad boy vibe going and was the most aggressive / tough Lu Chi Ye out of 4 versions I watched. I liked that he threatened legal action to the company who dropped FL as their spokesperson. I also liked that he felt FL's pain when she confided her secret.
2. Styling - I loved Qin Tin Ai's hairstyle and outfits for this drama. She had the rock chic vibe. The photo shoot with the motorcycle was different than the photo shoot in other versions
3. FL characterisation - She was tough as nails on the outside but had vulnerable moments too.
4. Romance - ML was aggressive with his bites & wooing style. There were nice kisses in this drama.
5. Acting - It was my first time watching Qin Tin Ai & Liu Yi Long and I liked their acting in this drama. Qin Tin Ai is young to be Liu Yi Long's jiejie but somehow she made it work!

What I disliked:
1. Smoking - Not a fan of smoking. There was too much smoking shots in this drama.
2. Acting - The acting of supporting cast (FL's agent, FL's family, the scumbag who had affair with FL's sister) was underwhelming. I felt the actress who played FL's agent was timid - she looked more like an assistant when she was supposed to be firm, no-nonsense.
3. FL's grandmother - Unlike other versions, this version only had grandmother "appeared" during phone calls. Quite a disappointment because her grandmother was her rock.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

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No romantic spark & the story would have been better if leads were business partners

I am a fan of Si Jia Li so I was intrigued by this drama when I browsed her work. Since the drama was only 48 minutes long, I decided to watch it. I did not like it and would not recommend this drama to anyone.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was quite eccentric. I liked her for telling off ML who assumed she wanted the arrangement done by their families.
2. Supporting character - I liked FL's friend. There was a sense of comfort between them and their interactions were more fun to watch than interactions between FL and ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't enough interactions and chemistry between Si Jia Li and the actor who played ML. It would have been better if they had worked as business partners rather than as romantic partners.
2. Antagonist - Typical vertical drama antagonist.

Favourite scene
When FL and her bestie worked on a photo shoot

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