emberzmars

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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Li Ai Xiao was the star of this forgettable rich guy, poor girl drama

I watched this drama because a Discord member mentioned He Lian Fei's dimples and it occurred to me that I had not seen him playing MLs before. I decided to watch this one because I had seen another version of this plot which stars Wang Zi Yi. I have a reddit column comparing 2 dramas from same source so why not cover this drama, right? Unfortunately this drama wasn't good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I liked Li Ai Xiao's performance in this drama. It's believable that she had 2 men chasing after her (the other version's FL was bland in terms of personality & attractiveness.
2. FL characterisation- She was a damsel but an affable & attractive one.
3. Break up - I liked this scene because it showed that she was not spineless and could stand for herself against the obnoxious ML.
4. Supporting character - Her boss seemed dodgy to me at first but he turned out to be a nice guy. I liked how she encouraged her to grow her skills. I also liked ML's mother.
5. Ending - The ending was sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I consider acting as a subset of acting and I didn't sense any heat between Li Ai Xiao & He Lian Fei.
2. ML characterisation - I didn't like how he treated FL at the beginning of their relationship.
3. Romance - Transactional then slowly turned to love but I didn't buy the romance at all. ML was possessive & distrustful.
4. Styling - OMG, why did she go out wearing a nightie and slippers while dragging her luggage?

Favourite scene
When FL asked for her freedom & requested a break up

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Zhang Si Fan and less antagonist screntime made me enjoy this more than the version 1

I recently discovered Zhang Si Fan through vertical drama The Clouds and wanted to explore his work. I chose this drama because I could write a review for a reddit column comparing two dramas from the same source. I prefer this version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The couple in this version had good banters before they kissed. I liked that. The kissing scenes were hot thanks to ML (he's so into her).
2. FL characterisation - Her FL was cool, smart & poise. However it was silly that she had way too many identities e.g healer, expert violin player, hacker.
3. Acting - I liked Zhang Si Fan's performance in this drama. In terms of chemistry, it was ok.
4. Styling - The outfits chosen for FL were good. Thank gosh she didn't wear a uniform to attend classes at university. I liked the black suit & crimped hair.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandfather & parents. I also liked ML's assistant.
6. ML characterisation - He was curious and observant. I liked that he helped FL in ways that were not imposing to FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song family was manipulative. Song Bao Yi was pathetic.
2. Acting - I found Xiong Yu Ting quite stiff.
3. First act - Similar to the other version, the first hour offered nothing so I was bored.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were hot for each other at breakfast

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Lack of chemistry, frustrating ML & infuriating romance arc left me unsatisfied

A reddit friend told me about Shen Hao Nan having dimple. I wanted to verify so opened my iQIYI app and randomly chose this drama because I thought it was a sweet campus romance. Oh I was wrong!

What I liked:
1. Acting - I was moved by A Shang's performance during scenes of FL recollecting her past. I cried - that's unexpected. I also cried when ML realised how precious FL was to him.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character pre and post rebirth. It's great that she reinvented herself post rebirth. I liked her character growth except that last part.
3. Confessions - FL shared her perspectives of her wasted potential in past life with ML and I was heartbroken by her insights.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend Liu Nian. ML's brother was ok but his character was underdeveloped. I liked FL's grandfather & ML's mother.
5. Drugged - I just want to say that the treatment to ML's drugging was refreshing. I was shocked.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't like that ML pester FL for a second chance in their relationship. For a couple who had been together for 10 years, they were emotionally disconnected. I didn't buy the romance and was disheartened that FL decided to give him another chance.
2. ML characterisation - He was terrible at expressing his love in his past life. Once reborn, I found him selfish. I wish he had given FL space to grow & realise her potential without his meddling.
3. Plot - Overall the story left me unsatisfied. There were plenty of loose ends from SML's role in this whole drama to that crappy reconciliation.
4. Acting - I see chemistry as subset of acting and there was lack of chemistry between A Shang & Shen Hao Nan. Their couple scenes were awkward as though they didn't know how to play off their characters' dynamic.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML how she wasted her potential because her focus on him

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Great performance by all four leads + better written FL made this version my favourite out of 3

I had watched 2 versions of this plot because I like the actors & actresses or curious about one of them: (1) Xue Zi Qi, Wang Nian Jiang Cheng (2) Han Jia Hui, Chen Zheng Yang & Duan Mei Yang. I wasn't planning to watch other versions but I was preparing a reddit post about the Xia Xuan Zi so decided to watch this drama. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this version. The best out of 3 versions that I've seen mostly because of their acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that all 4 leads did very well in their roles. There was also good chemistry between the couples, the sisters, the brothers & the four of them.
2. Romance - There were good romantic scenes for both couples. In terms of pairing, I liked Su Qing & Fu Yang more because of jiejie-didi & alpha FL vibes. The main couple went through a hurdle and I liked that because it showed growth.
3. FL characterisation - Wow, this FL was better written compared to the other versions' Su Wan. She was girlish but not childish. She stood her ground when ML put unrealistic expectations on her.
4. SFL characterisation - She was career-focused and no-nonsense. I liked that she made effort in her relationship with SML.
5. SML characterisation - Young & slightly immature but I liked that he too tried his best in making his marriage work. I liked that nugget of wisdom he imparted to ML about marriage and expectations.
6. Styling - I really liked SFL's burgundy work attire. I also liked FL's quirky outfits. The pale yellow was good choice of colour. Gosh I was surprised to see Zhang Hao Yang in a mullet. He was handsome and toned.
7. Supporting characters - I liked Mrs Fu. Her screentime was short but impactful. I also liked the female colleagues who comforted Su Wan when she was feeling down.
8. Family - I liked the contrast between two families: old money vs new money, parents still alive vs parents passed away.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - There wasn't any antagonist in this drama but ML was an arsehole for a moment. I disliked that he put high expectations on his wife then punished her for lack of progress.
2. Mr Fu - He was too focused on other people's expectations.

Favourite scene
When SML advised ML about marriage & expectations

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Familiar rebirth no revenge story but the twists made it more enjoyable

I was recommended this drama by a reddit friend. I watched the other version first then this version, both on the same day. There are distinct approach to the third act. I had not seen dramas by any of the three actors (minus Love and Strife because Tang Shu Ya played a supporting character whom I did not recall). I must say I enjoyed this drama more than version 1.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Unlike version 1, ML here was active & started walking in third act. He went on a peace mission. I liked his protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - The romance arc was better told in this version. I was surprised by the confession. There was warmth between the couple and yes, a kiss. There was also tangible threat to the couple's relationship which they successfully overcame.
3. Storytelling - Balanced perspectives from both FL & ML. They were not overshadowed by the main antagonist. I also liked how the drugging and punishment scenes were implemented. I was surprised by the connection between rebirth and SML. Good use of flashbacks.
4. Supporting characters - The emperor was surprisingly fair - he punished his selfish son. I also liked the Crown Princess and servants of ML & FL.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by the cast especially FL's purple attire.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast with Tang Shu Yu giving ML charm & presence.
7. FL characterisation - She was smart especially when the antagonists schemed. I also liked that she was self-reliant post-rebirth.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jing Chu was a scumbag for the mistreatment and harassment. The green tea was annoying and narcissistic.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Simple rebirth no revenge story but romance was underdeveloped

I was recommended this drama by a reddit friend. I felt like I had seen Ma Ying Lu drama before but I am not sure. The FL and another ML were unfamiliar to me. Overall it was an ok watch - drama was missing a few things.

What I liked:
1. Eavesdrop - I liked this scene as FL managed to evoke sympathy within that first episode. It reminded me of Penelope-Colin Bridgerton story at the start of the book (she deserved better).
2. Acting - The actress who played FL and Ma Ying Lu's performannce caught my attention. Her acting was natural. MYL's aura overshadowed the other ML.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by the cast. Even that servant who was scapegoat for bratty Prince An Yi.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML (Ninth Uncle)'s guard / servant. Hid naivety was endearing. I also liked the emperor for being fair.
5. ML characterisation - I liked that he stood up against those who bullied FL. I didn't expect him to alert the emperor immediately.
6. Length - Less than 2 hours.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Crown Prince was pathetic for harassing FL when he didn't even like her as a person. He was given too much screentime. His sister was bratty and their childhood friend who could be his fiancee was annoying.
2. Romance - With ML being comatose most of the drama, the romance was severely underdeveloped. I wish there were more scenes post-confession. Even though they were respectful and nice towards each other, sadly there was no kiss.

Favourite scene
The restaurant close to the ending

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Started off great but then became flat with common plot, bland acting and lack of chemistry

I was preparing a reddit post about vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Shu Chang. I decided to watch this drama because it stars Ma Qian Huan & Han Jia Hui too. I am familiar with revenge historical drama with concubine setting and this offered nothing new.

What I liked:
1. Han Jia Hui - It was great to see her playing a villain even though it was a supporting role. Even though food poisoning scene supposed to be a serious scene, HJH made it funny.
2. Opening scene - A great scene that establish the villain & FL's vengeance arc.
3. Styling - Loved the outfits worn by the cast.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Yao Yao & the Eunuch.
5. Revenge - I liked that FL's plan to bring down the villain included punishing her accomplices and manipulating ML.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Shu Chang was the main reason I watched this drama but her performance here was flat. She didn't convey much expressions. There was also no chemistry between her and Ma Qian Huan.
2. Romance - Due to the lack of chemistry, I didn't buy the attraction between FL & ML.
3. Antagonists - Han Jia Hui's character was evil as she killed innocent people. Gu Shi Xian was horrible too.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Messy revenge but the kisses were hot & brothers were handsome

This drama was reuploaded on one of the YouTube channels that I follow and I got curious. The leads were unfamiliar to me and since ML called FL jiejie, I decided to continue watching. The drama has confusing plot but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say Zhang Shuo Hang was captivating on screen. He brought a little crazy in his character but not a red flag. He and Chu Qian Yue had excellent chemistry. I also enjoyed the performance by Yang Cheng Yan, the actor who portrayed Ye Hai.
2. Romance - High sexual tension with good push & pull dynamics. The kisses were hot. The playful banter at the end was so sweet.
3. Visuals - I appreciated the beautiful faces of Zhang Shuo Yang and Yang Cheng Yan. Zhang Shuo Hang had slight resemblance to kpop idol Taeyong of NCT. Chu Qian Yue kinda look similar to Zhao Xi Xi.
4. Ending - That last scene after the epilogue was random & confusing but I liked it a lot.
5. ML characterisation - I liked his coquettish behaviour. Sly like a fox.

What I disliked:
1. Revenge - The revenge plan was messy. She was angry with her ex husband for cheating on her and criticising her dead parents. To investigate her parents' death, she propositioned young CEO who turned out to be ML's half brother. I expected FL to investigate but the drama was more focused on the love triangle.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL were unflattering. Very retro, grandma style.
3. Antagonists - FL's ex husband & his mistress were terrible. ML's father was horrible too.

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Gay romance with jealous colleague, possessive ex-lover and confusing systems plot device

I am a big fan of Chinese vertical dramas. I have seen a handful of Korean verticals but only 1 that I truly enjoyed. Thought I should give this a go since it is available on iQIYI and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing as I had not seen office rivalry story done this way.
2. Acting - I really like Kim Ye Chan's performance. His character was a sensitive soul & I could sense his sadness. The actress who played the antagonist gave a good performance because I hated her character.
3. ML characterisation - Yun Yeong Won was my favourite character as he was the most fleshed out. He yearned to love & be loved. Nice guy who was also a sensitive soul.
4. Styling - I liked the contrasting style between the two MLs as they reflected their personalities - uptight vs youthful. It's cute seeing adult wearing shorts to work.
5. Protectiveness - I liked the first scene in which we saw ML having confrontation with his ex boyfriend. Director ML was right about workplace bullying & sexual harassment.
6. Supporting characters - I liked that guy who was friends with the female antagonist. He only had few scenes but his appearances were interesting.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, that jealous colleague turned ML's ex boyfriend's wife was psychotic & malicious bitch. The type who is envious of a happy couple and would destroy their happiness. ML's ex boyfriend was a manipulative arsehole.
2. Systems - I don't quite understand this plot device. Why was the director ML given systems arc?
3. Romance - I felt they could have longer romance arc especially after the awful wedding.

Favourite scene
When both MLs had heart-to-heart conversation

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Good performances in this drama about betrayal, second chance & moving forward

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Jia Qing. I had watched Su Jun He's drama with Guo Yu Xin - I enjoyed his performance and visuals there. So I decided to watch this drama last night and it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Elements - This drama features a few elements such as systems, cheating, second chance, revenge and they were done well. I was engaged most of the time while watching this drama.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was unforgiving but kind. Her life partner ML and their son mistreated her but instead of punishing them, she walked away and became focused on her own life. When they needed their help, she was kind to support then move on. I also liked how she was realistic about her situation as a transmigrator.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Jia Qing was captivating on screen with Su Jun He matching her skills and intensity. despite the 7-year gap between them. It was good to see Su Jun He playing a baddie. Li Zheng Jun did well in his role although I wish he had shown more of his charm to increase the pull dynamic. Even child actor gave a good performance - he did not just recite his lines like some child actors.
4. Romance - There were flashbacks to FL and ML's moments as happy couple and I enjoyed those scenes. The kisses were good, well I never expected them in cheating dramas. There was also romantic interest from SML.
5. Supporting characters - Their son Xiao Xu frustrated me when he sided with the antagonists. I liked ML's assistant who had a small role here.
6. Ending - I liked how the main characters were wrapped up.
7. Zhou Jing Yan characterisation - I did not what to expect of him because I assumed FL would help him out of guilt. I was good to see his character grow from beneficiary to business partner and potential love interest.

What I disliked:
1. ML - He was the main antagonist. An arsehole for forgetting FL's contribution to his success. I also disliked him for prioritising Xing Yue over FL. Unredeemable.
2. Antagonists - Xing Yue was atrocious, she lied, manipulated many people to become ML's wife. She even harmed ML's son (well that became a wake-up call for the ingrate). Her brother was conniving as well.

Favourite scene
When ML and the son met FL at the entrance of her workplace

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Zany FL made this fantasy drama enjoyable to watch

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and MDL & reddit friend thehepburn informed me of Shu Chang and this drama. Gosh I realised that I had this drama in my watchlist many many months ago (must be during my Zuo Ming phase). I watched it yesterday and was entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I agree with the other reviewer about this drama being goofy. Well thanks to Xiao Qing. I also liked that she was nice & genuine especially towards those who treated her kindly e.g. ML's grandmother & parents.
2. Acting - Shu Chang excelled in this role. She commanded my attention whenever she appeared on screen. Zuo Ming performed well for a confused ML who later fell in love with FL. Despite the big age difference between them, their chemistry was dazzling.
3. Romance - It was warm & touching which I didn't expect considering how impersonal they were during their first intimate encounter. There were some nice kisses & sweet gestures. That wedding scene was touching.
4. Tone - I enjoyed the comedy bits. Hahaha the way FL walked before meeting ML's grandmother was damn funny. Drama was well-paced too.
5. Duration - This drama clocks in at 2 hours 5 minutes which was good for me as I don't enjoy draggy dramas.
6. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements from the snake alter ego to her use of powers. There was reincarnation arc used in this drama too although I wish it was longer because I'd like to see more of their dynamics in the past.
7. ML characterisation - Mr Nice Guy. I enjoyed his scenes which he remembered his past life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Money hungry uncle & daughter who wanted something they did not deserve. Gosh the daughter was so desperate that she would stage scenes.
2. ML's action - I was dismayed when ML didn't immediately back up FL when she was slandered by others.

Favourite scene
FL's funny walk

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When predatory swindler became the prey

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Liu Qing Xin. I realised I had noticed this drama when it was released but somehow was not compelled to watch it. I did it today and it was a great watch.

What I liked:
1. Writing - A refreshed plot with predatory swindler became the prey instead.
2. FL characterisation - Intelligent, focus and no-nonsense. I loved her determination to seek justice for her friend.
3. Acting - Amazing performances by Liu Qing Xin and Wang Hao Zhen. I could sense their characters' pain & anger.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits except the gloves. Fabulous rich woman vibe. ML also wore beautiful suits. Even prison outfit looked good on Wang Hao Zhen.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Concise storytelling.
6. Ending - I loved the ending which was done in 2 parts: i) FL creating a women's aid organisation and ii) wrap up of ML's arc. That's bold of him.
7. Supporting characters - I liked FL's daughter & male friend who supported her cause. I also liked ML's friend / colleague Kevin.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wang Hao Zhen's ML is one of the antagonists. He's a con artist making money from rich single ladies. I hated his boss Qin Hao De and his employees for profitting from other people's misery.

Favourite scene
Jade bangle drama

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Gay romance with physical & emotional intimacy done well

This drama caught my attention when it was released last year but I only watched it 16 hours ago after being reminded of it yesterday when I compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ short dramas for CShortHaven Discord. I had low expectations because of China's law on LGBTQIA+. However I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Writing - A plot that makes sense (most of the time) and executed well. I was surprised by sex scenes as I did not expect high quality production to have such scenes.
2. Xia Cheng Feng characterisation - I liked his character growth. He was quick to notice & make sense of his observations.
3. Romance - I have to say that I was bothered by how they started as a couple because Dr Jin Ye was aggressive with Xia Cheng Feng. However as their relationship foundation became solid, there were emotional connection that were beautifully presented. Thwy were hot for each other.
4. Acting - Wow, amazing performances by Pan Xin Yu and Zhang Qi Hao in their individual roles and as a couple. There was great chemistry between them. I will definitely check their other work.
5. Supporting characters - It surprised me that many of their close friends were supportive of their relationship. I liked Xia Cheng Feng's assistant, Dr Jin Ye's colleague.
6. Dr Jin Ye's characterisation - He was an alpha as a lover. I liked his doctor side although I think he was over the top with his treatments.

What I disliked:
1. Dr Jin Ye's actions - I disliked his possessiveness from the time he saw Xia Cheng Feng having a meal with the heiress to their first intimate moment.
2. Fan behaviour - Those racing fans were intrusive when they were at hospital.
3. Antagonist - He crossed the line after being rejected. I couldn't believe he even harmed the MLs.
4. Heiress - She behaved like a petulant child that it was a turn off. I disliked that she complained to Mr Xia when he didn't entertain her request.

Favourite scene
When Dr Jin Ye met Xia Cheng Feng after long time of not seeing him

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Lighthearted boy love disguising as bromance

I watched thia drama after Reach for the Stars because I wanted to feature them in my new reddit column, Drama Duo. I prefer Reach for the Stars.

What I liked:
1. Duration - This drama is under 2 hours.
2. Tone - Lighthearted with some funny moments. Different from Reach for the Stars which was more melodramatic.
3. Dynamic - I found this drama presented itself more as bromance unlike the other version.
4. Styling - Outfits for Ye Hao Ran really suited him - are those his dailywear? I also liked the outfit of antagonist's assistant - seem like something typical ML would wear.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked antagonist's assistant. Zhou Yi Li's assistant was adorable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He was possessive of Shen Ji Xing.
2. Writing - I felt that the relationship between the two leads and antagonist's arc were on the surface. If I had not watched Reach for the Stars first, I would say the antagonist posed no harm towards the leads.
3. Acting - Both Ye Hao Ran & Duan Mei Yang were ok in their roles but their chemistry was lacking even for bromance. I didn't sense any 'I'd die for you' vibe from those two.

Favourite scene
When Shen Ji Xing gave the password

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