emberzmars

I liked leads' performances in this rich guy-poor girl romance drama

I was really impressed with Aorigele's acting in 'After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever'. So I went through his drama playlists and this title had many positive comments. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is my first time watching Jin Yanna and I really enjoyed her performance. I also loved Aorigele's performance because he made the character soft-spoken.
2. Relationship - It's a slow burn romance that started off with student-teacher and then progressed into employee-boss, baby momma & later love. They resolved their misunderstanding in the first 28 minutes. I liked that writer didn't force a love relationship just because she was pregnant.
3. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant but not meek / a damsel. When she was bullied, she fought back.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him despite the forced intimacy. He was patient & rational & tried his best to understand FL's actions.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for talking sense to FL about her pregnancy and indirectly offered to be her family. I also liked ML's friend / cousin who always helped around and to some extent, FL's childhood friend.

What I disliked:
1. Forced intimacy - I'd say their first intimate encounter was rape. It sucked but ML apologised to FL.
2. Antagonist - This time antagonist was self-proclaimed future wife of ML. She was doctor but her actions and long raptor nails baffled me. FL's family was despicable.
3. Boundaries - I hated that ML allowed antagonist to stay at his family home.
4. Bullying - There were some humiliating scenes that I found unfair to FL.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings after FL got out of a trap

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Refreshing story of second chance in life & love for ML

I came across this drama in a subreddit. I was intrigued because the title indicates that it involves rebirth trope & a character with disability. This drama was a breath of fresh air.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - I don't watch many male-centred vertical dramas and comedy so this was a fun watch. Funny moments were mostly provided by supoorting characters.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching both leads. Yen Hao was really good in his role. He was likeable. Shen Yue 'Er was good in her role as CEO FL. Supporting cast did well too.
3. Tone - This is a light-hearted tale of second chance in life & love. There is no overblown drama and I loved it!
4. Romance - Very sweet and wholesome with ML trying to win FL's heart. I liked that they had contrasting personality - FL was cool, calm & collected while ML was cheerful & warm.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's secretary & ML's colleagues from same department.
6. Styling - I really liked outfits for ML. He looked trendy & attractive with that styling. I loved FL's green suit and gosh her shoes were pretty.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - It was rushed. I wish there was more romance between ML & FL.
2. Antagonists - ML's family was horrible.

Favourite scene
Battle between 2 departments in the staff meeting

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I liked the leads' chemistry and their kisses in this version of a familiar plot

I became a fan of Song Yu Bo after watching him in inner thoughts drama set during Chinese Republican era last weekend. I browsed his list of dramas and this stood out because I was familiar with the plot - "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man". I have watched versions by 1) Shi Tong, 2) Zhang Shan & Zhao Guan Yu, 3) Cui Shi Yi & Aorigele. I was surprised that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of lust & love. Song Yu Bo did not disappoint me - the kisses were hot. I really liked watching their relationship progressed from one night stand to kept man / sugar mama and finally true lovers.
2 ML characterisation - Out of the four versions I've seen, Song Yu Bo's ML is my favourite. I felt that he brought more warmth & support into the relationship and was more like a partner. Meanwhile in the other versions their MLs were almost like bodyguards with FLs being the boss. I also liked that ML expressed his dissatisfaction with FL's decisions.
3. FL characterisation - I liked Wei Fan Shu's FL. She was more open to being vulnerable as opposed to FLs in the other 3 versions.
4. Acting - Both Wei Fan Shu and Song Yu Bo were great in the roles. They had sizzling chemistry with the right amount of push & pull dynamics.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked that she didn't come clean to ML about her pregnancy. I was baffled by that ending.
2. Antagonists - FL's cheating husband was possessive and nonsensical. How could you ask your wife to follow you & your mistress around at malls? How could you allow friends of the mistress to treat FL badly? The mistress was batshit crazy for the outrageous scheming in third act. I also disliked ML's grandpa for scheming. Anyway the actor seemed to young to play a grandpa - he could pass as older brother to FL's cheating husband.

Favourite scene
When they celebrated FL's birthday

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Gender role reversed - dominant & rich FL with ML that underwent a lot of character growth

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit friend. I was unfamiliar with the leads but heck this was a fun watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved the gender role reversal. FL was the more successful of the two - she led her own company & was a smart & fair boss.
2. ML characterisation - There was a lot of character growth for ML. He started off as a bully victim who was given a second chance at life. I chose to be with FL instead of SFL and it was cool to see him as a kept man but later had his own ambition to succeed.
3. Romance - I liked that FL was more dominant and proactive than ML but ML also made efforts as the relationship grew. I wish there were more romance in the last 30 minutes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's assistant for helping out ML with love advice. She saw value in making her boss happy and indirectly less stressed at work.
5. Retribution - Yes, the antagonists got their comeuppance.
6. Styling - This is first time I saw a ML getting a glow up. I actually liked his before and after looks - the thick framed glasses and hair with bangs looked good on him while the better hairstyle (forehead seen) and outfits made his character more mature & serious.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lins were horrible people. However it's refreshing to see a jealous brother instead of the usual jealous sister in many vertical dramas. Qin Ruoyao was damn annoying.
2. The past - FL was insecure and later we got to know that there was a past relationship between FL & ML. I had a lot of unanswered questions - why were they separated? Why wasn't ML able to recall that past? Why didn't FL tell ML about this past (because why did writer include this past then)?

Favourite scene
ML made his move while FL was on a work video call

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Amnesia, reconciliation and ML's character growth are the essence of this drama

I watched this drama during the early months of vertical drama exploration. I think I chose this drama because of the amnesia trope.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked him at first because he was cold, distant & aggressive towards his wife. Then his personality changed after the car accident. He became charming & serious about his marriage. I also liked that he set boundaries against the green tea.
2. Romance - Mostly sweet & tender moments with ML trying to win over FL's heart. I liked their dynamics since they worked together to punish ML's brother.
3. Acting - I enjoyed the acting of Qiao Jia Le & Zhang Xing Yao. Both of them had great chemistry and I hope to watch them collab again the future.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for being on FL's side.
5. Tone - I enjoyed this lighthearted drama. I also liked that this drama was under 1 hour 45 minutes.
6. Styling - I loved FL's makeup because it looked natural. I am big fan of peter pan collar so that blue '80s inspired blazer was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents & brother were horrible people. Green tea was narcissist & delusional - ML clearly stated that he's married. Office bullying is not cool.
2. Threat - I hate it when ML of vertical drama threatens a character to be sent to Africa as punishment.

Favourite scene
When ML tried to be intimate after drinking soup

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Longtime crush, assumptions & green tea shenanigans with sizzling chemistry from the leads

I didn't know Han Jia Hui has worked with Wang Zilin twice until I checked his list of new releases. This drama's video title caught my attention because it implied FL had relations with ML's father. It did feel weird but overall this was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The push & pull dynamics was done very well. Their interactions at the start of the drama were explosive & playful (that sneaky kiss while ML's father in the room) but gradually developed depth as the story progressed. They became emotionally connected once they overcame a hurdle in their relationship.
2. Acting - Han Jia Hui has grown so much (Have Babies is my first drama of hers and I love her there). In here, she showcased different façades of her character. Wang Zi Lin was great in his role and matched intensity of Han Jia Hui's acting.
3. FL characterisation - Despite all the scheming & tough exterior, she was a vilnerable woman. I loved that she was willing to risk her life to save ML.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie (she kicked ass!), ML's bestie (he looked so familiar) & assistant. The gangster boss was handsome!
5. Gift - There was birthday party of an elder and I liked FL's personalised gift.
6. Styling - I loved the clothes worn by Han Jia Hui & Wang Zi Lin.
7. The ending - I wasn't expecting it to be funny and that surprise guest in FL's entourage was a pleasant surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - I wish they confessed to each other at the start of their marriage so there was no misunderstanding based on assumptions.
2. Antagonists - I disliked people that take credit for something they didn't do. I also disliked people who answered someone's phone without permission. She overstepped boundaries.

Favourite scene
When FL was desperate to get out of dangerous situation & called ML for help

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FL with temporary amnesia with hot & imposing guy pursuing her

This is my first drama starring both Qian Zhe and Wang Yi Yang. I think I chose this drama because it features a main character with amnesia. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - Such a sexy & memorable scene! I first watched this drama not too long after its release and now with 4 months gone by and plentiful of vertical dramas watched, I can still recall the scene.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was a journallist and had to conduct an interview with ML.
3. Romance - This is one of the rare dramas in which we see FL being pursued by 2 men. She even got to kiss both of them.
4. Abs - Qian Zhe is one of the few vertical drama actors that have well-defined six / eight packs. His shirtless scene was a delight!
5. Dumpling making scene - It was short but meaningful.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - At the start, I found him imposing because of his aggressive approach towards FL. However he redeemed himself when he showed genuine care towards FL's health.
2. Antagonist - Lu Ze was an opportunist and manipulative.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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A story of a reformed prisoner who wants to live a better life with his son

I discovered this drama on reddit and watched it in preparation for a special post that celebrates Father's Day. Such an emotional experience watching this drama so please have tissues nearby when you watch it.

Plot overview:
ML Yang Lang is a reformed prisoner and lives a hard life with his young son. During a chance encounter, he meets his ex-wife and gets caught in a custody battle against her.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I loved that he worked hard to live a clean life with his son. There was temptation there because his gang members wanted him to rejoin but he was set on his new life and strives to be a better man.
2. Bond - ML has a precious relationship with his son. The separation was tough on both side.
3. ML's son - At first he behaves like a typical 8 year old when it comes to school matters. However the separation really made him realise how much love & dependency he has for his dad. The last 10 minutes of the drama was very touching that you know his dad has raised him well.
4. Life lessons - This drama was tough to watch because of the prejudice faced by ML and how power and influence can affect someone's life.
5. Acting - Specatuclar acting by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. ML's ex-wife - She was clearly selfish prioritising her needs over her son's. I also disliked how oblivious she was about her partner's schemes.
2. Partner of ML's ex-wife - Sinister & dishonest. He should have been upfront to ML's ex -wife about not wanting to raise another man's kid.
3. Ending - I usually don't mind a cliffhanger but I wish there was another episode to that final moment.

Favourite scene
The last 10 minutes of the drama

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Story of reborn ML that is focused on romance not revenge. I loved it!

Lately I have picked up some vertical dramas in which ML given a second chance aka reborn trope. Since I already like the Qian Zhe-Wang Yi Yang pairing, I watched this drama with some expectations and I am delighted to see I love this drama so much. My favourite drama from this pairing.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - As mentioned earlier, it's rare for me to watch reborn ML. I liked this ML because he was a sensitive soul who did everything he could to please his lady. I always enjoy watching hot & menacing Qian Zhe playing a sensitive man.
2. Romance - This reborn drama focused on romance rather than revenge, which I love. ML was burnt by love once so he tried at love with another person. I loved that ML & FL negotiated the "code of conduct" in their relationship, which made sense since they were strangers when they did flash marriage. The kisses were damn hot and wow there were scenes involving condom.
3. Agreement - I loved that ML issued an agreement & compensation fee to his ex-lover (SFL) so that the break was clean aka no lingering unresolved issues.
4. Styling - impeccable! Qian Zhe had a different hairstyle too.
5. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool & collected. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL is a narcissist & arrogant. I hated her for milking her separation from ML despite claiming she wanted to get away from ML.

Favourite scene
The wedding scene

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Huang Bo playing doting dad to twins...ker ai!

I was preparing a reddit post on Huang Bo's dramas when I came across this unlisted drama on his MDL page. I enjoyed this drama and submitted it as New Title.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama's plot is similar to Mr Pei Loves Her So Much starring He Cong Rui & Xu Meng Yuan. Not sure if both dramas came from same source but I liked the story that I don't mind watching different versions.
2. FL characterisation - The difference between this drama and Mr Pei Loves Her So Much is the FL's backstory. This FL needed to bear children in order to get her inheritance so she underwent artificial insemination. Unfortunately her twins were taken away from jealous family members. I liked that FL is successful & hardworking.
3. ML characterisation - He is a doting father who is pressured to get married by his kids.
4. Acting - It's wonderful to see Huang Bo playing a green flag character. I giggled so loud when he did a little dance. Ker Ai! This is my first time watching Wei Fan Shu and I enjoyed her acting and chemistry with Huang Bo and child actor & child actress.
5. Romance - There were nice kisses in this drama, which I didn't expect in dramas with live-in small children. The flashbacks were short but sexy.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twins, ML's parents and cousin.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I think it went too long. Wish they came clean earlier.
2. Antagonist - The "fake" biological mother to the twins was horrible & selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML did a happy dance

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ML forgot the love he once had

I watched this drama within 3 days of its release because I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and the short duration of the drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - She devised a brilliant plan after being betrayed by her husband. This drama reminds me so much of Bao Zhi Yue's mermaid drama.
2. Relationship - The good times FL had with ML were bittersweet. ML was a good husband then. I liked their bed scenes.
3. Acting - Great acting by Huang Bo and Jin Xin Xin. The child actor did a good job too.
4. Ending - I like it even though I thought it was harsh.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was naive for falling into scheme of SFL. He had shown remorse and seemed genuine about wanting to reconcile with FL but it was too late.
2. Antagonist - Wow, what an evil person!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Gulugulu. Warm drama about secret relationship at workplace

I have to admit that I really like Zhang Yun Tao's visuals. I am more likely to check his dramas when they were fresh releases even though he's not even in my top 10 favourite vertical drama actors. I think it's because I had never watched a good romance drama by him. Well that change with this drama - I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start FL seemed like a doormat but that changed when she started a fulltime job. I enjoyed watching her as newie jewellery designer. She solved problems on her own with very little help from ML.
2. Romance - This is one of workplace romance dramas that I enjoyed immensely. It's wonderful to see ML discussing and guiding FL about work. I also loved that ML fell harder for FL because of her excellent attributes. Their make out sessions and the big height difference were hot.
3. ML characterisation - I liked ML for being a good mentor and boss. It's great that he was clear about personal space with his subordinates.
4. Workplace dynamics - In addition to mentorship, I also enjoyed this drama because of work rivalry element. Antagonist refused to accept ideas from much junior colleague and insisted that her idea was the best because of her education achievements. This happens in real life!
5. Styling - This is the best styling Zhang Yun Tao has had. Gosh he looked extra handsome with that long hairstyle.
6. Acting - This is my first time watching Xu Lan Di and I really enjoyed her acting. Will explore her other dramas. This drama is my favourite Zhang Yun Tao because his character was warm. Xu Lan Di and Zhang Yun Tao had great chemistry.
7. Supporting characters - FL's close colleague is a good friend. I also liked ML's grandma & her employee/caretaker.

What I disliked:
1. Coercion - I disliked their first intimate encounter because FL was coerced into it.
2. Antagonist - Ok SFL green tea went overboard with the kidnapping. She was cuckoo.
3. Confidentiality - I hate it when a doctor character discloses FL's medical condition to other people.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed that he loves FL

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No chemistry & warmth between FL and ML in this secret child drama

Zhang Yun Tao is one of those actors whose drama I keep watching even though he's not my top 10 actor. As usual I watched this drama because of him and the secret baby plot. I have mixed feelings about this drama. There are many and better dramas related to secret babies and/or ZYT.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I like ML's mother & son.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's wardrobe especially the black jacket & navy trouser that he wore to a parent-teacher event.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I couldn't relate to FL. Usually I find FL who has had a child to be warm but she is cold & uninteresting. I found her plan to get back her child as silly.
2. Romance - Typical start in which a main character was intoxicated & had one night stand with a stranger.
Anyway because of FL's cold personality, I didn't buy their romance. There wasn't any emotional connection between them unless you count their biological child as an emotional connection.
3. Antagonists - Another entitled green tea. The paralysed antagonist was cuckoo for her scheming.

Favourite scene
When ML's employees were snooping in ML's room as he was having discussion with FL

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FL's infatuation with ML overshadows the main story. Wasted potential

I watched this drama within the first 3 days of its release. I am a fan of Li Ke Yi and still warming up to Yao Guan Yu. As usual, I go into newly released vertical dramas blindly without knowing synopsis. Started off great but halfway through I started to lose interest. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - It's wonderful to see revenge drama from the perspective of ML. He has an interesting back story.
2. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL and ML although because of FL's infatuation, I couldn't see their relationship going serious and for long term.
3. Antagonist - I like male antagonist's arc because it has substance.
4. Duration - I liked that drama is less than 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. FL's characterisation - Her infatuation with ML is a hindrance to ML's investigation and overall affects the effectiveness of its storytelling. I could barely remember ML's arc because of the FL-ML dynamic. I wish writer had made her an assertive character who didn't behave like a high school girl.
2. Special ability - Oh how I wished writer had focused more on FL's special ability. This could have been a mystery sci-fi drama.
3. Intimacy - That final intimacy scene felt like a coercion. Is that the best way to jog one's memory?
4. Styling - What's up with the wig? Did Li Ke Yi have different hairstyle for another drama?

Favourite scene
When antagonist discovered FL's special ability

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Quiet mystery romance with good chemistry between the leads

I was surprised to see a collab between Zhang Chu Xuan and He Cong Rui. Both are my favourite actors. I watched this drama within first 3 days of its release. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I like the quiet mystery element of this drama. The drama is not too dark which is a breath of fresh air.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in investigating her sister's death. She was more concerned about truth rather than vengeance.
3. ML characterisation - Gosh he was mysterious that I was praying he's not a baddie. He figured out FL's hidden agenda quite early but he didn't go overboard with confrontation nor meddling.
4. Acting - I really enjoy the acting of both ZCX & HCR, individually & as a couple. It's great to see ZCX playing this role (a softer, vulnerable woman) as I've seen her in too many "strong woman" characters. HCR exuded the right allure for this mysterious character.
5. Romance - Slow burn because investigation takes precedence. There was good balance of push and pull - sweet & spicy moments. FL begging ML scene was unexpected for me - it was very sweet.
6. Styling - ZCX looked beautiful in that floor length dress. I also liked the pink blush dress.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I did feel that FL was stringing ML along and I disliked it. Good thing she didn't take long to fess up.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

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