emberzmars

Lighthearted with FL & her son providing the laughs

I was writing a reddit post about vertical drama actors aged 35 and above and had Sean Pai in mind. I had only watched 2 of his dramas before so I thought of watching another one and chose this title because of its availability on iQIYI. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, sassy & likeable.
2. Supporting characters - ML's son was sassy like his mother. He was quick with his words that always resulted in comedic moments. I also liked ML's older relatives & assistant.
3. Tone - Lighthearted with right doses of comedy.
4. Acting - Wang Zi Yi excelled in her role so was the child actor playing the son.
5. Treatment - Those treatment sessions were outrageous but funny and Sean Pai was shirtless most of the time.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was terrible and condescending. Half-sister took credit for something she didn't do and was even willing to harm children.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. The first episode was set up to be spicy but the kissing was fake and the movements seemed mechanical / unnatural. Their kissing scenes mostly had one of the leads blocking the camera so you'd know the kissing was fake. Wonder if any of them had no real kissing clause.

Favourite scene
When the son scolded ML for being reliant on walking aids

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Never ending misunderstanding & mixed up identities. Not recommended

I remembered coming across this title when I was preparing for a reddit post of my favourite Guo Yu Xin dramas. I purposely skip this drama after watching first two minutes. So today I decided to watch it in full because I am exploring Chen Tian Xiao's work for another reddit post. This drama isn't worth recommending.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Guo Yu Xin wore pretty clothes. I really liked her in that pink blush dress. Chen Tian Xiao had good outfits too. He even managed to show off his muscular body.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & likeable.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend & ML's friend.

What I disliked:
1. Misunderstanding - This trope was stretched to the max. There wouldn't be any misunderstanding if either one of them had checked their marriage certificate. I increased speed until almost the end because the story was draggy.
2. Antagonists - The amount of injustice faced by FL qas astonishing. From her step-sis and work rival to ML's delusional pursuer, they were really out to get her. I felt like they didn't get retribution.
3. Romance - Clearly underdeveloped. There wasn't even a proper kiss.
4. Identities - Hidden & stolen identities were liberally used in this drama. It was exhausting.
5. ML characterisation - For a rich CEO, he was stupid.

Favourite scene
When FL's work rival presented her CV to ML at the selection of ML's executive assistant

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Familiar but fast-paced concubine drama with sizzling chemistry

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting dramas last month so I picked this one because of its running time. Yue Yu Ting and Chen Tian Xiang have collaborated many times so I knew what to expect in terms of chemistry. They delivered and I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Execution - It uses a familiar plot (woman fighting for survival in the palace by becoming favourable to the emperor) so I have seen many. This one was well-executed because of the tight screenplay. Conflicts were not dragged out.
2. Acting - Both leads and Zhang Si Qi were great in their roles. Gosh, I hated Shen Shu Rong.
3. Length - 1 hour 17 minutes. Good for one sitting.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart with her moves to survive in the tough world.
5. Romance - There was intense attraction between the leads. ML certainly was enamored by her. I loved the intimate scenes even some were orchestrated. I liked the confession scene.
6. Styling - Love their outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Shu Rong was atrocious for her scheming. I also disliked the empress and other concubine / aspiring concubine & servants. I also disliked FL's father for the favouritism.
2. ML's action - I wasn't convinced that ML was truly in love with FL. I felt like he didn't do much to protect FL from vicious attacks.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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The only thing that stood out: Fighting, motorcycle riding & washboard abs. FL was unlikeable

Ok Ok I admit it - I have a small crush on Zhao Guan Yu. I pay attention whenever new releases include his dramas. I watched this drama at the recommendation of a friend. I was also into bodyguard trope during the time of viewing. Hhhhm I got mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - There were shots of Zhao Guan Yu's washboard abs. Hahaha anyway I really liked ML's biker look. Dangerous and hot! FL's outfits were pretty especially the mint green dress.
2. Action - There were fighting scenes which involved ZGY fighting the bad guys. I also appreciated the boxing scene.
3. Kisses - Plenty & passionate.
4. Supporting characters - Loved the bestie. The parts where she teased FL were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Not a fan of her. She was cold and guarded. Stubborn.
2. Hidden identity - His identity remained hidden until 1 hour 30 minutes, which is about 75% of the drama.
3. Antagonists - FL's father & brother were money-hungry.

Favourite scene
Fighting sequence

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A couple transmigrated and started over in a different time period

I was missing Shen Hao Nan so I went on iQIYI and found this drama. Watched it on a night I needed something lighthearted. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Oooooo this drama had two romance arcs: 1) between the leads, 2) between FL's brother and ML's sister. Both were very enjoyable. They had communication problems before but that was rectified quickly.
2. Acting - That starting episode with leads' marriage reaching the lowest point and impeding divorce moved me. The cast gave good performances. I liked the chemistry between Shen Hao Nan and Sun Yi Ran. Would love to see them in a modern romance. It was also a surprise to see Shao Wei in this drama. No, he didn't show his abs in this drama but he was likeable as FL's brother.
3. Transmigration - What a delight to see this plot device as mechanism for reconciliation. Did they do separate ways or did they partner up?
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she saw this new setting as opportunity to start over in life. She worked on her goal that she didn't achieve in previous life.
5. ML characterisation - His flaw was his inability to express his thoughts and feelings with FL. However he was a nice guy and clearly in love with FL.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother and ML's sister. I also liked FL's parents for having her back.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked that green tea who always stirred trouble.
2. Hair & makeup - Shen Hao Nan's makeup and hair looked horrible when they were in historical period. The wig was ugly. I prefer his looks during modern period scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught in bed with...

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Beautifully shot drama about being friendzoned and moving on

I have to admit - I am not a fan of Yu Yin. However Hei Ze got me curious about this drama. I had only seen him once in a minidrama about crossdressing FL. I decided to give this drama a chance after reading positive comments on reddit and youtube. I watched this on iQIYI a few months ago and enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Beautifully shot drama.
2. Styling - Great outfits selected for FL & ML. I liked FL's 90s grunge look. I also think Hei Ze had amazing hairstyle in this drama.
3. Supporting characters - Fu Gui & Yi Ning were my favourites.
4. Writing - Mature way of friendzone situation. I loved that line about FL upset that ML didn't believe in her love for him.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she felt devastated by rejection but didn't wallow in self-pity for too long. She also never gave up her dream.
6. Acting - Solid performances by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Chen She Chuan was a scumbag for being possessive friend & mean to Fu Gui. FL's mother was pushy & condescending.
2. FL's crying - This is my second drama of Yu Yin and I still feel she isn't a good actress. She could not do a decent crying scene - in this drama, it sounded funny.
3. Intimate scene - It looked like a dream sequence with the sheets going on like waves. Bad lighting / filter. It spoilt the scene for me because it looked like a music video montage instead.

Favourite scene
When FL had a honest conversation with SML at hospital

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I enjoyed this snappy drama about cheating and moving past divorce

I was in the mood for a Song Chen drama so I chose this one because of the short running time and positive comments on YouTube. It was worth watching!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was reasonable - She already noticed potential threat to her marriage and warned ML. She was decisive and confident. Once trust was broken, she never gave him a chance for reconciliation - way to go, girl. I also liked that she didn't feel the need to conform to societal pressure.
2. Length - I loved that this drama was under 1 hour. The pacing was great!
3. Acting - This is my second time watching Zhang Zhang in this type of role (scorned FL) and she nailed it. Loved her icy stare and assertiveness. ML was infuriating so well done to Song Chen for getting on my nerves. Well done to the actress playing junior secretary because she was cloying.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's first secretary who knew what is right and what is wrong and reported to FL. I also liked ML's parents for being sensible and immediately condemned ML's behaviour.
5. Romance - There were two arcs in this drama: one with ML before things went downhill and another one with new love interest. Enjoyed both although the actor who SML wasn't attractive to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML was certainly the main antagonist in this drama. He humiliated FL by being away from home for months and bringing intern-turned-junior secretary to events that should be attended by his wife, the FL. Emotional cheating is still cheating and he did that. That junior secretary was pathetic.

Favourite scene
The confrontation at ML's mother's birthday

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Great acting in this drama about two men in love

I had this drama in my watchlist since last year when I was fascinated with Huang Jing Zhou. Thank you to Jwells for finding new links. Watched it today and wow, this was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing performances by the cast led by Zheng Feng & Huang Jing Zhou. They were great in their individual roles and as a pair. Wonderful chemistry. I could sense the tension and longing between their characters.
2. Dynamics - I'd say that there is love between them. Zhou Yi Li always affected by Shen Ji Xing's affections whether they were words or physical touches. ZYL and his gazes - always looking out for SJX.
3. SJX characterisation - I liked that he wore his heart on his sleeve. His arc was well-developed though I disliked when he hit ZYL at the start of the drama.
4. ZYL characterisation - He was the opposite of SJX. Gave off dark vibe & always concealed his feelings & thoughts related to SJX.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Pei Ming for her care & thoughtfulness. She went above & beyond her duty as SJX's manager. I also liked Mu Si because he verbalise his thoughts and seemed to empathise with SJX.
6. Styling - I loved the contrasting styles between SJX & ZYL. ZYL always wore black, avant garde outfits like he was camera ready at any time. SJX wore a few white & light coloured pieces.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted mother was a psycho- controlling & possessive. It's creepy that she wanted SJX to herself like he was her lover.
2. Length - It was roughly 2 hours 42 minutes. I couldn't watch in one sitting - had to take breaks then re-watch.

Favourite scene
When SJX told ZYL what really happened that day 2 years ago

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I didn't like this jiejie romance drama

Thanks to Raiana's review that appears on my feed, I got to know that the MDL page for this drama is up. I had completed watching Zhong Xi's drama woth Liu Qing on iQIYI then this drama was automatically played. Hhhhmm I didn't like this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I really liked ML's outfits. Great to see Ma Shuo Qi in hip, youtful outfits because I always watched him in CEO suits well except that one time he wore apron. FL also wore cool outfits.
2. Supporting characters - I liked Grandma Lin and ML's assistant.
3. Plot - It was something new but I didn't like the execution. I applaud writer for bringing a different story to family dispute arc.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a cold person and I didn't like how she treated ML.
2. Romance - I didn't sense emotional connection between FL and ML. I also didn't like that ML betrayed FL with his deception. This is one of the few jiejie romance drama I didn't enjoy.
3. Acting - I didn't sense any chemistry between Zhong Xi and Ma Shuo Qi.
4. Antagonist - A different level of scheming by the two baddies. FL's father was atrocious too.

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Ok watch but FL gave bland performance

I was browsing Shorts collection on iQIYI when I saw this drama. I was intrigued about Korean verticals because I am a fan of Chinese vertical dramas. I clicked play and gosh, this was a letdown.

What I liked:
1. Ji Ho Geun - Ji Ho Geun was very handsome. He added mystery to his character.
2. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension between FL and ML.
3. Antagonist - I liked his arc and the actor who played the character did well with given role. He is handsome too.
4. Styling - The styling for ML & SML was impeccable.
5. Supporting characters - FL's sister was likeable.
6. Length - Only 50 episodes so it was a quick watch.

What I disliked:
1. Park Xi Yeon - I was letdown by her performance. Her facial expressions were lacking and I didn't believe the helplessness that she was trying to portray.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL

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Great writing & good chemistry made this fake relationship drama fun

I had never seen any of Merxat Yalkun's dramas before I watched this drama. Decided to give this a go because I was writing a reddit post about mainstream drama actors who have acted in vertical dramas. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In many fake relationship dramas, FL are meek or easily intimidated by other. Not this FL. Yes she rented a guy to appease her mother but she was self-assured and knew how to protect her own interest.
2. Writing - Wow, I was impressed by the script. I found the scenario relatable - the pressure to settle down when meeting relatives. In addition, FL was always given the best lines whenever she & ML were in crisis. The hospital scene was funny.
3. Acting - I was also impressed by the performances by both leads. Their interactions were fun to watch because Merxat Yalkun and Han Lu Jin played off each other's energy well. The cast gave good performances too including the actresses playing antagonists.
4. Pacing - Done well for a drama focusing on Chinese New Year holidays. I didn't find any scene draggy.
5. Dynamics - I liked the partnership they had for the charade.
6. Supporting characters - I liked both mothers despite their flaws. It was amusing that ML's assistant wasn't on his side but more on his mother's side.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's cousin & aunt. They were jealous and felt the need to compete with FL.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. The decision to be in a real relationship was rushed because I felt FL just went with the flow and not given time to process and think.
3. Flashback - Mistake spotted. It was 6 years ago but the traitor held the latest iPhone (looking at the camera on the back of phone). I wish she hadn't held her phone during this scene.

Favourite scene
The hospital

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Sa Gang Yun is former assassin turned butler. Enjoyed the action scenes!

I got to know about this drama from reddit CShortDramas. I was pleasantly surprised to watch the trailer. I decided to watch this drama and wow, it exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Coolest butler well he was a former assassin. Multiskilled, sexy and handsome too.
2. Plot - Refreshing. Great start with well-paced storytelling.
3. Action - Scenes were cool and I loved the fight sequences. Sa Gang Yun was damn fit!
4. Flashbacks - Great to see glimpse of ML's personal life in flashback sequence.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for ML. I was amused when the maids never noticed his handsomeness / attractiveness until after their employer was saved.
6. Duration - Short drama under 2 hours.
7. Supporting characters - I liked his nephew. The rival killer was also a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Forcing FL to accept his "love" was unacceptable - that guy was a rotten rich kid. His father was an enabler - just as horrible.

Favourite scene
When ML fought the goons who came to capture FL.

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Reconnection of childhood friends. Slowburn romance

I watched this drama because I was in mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas back in December & had seen photos of XYW as pilot for this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Reconnection, slow burn. Their romance story has this mature feel. Their relationship was filled with challenges from external party but between the two of them, the relationship was healthy.
2. Pilot - I enjoyed the pilot arc in this story.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she never blamed ML for her tragedy.
4. ML characterisation - He thought he didn't deserve her but he always had her best interests. Protective, loving.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the chairman, fellow actor, FL's assistant & ML's aunt.
6. Murder - I also enjoyed this small arc. The past haunted both leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The guy who pursued FL was a scumbag. I also disliked ML's father & uncle. ML's father was evil.

Favourite scene
When ML gave flying lessons to FL

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Suspenseful transmigration story marred by lacklustre acting

I have watched A LOT of Chinese vertical dramas but got curious about watching Korean vertical dramas when iQIYI started added them to their catalogue. I have watched a handful of K-verticals and only 1 I liked a lot. This isn't it unfortunately.

What I liked:
1. Visual - I must say Woo Ki Hyun's face was arresting from the high cheekbones to the small eyes and sharp nose. He was like a god!
2. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML.
3. Story - This is a transmigration story with FL being able to change fate of her character. The story was easy to follow even with plot hole. However I wish there was more to SML's arc.
4. Supporting character - I liked SML & Secretary Che.
5. Production - I liked the framing and type of shots captured for this drama. They created some suspense.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Easy to pinpoint the culprit and the motive though I found antagonist lacked presence / aura.
2. Styling - I disliked most of the outfits worn by FL when she was in novel. They made her look mousy and not an heiress.
3. Acting - The acting was not good. The main actress didn't have the charm nor aura, it felt like she just recited her lines - no power. There was no chemistry between her and Woo Ki Hyun.
4. Romance - Kisses were nice but I didn't buy their relationship. There wasn't spark / sexual tension between leads at the start.

Favourite scene
When SML confronted FL because he sensed something was off

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FL was the scumbag

I am curious about dramas that are about robots and AI. I found this drama on youtube so decided to watch it. This is essentially a cheating drama. I didn't enjoy the drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I appreciated Assistant Xu's protectiveness of his boss. I also liked ML's father.
2. Acting - I quite liked Chen Chu Huan's acting.
3. Length - Just 90 minutes.
4. Antagonist's action - I liked the scene where FL was told off by the antagonist. She blamed him for ruining her marriage but he set the record straight.

What I disliked:
1. FL - She cheated on her husband by kissing another man. Then she blamed the other man for ruining her marriage. Silly woman.
2. The other man - Yes, I disliked him not just for pursuing married woman but for taking credit for a project he didn't lead.
3. Sci-fi - Unfortunately there were many sci-fi scenes in this drama as it focused mostly on FL's arc.
4. The ending - I disliked it.

Favourite scene
When male antagonist told FL about her mistakes

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