emberzmars

Painful to watch because of abuse endured by FL

I managed to watch this drama after Black Swan Strategy was released and before Youtube link got removed. I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan and I enjoyed Wang Hao Xiang's dramas that I have watched. This drama was painful to watch. Trigger warning: Abuse, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she took the opportunity to blow off steam when she wanted to be herself. I'd say she was mentally strong because of the tantrums her mother threw at her frequently.
2. Ending - Loved the ending! Very similar to Black Swan Strategy.
3. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and her twin sister. Wen Mo Yan looked hot in biker chic getup.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan and the actress who played FL's mother.
5. Relationship - I liked that ML was there for FL / played the role of a friend when she was at her lowest point. There were some kisses but that happened mostly at the start because drama was quite heavy from second act onwards.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL's mother had mental health issues and she was abusive towards FL. It was painful to watch scenes of her hurting and threatening FL.
2. Confrontation - That scene between FL's ex fiancé and FL's mother was tense. Damn he was brutally honest with her mother that I was afraid of what she would do to herself and FL.
3. Chemistry - Unfortunately I didn't sense any romantic chemistry between Wen Mo Yan and Wang Hao Xiang.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Domineering female CEO & a house husband entangled in family dispute & power struggle

I was curious about Li Quan Cheng's work so I decided to watch this drama. I had never seen Mai Tong's drama neither.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like flirty ML so this Ye Xuan Yi won me over. It's admirable that he doesn't feel emasculated by his wife's ambitious nature. Darn, how old is Ye Xuan Yi??? Li Quan Cheng played this role to perfection as he was able to demonstrate the serious and the cheeky sides of his character.
2. Romance - Sweet romance. Too bad their sexy time was interrupted. Anyway I loved how ML cared for FL. Their love language is act of service.
3. Supporting characters - Lei Yun was an awesome right handman. I liked FL's sister too.
4. Antagonist - I knew who the main culprit was before it was unveiled. I enjoyed the arc even though it was flawed.
5. Styling - Loved the clothes worn by Ye Xuan Yi and Lei Yun. Su Yin's magenta pantsuit was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. Acting - OMG the actress and actor playing the antagonists went over the top with their acting - like they were in pantomime. I also think Mai Tong's acting was inconsistent. She was great at portraying cool and distant head of company but as a wife witnessing a dying husband, she didn't express enough warmth & tenderness.
2. Shareholder meeting - Vertical dramas always get this scene wrong but the scene in this drama is absolutely ridiculous. The discrimination against people with physical impairment, the process of verifying company chairman made me mad. Good thing FL said something against the discrimination of people with mobility issue.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the shareholder meeting

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This drama made me think of external locus of control

I am a massive fan of Guo Yuxin and was excited to watch her historical dramas because I had never done it before.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid acting by Guo Yuxin, Ceng Yi Tong, the actress who played SFL and Gu Ming.
2. Plot - This is my second reborn tale involving sisters. It's fascinating to watch how 2 characters, that were given another chance in life, lived their lives. I also enjoyed this drama for exploring the social status of ancient community even though it was brief.
3. Locus of control - Gosh, I learned about locus of control when studying psychology at university 20 years ago. I enjoyed watching the perspective of SFL who always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on external forces i.e. other people.
4. Ending - The last 10 minutes of the drama went from tragic to comedic. I liked how the leading 4 characters were wrapped up. There was a nice move on the 2 supporting characters too.
5. Styling - I love FL's outfits especially the aquamarine & lilac robes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Slow burn romance which is understandable because ML was a general. I wish there were more tender moments between FL & ML, not necessarily kisses or sex but more like handholding and playful banter.

Favourite scene
The ending for SFL & SML.

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Republican era reborn-revenge drama with sexy pairing & good acting

I was curious about Xu Jiang Shuai's work after watching She is Noble. Decided to watch this drama since I enjoy Yao Yu Chen's acting & I rarely watch Republican era vertical dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was chemistry between Yao Yu Chen and Xu Jiang Shuai making their intimate scenes sizzling hot.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she approached ML to execute her revenge plans. Her revenge on her fiancé's mistress was amusing. Yao Yu Chen was great in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He was protectiveness of her. I liked that he was willing to go along with FL's scheming.
4. Styling - I loved the qipao worn by FL, the mistress and other female characters in this drama. Xu Jiang Shuai also looked dashing in the uniform of Republican era military officer.
5. Antagonists - Gu Jing'An is a villain I love to hate. Such a meaty character that pose threat to FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - The abuse at the start of the drama was hard to watch.
2. Antagonist - The green tea that appeared in third act was annoying. I don't understand why she got to live in the same house of the couple.

Favourite scene
When villain ambushed ML to tarnish ML's reputation

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Jiejie romance with well written characters & plot. No silly green tea!

I enjoyed the acting of Wang Xi and Xia Jing Ran so when this drama appeared on my youtube dashboard, I was intrgiued & decided to watch. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & good dash of spicy with good kisses. I liked that ML was playful & coquettish. This jiejie romance made both ML & FL work on their issues rather than let them fester and create bigger misunderstanding.
2. FL characterisation - I liked how her character was written because we got to see her facing challenges at work.
3. ML characterisation - I don't like secret identity but in this drama, I could put it aside because he was smart, mature & genuine about his feelings for FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother especially when he was caught by ML for snooping. The dynamic between ML & FL's brother after that scene was fun to watch. ML's assistant was funny too.
5. Siblings - There were 2 pairs of siblings: 1) FL - her brother, 2) ML - his brother. Good contrasts in sibling dynamics.
6. Ending - Amusing & so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Miscast - I felt like both Wang Xin and Xia Jing Ran were miscast. Wang Xin loooked too mature for 22 year old guy while Xia Jing Ran lacked assertiveness for the role of successful older businesswoman and she looked youthful still. Nevertheless they did well in their roles.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught by ML

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Unlike other revenge tales, this drama warms my heart with its writing & acting performance

I decided to watch this drama as I was preparing to write a reddit post on Han Yu Tong's revenge dramas. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Many revenge dramas have a cold feel but I felt warmth throughout the drama. There was so much heart showcased by Zhu Yuanyuan. Plus I never expected comedy in a revenge tale.
2. Acting - Spectacular performance by Han Yu Tong and the actress who portrayed Zhu Yuanyuan. Cao Tian Kai was also good at portraying a goofball antagonist. The actress who played SML's sister was good too.
3. FL characterisation - Wonderfully written. FL is just a person who wanted to be loved. Even with physical transformation, there are still pieces of Zhu Yuanyuan in Qing Ting.
4. Theme - It's great to see themes such as self-worth & family love is explored in this drama.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching FL and ML relationship progress from strangers arranged to be marriage by their families to allies. Very subtle romance with actions mostly by ML, which is understandable considering FL's mission.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cruel & disrespectful. The mistress got the comeuppance that she deserved.

Favourite scene
When SML got ready in hotel bathroom

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FL too obliging even after multiple blackmails

I was perusing new releases and this drama's poster caught my attention. I always think both Li Zi Jie and Li Ke Yi have the prettiest lips in the world of Chinese vertical dramas. Thick, full lips. Anyway I watched within the first two days of release. I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I never thought I would see Li Ke Yi rocking top & trousers combo because she's always in dresses and qipao. I loved the wide leg trousers and brown top/jacket she wore. ML wore noce suits - I really like the teal blue suit.
2. Kisses - Good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's colleagues at BC group, the orphanage director & the kids .

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's arranged fiancée for the double standard, the greed & being controlling. His mistress is even worse. She acted as though she was already part of his family.
2. FL's characterisation - Having watched Spring Day starring Guo Yu Xin & Chen Zheng Yang a week ago, I felt that there are similarities between this couple & that couple. However I felt that FL was too obliging to the Ji family. Her arranged fiancée was disrespectful to her but out of respect/feeling indebted, she just persevered and accepted the blackmail. I also don't understand why she left a company that's good for her growth & wellbeing.
3. Relationship - I found the relationship overall had more downs than ups. Their secret relationship felt more like booty calls than actual, healthy relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL saw a painting at the orphanage

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Supernatural murder mystery with a touch of romance

I was browsing through my iQiyi app when I found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me as it reminds me of Western supernatural series such as True Calling and Ghost Whisperer. So I clicked play and overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supernatural theme - It's refreshing and I really enjoyed it.
2. FL characterisation - She's aloof but smart. I really liked that she's always a step ahead of others. Zhao Fei was excellent in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He's a workaholic but not overbearing. He's smart - I liked that he came out with a plan to convince shareholders.
4. Romance - As expected, there is romance. A sweet one but the chemistry between Zhao Fei and Yang Cheng Han was lacking for a romantic couple. I wish there were more warm moments by the couple so it would feel rewarding when they truly got together.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and FL's male friend. The two junior colleagues of FL were cute.

What I disliked:
1. Conclusion - What is the motive of the masked antagonist for killing FL's family? Was it explained? I want to know so please let me know.

Favourite scene
When FL's male friend fought against masked killer

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Fast paced spy drama that has light touch of Mr and Mrs Smith

I found out about this drama from reddit. Was in the mood for something quick and this fit the bill with the drama being under 90 minutes. This drama has light touch of Hollywood's Mr and Mrs Smith and was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Action scenes - I enjoyed the action scenes and appreciated the one on one battles between FL and ML. It's great to see kickass FL and kickass ML. I actually liked that ML acknowledged FL as his equal partner during their action scene.
2. Romance - Since both FL and ML had secret identity, their romance was done in two ways - sweet (when they run their daily lives) and spicy (when they were on missions). I wish there were more emotional pull between them before their secret identities were revealed.
3. Styling - One member said Yer Forger outfit which made me search online as I was unfamiliar. I liked FL's spy outfit.
4. Antagonist - The antagonist character was done well and I could feel that he's almost on par with the main characters unlike other antagonist. I liked how his character was wrapped up.

What I disliked:
1. Last fight - I thought this scene could be done better with a different strategy. Since we had 2 great spies, why work in silo?

Favourite scene
FL and antagonist in hotel room

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The couple's playful banters were fun to watch

I am going to write a post on Zhang Chu Xuan's dramas so I watched this drama as part of my homework. I am always curious about Yao Guan Yu even though I haven't found his drama enjoyable enough for me to watch repeatedly. Overall I liked this drama but won't watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their banters were so entertaining and that's their love language. Yao Guan Hu excels in smirking once more. There were some nice kisses though I wish we had gotten steamy scenes and more time dedicated to their romance.
2. Empowerment - Zhang Chu Xuan has taken many women empowerment roles and I like it a lot even though in reality these milestones did not happen back in early 20th century. In this drama, she succeeded in getting a divorce and being appointed as a strategist in the army.
3. Acting - Solid acting by Zhang Chu Xuan, Yao Guan Yu, SFL & SML.
4. Antagonist's first arc - I actually liked SFL's character arc in the first act. She was a formidable nemesis to FL and I think the points about arranged marriage vs love match were valid.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's second in command & FL's maid. Even FL's mother was adorable despite short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists' second & third act - Ok writer went crazy (pun intended) with SFL's character arc once the 4 leads were in military. I liked SML when he realised that SFL had gone overboard. He was able to distinguish right and wrong. However he & his family were very cruel at the end.

Favourite scene
When ML woke up after a surgery

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So-so romance & antagonist drama is draggy

I needed to make use of my iqiyi subscription so I chose this drama. This is the second drama of Zhang Ruo Chen & Wang Bo that I watched. It was an ok watch. I prefer the other collaboration.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see multiple facets of her character. It was mentioned that she was slandered in the past and she got to prove everyone wrong at an event. Loved her resilience.
2. Musical art competition - It's odd that there was a musical art competition between ML's company and rival company when they actually compete for a piece of land. However this event gave opportunity for FL to clear her name and the traditional music showcase was done well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant very much because he was sensible & straight talker with ML. He told ML about ML's wrongdoings. I also liked the kind female staff right from the start.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Like many self-proclaimed childhood sweethearts in vertical dramas, she was delusional and possessive. Clearly disrespectful of boundaries set by ML. She also liked to blame others especially FL. Got tired of her deviousness.
2. Romance - There were many assumptions made by FL that led to strain in their relationship. I hated that she lied to ML about spending the night together. She should just tell him. I wish the writer had focused more on FL-ML relationship than on FL-green tea rivalry.
3. Promotion - It was strange for FL to receive such promotion when she was clearly lacking both knowledge & skills to become a manager. She should have started as executive or officer but the staff seemed ok about her promotion.
4. Make up - I don't usually comment on make up but green tea's make up was horrible. When she was hospitalised, you can clearly notice the skin tone differe nce between her neck & face. Her foundation was too light. Plus she always looks like she had pink eye with the unflattering eye make up.

Favourite scene
When FL competed at the musical art competition

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Started off great but went downhill in third act

I got to know about this drama from reddit. The first few minutes alone was interesting but oh dear, this drama was a rollercoaster ride.

What I liked:
1. Fake dates - This drama uses a fake relationship trope. I really liked when they went on their dates. FL was fun so I got it why ML was attracted to her.
2. Styling - I really liked Zhang Yun Tao's outfits. The teal green suit and blue suit were well tailored and fitted him to a T. However stylist should give Chi Xiaoyi a different set of clothes. It's unbelievable that she went on almost 9 fake dates wearing the same outfit!
3. Acting - While the writing was very much flawed, the acting was good enough. I always find Zhang Yun Tao compelling in any role that he's portrayed. Yang Sanji was charming enough to portray 2 different personas.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandpa. He was a sensible man!
5. Interaction - I enjoyed the interactions between FL and ML's grandpa in particular the chess game and his birthday party. What a thoughtful gift!

What I disliked:
1. Third act - The series went downhill once we entered the final 30 minutes. There were too much drama and unnecessary use of supporting character.
2. Antagonists - With the blonde hair & coloured contact lens, Hera was ice queen personified. Like many other white moonlight, she did all she could to sabotage FL-ML relationship. I was baffled by how she was left unpunished even till the end.
3. Romance - Now the romance felt like a rollercoaster ride. They were sweet when they were together but their relationship didn't have a solid footing. There were too many assumptions made that led to misunderstanding. The couple didn't have clear communication and it frustrated me.

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to roadside stall

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Family saga and slow burn romance with Huang Bo portraying the greenest flag

I am a huge Huang Bo fan so I got excited when I got to know that he had new drama out. I watched this drama by accident - I thought I was going to watch The Moonlight Never Falls (another of his new release). I did watch The Moonlight Never Falls and overall, I enjoyed this drama much more than The Moonlight Never Falls.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I swoon whenever I watch Huang Bo playing a gentle soul. Total green flag character. He was loyal, patient and loving.
2. Romance - This drama has the most passionate love scenes by Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi. ML's gentle voice when they were intimate for the first time was touching. Their relationship did suffer from lack of communication (I blamed it on FL). Despite that, this drama is very focused on their relationship with little interference from third party and I like it this way!
3. Family theme - The core theme of this drama is family and I enjoyed it!
4. Acting - Out of all the Huang Bo-Xu Si Qi collaborations that I have seen, I think this is my favourite because of the richness in their acting. Various emotional states were expressed by both of them.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn in this drama.
6. Supporting character - I liked FL's best friend and adopted brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I disliked her insecure and rash behaviour. She made assumptions about ML, left without confronting him and when she was wrong, she apologised and promised to stay together. She did this a few times but good thing she remained loyal to ML.
2. Antagonists - ML's family was controlling.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL made out and then came a proposal

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An enjoyable tale of time travel, gratitude and love

I was in the mood for vertical drama set in the 80s last week. I had never seen the work of Wu Jiao and Hu Jia Hao. This drama was light and entertaining.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a critically acclaimed in the present but when time travelled, she decided to support a struggling noodle shop. Very entrepreneurial. It's admirable that she wanted to lessen the dependency on her husband hence she looked for a job. I liked watching scenes of her working and cooking.
2. ML characterisation - He was quite progressive for a guy who lived in 1980s and worked at the military. I liked how we see the changes in ML's thoughts of his wife. He's fair leader at military base.
3. Romance - I loved watching the progress of their relationship from awkward strangers to partners in life and love. Yes, we got a ML who craved for his wife's touch right at the start of drama! ML was sexually frustrated that it's amusing but it's great that he voiced his feelings.
4. Gratitude theme - I liked that gratitude is one of the main themes of this drama. FL appreciated her newfound parents, noodle stall owner was grateful for successful business.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's boss and comrades. It's wonderful to see ML seeking love advice from his boss. Parents of FL & ML were nice too even though they didn't get much screentime.
6. Ending - Sweet and done well.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower - She had a cool superpower but it was never explained if there were implications from using the power.
2. Antagonist - I felt like slapping that lady who was envious of FL and her colleagues. Good thing she didn't get a lot of screen time.

Favourite scene
When FL was abducted and ML was desperate to save her

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Spicy but crappy romance between doormat FL and indifferent ML

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery and was surprised by the introduction. Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for submitting this drama as New Title because now I can write a review on it. Overall this drama had its ups and downs.

What I liked:
1. Lust - Damn, spicy romance right off the bat. That intro scene set me on fire! The subsequent intimacy between ML and "Penny" was hot with one memorable scene.
2. Acting - Great acting by Guo Jing and Xie Yu Wang. Guo Jing got me to sympathised her even though I didn't fancy FL's characterisation.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandpa and FL's boss / male colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I'd say FL and ML had an unhealthy relationship in which ML abandoned her right after marriage license and FL being ok with it. There were opportunities for both of them to tell the truth about their circumstance but no, the truth only came out during a medical emergency. I do, however, loved the scene in which FL woke up in a hospital and told off ML for suddenly showing concern.
2. Family - Both families of FL and ML are rotten except for ML's grandpa.
3, ML characterisation - I just cannot accept ML's behaviour. He cheated on his wife nevertheless.

Favourite scene
When FL was in operating room and doctor was looking for next of kin to sign papers

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