emberzmars

I liked the themes in this drama: love, family and learning from mistakes

I write a weekly column about two dramas adapted from the same source. I was recommended this drama by a friend. I enjoyed this a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet and mature. I liked that they worked on their marriage. There was partnership even though they married for convenience. Both had conversations after moments of insecuity. I ❤️ the proposal & wedding scenes.
2. Acting - Deng Ling Shu really shone in this role. She lightened up the mood in the beginning of the drama. Xiao Wen Yu did well and their chemistry was good. There was a sense of comfort between them.
3. FL characterisation - It was great that she didn't wallow in self-pity for long. I liked that she embraced her role as ML's wife. She also pursued her career.
4. ML characterisation - He was green flag. I liked that he didn't want FL to pity him ot feel guilty about the fire
incident. He didn't have backing from his father so he worked very hard to stand on his own feet.
5. Family - This is a core theme in this drama. ML's father was distant while his mother had depression. Fl's parents were warm and protective. I loved her mum's sharing when the couple first visited her parents after marriage.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked her parents. FL's bestie and ML's assistant / college friend were wonderful too. It's also nice to see ML's mother.
7. Learning from mistake - I liked that both ML's father and brother learned from their mistakes of mistreating their girlfriends and came to the girlfriends to make amends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex was scumbag for meeting his ex a day before his wedding to FL. I also disliked ML's father but both men redeemed themselves.

Favourite scene
When ML helped his father-in-law in the kitchen

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Good plot with merman and female CEO tropes but was destroyed by leads' subpar performances

I was in the mood for short dramas with mermaid / merman trope this week so I chose to watch this drama a few nights ago. After watching more than 10 dramas with that trope, I had low expectations. Now this drama started off good but it could not live up to its potential.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I must say that I had not seen this plot in other mermaid & merman dramas. I liked the story enough.
2. ML characterisation - I liked ML's puppy behaviour. He was clingy to FL.
3. Duration - I think this drama is just over an hour so it was an easy watch.
4. Styling - While the styling was hit and miss in this drama, there were a few points that I liked: the merman outfit & wig (it gave ML a different look compared to his human form) and the water resistant suit that ML wore.

What I disliked:
1. Antagoinst - For me, the antagonist arc was too simplify that he seemed like a caricature. No substance.
2. Acting - The acting by both leads felt amateurish. I simply couldn't connect to FL because Zhang Qing was bad at portraying an arrogant female president. There was zero chemistry between Zhang Qing and Su Yu Hang. They gave friendly acquaintance vibe rather than lovers vibe.
3. Romance - I was surprised when FL told ML that she liked him too. I didn't see any romantic buildup but then again their lack of chemistry most likely led me to miss out this part.

Favourite scene
When antagonist did something to ML to get ML's tail to appear

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Better ML characterisation and romance arc made this drama superior to 'Hide Day and Night'

I have a column reddit where I watch and compare two dramas from the same source. This story was recommended to me by a Reddit member so I decided to watch both stories. I watched this drama after watching version 1 starring Lan Lan and Wang Kai Mu. I liked this version more. Anyway I watched on 花笙TV YouTube channel - be warned that the English subs were on and off.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I must say that the romance arc in this version was healthier than the romance arc in the other version. Consent is the key. I could sense that both of them were into each other and they became intimate, there was no coercion by ML. Good quality of kisses.
2. ML characterisation - He was respectful toward FL although he was pushy at the start when he forced her to stay with him.
3. Styling - I appreciated that the styling created two different hairstyles for Yang Mie Mie because there was a time jump. FL's outfits somehow reminded me of US movie Legally Blonde 2. Yu Long looked dashing in the military uniform.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is less than 100 minutes.
5. Acting - Both of them did good job in their roles. I particularly enjoyed Yang Mie Mie's performance during conflict scenes e.g. when she tried to repress her feelings because of her mother's resistance. The chemistry was palpable too.
6. FL characterisation - I liked that she created a boundary between her and ML when they met again at the start of the drama. She struggled between her feelings for ML and her mother's disdain for ML and his sister.
7. Editing - The predecessor is 50 minutes longer than this version. However I found Love Day and Night to be well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's sister in this drama was the antagonist. She was selfish and manipulative - had no remorse for doing those things. I also disliked both mothers of ML and FL.
2. Scumbag - There was a scumbag that kidnapped FL. I don't recall if he was FL's ex but I thought his arc was boring.

Favourite scene
When they were first intimate

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Cowardly and selfish FL who took no accountability for her actions. I disliked this drama!

I got curious about this vertical drama after reading my MDL friend Raiana's review. I have only watched a few Korean verticals and most of the shows I watched (available on iQIYI) cannot match the quality of Chinese verticals. I had high hopes for this drama because I had already seen 2 rave reviews before starting this drama. Unfortunately I don't share the same love for this drama like the other reviewers. I usually avoid giving away too much spoilers in my MDL reviews so I apologise in advance - there are a lot of spoilers in this review.

What I liked:
1. Production value - The drama was well directed and edited. Burning the Line felt like a compact version of a standard Korean melodrama.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend and FL's dean / superior. They were the most rational people in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was lovebrained and overall nice guy. He was mature beyond his age and at times, more mature than FL.
4. Duration - This drama is less than 90 minutes. Thank gawd!

What I disliked:
1. FL - She was the antagonist of this story. She was unhappy with her career and love life but instead of breaking up with a fiance she didn't love and focusing on career advancement, she just let the engagement go on AND got entangled in a situation that could jeopardise her goal. I HATED that she gave weak excuses (to herself and ML) about being in relationship to ML despite knowing that he was her bestie's son! She was cowardly and did not take any accountability for her actions. She ran away when facing problems.
2. The ending - Gosh, what kind of ending was that?!! Noble idiocy!
3. Romance - I love noona romance but sadly I didn't like the romance arc in this drama. Their romance started with deceit and even though ML knew that FL was still engaged, he was happy to continue being in a relationship with her.

Favourite scene
When ex-fiance bumped into FL and ML.

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Product placement in the form of mermaid drama. Compact & fun!

I am writing two-series reddit posts about mini dramas and vertical dramas with mermaid & merman trope. This drama is one of them. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this very short drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact and well-written for a product placement. I was amazed.
2. Acting - Good performances by the four leads and this is a mobile phone ad. The two leading ladies were very charming.
3. Fantasy - I loved the elements presented here as they were refreshing. No tears that turn to pearls.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed the contrasting dynamics between Shi Yue and Bai Yu (sismance), between Bai Yu and An Xu Guang and between him and Shi Yue. The latter involved cute rivalry & banter.
5. Styling - I really liked the green highlights worn by Qin Xie Xie. Yang Yang looked handsome ethereal in white / silver wig. Overall the outfits worn by the cast were visually appealing.
6. FLs - Wonderfully written. They were smart & compassionate.
7. Length - This was perfect for a short video promoting a mobile phone. No complaints.
8. ML - There was more focus on his crush on Bai Yue than on his work but hey I enjoyed his arc.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He was evil & power hungry.

Favourite scene
When ML found out that Bai Yu was visiting him

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Disliked Yan Yin An's acting but the plot has substance

I was in the mood for mermaid / merman short dramas so I picked My Dear Mermaid. I have heard of Alpha because he acted with Han Jia Hui but Yan Yin An was unfamiliar to me. This drama was an OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Plot - For a short mini drama, the storyline has substance. ML and antagonisthad good arcs. Enough drama for lighthearted drama.
2. Visuals - Alpha and Fu Xue Yan's visuals certainly grabbed my attention.
3. Fantasy - I liked the fantasy elements especially the alter ego.
4. Duration - Fast-paced drama probably just outside of 1 hour running time.
5. Characters - ML was ok but the green prime minister was funny.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I didn't enjoy this drama because of Yan Yin An's acting. She didn't have the main character aura and not because of her plain visuals. I felt she was more suited playing supporting characters. There was zero chemistry between her and Alpha. They were awkward with no ice broken between them.
2. FL characterisation - I felt her character had the least impact out of three. She seemed ditzy & immature.
3. Romance - Lacklustre. They never seemed to be genuinely attracted to each other. It felt more like they were together because fate has told them so.

Favourite scene
How they defeated the antagonist

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Likeable lead characters, sizzling chemistry & well-written antagonist. I was entertained!

I watched Xu Zhen's mermaid drama a few days ago and enjoyed her acting a lot there. I decided to check out her other work and since this drama is available on iQIYI, I clicked play. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her train of thoughts - smart thinking & some unintentionally funny. I also liked her kindness.
2. ML characterisation - He was that ML who wasn't interested in women until he met FL but I liked that he wasn't aloof. He grew fond of FL as time progressed. I liked that scene about the knee mole and his expectations.
3. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. Marriage of convenience that had partnership angle right from the get go. There was warmth right from the start and when they finally kissed, there was heat in those kisses.
4. Acting - Both Xu Zhen & Li Zi Jie were good in their roles with Xu Zhen portraying two different personas. There was sizzling chemistry between the two - I bought their characters' romance journey.
5. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was entertaining - he even got to perform action scene. I liked ML's mother & FL's adopted family. FL's adopted bro was sweet towards her.
6. Twist - I enjoyed that twist in the third act. Smart way to catch the antagonist in the act.
7. Pacing - 69 episodes went by fast. Never a draggy moment. Good mix of comedy & drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She betrayed FL! What an opportunist! Needless to say, the antagonist was smart and not as pathetic as the usual female antagonists in other vertical dramas.

Favourite scene
When they were intimate for the first time

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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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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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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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