emberzmars

Well written mystery drama with spectacular performances & beautiful cinematography

I am a Huang Bo fangirl. I was ecstatic to see this drama cast list a few weeks ago because I love Zhao Xi Xi's acting while Ma Xiao Yu's acting is growing on me. Thank you to Jwells for sharing the links. I just completed the drama and wow, wow, wow I am thoroughly impressed.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Amazing screenplay that kept me guessing throughout the series. At first I thought this could be a soul swap drama but nope, I was wrong. The drama made me ponder the conflicts that exist in this drama's third act.
2. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Ma Xiao Yu, Huang Bo and the actress who played mother to both brothers. They were immersed in their roles. I giggled a bit during the drama because Huang Bo essentially played a Sleeping Beauty. I was delighted we still got to see Huang Bo's performances after the tragedy happened.
3. Dynamics - I loved that this drama explored the dynamics between the brothers, between mother and son, between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan and between Zhi Xia and Hao Xun.
4. Romance - There were many hot kisses and intimate scene in this fast-paced mystery drama. The romantic scenes between Zhi Xia and Hao Nan brought me back to Bu Bu Shen Xian (perhaps a parallel universe where Han Qing & Feng Si Qian had more happy moments).
5. Hao Xun characterisation - What a joy for me to see Ma Xiao Yu portray such a complex character and in the presence of Huang Bo (I know he could nail the role of Hao Xun if he had chosen it). Hao Xun is my favourite Ma Xiao Yu's role.
6. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat. I liked how the writer and director chose this ending as it is in line with the vibe of the drama.
7. Editing - Beautiful cinematography that made this drama feel like a wonderfully crafted indie film. I also liked the pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Secret - Judging by the ending, Zhi Xia was kept in the dark. I don't like that!

Favourite scene
The introduction. DAMN, I wasn't expecting it!

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Coherent storytelling and good acting but I didn't like ML nor the romance

There was a lot of talk about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas when it was fresh release. Mostly because of its screenplay and "vulgar" scene. I never watched The Prisoner of Beauty but I got curious and decided to watch it. Too bad I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Storytelling - Historical dramas in vertical format tend to be messy but to my surprise, the storytelling here was coherent and concise. I felt like watching a movie with good flow and without fillers.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting and Cesar Wu. FL is a standard character trapped in marriage alliance done to save her family. YYT managed to showcase FL's vulnerability without being cloying. Cesar managed to show different sides of his character: stern lord, confused husband, tender lover.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML & the rest of the cast.
4. Intimacy - Strong physical intimacy - that bath scene alone was provocative. Lust & desire were evident.

What I disliked:
1. Distrust - The amount of distrust in this drama was unbelievable. Even with 20 minutes to the end, FL & ML were at odds with each other.
2. ML characterisation - He was polarising! He loved her but still didn't believe in her. I'd say he is the main antagonist in this drama.
3. Romance - With trust being the main issue, I never believed their romance. There was no emotional intimacy between them.
4. Antagonists - ML's childhood friend, cousin and mother were horrible people.

Favourite scene
Bath scene

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Combustible chemistry in this romance heavy drama between two rivals

I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui's dramas so last night I decided to watch this drama. This is the third time Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin worked together so I had some expectations since I enjoyed Love is Never Too Late. I was right - I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Steamy scenes were short but sexy. There were plenty of kissing. touching, hugging - physical touch is their love language. I also liked that they flirted at different stages of their relationship.
2. ML characterisation - I was surprised when he knew about FL's hidden identity. I thought he would sulk. ML was patient, caring and also sensitive. He was very sincere in his love for FL. I understood why he chose to separate from FL when the secret was officially out.
3. FL characterisation - She had two personas (true self - the heiress, and fake self - timid, weak wife). I saw her fake self as a shield to stay guarded and avoid getting hurt. She was flawed but her character grew as the drama progressed.
4. Rival arc - I liked that both FL and ML were rivals even though it was caused by a rumour. FL's brothers were business rivals to ML - their rivalry wasn't as ferocious as Capulet vs Montague.
5. Supporting characters - FL's brothers were entertaining. Second brother provided comic relief while first brother was the more rational one. I also liked ML's assistant.
6. Acting - Great performance from Han Jia Hui and Wang Zi Lin. He looked spellbound by FL throughout the drama - I loved this soft side of Wang Zi Lin. Their chemistry was electric and this duo was visually stunning.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the biker chic to the caramel top & pants. ML's outfits were beautiful too - I liked WZL in his blue-green suit. Plus their hair was beautifully styled too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was controlling - she was reluctant to let the company be led by ML. I thought her plans to have ML married to his childhood friend was her way of keeping the company within her control. I also disliked ML's childhood friend. She was totally out of line but can't blame her because ML's mother enabled that behaviour. Glad that antagonists didn't get much screentime.
2. FL's action - I disliked that she self-sabotaged her relationship with ML especially when she told his childhood friend the reason for her marriage. ML overheard and of course he was hurt.

Favourite scene
When ML started smoking during a meeting with FL and her second brother

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Letdown by writing & Yang Shu Yu's acting

I was intrigued by this title after seeing a review on subreddit CShortDramas a few days ago. I didn't read the review in order to avoid spoilers. Last night I decided to watch the drama on iQIYI and hhhhmmm it was so-so. Intriguing start but second act onwards was boring for me.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Liu Yu Hang was excellent as he got to play two distinct characters. It was fun to watch the contrasting personalities.
2. Secret - I liked that both FL & ML knew about the twin switch by episode 11. I also liked that FL caught her boyfriend cheating on her in episode 20.
3. Lu Jingran - Silly, spoilt brat. He provided the comic relief.
4. Romance - There were good kisses & sweet and tender moments.
5. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the yellow canary dress. Her very high heels were pretty too. I also liked the contrasting styles for the twins.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song Qing An was a sick bastard & FL's mother was an accomplice. ML's father was an abusive & controlling father. I also disliked the betrothed fiancee to ML - she was delusional.
2. FL characterisation - I found her bland & at times infuriating. It was nice that writer gave her a career which she kept a secret from her family but she was backed up by secret investor (ML) so I don't think her success was attributed to her own capabilities. I disliked her for leaving ML without a proper discussion on their relationship.
3. Yang Shu Yu - Her dramatic acting was one-note. She should be in agony after finding out the truth about her father's death.
4. Chemistry - No chemistry between Yang Shu Yu & Liu Yu Hang.

Favourite scene
When Lu Jing Ran discovered FL & ML's relationship

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Familiar plot but gorgeous visuals (shots + cast) and charismatic leads made this fun watch!

This drama came to my radar through subreddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued by the first minute and after seeing a positive review, I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Wow I must say that the shots were beautiful. This drama looked like a traditional long-form Chinese dramas with the colour gradation and set-up.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching Zhan Ni and I really liked her acting. She gave this elegant, understated but punchy performance. Wang Yan Xin was good in his role too. Zhan Ni and Wang Yan Xin had good chemistry too.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was quick thinker and able to protect herself from bullies. The last scene with her family was bittersweet and I understood her conflict.
4. Styling - Gorgeous outfits from hotel employee uniforms to FL's casual work and night gown. ML looked dashing in his work clothes and even pyjamas but I wish he hadn't worn the glasses. Made him look like an uncle. SML's outfits were gorgeous and I also liked Xiao Xiao's styling a lot!
5. Romance - The romance was slow but there were good kisses and sweet moments, mostly initiated by ML. I wish there were more scenes of them bonding as a couple.
6. Supporting characters - I ❤️ Xiao Xiao! Her honest remarks about FL's relationship cracked me up. I also liked Shen Yu despite his attempts to woo FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lin Yao Yao was annoying and incompetent. Gosh I loved it when she was demoted from ML's secretary to hotel staff - she was too nosy in other people's work. FL's mother was a surprise to me - I thought she was FL's stepmother but no she was her biological mother who treated FL badly. Glad they got retribution.
2. FL's action - It was frustrating when FL kept mentioning that they were in fake marriage numerous times. For someone who is great at anticipating customer's needs, she wasn't good at reading her husband's actions. Honey, you got a fine looking with good characteristics man whom you knew from school and why not take advantage of the situation since both agreed to that arrangement.

Favourite scene
When FL hung washed sheets on the rooftop

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This revenge story didn't flow smoothly and overall I disliked this drama

I watched this drama a few days after its release because I love the collaboration between Li Ke Yi and Lu Dan Dong. They had amazing chemistry so I was curious to watch this drama even without knowing the plot. I must admit that this drama was difficult to watch so I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - This is the core theme of the drama. FL's father collided with ML in an accident and later died but ML's family buried the legal case with their money & influence. FL sought justice for her dad until the criminals were apprehended by police. I liked that she never "softened" or abandon her pursuit. I loved that ML never resisted arrest when police apprehended the Duan family for their crime.
2. Romance - OK seducing ML is part of her revenge plan and while I didn't like that she kept her identity a secret, the intimate scenes were hot and passionate.
3. Acting - I must say Lu Dan Dong brought his A game to this drama. I thought his character wasn't truly evil but he wasn't 100% innocent as well. Li Ke Yi was good in her role but I think she could have more. Lu Dan Dong and Li Ke Yi's chemistry was amazing, as expected.
4. Styling - There were several outfits that caught my attention for example the biker outfit worn by Li Ke Yi.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, Lin Xi Qing and Ms Wu were very annoying. Two petulant heiresses who felt entitled & never wanted to be accountable for their actions.
2. Hidden identity - I disliked that FL's secret was revealed to ML with less than 6 minutes before the drama ended.
3. Writing - This story was draggy and I felt that the scenes after the arrest of Duan family were forced. Why did FL suddenly accept Lin family's offer when she vowed she never wanted anything from them a few episodes earlier? The very last scene was abrupt.
4. Bullying - This drama showcased how rich people bully others. So much negative energy. Too many slaps.

Favourite scene
FL's family friend defended and vouched for FL when she was threatened by Lin Qi Xing's brother

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Long-winded slowburn romance with no third party interference

I am a massive Guo Yu Xin fan and when I saw the poster of this drama a few days ago, I was delighted. I had never seen Huang Hao Wen dramas before even though I've saved them in playlist. Overall I liked this drama and watching it once is enough for me.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both ML & FL were very likeable. I found FL's monologues endearing although at times I wish she had said it out loud and had conversations with ML.
2. Styling - I really liked traditional clothes worn by both of them when they were back at FL's hometown. I also think the styling for flashbacks was done well - Huang Hao Wen did look like a high school student with that hairstyle.
3. Romance - Their romance was saccharine sweet. It's beartwarming to see ML confiding in FL about his insecurity and jealousy. There were several nice kisses though I wish we got spicier moments. If I had a guy who liked me and had agreed to marry me, I'd jump his bones the moment we got home with marriage license!
4. Acting - Both did well in their roles. I liked Huang Hao Wen's approach to his character - quiet confidence but with a dash of vulnerability.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma, FL's mother, sister, her college friends and ML's former schoolmates. The first time FL's mom & sis met ML and his grandma was amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - 3.5 hours is too long for a slowburn romance that doesn't have third party meddling in their relationship. I played this drama at 2x speed so I could finish this drama fast.
2. Writing - I was bored by the time I reached halfway mark because there wasn't anything exciting happening to FL and ML. I also felt that both FL & ML lacked character development despite the ample screentime.

Favourite scene
When ML's grandma visited the florist to find a wife for ML

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Possesive love with steamy dream sequences & good looking leads

I found out about this drama from a sub-reddit and as they say, curiosity kills the cat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A steamy dream sequence at the start. Kissing scenes were hot and much later on there was sweetness in their relationship too. Great chemistry between Yuan Ning and Xu Jun Ning. However I wish there were more scenes of their interactions after they were honest with each other about their feelings.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was firm with her love for SML despite the threats. I understood her resistance towards ML. Yuan Ning did well in her role.
3. ML characterisation - He was aggressive at the start but I was surprised by his arc. He was possessive in some scenes then considerate a few scenes later. It's great that he was remorseful and asked for FL's forgiveness because this rarely happened in vertical dramas. Xu Jun Ning was extremely hot in this role.
4. Length - This drama is less than 100 minutes, which makes it a perfect watch after dinner but before going to bed.
5. Supporting character - I liked ML's righthand man.

What I disliked:
1. Possessiveness - I am not a fan of possessive love. ML was ruthless at FL's wedding.
2. ML's family - SML's mother / ML's sis-in-law was materialistic. I pitied SML for being given a tough choice and I didn't blame him for not choosing FL.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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Good police drama with a touch of romance

I was drawn to this drama because of the plot. This is my third time watching drama of Wang Kai Mu and Cui Yi Liang. I was surprised to see that she has crossed over to vertical from mini dramas.

What I liked:
1. Editing - This drama felt like a 2 hour movie. The tension in the police case, the tension between ML & FL were translated to audience well.
2. Wang Kai Mu - I was impressed by Wang Kai Mu's performance. I have seen him in Beautiful Handsome & the drama with Guo Yu Xin. He has grown so much in terms of acting skill & physical build.
3. Cui Yi Liang - She did well in a dramatic role I must say. However I didn't like her cries.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's team mates in the police force.
5. Romance - Slow burn which is expected. ML was pining for FL for a long time but was respectful of her. Sweet kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Mellow - I found some moments to be too mellow, I was easily distracted.
2. Antagonist - Good one but I wish his arc was given slightly more screen time so audience are more invested in the connection between him and the former team leader.

Favourite scene
When FL realised she was ambushed

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Spicy jiejie romance that could have been great with better emotional connection

I was very intrigued by the drama's poster. The English-translated title implied younger man-older woman romance (my favourite trope) and the ML looked hot! So I clicked play and I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, the intimate scenes were blazing hot - there were heavy kissing & spicy dialogue. There were sweet moments as well. I liked that ML was attracted to FL even when he lost his memory.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was never condescending on ML despite him being a kept man. She was protective of him whenever she got slandered due to their relationship. She was frustrated with her family but was never vicious.
3. ML characterisation - I liked how he took care of FL. I didn't like that he kept his identity from FL for awhile but he was an overall a nice & sincere man. Shao Wei looked damn hot especially with the apron.
4. Styling - Great clothes worn by both FL & ML. Kudos to stylist for FL's outfits & hairstyling during flashback. Chu Aixu looked high school pretty there.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma and brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Blatant favouritism there.
2. Connection - The couple had great physical relationship but I couldn't see emotional connection between them. I wish there were more couple-in-love scenes just before the ending.

Favourite scene
The first time FL saw ML in her kitchen

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ML was starved of love but learn to love and be loved with FL

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was intrigued when I found out about the cast - I really liked Song Yu Jia's acting and Zuo Ming is fine in the 2 dramas of his that I've watched. This drama was unpredictable but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is uncomfortable to watch at times due to his early, toxic behaviour. As the story progressed, I saw the challenges that ML faced from childhood till present and I understood his behaviour. This is my first time watching Zuo Ming in a dramatic role and wow, he was believable. Well done to him!
2. Romance - He was starved of love and his methods of "love" were learned from observations of his parents' dysfunctional relationship. I liked that FL constantly reassured him and indirectly taught him about love. Their first intimacy was very hot - FL took initiative and once ML let go of his insecurity, the passion and lust flowed freely. They were an affectionate couple - physical touch is their love language.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both main characters. Song Yu Jia looked like a goddess while Zuo Ming was very handsome.
4. Vehicle - That pink jeep is so cool! It's great to see a vehicle other than black Mercedes/Maybach/Rolls Royce.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, what a complex arc. I was sympathetic with her because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of ML. However I hated her once I saw her true colours - she's the type who constantly craves attention from men. Devious and dangerous. That stakeholder meeting scene was ridiculous!
2. FL's back story - I felt that FL was underdeveloped. It was never stated whether ML was aware of FL's back story. If ML knew that FL existed for him, could his new beliefs on love remain steady?

Favourite scene
Their first intimate moment

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Love watching Guo Yu Xin as a fashion designer in the 80s!

I was ecstatic to find Guo Yu Xin's new drama so soon after Spring Day. I watched this drama on the day of its release.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - There are several FLs who are fashion designers in the world of vertical dramas but I liked this one even more because I got to see her as a business owner as well. I loved that she talked about intellectual property. Guo Yu Xin was well cast in this role.
2. Reborn arc - I enjoyed the arc because it questioned me about the choices that we made. If we have knowledge about the future, should we use it to our advantage or do we just wait for things to happen?
3. Romance - Sweet romance and good kisses. I could sense their love for and dependence on each other. Guo Yu Xin and Su Jun He have great chemistry.
4. Styling - I love the bright clothes worn in the drama. Guo Yu Xin's cherry blouse was quick memorable but my favourite is the blue and orange business suit combo. So pretty! SFL wore nice clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL chose to take control of her fate after being reborn (yes, she was reborn too) but she was never accountable for her actions. She kept blaming FL whenever things didn't go according to her expectations. She was vicious in her means to bring down FL but I must say good job to the writer for writing such arc.
2. Genetic testing - I think that genetic testing that was done the second time was too advanced for that time. DNA testing was very new in the late 1980s and it was focused on crime solving. So I think DNA testing couldn't be use for parental dispute in 1989 yet especially outside of the UK/US/Germany.

Favourite scene
When FL introduced a new fashion trend outside of her store

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Doctor-soldier romance with mature vibe

I remember watching this drama on the first weekend of April and poof the link was removed 1 or 2 days after. It's no fun because I usually rewatch some parts of drama when writing review and now I wrote based on memory. Anyway it was great watching these seasoned actors in a drama drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar plot - This drama reminded me a lot of So You Also Like Me, in which FL is doctor while ML is soldier. She even went to conflict zone where ML was stationed.
2. Romance - This drama has mature romance vibe to it. There are sweet & spicy scenes. That makeout session on dining table was hot!
3. Acting - Both Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were great in their roles. If I am not mistaken, Bai Yan said some English words in this drama. Was it 'Thank you'? Hhmmm
4. Action - I also liked the action scenes especially the military scenes. Good to see Wang Yi Ran in uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - One of my frustration with this drama is that FL & ML did not communicate at 1 point which led to assumptions.

Favourite scene
Action scenes of ML and his comrades

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Li Ke Yi as classy vixen & Lu Shan Dong as debonair lover made a great CP

I didn't remember the last time I watched Li Ke Yi's drama but I was intrigued especially when I saw Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong as the ML. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite being raised in the country side, she was sophisticated and carried herself well. I must say I was enchanted by Li Ke Yi throughout this drama. She brought out this classy vixen energy to her character. It's great to see Li Ke Yi out of the usual 'damsel in distress' roles that she often played.
2. Styling - I must say this drama has one of the best outfits for FL. I love love love FL's looks from outfits to makeup as they enhanced Li Ke Yi's babydoll face. I love the blush avant garde dress that she wore! I think only Li Ke Yi can pull that look in a vertical drama. Lu Shan Dong also looked debonair with slight cheekiness with that hairstyle, suits & an earring.
3. Romance - There was a growing sexual tension between FL and ML. Their intimate scenes were hot but I wasn't sure why the first intimate scene was given more blush pink hues because it made it look like a dream sequence.
4. ML characterisation - ML was spellbound by FL ever since he first saw her at his grandma's party. I liked that he gave her space to do whatever she wanted. Great to watch Lu Shan Dong out of scumbag roles he often played.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Sequence - I only watched this drama from one channel so I was not sure if the episodes were not compiled correctly or was the story told in non-linear format. I found the countryside episodes tad confusing as though FL had time travelled to a period in the past.
2. Ending - I felt as though the story was incomplete.

Favourite scene
When they first made love

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Once green tea entered the picture, the drama went downhill

I am already jealous that Jia Yi Xuan kissed Zhen Zi Qi in multiple dramas. Now she got to kiss Huang Bo?!! Hahaha I enjoyed Jia Yj Xuan & Huang Bo's acting so I was intrigued by this collaboration.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - It was nice to see Huang Bo in a character that is less intense. Nice, besotted ML.
2. Jia Yi Xuan - Introductory scene was amusing. Jia Yi Xuan excelled in playing bumbling girl.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father. SML was pretty easy on the eyes but his character was a douchebag.

What I disliked:
1. Third act - Once the green tea started to come into the picture, the drama became unpleasant to me. Such a mess!
2. ML characterisation - WHY did ML think that approach to protect FL is a good idea? I thought ML would be scumbag-free but I was wrong. I would be pissed off & unforgiving if I were the FL.
3. Romance - While there were some good kisses, I didn't feel much emotional depth in their relationship especially from FL.

Favourite scene
The introductory scene

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