emberzmars

Strong FL left scumbag husband. No reconciliation - thank gawd!

I found out about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I didn't recognise the main actor & main actress but was willing to give this a shot considering its short running time. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a devoted partner (in lofe & at professional level) to ML but once her trust was betrayed by ML, she decided to leave ML, took her half and move on. I really liked her determination to rebuild her life.
2. Acting - I really liked Wu Yue's acting. Li Si Yang was overshadowed by her but he gave a good performance too.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant because he put some sense into ML. I liked the man who pursued FL post-divorce because he appreciated her wisdom and success and never felt intimidated.
4. Romance - I was surprised by this arc. Older woman-younger man dynamics. There were not many romantic scenes between them but their kiss was hot.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not prioritising FL during their marriage. He wanted to reconcile with FL very badly but fate was not on his side. He got his retribution.
2. Casting - The actor who played ML's assistant was handsome. I wish he had swapped roles with the actor who played FL's new love.

Favourite scene
When FL's new love tended to her wounds

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Mature & introspective drama of character growth and second chance romance

I was finalising a reddit post on my 5 favourite Cheng Cheng's dramas when this drama was released. I decided to watch it before I published the post, just in case I could feature it in the post. I didn't include Get Married in my post but I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was rebuilding her career after a scandal. She was vulnerable but there was a quiet strength about her and I liked seeing her journey. There was a healing aspect to this drama.
2. Romance - This is a story of a second chance drama. Reconciliation was a slow process because FL wanted to rely on herself rather than being dependent on others in the restart of her career. I also liked that writer didn't harp on too much on childhood romance because their romance should not rely on nostalgia.
3. ML characterisation - ML still loved FL even post-divorce and I liked that he wasn't domineering. He was jealous when FL got attention from other men but he was never threatened her. I also liked that ML was flawed - too many MLs in vertical dramas were depicted as "perfect".
4. Tone - There were comedic moments that made this drama lighthearted.
5. Styling - I must say I loved ML's outfits. ML was a director of a variety show so his outfits were mostly outdoorsy and comfortable yet stylish.
6. Third party - There was no green tea in this drama and I loved it! Their relationship broke down because of their own insecurities.
7. Supporting characters - I loved FL's agent & the assistant director.

Disliked:
1. Reconciliation - I wish there were more time / episodes after they really talked about their failed marriage. I would like to see them rebuilding their romantic relationship.
2. Variety show - I understand that it was a catalyst for reconnection between FL and ML but I felt the variety show content wasn't relatable. Ideally the show could have been nore focused on communication so it would be parallel to FL-ML's past problem.

Favourite scene
When FL told her agent about the problems in her marriage that eventually led to her divorce

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Combustible chemistry & steamy kisses but too much screentime to the antagonists

I binged Cheng Cheng's dramas as an assignment to write a reddit post on his work. This was one of the dramas I watched - I already liked Huang Yun Yun. There was certain aspects that I thought could be reduced but overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, lusty kisses. I never saw Cheng Cheng kissed with fervour until I watched this drama. There were some sweet and tender moments which I enjoyed too.
2. FL characterisation - I loved her from the start because she was a sultry vixen out to seduce ML. She knew her strengths and how to use them to achieve her goal.
3. Styling - FL's outfits were very pretty. I also liked ML's outfits - modern and rugged.
4. Music - I enjoyed the songs featured in this drama. Some I recognised from kdramas e.g. FAKE PARADISE by Xylo.
5. Acting - Huang Yun Yun & Cheng gave a good performance even though I think ML was underdeveloped. Both of them had combustible chemistry that I sensed the intensity of the pull and sexual tension between them.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & dastardly SML / former love interest were given too much screentime. I couldn't care less about their antics. I wish the writer & director had cut short their screen time and instead gave more time to showcase FL-ML romance.
2. Abuse - Damn, why would you harm an elderly???

Favourite scene
When SML headed to a hotel room to check if FL was with ML

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Well-written & acted FL-focused drama about love, career and family

I love the first part of this drama. There was whimsical and magical vibe to it but the ending was abrupt. Then a few weeks ago, I was ecstatic upon finding out that there was second part to this story. I watched within a few days of release and was spellbound. Loved it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a woman who knew what she wanted for her career and went full steam for it. The career vs love conflict that she faced was relatable and I liked that she struggled and learned that love could be a priority in her life too.
2. ML characterisation - He was loving, patience and the most chilled nepo baby hehehe he's more concerned about FL's career than his and I liked that he didn't feel emasculated by her high ambitions.
3. Romance - Affectionate & healthy with physical touch being their love language. The breakup was understandable but it was great that they worked things out. I really liked the proposal.
4. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Li Ke Yi & Lu Dan Dong had wonderful chemistry & rapport.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's bestie and ML's grandma. Even FL's sister was ok after she learnt her lesson.
6. Styling - Loved the outfits for both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were horrible especially the grandfather and father. Stuck in that "men are better" mentality.

Favourite scene
When ML pulled FL into his lap then answered phone call from her father

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Draggy but good version of reformed gangster girl with doctor husband & son

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit member. This is the second time I watched FL Liu Can's drama but ML Li Ye Chen was unfamiliar to me. Overall the drama was a good watch but some parts were draggy.
There is the first version of this 'reformed gangster girl with doctor husband and son' plot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she turned her life around. She was mean in her previous life but had learnt her lessons and worked very hard to earn a living so her family of three wouldn't suffer from poverty.
2. Redemption - She was sincere about wanting to change and those moments made me teary eyed.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was so cute. ML's parents were suspicious of FL because ML was secretive about his marriage but they accepted FL after getting to know her.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The wide leg trousers & black jacket. Thr purple too & purple skirt combo.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - Too long. I got bored in the second half that I increased speed to 2.0x.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. With that length of drama, I thought we could get more romantic scenes but nope. Director & writer focused on her career instead. I also didn't feel much love & affection coming from ML.
3. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry but they got their retribution at the end.

Favourite scene
When FL tried out clothes at a store.

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Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness couldn't save this crime drama

I recently became fascinated with Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness that I am always drawn to watch his dramas almost immediately upon release. I watched this drama on a fine Saturday and wow, I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension right from the moment FL met ML for the first time. Their romance took longer to develop due to circumstances but once the spark ignited, I saw ML's determination to win her heart. Quite sweet and some assumptions made - the romance was far from perfect.
2. Plot - It was unpredictable with third act was the most interesting to me.
3. Acting - I liked the performances by both leads. Li Sheng Nan was great in her crying scenes as she managed to evoke some emotions.
4. Styling - Ji Jun Liang was very handsome even in delivery person uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Yi FL's colleague was nasty.
2. FL characterisation - Somehow I found her bland after her runaway bride moment. She didn't act like a lawyer after being entangled with ML.
3. Continuity - At first ML had helmet while doing his delivery job but when FL hitched a ride, the helmet went missing.

Favourite scene
When ML offered FL a ride home after wedding cancellation

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Electrifying chemistry, plentiful affection and great acting in this spicy hidden identity drama

I noticed this drama when I was updating Li Quan Cheng's profile. I really liked Cui Yi Liang's acting. Somehow I watched another version Indulge in Your Trail first before watching this drama today. I prefer this version to Indulge in Your Trail.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn there were many spicy scenes. I also liked that there were plenty of sweet & affectionare moments. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Acting - Their chemistry was electrifying. Both of them played their roles, as individuals and as a couple, very well. I also liked SML's acting who also had good chemistry with CYL.
3. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool and calm - I liked that very much. She was also firm on boundaries with her ex. I also felt Cui Yi Liang's FL made more effort in their relationship than Yao Yu Chen's FL. She apologised immediately after hurting his feelings.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling from start till end. I loved, loved, loved FL's clothes in particular that sexy red dress. Li Quan Cheng looked hot & expensive. I even liked outfits for ML's mother.
5. ML characterisation - I admired his devotion towards FL - he made her his priority unlike her ex husband. I also liked that he enjoyed cooking for her.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie for being on her side all the time. I also liked ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was irritating for constantly referring to her as wife post-divorce. He wanted to get back together with FL but still in relationship with his mistress.
2. Smoking - There were many moments in which FL and ML smoked.

Favourite scene
FL's divorce party

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I enjoyed this drama about reborn ML as 8 year old with superpower

I discovered this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and thought it would my buddy watch & review activity with MDL user Fae. This is my first vertical drama with a kid as main character and overall I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Luo Zhuo Ran's performance really blew my mind. I must say he had a commanding presence for a child actor. The rest in the cast were good in their roles too.
2. Visual effects - I liked the scenes when ML used his superpower. The visual effects were good for a vertical drama.
3. ML characterisation - He loves his mum and would do almost anything to save her. I liked that he worked hard to earn money for the operation. He didn't use pity or go begging for money.
4. Supporting characters - The antique shop owner was my favourite character after ML. I liked how caring & protective he was towards ML.
5. Styling - I found Luo Zhuo Ran handsome for a young boy. I liked the contrasting hair styling between everyday hair and special banquet hair. I also liked the black jacket that he wore to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow ML's father was horrendous, which explains the opening scene between him and his son. I was happy that he and his mistress got their comeuppance.
2. Third act - I wish there were more action or fantasy scenes since ML had superpower. The slander at the end got me bored but I liked the debate about tourism & electric cars.

Favourite scene
When antique show owner found out the reason ML wanted to earn money

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Love Zhou Jia Yi, the writing and sci-fi element of this drama

MDL user Fae and I did a buddy watch & review on Love Algorithm and I love it! Thank you Fae for the recommendation! Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow I am impressed by Zhou Jia Yi's acting. Her interpretation of AI was very good - she managed to put some quirks but did not seem like an awkward / stiff robot. Wang Zi Lin was good in his role too.
2. Writing - That's clever writing there. There is a balance of slapstick & witty humour. I also liked the line about humans not fulfilling their promise - said by FL to Shen Chuan.
3. FL characterisation - FL reminded me of Bionic Woman and I loved that she was physically strong. I also liked that she only struggled with her feelings in the third act almost close to the ending.
4. Styling - FL had great styling - I especially loved the sleeveless top & long trousers she wore during the car accident. I loved the wigs & Jetsons space-inspired outfits worn by AI.
5. Framing - The director was smart in shooting scenes about FL's powers. The car accident scenes were well-framed even when there was a minute of green screen use. I also liked the VFX during FL's use of xray / hacking ability and also the fried robot / AI moments.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the techie brother to FL. He reminded me of Topher, the scientist / tech guy character in Joss Whedon's Dollhouse.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Chuan was a horrible person, envious of Huo Chen's success. I
hated that he ordered thugs to hurt / kill his
rival. ML's ex was power hungry & manipulative as well.
2. ML's parents - Father was typical character who favours one child over the other. ML's mother surprised me. She was a doormat who were afraid of society's views of herself & family so she'd rather her own & son's happiness.

Favourite scene
The water test during AI competition

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Familiar plot but pleasantly surprised by storytelling and acting

I missed watching Xie Yu Wang on screen and only yesterday found out that this drama is also available on Youku so I watched it. I am familiar with dramas with the selling egg plot with Du Ya Fei and Huang Bo's versions being my favourites and Zeng Hui being the version I dropped. I was pleasantly surprised by this version - I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that I liked Xie Yu Wang's approach to the character. He was soft-spoken like Huang Bo's version but wasn't so horny & forceful like Du Ya Fei's version. I also liked XYW's chemistry with Li Ke Yi. She also did well in her role as she wasn't very damsel like Yang Shu Yu's.
2. Main characters - This pairing seemed to have better synergy with less sponsor-beneficiary vibe. I liked that FL tried her best to repay heer debt to ML.
3 . Writing - In terms of storytelling, this version is quite similar to Du Ya Fei - Yang Shu Yu's version but condensed and lighter. I liked that the banquet in this drama was different from DYF-YSY version.
4. Romance - Great push and pull with good kisses with lust coming from both sides. There were also sweet moments with one particular turned comical then hot.
5. Styling - The outfits for Li Ke Yi really suited her character. Xie Yu Wang's broodiness when up a notch with those glasses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's mother and brother were bums and money-hungry. I didn't expect the punishment to be in that form - damn satisfying. The jealous female doctor was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to seduce him based on what she had learned

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Switch off your brain and just enjoy Du Ya Fei and child actress' performance

I came across this drama on reddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued to see Du Ya Fei acting with a kid so I watched it a few days ago. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Du Ya Fei and the child actress were good in their role. She was a dark but adorable character.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching different dynamics between FL and her two brothers. Second bro was welcoming while First brother remained skeptical until something happened to him.
3. Outfits - Liked their outfits with FL looking like little punk princess while Du Ya Fei looked good in DC Comics Joker purple suit.
4. Antagonists - This is one of few instances that I am fine with main antagonist's arc.
5. Duration - I appreciated that this drama only took 100 minutes or less.

What I disliked:
1. ML's wife - I felt that arc was done in a rush because I couldn't care less if she was reincarnated or not. It's also weird that the original body just accepted her fate as ML's wife.
2. Storytelling - Some parts were messy. Like why all of sudden ML's wife needs to be resurrected, how come ML was too kind to adopt FL.

Favourite scene
When FL fought against the old antagonist and saved First Brother

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Wonderful chemistry & acting in this straightforward, wholesome romcom about mismatched couple.

I was in the mood to watch Guo Yu Xin drama. I chose this drama because it's short and I enjoyed their collab in a period drama. This drama was a fun & quick watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she could take care of herself i.e. baddies could never lay a finger on her. She was kind, considerate and patient.
2. Acting - It's was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin playing this type of role - physically strong woman but in touch with her emotions. I cried when FL cried because I could feel the pain. Lei Yi Hao was charming and handsome. Together Guo Yu Xin and Lei Yi Hao had great acting chemistry and it shone despite the lack of skinship.
3. Romance - Underdeveloped but somehow satisfying due to their chemistry. I could sense that ML started to like for her she was.
4. ML characterisation - He was a pompous ass at the start of the drama and I disliked him. I only liked him in the second half of the drama when he realised he had misjudged FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I liked that it's fast paced.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I wish he had apologised earlier and made more effort to win back FL. I couldn't believe that he only bucked up after being prompted by his butler and assistant.
2. Antagonists - Typical green teas - constant Gege cooing, possessiveness and delusional. Scheming to be the missus.
3. Kisses - I wish the kissing scene wasn't given that treatment. I wanted to see real kisses between them in a modern drama.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML about his feelings

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The son An An is the highlight of this flawed drama

I was in the mood for Yang Han drama and since I have apid iQIYI subscription, I decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly despite drama's many flaws.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - Their son An An was smart, endearing & lovable. He was also protective of his mother. FL's bestie was awesome too!
2. Acting - Liu Yu Bo is the most adorable child actor I have ever seen and I squealed in delight whenever he was on screen. I think Yang Han and Sheng Yi Jie did well in the roles that they'd been assigned too. They have wonderful chemistry - I'd love to see them paired again in a romance-heavy drama.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by 3 leads. The cape-like jacket worn by Sheng Yi Jie was my favourite. Yang Han looked hot in henley.
4. Funny - There were some light moments that made me laugh but the best funny moment is the backfired trick. Jealous colleague wanted to shame FL but it backfired.

What I disliked:
1. Marriage - The weirdest arranged marriage ever. I was unhappy with the elders for that action. I also disliked the fact that he went radio silent with his wife for 6 years. He also never confronted his wife when he felt something was off. A lot of assumptions were made.
2. Antagonist - Gosh she was a psycho for wanting to harm An An.
3. Romance - I dislike that they liked each other while being married to someone else. I also disliked the lack of romance. I think there was only 2 kisses with huge episode gap between them.

Favourite scene
When An An first appeared

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Electric chemistry, good storytelling & Wang Yi Ran in top form made this drama enjoyable

I saw Undead_AEM_Bug's review on my feed and this drama got me curious because hey I missed Wang Yi Ran. My last drama of his was the one with Bai Yan so yes that was almost 4 months ago. This drama did not disappoint me - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Wang Yi Ran - YES, he shined so much in this role. What a great performance! He was able to express different façades of his character.
2. Romance - Electric chemistry between WYR and Bai Xu Han. There was a great balance of spicy and sweet scenes and what I enjoyed the most is feeling the growing love between FL and ML.
3. Acting - Bai Xu Han, the actor who played senior Fang and the actress who played FL's stepmother were great in their roles.
4. Main characters - I liked that FL was emotionally strong but had moments of vulnerability as well. It must be hard to receive a health scare that could jeopardise her future. I also liked ML because he had his own mission to accomplish.
5. Plot - It's a revenge tale with many plot devices thrown in so plot holes are unavoidable. Despite the flaws, I enjoyed this drama because the obstacles faced by FL were different from what I've seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's stepmother was evil for abusing FL since she was a child. Her bro Mr Fang Senior was equally evil and status hungry. FL's stepsis was bad minion.
2. Abuse - Too much abuse faced by FL. Good thing she was emotionally strong.

Favourite scene
FL dealing with her husband’s demand for sex

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Refreshing fantasy tale of revenge & transmigration but too bad Zhao Xi Xi had little screen time

I was in the mood for Zhao Xi Xi dramas after finding out that she has mini dramas on wetv. I chose to watch this drama instead because of the short length and highly positive reviews. I was enraptured by the storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, I didn't know where I was headed with this drama. I was on edge because of the plot twists. I liked how how the bodies were selected for FL to get her revenge.
2. Acting - Good performances by Zhao Xi Xi, Zeng Xi Tang and Wang Yi Lei. The supporting cast did well too.
3. Supporting characters - Pei Chen made the biggest impact for me because he had more to lose and well Li Ruo Xun was handsome.
4. Styling - Stylist who decided on Wang Yi Lei's final look should get a raise. The shit left unbuttoned, the ear cuff... be still my heart!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Mai Jia Ming was an evil man. The mistress was a b!tc#.
2. Screen time - Zhao Xi Xi had too little screen time for a main character so she didn't shine as much as other characters she's played. Wang Yi Lei even lesser than Zeng Xi Tang.

Favourite scene
When FL found out ML's other secret

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