emberzmars

When predatory swindler became the prey

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Liu Qing Xin. I realised I had noticed this drama when it was released but somehow was not compelled to watch it. I did it today and it was a great watch.

What I liked:
1. Writing - A refreshed plot with predatory swindler became the prey instead.
2. FL characterisation - Intelligent, focus and no-nonsense. I loved her determination to seek justice for her friend.
3. Acting - Amazing performances by Liu Qing Xin and Wang Hao Zhen. I could sense their characters' pain & anger.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits except the gloves. Fabulous rich woman vibe. ML also wore beautiful suits. Even prison outfit looked good on Wang Hao Zhen.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Concise storytelling.
6. Ending - I loved the ending which was done in 2 parts: i) FL creating a women's aid organisation and ii) wrap up of ML's arc. That's bold of him.
7. Supporting characters - I liked FL's daughter & male friend who supported her cause. I also liked ML's friend / colleague Kevin.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wang Hao Zhen's ML is one of the antagonists. He's a con artist making money from rich single ladies. I hated his boss Qin Hao De and his employees for profitting from other people's misery.

Favourite scene
Jade bangle drama

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Gay romance with physical & emotional intimacy done well

This drama caught my attention when it was released last year but I only watched it 16 hours ago after being reminded of it yesterday when I compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ short dramas for CShortHaven Discord. I had low expectations because of China's law on LGBTQIA+. However I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Writing - A plot that makes sense (most of the time) and executed well. I was surprised by sex scenes as I did not expect high quality production to have such scenes.
2. Xia Cheng Feng characterisation - I liked his character growth. He was quick to notice & make sense of his observations.
3. Romance - I have to say that I was bothered by how they started as a couple because Dr Jin Ye was aggressive with Xia Cheng Feng. However as their relationship foundation became solid, there were emotional connection that were beautifully presented. Thwy were hot for each other.
4. Acting - Wow, amazing performances by Pan Xin Yu and Zhang Qi Hao in their individual roles and as a couple. There was great chemistry between them. I will definitely check their other work.
5. Supporting characters - It surprised me that many of their close friends were supportive of their relationship. I liked Xia Cheng Feng's assistant, Dr Jin Ye's colleague.
6. Dr Jin Ye's characterisation - He was an alpha as a lover. I liked his doctor side although I think he was over the top with his treatments.

What I disliked:
1. Dr Jin Ye's actions - I disliked his possessiveness from the time he saw Xia Cheng Feng having a meal with the heiress to their first intimate moment.
2. Fan behaviour - Those racing fans were intrusive when they were at hospital.
3. Antagonist - He crossed the line after being rejected. I couldn't believe he even harmed the MLs.
4. Heiress - She behaved like a petulant child that it was a turn off. I disliked that she complained to Mr Xia when he didn't entertain her request.

Favourite scene
When Dr Jin Ye met Xia Cheng Feng after long time of not seeing him

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Lighthearted boy love disguising as bromance

I watched thia drama after Reach for the Stars because I wanted to feature them in my new reddit column, Drama Duo. I prefer Reach for the Stars.

What I liked:
1. Duration - This drama is under 2 hours.
2. Tone - Lighthearted with some funny moments. Different from Reach for the Stars which was more melodramatic.
3. Dynamic - I found this drama presented itself more as bromance unlike the other version.
4. Styling - Outfits for Ye Hao Ran really suited him - are those his dailywear? I also liked the outfit of antagonist's assistant - seem like something typical ML would wear.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked antagonist's assistant. Zhou Yi Li's assistant was adorable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He was possessive of Shen Ji Xing.
2. Writing - I felt that the relationship between the two leads and antagonist's arc were on the surface. If I had not watched Reach for the Stars first, I would say the antagonist posed no harm towards the leads.
3. Acting - Both Ye Hao Ran & Duan Mei Yang were ok in their roles but their chemistry was lacking even for bromance. I didn't sense any 'I'd die for you' vibe from those two.

Favourite scene
When Shen Ji Xing gave the password

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Lighthearted with FL & her son providing the laughs

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

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

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

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

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Never ending misunderstanding & mixed up identities. Not recommended

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

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

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

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

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Familiar but fast-paced concubine drama with sizzling chemistry

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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No goody-two-shoes in this drama, every main character schemed to get what they wanted

This drama was mentioned in reddit and I got curious because there are 3 main characters. Since it was available on iQIYI, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:

1. The scheming - Wow, every main character schemed to get what they wanted. This caused me to be wary of their actions.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting, Zhu Zhe Ren, Wei Ruo Chen, the actor who played the Emperor, the actresses who played the Empress and FL's half-sister.
3. Styling - Beautiful. I loved every gown worn by FL. The peach-pink dress was attention grabbing no wonder the emperor noticed her. I also liked ML's red uniform.
4. Dynamic - I loved how FL-eunuch ML relationship evolved from helpless damsel & her advisor / mentor to romantic love.
5. ML characterisation - He was morally grey therefore intriguing!
6. FL characterisation - Her build was a surprise to me. She was betrayed but wasn't aggressive in seeking revenge. She was open to being mentored by ML.
7. Ending - Phew!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I despised SML - he was manipulative right from the start. The main concubine & FL’s sister were nasty but they were open about it. The empress was cunning & two-faced.
2. Abuse - There was infanticide. I also disliked also when FL were abused & bullied.

Favourite scene
When FL defeated SML

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Great acting in this drama about two men in love

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

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

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

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

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Spicy with good looking ML but FL irritated me

I had this drama in my watchlist but only yesterday remembered to watch it because I was missing Zhou Ling Feng's acting. I watched Bend Over a few months ago so I had some expectations with this drama. Unfortunately they were not met. I prefer Bend Over.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious from the get go. I wasn't sure whether he had been reborn too when FL thought of it.
2. Romance - Their love language was physical touch. Lotsa kisses. They couldn't get away from each other. Many forms of seduction between them.
3. Zhou Ling Feng - He was good in his role. Insanely in love / lust and the same thing adorable (I blame his baby faced).
4. Styling - I liked their outfits especially when both were wearing emerald green. I also liked the outfits worn by the concubines.
5. Dream - I enjoyed the dream sequences as they provided insights towards ML's characterisation.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh her character wasn't interesting when she was without ML. So clingy and weak. Her moments with other love rivals were too little.
2. Wang Hai Min - I didn't like her acting her. She looked like she was going to cry all the time and that baby voice irritated me.
3. Antagonists- I didn't like FL's sister and that girl who aspired to be a concubine.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML during daytime

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I didn't like this jiejie romance drama

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Great writing & good chemistry made this fake relationship drama fun

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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Reconnection of childhood friends. Slowburn romance

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML gave flying lessons to FL

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Suspenseful transmigration story marred by lacklustre acting

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

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

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

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

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FL was the scumbag

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When male antagonist told FL about her mistakes

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