emberzmars

Captivated by main leads' performances

I came across this drama on Youtube weeks ago as I was searching for what to watch next. Yesterday I decided to watch this drama and wow, I was captivated throughout the duration of the drama.

Edit: I adjusted my score because I watch this drama on repeat. Zhen Zi Qi's best work.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow both Zhen Zi Qi & Zhao Xi Xi's acting were phenomenal. Their intensity and energy correspond to each other's.
2. Romance - Subtle but I could sense that love was growing between 2 main characters. Blazing chemistry with hot kisses and intimate scenes. However overall I'd say the romance was toxic because of power dynamics.
3. Zhen Zi Qi - I was damn attracted to Zhen Zi Qi even though his character is a jerk. His deep voice, big build & broodiness made him hot.
4. Visuals - Zhao Xi Xi and the second male lead were good looking too.
5. Plot - I enjoy the sibling rivalry plot as this involves fight over family business. I am tired of sister rivalry involving a guy (common trope in vertical dramas).

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually like the ending but wish it was elaborated further. I want to see more sweet moments between ML & FL.
2. Treated - Some scenes between ML & FL gave me discomfort because FL seemed coerced into intimacy.

Favourite scene
When FL comforted ML after he was beaten by his father

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Underwhelming mystery-romance tale

I ❤️ Cui Yi Liang in False Face and True Feelings & enjoy Chen Yu Feng's dramas. When I saw this drama advertised on iQiyi, I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. Wang Xin Yan characterisation - I like her determination to seek justice for her bro. She's flawed but not silly nor annoying. Cui Yi Liang was great in her role.
2. Guo Xing Ye - Wow, he was visually stunning in this drama. Acting wise quite good too.
3. Revenge - Watched many revenge C dramas and this tale of revenge is quite refreshing. I ike FL devise different strategies to outwit her enemies and how she got ML to become her ally.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Sadly it is underdeveloped. I wanted more from my two favourite mini drama actor & actress but they didn't provide much tension.
2. Xie Xin Ni - Possessive & vicious. I pity SML.
3. Mrs Xie - Evil & manipulative.

Favourite scene
Blue dress scene

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Bland story about strangers in flash marriage

I had watched another vertical drama about paralysed ML and since I hadn't watched work by Zhu Yi Wei and Bai Xin Yi's work, I decided to start with this drama.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - They are a real life couple and the chemistry was apparent here.
2. Visuals - Good looking cast from main couple to ML assistant, ML brother & SFL.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - The disability arc didn't meet my expectations. In the other drama, the ML's use of fake disability was a test to vet out money-hungry relatives / rivals. He had charm while doing it but not this ML who is quite bland.
2. Romance - This drama didn't meet my expectation of strangers falling in love. I felt there was limit to both FL & ML interactions and I don't see them grow as ally then lovers.
3. FL characterisation - She was meek & crybaby. The other drama that I watched had FL who was protective of her paralysed hubby from start of marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML confronted SFL for overstepping boundary

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Good premise letdown by the writing

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan after watching their mini dramas, Your Trap & Lost & Found. It was tough to find this series but was delighted when I found it.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan proved once again that they had chemistry that translated well on screen.
2. Romance - That first encounter between their characters was full of sexual tension. Their kisses later in the drama are hot. The life saving scene at the end waa sweet.
3. Mistaken identity - FL thought ML was a male model and ha what a great hook for this drama. Shen Hao Nan was well cast for this role.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - I wish this drama had gone darker or bolder knowing that both Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan are capable of giving layered performances.
2. Rewatch value - Sadly this drama is not memorable enough for rewatch. I watched this drama a month ago before writing this review and couldn't remember the story. So I fast-forwarded to jog my memory and yes, the third act was nothing special.

Favourite scene
FL & ML first encounter in the waiting room

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Enjoyable fish out of water story

I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan. I was apprehensive about her ventures in vertical drama but this one was a good project for her, I think.

What I liked:
1. Stolen identity trope - In many stolen identity vertical drama I watched, FL's identity was stolen by ML's childhood sweetheart/betrothed (already established relationship) . However in this drama, FL's identity was stolen by her housemate/friend from same village.
2. Working hard vs easy life - I also like the conversation about marrying rich guy for easy life vs working hard to earn a living. It clearly explains antagonist's characteristics & motivation. I also like that FL's hardwork not only benefit her but also her village.
3. Romance - There aren't many kisses but I could see love & affection from the main characters through their gestures. It's also good to see that their romance wasn't smooth sailing. There was good balance of push & pull throughout their relationship. SML was interesting love rival.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan, Wang Dao Tie, SFL & SML.
5. FL characterisation - I like that she's street smart, hardworking, kind & thoughtful. I like FL's stance on their blossoming romantic relationship.

What I disliked:
1. ML & SFL relationship - I don't understand why ML offered cohabitation to the woman who claimed to have one night stand with him. He didn't make any effort to get to know her.
2. FL's promotion - Her promotion from one role to the other was done too soon. In reality people might assume she had affair with top management.

Favourite scene
When FL reminded ML of his situation with his girlfriend

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Rebirth-revenge drama done well

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard yesterday. I liked the first few minutes so I continued watching.

Edit: Adjusted overall score because I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. The start - The starting scene made me want to continue watching the series. I really liked that FL Shi Wan witnessed ML Fu Ting Chen confronting her family for their wrongdoing. This scene is different from other rebirth-revenge drama that I watched.
2. Shi Wan characterisation - I like that she was clear and determined about taking her revenge. I was surprised by how far she was willing to go but she said that she's not a goody two shoes. She's not a damsel in distress. She figured out solutions to challenges that she faced.
3. Romance - I enjoy scenes of Shi Wan being coquettish with her hubby. She being turned on by his viciousness made me giddy. The kisses were great because both parties desired each other. Zhou Hang & Yao Yuchen had good chemistry.
4. Plot - This drama is quite light with good pacing. I'd say this drama is FL who found her voice and strength after given a second chance at life.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - There are too many villains in this series. Would have liked it if there were lesser villains with tighter arc.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were on their way to the mall

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Slow burn romance with good acting

I watched this vertical shot drama because of Wang Hao Zhen after enjoying his performance as a douchebag husband who distrustful of his wife but wanted reconciliation post-divorce. I watched this series 3 weeks ago and had watched many vertical drama since then so I can't remember some things. Regret not writing review immediately because I can't find the drama on Youtube anymore.

What I liked:
1) Acting - This series leans more towards drama and both Wang Hao Zhen and Han Yu Tong excelled in their roles. Wang Hao Zhen was great in expressing his character's feelings on his face.
2) Romance - They started off as strangers who married to help each other but later trust and genuine feelings grew between them. Mature romance that doesn't dwell on prolonged misunderstanding.
3) Jin Ze characterisation - I like that he's a doctor who is comfortable making his own money rather than relying on his family's wealth. I also like his patience and genuineness.
4) Song Wan Xing characterisation - I like that she's a school teacher who is compassionate. She can handle her own problems - not a damsel in distress.
5) Supporting characters - I like the grandma!

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I can't seem to recall the things I disliked about this drama but I assume the villain was annoying.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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I like this drama for its visuals and acting intensity

I wasn't familiar with main actor nor the main actress. I didn't even know the synopsis but I was drawn to complete watching this series after a few minutes.

What I liked:
1) Visual - Female lead has wonderful collection of qi pao. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful and elegant in qi pao. Yue Yu Ting, Chen Zheng Yang and ML's assistant are good looking.
2) Acting - I enjoy watching the dynamics between FL & ML. They managed to put good amount of sexual tension at the start that I was drawn to them.
3) Plot - This drama is different from other vertical shot. I like that ML's nephew was aware of FL's circumstance and was willing to help her out.
4) Romance - Fabulous kisses and they were hot for each other. As mentioned by other user, you can feel ML's love for FL.
5) Supporting characters - I like ML's nephew, their daughter, FL's sister, ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1) The reveal - I didn't like the way FL inform ML that they had a child together. She should have come clean immediately when confronted.

Favourite scene
When ML learned about his daughter's existence and then confronted FL about it.

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Impressed by acting & production value

I was intrigued by this series when it appeared on my WeTV dashboard. Once I checked out the drama details & found out that Hong Yao was the main actor, I immediately clicked 'play'. I was curious about his acting when finding out about his marriage.

What I liked:
1) Sisters arc - I enjoyed watching the Shen sisters especially when they were both on screen together. They had different personalities & approaches to their family mystery.
2) Acting - Kudos to the 4 leads. Hong Yao was excellent as alpha male lead who was rational & had a heart. Jiang Peng Yu was amazing in her role despite her young age. Yu Lang was captivating on screen. Lu Si Heng did great in his role.
3) Styling - Love the outfits especially Shen Zi Qiu's wedding dress & the qipao worn by the Shen sisters. Hong Yao & his character's right hand man looked dapper in their outfits & hairstyle. I love Hong Yao's manliness. Lu Si Heng's styling made him look like Korean idol Choi Youngjae from GOT7.
4) Supporting cast - I like ML's right hand man, Tang Zhe, Ms Meng, Shen Zhi Xia's servant.
5) Romance - Good amount of push and pull. High sexual tension. Hot kisses & sweet affectionate scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Deaths - I was shocked by the death of 3 characters. Once the 2 characters died, I lacked some motivation to continue the series.
2) Ending - I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When Shen sisters spent time together before the wedding

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Sweet & mature slow-burn romance

I saw this drama on my Youtube dashboard & quickly browsed comments section. Most users gave positive comments so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) Mature - I am a fan of marriage of convenience & cohabitation tropes and this drama handles both tropes well. Despite them being strangers, they negotiated & navigated their relationship via mutual respect & mostly clear & frequent communications. It's also great that this drama isn't too melodramatic like other vertical shot drama because excessive yelling & violence could ruin my enjoyment.
2) FL characterisation - I like that she's confident, level-headed woman. She faced challenge head-on and I like how she never gave up believing in ML's love for her.
3) Grief - I like how grief is portrayed & dealt with in this drama.
4) Acting - I like Zhu Mo Yen's acting in this drama. Subtle but with impact. Great chemistry between Yu Shang Xu and Zhu Mo Yan. They matched each other's temperament & even visuals.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - I wish there were more affectionate scenes between ML & FL.
2) ML's female friends - I understand that they are protective of ML & were apprehensive with FL. However they should be mindful & tactful when interacting with sensitive issues related to ML & FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother died

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Light dramedy that exceeded my expectations

'Invisible Love' is my second vertical drama that paired Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. The first drama is 'Bride Under the Moonlight'.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - Wow, I was surprised from the get-go because the start was funny.
2) Drama - Then somewhere in the middle there was the car accident. I didn't expect this scene to be emotional - it really touched my heart.
3) Acting - I really enjoyed watching both Zhang Chu Xuan and Sue Yue's acting especially when they were both on screen together. They looked like a real couple who genuinely cared for each other.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - It's not that I dislike, I just wish we get more romantic scenes especially towards the end. I want more kissing scenes!
2) ML's father - I dislike him for taking that action for his sons. He also didn't seem to build a relationship with his granddaughter.

Favourite scene
Car accident

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Beautifully shot revenge drama with noir concept & good acting

I liked Fan Zhi Xin's acting in My Lethal Man so I was curious about this series. The trailer caught my attention so I watched this series last weekend. Yang Yu Xi kinda resembles Miyeon of G-idle.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Wow, it's quite rare to see good performances by both male and female leads. Fan Zhi Xin and Yang Yu Xi played their roles really well because I could see different facial expressions on their faces. I like Guo Jia Yu's acting too.
2) Writing - Good acting wouldn't happen if the screenplay is bad. So well done to the writer for keeping audience on their toes about what's going to happen next. I also liked that FL shared her revenge plans with ML in the middle of their partnership because often times most revenge-themed dramas have Lead Character keeping it as a secret till almost the end.
3) Romance - There is a lot of sexual tension between two couples, i) Xiang Ye Ran & Cheng Che, and ii) Xiang Ruo Lan & Yu Jia Hao. I sensed the emotional pull and genuine affection between them whenever they appeared on screen. I wish there were more kissing between Ye Ran and Cheng Che.
4) Supporting characters - I like that supporting characters have depth to them: Xiao Xiao, Ruo Lan, Jia Hao, Mr Thirteen.
5) Ending - I hope there is season 2.

What I disliked:
1) Pacing - Some scenes in 3rd part of the series were draggy that I didn't pay much attention to the dialogue.
2) Error - Some characters were hospitalised in the final episode. I was bothered by Xiao Xiao's arm injury because her long sleeve was also part of the injury dressing.

Favourite scene
The dance scenes at New Fairy Club. Great performances by Fan Zhi Xin, Yang Yu Xi and Guo Jia Yu.

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Tragic love story with sizzling chemistry and good acting

I watched this mini drama for 2 reasons: 1) Han Dong Lin (watched his performance in Guess Who I Am & She and Her Perfect Husband), and 2) Youku's kissing compilation of this drama ;) Wow Han Dong Lin had many kissing scenes in this drama than in Guess Who I am.

What I liked:
1) Main characters - I like that both male and female leads were flawed and morally grey characters. Though I don't agree with the actions taken by them especially female lead Gu Qing Yan, I understood why they did those things. I like Gu Qing Yan's confidence and self-assurance - she is different from other female leads in republican dramas that I've watched. She knows her sensuality and used it to her advantage but she also knew when to stop or say No. I also like that Ye Yi Fan is a badass but at the same time compassionate and loving towards Gu Qing Yan.
2) Romance - Wow, sizzling chemistry between Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang that translated well in their scenes together, be it intimate or normal interactions. I like that they were very tactile - Ye Yin Fan's hands on Gu Qing Yan's face, waist and even backhug.
3) Acting - Great acting by both Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang. They were good at expressing different emotions from sadness and confusion to joy and bewilderment. The supporting characters were played well by the actors too.
4) Ending - I didn't feel 'happy' or 'satisfied' after the end of episode 26. I find the ending bleak because that last scene did not feel real to me, in other words that's his imagination . I think Gu Qing Yan never returned to Ye Yi Fan because she wanted to protect Ye Yi Fan from further misfortunes.
5) Outfits and styling - I love the costumes especially Gu Qing Yan's. Her qipao collection was beautiful and sexy. Ye Yi Fan's hair and outfits looked modern at times but Han Dong Lin looked good in them because of his good looks and build.

What I disliked:
1) Pain - I disliked that Gu Qing Yan inflicted pain on herself at least twice. I understood the frustrations but harming yourself was quite rash & drastic measure to cope with your emotions.
2) Secret - I also disliked that Ye Yi Fan was not forthcoming to Gu Qing Yan about his family's tragedy. If he had told her his secret, she wouldn't have taken a rash decision.
3) Nails - Han Dong Lin's nails seemed manicured and coloured with pale polish. It bothered me because the colour was too obvious.

Favourite scene:
Fireworks scene. Unexpected grand gesture that shows Ye Yi Fan's tenderness and affections for Gu Qing Yan.

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Fun & light action, comedy, thriller, drama

Korean dramas on Disney+ Flex x Cop have been hit and miss for me. For me, Flex x Cop is a hit. Watch it if you want a fun & light action, comedy, thriller drama.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Bo Hyun always great at playing man baby but this role showcased his skills in both comedy & drama. I like when main character who is in a serious field has fun at work!
2) Supporting cast - Kyungjin character is so cute, glad he got a happy ending hahaha. I also enjoy the developing bromance between Isoo & Junyoung.
3) Love that the opening theme goes for a rock song . I also like other songs featured in the OST such as Hey! by Lucy and Shadows in the Night by Hersh.
4) It's great that writers did not fully explore romance between Isoo and Jihyun.
5) I like that the show showcased two different types of family dynamics: close-knit (Jihyun's family) vs cold, distant (Isoo's family).

What I disliked:
1) I understand that Isoo has connections but with that level of professional and life experiences, I am surprised he managed to solve a lot of the cases.

Favourite scene:
When Isoo was down and it was noticed by his cop friends.

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Campy start but enjoyable series

Playing house is my first mini drama. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1) I enjoyed it despite initial campy set-up. I see similarities to kdrama W but this series is focused on romance, not thriller.
2) Pleasantly surprised by plot twist on episode 17.
3) The actors played their roles well (including hotel staff). Tu Zhi Ying is star of this series. Cavan Wen has strong, stern face which suits cold CEO but it was good that he got to show doubts, insecurity during series.
4) Good romantic tension. Their first kiss was hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1) I wish the ending was different because I prefer both He Lu Yan & Qi Lin to start their relationship rather than confirming their love because whatever happened in the novel was fictional.
2) Wish Ji Xiao & Wei Lan was introduced onscreen so we can see some sparks.

Favourite scene
Their first kiss

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