emberzmars

Huang Bo acting coquettish had me swoon throughout the drama

I am a huge Huang Bo fan and thanks to reddit and thehepburn, I found out about this drama. So this drama is apparently an remake of Utterly Submit co-starring Han Jia Hui and Zhao Zhen Dong. Some things are retained in this drama but overall The Moonlight Never Falls is a totally different drama from Utterly Submit. Enjoyable nevertheless.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He is overprotective but flirty with FL. A green flag ML. Great to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's colleague. She had more sass & screen presence compared to Han Jia Hui's colleague. It's also wonderful to see a plus sized actress playing an important role in a vertical drama.
3. Romance - Great balance of push and pull. I enjoyed watching Huang Bo acting coquettish. I also liked that ML believed in their relationship despite the obstacles faced by each of them.
4. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML and the green tea Ranran.

What I disliked:
1. Dubbing - I feel like Huang Bo's voice is dubbed by someone else. He sounded different from the other drama he starred with Xu Si Qi, which was released around same time as this drama.
2. Antagonists - This version allocated more screen time for the antagonists (Ranran & ML's family) that it overshadowed the couple's relationship. It sucks that Ranran got away with her scheming and was only punished towards the end of the drama. Despite that, the actress who played green tea was very hot and beautiful!
3. FL's action - I disliked FL for turning ML's proposal into a PR stunt for her movie. I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL in his office

Read More

Mature jiejie romance with great acting by leads

I was intrigued by this drama because I liked the poster and the drama is about older woman-younger man romance. I had watched dramas by both Yu Xiao Wan and Chen Yun Ting.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She designs jewellery and I enjoyed her "at work" scenes. She is a great boss and a rational person. I liked that FL doesn't get mad when she found out about ML's real identity. She weighs pros and cons of being in a romantic relationship with ML. Great acting by Yu Xiao Wan.
2. Romance - Lusty, loving & mature. I loved ML's dedication towards loving & protecting ML. FL was committed to the relationship once she felt sure & secure - I liked this!
3. ML characterisation - He was smart to offer himself as muse. Though I am not a fan of secret identity, ML didn't drag it out.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits as they exude confidence & elegance.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's cousin a lot!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feifei was too annoying. I also disliked ML's parents.

Favourite scene
When FL confided her feelings after the chandelier incident

Read More

Charmed by Yao Yuchen in this light rom-com about love and family

I enjoy watching dramas of Yao Yuchen and Zhang Yi Yang so I was delighted when I discovered this drama on reddit.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see FL's hiding her identity for survival. I love her hidden hobby. I must say Yao Yuchen is one of the most charming vertical drama actresses. I liked her in this role.
2. Romance - There were a lot of kissing and sweet moments between ML & FL. There is also a secondary romance in this drama, which I enjoyed.
3. Friendship - It's refreshing to see that FL and SFL are besties instead of rivals. I love watching their friendship in this drama.
4. Styling - Fabulous style for FL. She gets better outfits compared to her bestie.
5. Supporting characters - ML's mother is wonderful!

What I disliked:
1. ML's brother - His character is severely underwritten and the actor had the least screentime. I wish the writer had given him a better arc.

Favourite scene
When FL & SFL panicked because their husbands could find out their secrets

Read More

Sweet romance but drama is not memorable

I picked this drama because I discovered it in Xia Jingran's filmography. It had been awhile since I last watched Du Ya Fei's drama. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Crush - I liked that ML developed crush on FL because of her kindness.
2. Romance - Sweet romance with a lot of light touches and hugging.
3. Styling - Xia Jingran has fabulous hair, which can be seen in this drama. I love her clothes and especially shoes. Fascinating choice considering the height difference between her and Du Ya Fei.
4. Acting - I liked Du Ya Fei and Xia Jing Ran's acting.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - After watching plenty of dramas on a regular basis for almost 5 months, I felt that there was nothing new offered in this drama.
2. Antagonist - same old, same old. Jealous of FL.

Favourite scene
When FL first saw her hubby shirtless.

Read More

Reborn tale with reverse roles, violence and good comeuppance

I came across this drama on reddit. The actor and actresses were unfamiliar to me but the comments in Youtube were generally positive. I watched and enjoyed it. However please be informed that there are scenes of violence.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FLs are usually the ones doing the most sacrificing in relationship but not for this drama. It's refreshing to see ML being the "doormat" of the relationship. This is my first time watching Du Pei Yuan and he did well in playing this role. A good balance of kindness and pitiful.
2. FL characterisation - The FL is the scumbag of relationship between her and ML. It's refreshing to see a villainous FL. This is also my first time watching Zhong Ying Ling's drama and she was great in being sinister.
3. Supporting character - The doctor was played by Wei Jia. She left a lasting impression despite short screen time.
4. Ending - Good comeuppance.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both FL and SML were atrocious. The actor who played SML looked familiar. Could he be Yang Chen, who starred with Si Jia Li in 'But Mr. Shen is too charming'?
2. Torture - Damn the scenes were painful to watch.
3. ML - doctor relationship - I want more!

Favourite scene
The ending

Read More

Nice & breezy romance about long time crush and contract marriage

I thought Fei Se Qi Yue was my first drama of Shi Tong but I was wrong. This is my first drama of hers. I remembered last night when someone on reddit asked about Wang Hui Long and I looked up his work. It was a nice & light romance.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wang Hui Long and Shi Tong were likeable in this drama. I also liked Wang Hui Long's eyes because they too told a story even when his nose and mouth were covered.
2. Romance - A cute & sweet romance between childhood friends who got into a contract marriage. I liked that ML always negotiated with FL on their contract.
3. Styling - I liked that the outfits complement Wang Hui Long's buzz cut.

What I disliked:
1. Backstabbing - That very first scene set the tone of this drama
2. Antagonist - The antagonist worked alongside FL. Her scheming was too much.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to kiss ML but vomited instead

Read More

Refreshing plot but not a fan of FL

Warning: This drama has scenes of domestic violence.

I became a fan of Wang Chen Peng after watching Wen Rou Ye Gu. This is my first time watching Chen Lu Xi. This drama had a refreshing plot but I am not a fan of Chu Suang. At the time of this review, I am not sure if I want to watch part 2 of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Chen Lu Xi and Wang Chen Peng were excellent in their roles as they were able to convey various emotions felt by their characters. I know Wang Chen Peng is very tall but wow, the height difference between him and Chen Lu Xi was staggering.
2. Troubled colleague - I liked this arc very much because I felt that this is a way for FL to learn about life. It was great that she was compassionate and resourceful. The domestic violence was hard to watch.
3. ML characterisation - He was a patient and understanding husband. He respected his wife's wishes and always treated her nicely.
4. Boundaries - It's scary that SML would approach FL even when she clearly brushed him off. I liked that FL told off SML when he wooed her.
5. Romance - I could see that they loved each other. I did feel that FL received more than gave back to the marriage.
6. Supporting character - I liked her bestie whom I found more mature than her. ML's family was nice and the chubby nephew was endearing.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love independent women but I felt FL emphasised too much on her needs to be on her own. She was a married woman so she should learn to compromise. Luckily for her, ML was around to save her from being harmed. I also found FL immature when it came to relationships.
2. Communication - I don't mind slow burn romance but I felt that communication was an issue for them. I disliked her for easily making assumptions without talking to her husband. I also disliked her for being insecure when ML's supposed ex girlfriend came to visit him at work. She should ask about exes from him before getting married but not asked someone else after marrige.
3. SML - I was surprised he jumped into conclusion after hearing office gossip. For someone who was well-off, he should have investigated.

Favourite scene
When FL bumped into ML at the airport

Read More

ML's family made this longtime crush romance an enjoyable watch

I hadn't watched Feng Xiang Kun's dramas for awhile. I saw this drama on reddit and thought "Why not give this a go!". My first drama of Chai Hui Xin as FL as I had seen her playing green tea roles before.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet, hardworking and opportunist. Thankfully her scheming was with good intentions. It was funny when her scheming backfired. Chai Hui Xin was good in her role.
2. Romance - Very sweet one with a lot of teasing. ML washing his underwear was unexpected. It's also refreshing that there is a short secondary romance involving ML's brother.
3. ML characterisation - He had long time crush on FL though he never showed it at the start of their marriage. I liked that he's calm & collected.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family was the comic relief. Loved his mum! FL's best friend was likeable too.

What I disliked:
1. Slander - Wow, that coffee shop scene was stressful. Wouldn't that be considered as sexual harrassment?

Favourite scene
FL met ML's mum for the first time

Read More

FL chose herself over romantic love and I loved it!

Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for creating Si Jia Li's profile. I have been a fan of hers since my first month of vertical drama exploration. She was spectacular in a drama about female CEO with challenging family members. Si Jia Li is still lesser known so there isn't a playlist of her dramas on YouTube. This drama is different from the usual FL with scumbag boss/lover and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was paid by ML to be his employee and lover. At first I was afraid that she would stay meek but no, she left the toxic environment once the contract was over. Good character growth.
2. Writing - I must say that second half of this drama was more exciting. She thrived after leaving ML. I liked that her new colleagues were supportive.
3. Ending - I loved it because she prioritise her self.
4. Romance - Actually this drama doesn't have strong romance element and I liked it a lot. There was another love interest but FL decided not to pursue.
5. Duration - This drama is only 70 minutes long. Well paced story without drawing out the negativity. I appreciate it!

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Damn he was mean to FL. He was also passive about his arranged engagement when ML & FL were together. I was relief with how his character was wrapped up.

Favourite scene
When ML beg FL to come back with him and she firmly said "No"

Read More

Dramedy with a heart!

This drama was recommended to me by MDL friend or reddit user. I was not familiar with the main actor & the main actress but the YouTube comments were generally positive. I watched this drama on a road trip (sis was driver) & was highly entertained throughout the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bad at being bad person hehehe. Bright, smart & funny. I enjoyed her naughty thoughts & flirty behaviour. Wei Lin impressed me with her acting. I will definitely watch her other dramas.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed her inner monologues. Laughed & chuckled.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance. ML was apprehensive with FL's actions at first but gradually fell in love with FL. Wish there were more kisses.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits.
5. Transmigration arc - I liked that this was addressed at the end of the drama.
6. Supporting characters - ML's family was great! I liked Gu Yanying even though he had ulterior motives at times.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - Despite being able to hear FL's thoughts, I wish ML was forthcoming and had shared his thoughts with her.

Favourite scene
The confession at the train station

Read More

Enjoyed this kick ass spy parents & perceptive kid

I came across this drama after watching Give Up! Madam, Vests Are Everywhere. I wanted to watch more espionage vertical dramas. I was highly entertained by this series

What I liked:
1. Sun Lu Lu - This is my first time watching her drama and I was impressed by tlher comedic timing & action scenes. Her eye gunk reaction made me LOL!
2. FL characterisation - Smart, single mum who kicks ass literally & figuratively. I understood her protectiveness & self-preservation.
3. Supporting characters - FL's son & ML's assistant were delightful to watch. I liked that the son was perceptive.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance. I liked that FL was more forthcoming when it came to their relationship.
5. Family - I enjoyed watching the bond between the son & ML. The kid was very happy to have a positive father figure in his life. I also liked that ML immediately warmed up to the kid. That scene in which the couple were late to pick up the kid was touching.
6. Mission - I was satisfied as they were many action sequence.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - FL's nails were striking and had ML noticed them during the mission, FL's cover would be blown.

Favourite scene
When ML trying to win back FL's heart

Read More

Mischievous ML & touching wedding scene led to enjoyment of this drama

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was hostile towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version second after completing Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he was mischievous and caring. This is my first time watching Li Sheng Jie and he did well in this role. I quite like that he was expressive (his smug look was perfect) and boyish handsome.
2. Romance - Their powder-keg relationship was entertaining especially the convenience store scene. This version had a role play session too hehehe. Their makeout sessions were hot because of the tension & framing.
3. Styling - I love her outfits from the black work suit and white jacket & white skirt to red swimsuit. Beautiful wedding dress. Her wardrobe looked expensive and elegant.
4. Music - Ed Sheeran's Perfect was played. Great choice!
5. Ending - This version has a wedding scene. Touching scene with FL's father. I love FL's bouquet!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was pitchy and her reactions to ML's teasing were quite hostile. However I liked her because she verbalised her gratitude for her husband's love. I think Zhao Zao Er was good in her role.
2. Status announcement - They informed that they were married to each other at their high school reunion. However I wish they had shown us when their colleagues found out about their relationship and how shocked they were.

Favourite scene
The wedding

Read More

Sweet workplace romance with some bullying thrown in

I am a big fan of Chen Zheng Yang since I first watched him in ''Rose Beloved'. I am familiar with Zhang Ya Meng because I already watched 'Embrace in the Dark Knight'. I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What an elaborate scheme concocted by ML to be in a relationship with FL. Overall sweet romance with some spice.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart, hardworking & relatable. She wasn't spineless. Delighted to see Zhang Ya Meng as female lead because she has the acting chops & presence.
3. ML characterisation - He was a good boss and most importantly a devoted husband. I liked that he didn't hide his mum's identity from FL for too long. Chen Zheng Yang is great at smirking & gazing into his partner's eyes.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend & ML's assistant a lot! ML's mum was nice too.

What I disliked:
1. Rival - Despite being smart & a worthy antagonist i.e. not a bimbo, she was a mean girl & acted like a petulant child. Too much screen time given to the rivalry between FL and SFL. Anyway the actress who played Xia Wanyu resembled American actress Leslie Bibb.
2. FL's mother - Ungrateful & manipulative.

Favourite scene
That scene at the start

Read More

Rich guy/poor girl romance with heavy kissing

I was in the mood for Li Ke Yi's dramas after enjoying her drama with Lu Shan Dong. I have seen Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I was intrigued by this collab.

What I liked:
1. Romance - As expected, the kissing scenes were hot. ML was devoted towards FL from the start.
2. Supporting characters - ML's mother was a nice surprise.
3. Editing - I loved the frame transitions when the couple was heavily kissing. Beautiful shots!
4. Music - Theme song of Lighter & Princess was used a few times in this drama. I like the song anyway.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SML never even liked her but didn't want anyone else to "have" her. His mistress was horrible too.
2. FL characterisation - Underdeveloped. The scene when FL saved a kid was interesting but sadly it stopped there. I wanted to know more about her other than being a love interest.

Favourite scene
Frame transitions

Read More

Great acting but the story was a mess

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin and while I don't watch many Liang Si Wei dramas, I really enjoyed his acting in Define Your Style. I wondered how this drama would go because the introductory scene was filled with negativity. This drama was similar to a roller coaster ride.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This CP was a matching pair as both seemed to challenge each other's acting capability. The emotional scenes were emotionally intense for both actors.
2. Romance - This is a second chance romance drama. Once they reconciled, they were a sweet couple. There were also hot kissing scenes. One YouTube user even pointed out that Guo Yu Xin was a better kisser than Meng Na when paired with Liang Si Wei.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, mother & her male friend because they showed genuine concerns for her.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I hated that FL never told ML about her illness early on when they were on good terms. She was a coward.
2. Ending - I didn't know what to deduce from the ending.
3. ML's behaviour - I disliked him for being cruel to FL once they reunited. Some scenes were stressful to watch.
4. Antagonist - ML's admirer & his mother were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL requested for divorce around 40th minute mark

Read More