emberzmars

Transmigration with a twist - the last 15 minutes increased my enjoyment of this drama!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan dramas for an upcoming reddit post on her dramas. I decided to watch this drama because the poster was eye-catching and I had not watched Liu Zi Heng's dramas. The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new) but the last 15-20 minutes were refreshing - I changed my view from an average score to a B+.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I liked the light-hearted vibe of this drama. It was endearing to see Zhao Mu Yan in this character and to see FL's inner thoughts heard & appreciated by her family.
2. Transmigration arc - It's great to see FL having a conversation with the system about her living the life of someone else (the host). I appreciated it a lot because many transmigration dramas have their main characters accepting their fate in the new world. I also loved the fact that FL told ML about her situation.
3. Romance - Despite the flashbacks / dejavu, I totally bought the concept of ML having real feelings for FL. The relationship developed slowly because romance wasn't a priority for FL but once FL and ML got together, the love and desire were clearly on display. Great kisses and passionate intimate scenes. The confession close to the third act is my favourite part of their romance.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Zhao Mu Yan and Liu Zi Heng. They had great chemistry.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her parents and between FL and her brothers. The staircase scene was just comical.
6. Final 15 minutes - Good writing that is supported by wonderful performances. The unexpected visit was a nice touch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The adopted daughter was insecure and envious of FL. She was up to no good but I was glad that the family noticed her true colours and disowned her. I also found her arc bland as I had seen so many arcs like this one - that's why I mentioned "The drama started off good then I found it ordinary (aka nothing new)" at the start of my review.

Favourite scene
The confession by FL to ML

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Fiery chemistry, steamy and sweet scenes are the best things about this drama

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I really enjoyed the historical drama starring her and Wang Jia Mao so I got curious about this collab. I must say I enjoyed this drama too - wow, their chemistry really worked wonders.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy and heartfelt kisses as well as sweet and tender moments. The body measurement scene was sexy and full of tension. It's heartwarming that both protected each other from being harmed. I could sense love coming from both sides.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan played dual roles with excellence. I was smitten by Wang Jia Mao's performance - he was dashing, sexy and endearing while playing this role. Fiery chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Wang Jia Mao.
3. Styling - Fabulous outfits selected for ZMY. The blonde wig suited her so much - she was like a goddess not a cosplayer. Wang Jia Mao looked hot in the outfits selected for him too.
4. Reborn - Good storytelling. I liked that FL profited from being reborn with knowledge from past life.
5. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was smart and a quick thinker too.
6. ML characterisation - He was a sweet and smart guy. I liked how he played along with FL's charade after knowing her secret.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Masked female assailant was crazy for wanting to kill the main character. I also disliked FL's father and sisters. There was also a small-time baddie character.
2. Screentime - There was too much time given to various baddies that I was at times distracted by my phone (I watched this drama on my tablet).

Favourite scene
When Shi Qi took ML's body measurements

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Letdown by doormat FL and lack of communication between the couple

I am a huge fan of Xie Yu Wang and have watched his older drama with Lu Lu Lu a few weeks ago. I was pumped when I heard about this drama because it's the second time Xie Yu Wang has paired with Lu Lu Lu. I was left disappointed by the time this drama ended.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - I loved XYW's kissing scenes. When permitted, he always expresses desire & passion in his kissing scenes, including those in this drama.
2. Twin trope - I liked how this story was done even thought the overall vibe was negative. There was a refreshing twist to the twin trope.
3. Styling - I liked XYW's clothes. The most stylish outfits I had seen on him.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie because she was rational and most of the time, smarter than FL. I also liked FL's daughter.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching interactions between ML and FL's daughter.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was annoying & evil. She favoured her eldest son over younger son. She disliked her daughter-in-law that led to disliking and punishing her granddaughter. I also disliked FL's family because they were parasites. Only concerned about wealth. The green tea character was pathetic.
2. Romance - They had sex but were distant & hardly communicated. FL kept on insisting on divorce due to pressure from her in laws. She was stupid.
3. FL characterisation - She was doormat - no wonder she was easy to be bullied. She married Si Ye out of guilt / pressure but never sought partnership from the marriage.

Favourite scene
When ML ate ice cream with FL's daughter

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Brothers rivals in love and career but most importantly a strong & career-focused FL

I got to know about this drama months ago when it was released but somehow I never had the urge to watch it even though jiejie romance is my favourite trope. I decided to watch this drama last weekend. Oh wow, I was surprised by the storyline. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Jiejie romance that started with one night stand then progressed into real love. ML was persistent in wooing FL - she was dumped by ML's older brother because she didn't have any status / connections to offer to him. I liked that there was affection between FL and ML.
2. Rivalry - Interesting twist on brother rivalry. I also liked the business rivalry arc.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was career-focused. Despite being dumped, she was able to focus her energy on her work - she's excellent at her job. I also liked that she was emotionally strong.
4. ML characterisation - He was smart & persistent. I liked those traits.
5. Styling - Great wardrobe. I loved FL's outfits which showcased her elegance and confidence.
6. Supporting characters - These characters were likeable: ML's friend, FL's bestie, FL's senior & FL's mother.
7. Acting - I liked the acting by the three leads but Zhang Chi caught my attention. I couldn't read his facial expressions which I took it as a positive move for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's brother / SML was controlling. He wanted FL as mistress but pursued business marriage for his professional gain. I hated the aunt who was family friend to ML and his brother.
2. Ending - Errrm they bickered and that was it?

Favourite scene
FL's taking down the antagonist during a press conference

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Transmigration, mission & self-sacrifice are the words to describe this drama

I wanted to watch something on my iQIYI account and noticed this drama. I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting so I read the synopsis of Divorce Mission and decided to watch it. I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Lighthearted comedy.
2. FL characterisation - It was amusing watching her attempts to get divorce from ML. FL was quick to spot SFL's tricks and I liked that.
3. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of getting to know moments and bonding after the imperial exam. It made sense since FL was a different person transmigrated to the host body.
4. ML characterisation - I didn't like him at first but changed my mind in second act when FL and ML started to bond. I liked his protective nature especially when FL was ill.
5. Ending - I liked the ending although I wish it was longer.
6. Supporting characters - The immortal / system was adorable although I didn't like her instructions as the plot progressed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was manipulative.
2. FL's action - I hated her for sabotaging ML's relief effort during their expedition.

Favourite scene
When ML saved dying FL

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Part 3 of The Great Grandmother Reborn at 18 continues to excel!

I am a fan of this series because of the ensemble cast, refreshing storyline and the core theme (which is family). I was delighted to know that Chen Tian Xiang had joined the cast because I liked him a lot in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. I watched this drama about two weeks ago when I was in the mood for no-romance vertical drama. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Part 3 had more funny scenes. I laughed out loud thanks to Chen Tian Xiang & Wang Pei Yan's antics. The parody scenes were also amusing. Doudou I never knew she had active imagination.
2. Acting - Superb performances by the cast. Wang Pei Yan had impeccable comedic timing. I also appreciated that Wu Tian Hao had more significant scenes in this round.
3. Styling - I liked San Ge's boyish outfits. Haha I was surprised to see Labubu figurine attached to his shorts / belt loop (I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearance in vertical dramas). Overall I must say that the Ji brothers were really stylish.
4. Family - Core theme that continues to touch our hearts. It was great to see this theme being explored in Zeng Hui's character and his family.
5. Ending - I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 4!
6. Supporting characters - I enjoyed the cameo of Ji grandpa's childhood rival. Their bickering was always entertaining. I also liked Meng Na's role in this drama.
7. Plagiarism - I liked this scene of big corporate plagiarism. It just shows that some companies / nations are insecure that they would resort to intelligence theft / plagiarism.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There wasn't a big antagonist arc that covers the whole length of the drama. Instead, there were smaller antagonist arcs such as the scheming couple, money-hungry descendant of Tang & campus belle. That campus belle was mean & insecure.
2. Mini arcs - While I think it's great that several mini arcs were explored amongst the big arc (San Ge), I found Ji grandpa's love story out of place because Tang family didn't have significant connection with the Ji. I also wished Wang Pei Yan's character arc especially related to his personal growth (not related to his family) was given more screentime.
3. Teasing - As much as I loved the Fifth brother, I felt the teasing & hitting were too much.

Favourite scene
When great grandmother did acupuncture treatment to Ji Mo Han

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Trust and interdependence were pivotal in this slow burn romance. Wonderful acting & chemistry

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I decided to watch this drama because I wanted something recent that already has MDL page. Chen Jie Yi was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see her performance and chemistry with XYW. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb performances by both leads. I could sense that both challenged each other's capability especially during the emotional scenes. There were great chemistry and synergy between XYW and CJY.
2. FL characterisation - I empathised with her because she never had anyone else to rely on except for her father. When she had to become self-reliant, she grew more mature as time progressed.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked his character despite the mystery vibe. I also sensed growth in his character as time progressed.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant who witnessed good changes in his boss. FL's bestie was a good character too.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. Trust and interdependence were pivotal in the growth of their relationship.
6. Cameo - I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearances in Chinese vertical dramas but I missed this drama. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Labubu plushie on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's foster sister was an opportunist, pathetic & insensitive. Her boyfriend was horrible too.
2. Communication - It was frustrating to watch their misunderstanding & lack of frank conversations. However ML noticed this weakness and acknowledged it, which surprised me in a good way.
3. Duration - The drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times the pacing was slow and I was almost distracted.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings

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FL proving her strength & worth to her biological family

I came across this drama poster when I was in the mood for physically strong FL. Good thing this drama was available on iQIYI paid subscription so I watched this drama there. I liked this drama even though there is no romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked how she was written. Despite being born a female, she excelled in martial arts training & physical strength.
2. Action - The action sequences were a delight. Yao Yu Chen performed those fight scenes really well.
3. Family - It is the core theme of this drama.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's mother and brother.
5. Acting - Yao Yu Chen was superb in this role.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's grandfather was a horrible man for his bias and cruel treatment towards his granddaughter. I also disliked the rival school of martial arts. The master and his goons were disrespectful.
2. Makeup - The moustache on the antagonist was funny looking.
3. The first meet - The first meeting between FL, her biological family and the rivals was too long. Well at one point the quarrel between the rival and FL/her family was tiresome.

Favourite scene
When FL fought the baddies that attacked her family's dojo

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Enjoyable drama about FL's transmigration to 1980s world

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to produce a reddit post on my favourite Sun Qian Xun's dramas. Wang Chao Yang was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see the chemistry. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bold than average girl in the 1980s because of her modern world experiences. I liked her feistiness. Her ability as a translator was cool.
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Smitten by FL from the first sight of her.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with good kisses and intimate scenes.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the pink & green top & skirt combo.
5. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate was funny. Gu Sen was nice.
6. Ending - That final moment was cheeky!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiang Tang was malicious. She stole FL's boyfriend then when things didn't work out, she turned her sights to ML. FL's uncle and aunt were horrible too. Zhang Zi Jie was another terrible character but he redeemed himself.
2. Ignorance - It was silly for FL & ML to brush off a tip off when she was heavily pregnant.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk & ML came to pick her up

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For a jiejie romance released in 2023, this was OK

I found out about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the actor who played ML in this drama does not have MDL profile, I have seen him in another drama "Haunted Dreams". I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. They were strangers who were compatible & comfortable with each other. The shopping trip was sweet.
2. FL characterisation - She was kind & endearing.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was kind & likeable. He genuinely cared for his jiejie.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was the MVP. I also liked Qian Li.
5. Acting - I liked their performances and I think their chemistry was good.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - This drama was released in 2023 so I wasn't surprised that bullying scene was included in this drama. FL's department team members were nasty.
2. Antagonists - Wei Wei & Mr Shen FL's ex were horrible. I also disliked ML's mother for being gullible & self-absorbed - caring too much about status.
3. Age difference - Sometimes I wonder how does a writer determine the ages of ML & FL when writing an age gap romance. If I am not mistaken the age gap for this drama is 10 years. It would have been better if the age age was reduced to say 5 years since ML was a president of a big company.

Favourite scene
Date at the night market

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Forgettable drama but I liked the styling & a particular scene

I was in the mood for physically strong FL so searched youtube for spy dramas and found this. This is my first drama of Yang Peng Cheng even though I had seen his name & face many times. This drama left me with mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked ML and FL's outfits. Very cool, spy wear.
2. Yang Peng Cheng - My first drama of his. I liked his visuals & voice.
3. Duration - Only 71 minutes! I like short short dramas.
4. Blind date - That was entertaining.
5. Supporting characters - Grandparents.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Lacklustre with no chemistry between the leads. There wasn't even sexual tension / pull dynamics between the characters. No real kiss.
2. Story - So much potential but the end product was boring.
3. Acting - The actress who played FL was forgettable. No stage presence. She needs acting lesson if she wants to continue in this competitive industry.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met grandparents from both sides

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Drama felt disjointed and overall forgettable

I was in the mood for Wang Zi Yi dramas so I picked this one randomly. Wang Yan Fei was new to me at that time so I was curious. After completing this drama, I had mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as transactional relationship but soon real feelings developed. I enjoyed ML's flirty moments. I really liked that FL expressed her feelings later on.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boss / bro.
3. Threat - I liked that ML was threatened by Jiang because it showed that ML had a vulnerable side. In other vertical dramas, MLs are always untouchable.
4. Styling - I featured the maid uniform in a reddit post about maid uniforms in Chinese vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Dr Mu was despicable. He is the type who couldn't let go. The type who believes "If I can't have her, no one else can". Jiang was the same too, treating ML as a possession.
2. Writing - The story seemed imperfect with a few scenes that felt disjointed.

Favourite scene
When ML was slapped

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Characters with layers & tumultuous romance are my favourite parts of this drama

I am a big fan of Chen Si Che and I like Zhan Zhuo visuals. I was intrigued when this drama was released. I watched it expecting a jiejie romance and oooo I liked what I saw.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I enjoyed the whirlwind romance. He was her kept man but once she knew his identity, he was set free. I liked this period because ML discovered a few things & realised what he truly wanted.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss. Loved that she was powerful & influential.
3. ML characterisation - He was flawed but underwent a lot of growth.
4. Styling - Chen Si Che lookked fabulous in red. Loved her outfits & Zhan Zhuo's navy suit.
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and the actor who played Jiang Ye were great. Zhan Zhuo was good in his role.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Ms Qiao & Jiang Ye.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle was an ass. Power hungry and manipulative. He even threw his son under the bus.

Favourite scene
When ML discovered FL's backstory

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Fast-paced drama about a secret agent and the family she takes care of

I was randomly looking for a physically strong FL archetype in Chinese vertical dramas on my iQIYI app when I discovered this drama. I have seen Hu Jia Hao's dramas before but Guo Yang was unfamiliar to me. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this drama despite the ridiculous plot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - No-nonsense woman who was serious about work. She could kick ass & was smart. I loved her protective nature.
2. Supporting characters - The kid & ML's assistant were fun to watch.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his character grow.
4. Romance - Slow but I sensed desire and mutual attraction.
5. Duration - If I am not mistaken, this drama is less than 2 hours long. Short, 49 episodes on iQIYI.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Guo Yang, Zheng Jing Han & Hu Jia Hao. Guo Yang looked great when performing fight scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, a family of bullies that included a kindergartner. They were also hungry for money & power.
2. Romance - I wish there were more tender moments between them. Some scenes to show that they were bound to each other because of their kid, they genuinely fell in love with each other.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Action-packed first half but unfortunately this drama lost its momentum in second half

I liked Bai Xue Ru's acting. One day I explored her drama playlist and got curious when I saw the thumbnail. I had never seen Li Ke Le's dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the first half but second half lost its momentum.

What I liked:
1. Action - I loved that FL was a badass. She could fight baddies and attackers.
2. FL characterisation - FL had a mission to get an antidote to her poison & find her mother's killer. I also liked that she was a healer.
3. Supporting characters - Her friend / sidekick was awesome.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML wasn't easily deceived by FL's half-sister.
5. Acting - Bai Xue Ru and the actor who played the antagonist were very good.
6. Styling - I was surprised to see Bai Xue Ru in a maid's uniform because I had just published a reddit post on maid uniform spotted in Chinese vertical dramas and missed this drama. I loved Bai Xue Ru's red dress - what an entrance!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Bai Yi Yi was pathetic. Bai family was atrocious for abusing a child. Mu Huai Nan was hungry for power - another evil dude.
2. Romance - There wasn't enough romantic moments between FL & ML.
3. Second half - I was excited for this drama upon learning her background and the antidote arc but I felt these two elements weren't explored enough. The second half was bland / not memorable.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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