emberzmars

Just alright

This drama is alright to pass time.

What I like
1. The action sequences were amusing. The reactions were comical but hey it made sense for normal people to react that way.
2. Great to see Kang Ki Young as main male lead.
3. Oh Min seok made me sympathetic towards his character but he's villain alright. His abs were damn fine though I am not sure if the scene was required
4. Supporting characters - I like Daeki & Kang Boom.

What I dislike
1. Story - I find the story average. The benefactor reminds me of The Uncanny Counter.

Favourite scene
When Kang Bom kicks ass

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Romance reconciliation and main characters lacked depth

I have a weekly column on r/CShortHaven about two dramas adapted from the same source. Good friend (both MDL & reddit) thehepburn informed me about this drama. I watched Cheng Cheng's version almost immediately after it was released and was vaguely aware of the other version starring Meng Na and Liang Si Wei. This drama is a letdown.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I consider chemistry as part of acting and yes, there was good chemistry between Meng Na and Liang Si Wei. Both were also good in their individual roles. I liked the performance by the actor who played assistant director, ML's friend in glasses.
2. Flashbacks - I liked those scenes when they were harmonious and in love.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the assistant director, FL's agent / manager and ML's mom. The guy who partnered with FL was not bad.
4. Styling - Meng Na was beautiful despite given weird outfits (I was expecting her to wear a tie dye dress that complements her on-screen partner but nope). Liang Si Wei gave off Angus Young of AC/DC vibe with his boyish outfits (perhaps because he was didi). The best outfit for him is definitely the towel.
5. Tone - Lighthearted. I chuckled a lot during the first half of the drama.

What I disliked:
1. ML actions - At the beginning of their working relationship, he sabotaged FL's screen time and shots. I knew he was overprotective (i.e. he didn't like her getting attention from other men) but it was not a cool move.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance lacked depth. I was frustrated that the romance arc focused mostly on push dynamics (with ML being a jerk but at the same time trying to win her back). They broke up because lack of communication that could have been avoided if they were frank with each other. To me, they got back together based on nostalgia.
3. Main characters - Underwritten. I understood that FL was making a career comeback through the variety show but nothing was elaborated about her personal and professional goal. Why was she under the radar? She was secretly married so a divorce wouldn't hurt her career.

Favourite scene
The cooking segment of the variety show

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Hot kisses but lack of chemistry made me increase speed

I write a column on reddit comparing 2 short dramas adapted from the same source. I knew Fang Si Chang but Lu Ming was unfamiliar to me. I watched this drama after watching the first version. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Both Lu Ming and Fang Si Chang are good looking.
2. Kisses - Really good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's best friend and FL's close colleague.
4. Confrontation - I really enjoyed the scene when FL confronted her father about his bad parenting.
5. Relationship reveal - Their private romance was dragged into the spotlight after a jealous colleague began spreading rumours about her. I liked how the relationship was revealed to their colleagues.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I consider chemistry as a subset of acting and unfortunately there was zero chemistry between Fang Si Chang and Lu Ming. Their on-screen interactions seemed awkward. I also felt Lu Ming's ML was quite cold in comparison to Ye Yi Chen's ML. I also found Fang Si Chang quite bland in this role.
2. Romance - There were some kisses in the drama. However, the romance arc spent more time on the characters being in a fake relationship and because of the zero chemistry, the romance arc fell flat.
3. Antagonist - The jealous half-sister and colleague.

Favourite scene
When FL treated his wound

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Glad people took notice of Kim Moo Yul

This drama got a lot of buzz when it was released. I was bombarded by clips and reviews on Reddit and youtube - delighted that people discovered Kim Moo Yul's hotness as I discovered it earlier when watching Queen Woo. Anyway Teach You a Lesson left a big impression on me and overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing performances by the cast. It was very wonderful to see Kim Moo Yul in a leading role. I can't believe that Deputy Director was portrayed by a former idol - PO was endearing.
2. Cases - There is a major case (involving the antagonist) and several minor cases. They were stressful to watch but I gained insights in each episode. I also liked how certain characters appear in other episodes. My favourite episode is the one where a female student falsely accused a male teacher of sexual harassment. There was a scene that moved me so much, I shed some tears.
3. ML characterisation - I really liked Na Hwa Jin. It was great to see different sides of him from serious law enforcer to caring lover and friend.
4. Dynamics - It was great to see different dynamics within ERPB. I particularly enjoyed the teasing done to Education Minister by Na Hwa Jin and the cute interactions between Deputy Director and Im Han Rim.
5. Power - I was fascinated by how power and influence are showcased in this drama. Money rules, unfortunately but there are also different types of power shown for example people of authorty and the general public's views.
6. Action - I really enjoyed the action scenes. I understand why people associated Kim Moo Yul with American actor John Cena.
7. styling - Perfect!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, he is one of the most cunning kdrama villains I have seen on Korean drama productions. I was shocked to know the reason for the crime - damn!
2. Rival - Ok that presidential candidate who is strong rival of Education Minister is an unethical arsehole. I couldn't believe that he prioritised his career ambitions.
3. Teacher-student relationship - I was uncomfortable watching ML's fiancee's interactions with the antagonist. She was touchy with him and the fact that she never reported the antagonist's crime to her superior pissed me off.

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Visually stunning leads & Zhan Ni's kissiest vertical drama I think

I noticed this drama when it was a fresh release. I only watched it today because I was in the mood for Zhan Ni drama. Oh boy, I like it so much.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhan Ni and Tim Yu Ji Wei played their roles very well. Sizzling chemistry between them making me cheering for them whenever they appeared on screen. The actor who played SML also did well.
2. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching her character growth as she grew courage to stand up against her bullies.
3. Romance - There are 2 types of romance shown in this drama: toxic romance between FL and SML and healthy romance between FL and ML. I liked how ML encouraged and reminded that she was not alone to battle her demons - he was supportive but not smothering. Gosh there are plenty of kisses - I had not seen Zhan Ni kissed this much until I watched this drama.
4. Styling - I really liked the outfits chosen for ML. Damn he looked dashing especially with that hairstyle. Zhan Ni looked beautiful too especially in that pale pink dress & wedding dress. They made visually stunning couple.
5. Duration - 2 hours is good screentime.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's close friend & FL's mischievous sister.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SML gaslit FL and SFL was just an annoying bitch. I didn't like that this duo was given too much screentime especially in the first quarter of the drama.

Favourite scene
Their wedding

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I disliked ML but this vertical drama version of You Are My Destiny moved me to tears

Today is Bai Fang Wen's birthday and as I scrolled Discover segment of melolo app, I noticed this drama. Watched it and wow I have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that both Jin Xi and Bai Feng Wen gave incredible performance. Jin Zi managed to convey pitiful FL without annoying me. Their portrayal of loss and sadness was on another level - it touched my heart that I cried.
2. Supporting characters - I liked Wei Ruo Chen's character. He courted FL but was never disrespectful . His advice to ML was powerful. I also liked ML's mother for her kindness and ML's assistant for being the logical one.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her growth from a mousy doormat to a more confident career-focused woman.
4. Styling - For a 2024 production, FL's clothes were pleasing to the eyes and ML wore nice clothes.
5. ML's action - I really liked that scene where FL had to convince ML's shareholders about the logo design.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was an asshat for toying with feelings of 2 women. I didn't understand the "obligation to take care of a woman who prioritised herself over their relationship". He didn't seem to like FL as well.
2. Romance - I didn't buy their romance story at all. Since there were no scenes of bonding & spending quality time together, their dynamics seemed to stem out of pity & obligation. I can't believe FL for falling in love with him & giving him another chance. Him falling in love with her seemed out of the blue. The kissing scenes are fake!
3. Editing - The laugh tracks were so out of place! I also noticed the dubbing inconsistency. In a scene between Bai Feng Wen and Wei Ruo Chen, there was background noise when BFW uttered his lines but when WRC recited his lines, the background noise seemed muted or dialogue seemed to be recorded in airtight studio.

Favourite scene
The advice given by SML to ML

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Steamy but no chemistry between Wang Xuan & He Shi. Letdown!

I added this drama to my watchlist after finding out that this is another version of Ximen Lichen drama. I love love love Zhao Zhen Dong & Han Jia Hui's version. I also watched Huang Bo and Xue Zi Qi's version. Those who watched Deadly Night Flame have mentioned about the high amount of passionate kissing. Unfortunately this drama did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - There were plenty kissing scenes.
2. Styling - Wang Xuan looked handsome. He Shi was pretty although I hated the white gown she wore at the start. That actor who played supporting character was handsome - that hairstyle reminded me of Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner during AM era.
3. FL's fiance - In this version, his character was given more screentime. He got interesting arc.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I considered chemistry as subset of acting and sadly I didn't sense any chemistry despite the intense kissing. I also felt He Shi gave a bland performance as FL.
2. Romance - I felt the romance was one-sided with FL playing hard to get too many times. There was no warmth nor spark. I also felt like they were playing games.
3. FL characterisation - I couldn't relate to her. She didn't respect ML at the start of his pursuit so I lost interest in the story.
4. Yan Ruo Ruo - Annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted Miss Yan

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Bad acting & no chemistry, gosh I was bored to tears

I have a column on reddit where I compare 2 short dramas that are based on one source. I found out that this drama is suitable for my column. I watched and...felt disappointed.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother. She was smart in her approach to get to know FL. I also liked FL's adopted family who was kind to her.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Romance - It was sweet with both being faithful to each other. No bai yue guang drama, well that imposter's act didn't last.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Huang Hao Wen was stiff that he made the ML bland. There was no chemistry between him and Shi Tong. The couple felt like 2 friends who just happy being married. I was bored to tears watching this drama. I wrote an article on my laptop with this drama playing on my tablet.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex was horrible and so was his mom. His bai yue guang was manipulative.

Favourite scene
When they went on expedition

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Enjoyed this drama for its wonderful romantic scenes, great cast performances and good pacing

I have a column on reddit called Drama Duo, in which I compare 2 short dramas that are adapated / remade from one source. I decided to watch this drama for an upcoming post. I must say I was surprised that I enjoyed this drama because the version Shi Tong and Huang Hao Wen bored me to tears.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The dynamic is delightfully engaging, filled with playful teasing from the ML, intense eye contact, intimate hand-holding, and a satisfying number of kiss scenes that made me giddy. It also warmed my heart that they cared for each other - evident when the scenes involved cooking and drying one's wet hair.
2. Acting - Lou Xin Yue and Xu Jiang Shuai gave great performances both individually and as a pair. Their natural chemistry brings every romantic moment to life effortlessly. It's wonderful to see Xu Jiang Shuai portraying a ML with fun personality because he always played intense ML. Zhang Yu Lin’s portrayal of Bo Yan was another highlight for me. Instead of turning the jealous, possessive ex into a cliché caricature, his understated expressions and handsome visuals gave the character surprising depth and made him genuinely sympathetic.
3. ML characterisation - I must say I really liked his personality. He was fun, caring and nice. I also enjoyed watching his interactions with his parents.
4. FL characterisation - It's interesting that FL is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. I am glad that she wasn't mousy. There were moments she stood up for herself and I applauded them.
5. Family - Family was the core theme of this drama. I saw the love FL had for her adopted family and ML's family was loving too.
6. Pacing - This drama is 2 hours and 42 minutes long. I usually struggle with vertical dramas longer than 2.5 hours but not this one because of the good performances by the cast.
7. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and ML's assistant. His father, grandfather and FL's adopted family were good too. I didn't expect FL's cousin to be nice but that was a pleasant surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex and his mother were cold and nasty. I loved it when FL broke up with her ex and stopped entertaining his mother's demands.

Favourite scene
When FL told off her ex at the hospital

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I liked the themes in this drama: love, family and learning from mistakes

I write a weekly column about two dramas adapted from the same source. I was recommended this drama by a friend. I enjoyed this a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet and mature. I liked that they worked on their marriage. There was partnership even though they married for convenience. Both had conversations after moments of insecuity. I ❤️ the proposal & wedding scenes.
2. Acting - Deng Ling Shu really shone in this role. She lightened up the mood in the beginning of the drama. Xiao Wen Yu did well and their chemistry was good. There was a sense of comfort between them.
3. FL characterisation - It was great that she didn't wallow in self-pity for long. I liked that she embraced her role as ML's wife. She also pursued her career.
4. ML characterisation - He was green flag. I liked that he didn't want FL to pity him ot feel guilty about the fire
incident. He didn't have backing from his father so he worked very hard to stand on his own feet.
5. Family - This is a core theme in this drama. ML's father was distant while his mother had depression. Fl's parents were warm and protective. I loved her mum's sharing when the couple first visited her parents after marriage.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked her parents. FL's bestie and ML's assistant / college friend were wonderful too. It's also nice to see ML's mother.
7. Learning from mistake - I liked that both ML's father and brother learned from their mistakes of mistreating their girlfriends and came to the girlfriends to make amends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex was scumbag for meeting his ex a day before his wedding to FL. I also disliked ML's father but both men redeemed themselves.

Favourite scene
When ML helped his father-in-law in the kitchen

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Good plot with merman and female CEO tropes but was destroyed by leads' subpar performances

I was in the mood for short dramas with mermaid / merman trope this week so I chose to watch this drama a few nights ago. After watching more than 10 dramas with that trope, I had low expectations. Now this drama started off good but it could not live up to its potential.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I must say that I had not seen this plot in other mermaid & merman dramas. I liked the story enough.
2. ML characterisation - I liked ML's puppy behaviour. He was clingy to FL.
3. Duration - I think this drama is just over an hour so it was an easy watch.
4. Styling - While the styling was hit and miss in this drama, there were a few points that I liked: the merman outfit & wig (it gave ML a different look compared to his human form) and the water resistant suit that ML wore.

What I disliked:
1. Antagoinst - For me, the antagonist arc was too simplify that he seemed like a caricature. No substance.
2. Acting - The acting by both leads felt amateurish. I simply couldn't connect to FL because Zhang Qing was bad at portraying an arrogant female president. There was zero chemistry between Zhang Qing and Su Yu Hang. They gave friendly acquaintance vibe rather than lovers vibe.
3. Romance - I was surprised when FL told ML that she liked him too. I didn't see any romantic buildup but then again their lack of chemistry most likely led me to miss out this part.

Favourite scene
When antagonist did something to ML to get ML's tail to appear

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Better ML characterisation and romance arc made this drama superior to 'Hide Day and Night'

I have a column reddit where I watch and compare two dramas from the same source. This story was recommended to me by a Reddit member so I decided to watch both stories. I watched this drama after watching version 1 starring Lan Lan and Wang Kai Mu. I liked this version more. Anyway I watched on 花笙TV YouTube channel - be warned that the English subs were on and off.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I must say that the romance arc in this version was healthier than the romance arc in the other version. Consent is the key. I could sense that both of them were into each other and they became intimate, there was no coercion by ML. Good quality of kisses.
2. ML characterisation - He was respectful toward FL although he was pushy at the start when he forced her to stay with him.
3. Styling - I appreciated that the styling created two different hairstyles for Yang Mie Mie because there was a time jump. FL's outfits somehow reminded me of US movie Legally Blonde 2. Yu Long looked dashing in the military uniform.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is less than 100 minutes.
5. Acting - Both of them did good job in their roles. I particularly enjoyed Yang Mie Mie's performance during conflict scenes e.g. when she tried to repress her feelings because of her mother's resistance. The chemistry was palpable too.
6. FL characterisation - I liked that she created a boundary between her and ML when they met again at the start of the drama. She struggled between her feelings for ML and her mother's disdain for ML and his sister.
7. Editing - The predecessor is 50 minutes longer than this version. However I found Love Day and Night to be well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's sister in this drama was the antagonist. She was selfish and manipulative - had no remorse for doing those things. I also disliked both mothers of ML and FL.
2. Scumbag - There was a scumbag that kidnapped FL. I don't recall if he was FL's ex but I thought his arc was boring.

Favourite scene
When they were first intimate

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Cowardly and selfish FL who took no accountability for her actions. I disliked this drama!

I got curious about this vertical drama after reading my MDL friend Raiana's review. I have only watched a few Korean verticals and most of the shows I watched (available on iQIYI) cannot match the quality of Chinese verticals. I had high hopes for this drama because I had already seen 2 rave reviews before starting this drama. Unfortunately I don't share the same love for this drama like the other reviewers. I usually avoid giving away too much spoilers in my MDL reviews so I apologise in advance - there are a lot of spoilers in this review.

What I liked:
1. Production value - The drama was well directed and edited. Burning the Line felt like a compact version of a standard Korean melodrama.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend and FL's dean / superior. They were the most rational people in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was lovebrained and overall nice guy. He was mature beyond his age and at times, more mature than FL.
4. Duration - This drama is less than 90 minutes. Thank gawd!

What I disliked:
1. FL - She was the antagonist of this story. She was unhappy with her career and love life but instead of breaking up with a fiance she didn't love and focusing on career advancement, she just let the engagement go on AND got entangled in a situation that could jeopardise her goal. I HATED that she gave weak excuses (to herself and ML) about being in relationship to ML despite knowing that he was her bestie's son! She was cowardly and did not take any accountability for her actions. She ran away when facing problems.
2. The ending - Gosh, what kind of ending was that?!! Noble idiocy!
3. Romance - I love noona romance but sadly I didn't like the romance arc in this drama. Their romance started with deceit and even though ML knew that FL was still engaged, he was happy to continue being in a relationship with her.

Favourite scene
When ex-fiance bumped into FL and ML.

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Product placement in the form of mermaid drama. Compact & fun!

I am writing two-series reddit posts about mini dramas and vertical dramas with mermaid & merman trope. This drama is one of them. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this very short drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact and well-written for a product placement. I was amazed.
2. Acting - Good performances by the four leads and this is a mobile phone ad. The two leading ladies were very charming.
3. Fantasy - I loved the elements presented here as they were refreshing. No tears that turn to pearls.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed the contrasting dynamics between Shi Yue and Bai Yu (sismance), between Bai Yu and An Xu Guang and between him and Shi Yue. The latter involved cute rivalry & banter.
5. Styling - I really liked the green highlights worn by Qin Xie Xie. Yang Yang looked handsome ethereal in white / silver wig. Overall the outfits worn by the cast were visually appealing.
6. FLs - Wonderfully written. They were smart & compassionate.
7. Length - This was perfect for a short video promoting a mobile phone. No complaints.
8. ML - There was more focus on his crush on Bai Yue than on his work but hey I enjoyed his arc.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He was evil & power hungry.

Favourite scene
When ML found out that Bai Yu was visiting him

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Disliked Yan Yin An's acting but the plot has substance

I was in the mood for mermaid / merman short dramas so I picked My Dear Mermaid. I have heard of Alpha because he acted with Han Jia Hui but Yan Yin An was unfamiliar to me. This drama was an OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Plot - For a short mini drama, the storyline has substance. ML and antagonisthad good arcs. Enough drama for lighthearted drama.
2. Visuals - Alpha and Fu Xue Yan's visuals certainly grabbed my attention.
3. Fantasy - I liked the fantasy elements especially the alter ego.
4. Duration - Fast-paced drama probably just outside of 1 hour running time.
5. Characters - ML was ok but the green prime minister was funny.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I didn't enjoy this drama because of Yan Yin An's acting. She didn't have the main character aura and not because of her plain visuals. I felt she was more suited playing supporting characters. There was zero chemistry between her and Alpha. They were awkward with no ice broken between them.
2. FL characterisation - I felt her character had the least impact out of three. She seemed ditzy & immature.
3. Romance - Lacklustre. They never seemed to be genuinely attracted to each other. It felt more like they were together because fate has told them so.

Favourite scene
How they defeated the antagonist

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