emberzmars

Purely revenge tale that is a satisfying watch

I don't remember how I came across this drama but upon reading user comments, I decided it was worth watching. It was indeed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Well cast drama from main characters (FL, ML) to supporting characters such as ML's father, ML's bro, ML's mother & FL's mother. Liu Xi Yu carried her role well despite having an angelic face. The actor who played ML's brother caught my attention. Too bad I don't know his name because I'd love to watch more of his work. It was also nice to see the actress who played FL's mother as I enjoyed her acting and visual in another drama. I also was surprised to see ML being turned on - eeerrmm Qian Zhe was hot.
2. Revenge plot - This drama focuses on revenge. There are "romance" scenes but there are intentional for the purpose of revenge. Even though I could predict FL's plans, it was satisfying to see her sticking to her plans.
3. Kink - I was shocked. I didn't expect to see an adult playroom in a Chinese drama!
4. Manipulative - It is an important theme in this drama as it is exercised by several characters such as FL, ML, ML's father & ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. ML's father - One of the grossest character I've seen in vertical dramaland. He was abusive towards FL & her mother - some scenes are distressing.
2. ML's brother arc - I wish his arc isn't preditable.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Partnership within flash marriage that turns to love as time passes by

I chose to watch this drama because I wanted to explore Bai Yan's work. I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's wonderful to watch a relationship that is built on partnership then grows into love. FL & ML had very good communication. Romance is mostly sweet but there is one spicy scene & some real kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Even though their relationship started as married strangers, ML took his role as husband and stepdad very seriously.
3. Supporting characters - I like Grandma Lin who took on nanny role to secretly bond with FL and her daughter. I also like FL's daughter who is integral to this story because in other vertical dramas, most of the kids' role are products of one night stands.
4. Acting - I enjoy watching Bai Yan playing a sweet character without heavy heartache. Wang Jia Mao was also good in his role. The actor who played Su Bei Chen did well do especially that last scene with his mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Bei Chen, his mother, FL's male coworker & Zhang Xioli are despicable. Su Bei Chen especially!
2. Kidnapping - This is a common trope in vertical drama but gosh this drama upped its ante with the kidnapping scene.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL at hospital

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Reborn revenge tale in historical setting - enjoyable!

I prefer modern stories to historical but once in awhile, I will watch historical drama. This is my first historical drama shot vertically and I was greatly entertained.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wonderful performances by Yao Yuchen, Liu Qing and Mao Shung Er. They nailed the dramatic & comedic moments.
2. Romance - The sexual tension was killing me. Real kisses and affectionate/playful moments. Would love to see more kisses once they confirm their relationship.
3. FL characterisation - I enjoy her scheming post-reborn. She was smart but played coy.

What I disliked:
1. Poison arc - I wish more time was spent on this because I find the explanation at the end was too rush.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL after FL's first confrontation with concubine Zhen

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Light & funny romantic comedy with great acting

The reason I watched this drama is Zhang Jinyi. She was impressive in a drama with Lu Huanyu, in which she played a tech expert married to "uncle" CEO. I decided to check out her other dramas hence this review.

What I liked:
1. Su Shi Mo characterisation - I love FL's quirkiness and self-confidence. She never felt down nor embarassed when other people looked down on her unconvetional capabilities.
2. Acting - I must say that Zhang Jinyi excels in comedies. She was entertaining to watch. I also enjoyed the main actor's performance - too bad I couldn't find his name her and in Youtube comments. I have watched many vertical dramas with wheelchair bound ML. This actor managed to give depth to his character unlike other dramas in which MLs are usually brooding & 2 dimensional. The actor is handsome & has big lips.
3. Supporting characters - FL's master was hilarious so was the master's relative who was at the auction.
4. Romance - Sweet, heartfelt romance. Their quarrel about treatment & divorce threat was emotional, I could sense the conflict within both characters.
5. Styling - I like styling for both FL & ML especially when they both wore similar colours.

What I disliked:
1. Snobbery - I dislike people who look down on folks who live or grow up in rural areas.

Favourite scene
The auction

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Sweet noona romance with fun ending

I watched this drama weeks ago & if I don't write MDL review immediately, I might forget about the drama. This is the case with this drama. A few days ago, I thought I had not seen it so I clicked play but the early scenes were familiar.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He's caring & romantic. In many vertical dramas, ML fell for FL when they were children or at least when he was a teen. In this drama, he was a younger colleague of FL who got to know her before her marriage. I find this background more realistic.
2. Ending - Fun ending and I love how supporting characters were written into the ending.
3. Villain arc - I like how SFL Stella was written. She was obsessed & possessive and how her true nature was revealed was a good scene.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's employees & ML's right hand man.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML was more invested in their relationship than FL. I also don't sense much romantic chemistry between Meng Lu and Chen Yun Ting.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Visually stunning couple but not enough kisses

I am a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and this is my second drama that featured Zhan Zhuo.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, Zhang Chu Xuan & Zhan Zhuo made a visually stunning couple. Their styling was on point too.
2. Romance - Their first kiss was intense, messy and hot.
3. Plot - Overall they had challenges such as age difference, office romance & ML's hidden agenda. It was enjoyable watching them go through these challenges. That taxi scene almost at the end was heartwarming.
4. FL characterisation - Zhang Chu Xuan chooses her roles carefully and she's always a delight to watch. I love that her character is successful & strong but had moments of vulnerability.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - I don't understand why kisses after the one night stand were blocked by FL. It was frustrating and I felt as though the director made ML boyish / immature with these shots.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed

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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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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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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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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 & cute family drama with corporate espionage thrown in

I love the pairing of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan in Your Trap. Thus that led me to this series. I'm delighted that Shen Hao Nan used the same hairstyle as the one in Your Trap. With this hairstyle, he resembled Mark Tuan of kpop group GOT7.

What I liked:
1) Romance - This series displayed better falling in love scenes than Your Trap. I like the montage clip of younger Mun Yunge and Si Qingye because they had fun and looked like a real couple in love. That morning after conversation was funny. The kisses were hot but in one scene I am not sure whether it's right to proceed.
2) Kids - They are adorable but hhhmm quite mature and observant for six year olds. I have seen the child actor who played Xingxing in a vertical drama about a triplets. His character was similar too - he was an intelligent boy who is leader amongst his siblings.
3) Styling - I really like the outfits for Qingye and the kids because they wear bright colours. Yunge's clothes were pretty too but I don't like the shoe choices. Maryjane with socks on a mum is not my style. Yunge also wore a pair of heels that were strapped to her ankle for her business meeting at a club. She should have worn slip on heels so that shoes fell on the floor during the makeout scene (more dramatic effect).
4) Zhao Dong Hao - He was memorable despite the lack of screentime. He had six-pack abs but damn that scene was too short.

What I disliked:
1) Ning Wu Hui's arc - Instead of cramming Ning Wu Hui's part in 1 episode, the series should expand this arc into 3 episodes. First episode could be about Ning Wu Hui meeting & seducing Si Qing Ye, second episode could be her mission and third episode could be about her accident that led to memory loss.
2) Mu family arc - I feel like Yunge's identity as a member of Mu family wasn't explained clearly. Why did she do to earn her grandpa's assets? What did she do for a living after giving birth? Why did she work at Qingye's company instead of her own family company? The cousin rivalry felt empty because the cousin character was two dimensional.
3) Dubbed voice - Why were the voices dubbed? I love Wen Mo Yan's voice but her dubbed voice had this "cute" sound to it.
4) Villains - I feel like they were too many villains that ultimately were underdeveloped. Had Lu Xiao had more depth to his character.

Favourite scene
The kids birthday party. I didn't expect raw performances by both leads.

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Toxic ML but damn, the visuals & chemistry ?

I saw a short clip of this series on Youtube which peaked my interest. I used to read Eastern European mob boss love stories 10 years ago. Anyway I have iQiyi but surprisingly couldn't find this series. Anyway 'Captive love from the mob boss is my first vertically shot drama. Oh boy, this drama is insane.

What I liked:
1) The chemistry - Whenever both Zhang Chu Xuan & Ma Xiao Yu had electrifying chemistry. I could sense the sexual tension between them that could combust at any time. I never say this but I would love for them to date each other in real life. Their consensual kiss and the morning after were 🔥 ! Wish there were more kissing & affectionate scenes.
2) Acting - I was surprised by the quality of acting by both leads. Zhang Chu Xuan & Ma Xiao Yu were able to portray different facade of their characters. I am looking to watch their other work.
3) Visuals - Both leads are extremely gorgeous. Ma Xiao Yu is freaking tall and has nice build (his shoulders just wow). The styling also helped. I love Wan Ni's outfits especially when she wore white. Her wedding gowns were beautiful - I love the second one (strapless) the most. I like whenever Song Cha wore all black outfit.

What I disliked:
1) Song Cha characterisation - Damn, this dude is toxic! He gave me stress! So aggressive with his wooing & proposal. I cannot stand the manhandling.
2) The plot - I wish the writer would make tighter connection between Song Cha, Wan Ni's brother and Wan Ni's former fiancé so that Song Cha could be more redeemable. It's weird that Song Cha at the start of series claimed to be businessman with no ties to the mob but his actions later proved otherwise.
3) The first meet - The way Song Cha's injury was tended to in first episode was funny. He also managed to raise his injured arm immediately.

Favourite scene
The mutual kiss that led to their lovemaking

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Exciting start but I lost interest due to FL's action

Started this show roughly on 22 November when the series had roughly 12 episodes. It's quite rare for me to watch a mini drama that is still airing (Fatal Allure was another exception). I only completed the series today 6 December because damn I struggled with this series. Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1) Time reset - It was interesting until halfway through the series. The scenarios were enjoyable and unpredicable.
2) Romance - There was one predictable scene that led to Zhi Li and Chen Che kissing and I liked that. Most of the kissing scenes were sweet. I also enjoyed the secondary romance.
3) Eddy Geng - Handsome. He resembles NCT Jaehyun and Taeyong , I find.
4) Suppoting characters - I like FL's senior and her love rival.

What I disliked:
1) Shen Zi Li's characterisation - I like her at the start. Once she became suspicious of Chen Che and started to harm him, I started to lose interest in this drama. Why did she act that way??? You are a bloody healer. I dislike her for being rash.
2) Length - I find 32 episodes format to be draggy especially when each episode is 20 minutes long. After losing interest in the series around episode 16, I pushed myself to finish because this is a mini drama. I didn't pay much attention since they were repeating the same scenarios.
3) Ending - I find it strange that they were energetic after losing blood. Why were they hopping?
4) Acting - I didn't enjoy Sun Xue Ning's acting as much. She could have expressed anguish when the villain was unveiled.

Favourite scene
When Zhi Li and Chen Che went undercover in that lady's mansion

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