emberzmars

“Being kind to those who hurt you, is cruelty to yourself”

I watched this drama a few days ago as I was preparing a reddit post that celebrates Father's Day. A gem that is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Family theme - This is a non-romance drama and it heavily focuses on family. There are 2 different families shown in this drama: i) FL's adopted family and 2) FL's biological father.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how she grew up and changed her approach once she was given a second chance. One thing remained constant - she was kind-hearted, cool and level-headed. She helped to extract a stranger from a car wreck even though there were risks of car blowing up. However with people who treated her badly, she wasn't kind which is great.
3. ML characterisation - Despite no romantic element, ML here is FL's biological father played by Sa Gang Yun. He started off as a serious, no-nonsense business man. Despite being skeptical & awkward with FL at first, it's wonderful to see him making effort in getting to know FL. He supported her without smothering her.
4. SML characterisation - FL's adopted father has a complex arc that made me go through an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't a bad person from start till the end - there were moments in which he was genuinely kind. He made bad decisions that affected FL's welfare.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the grandpa who rescued FL and wanted to know more about his backstory.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family were atrocious. I couldn't believe her adopted / stepmother for the inhumane treatment.
2. Assault - I couldn't believe that FL's adopted brother assaulted her for something petty. He should be sent to the police for his crime!
3. Father - daughter relationship - I wish there were more scenes of FL & ML spending quality time together. FL looked indifferent sometimes when she was with biological father. I wish she would lower down her guard.
4. Ending - A cliffhanger. I want to know what happened next.

Favourite scene
The contract bidding

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So much potential but writing was a letdown. FL got bullied too many times

I was in the mood for Huang Bo so I chose to watch this drama. The video had more than 2 million views and the title stated that he was allergic to woman. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was good to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy. ML was protective & respectful of FL.
2. Romance - Sweet age-gap romance. FL was still university student at the start so she called ML "uncle". ML fell for FL at first sight and entertained every single request of FL. However the kisses weren't real, I wonder if Li Jing Ye's request for no real kisses because Huang Bo does real onscreen kisses very well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant. Smart & knew when to intervene.
4. Ending - The last 5 minutes was suspenseful. I liked the ending and how FL reacted upon hearing news from ML.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL were bullied too many times: her family, her love rival, at her graduation ceremony, ML's ex. These scenes bored me so I watched it at 2× speed.
2. Allergy plot device - I was disappointed this plot device wasn't properly used in this story. It was only done very briefly at the start and then briefly mentioned in the third act.
3. FL characterisation - FL was quite timid for my liking. I disliked that FL had doubts about ML when his ex appeared. At times I felt she received more than she gave to the relationship.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Writer & director were too indulgent on FL - ML chemistry that they forgot how to tell a good story

I wanted to watch something on Youku so I picked this drama because of mini drama format and jiejie romance trope.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Jun Hao and Feng Xi Yao gave good performances and had sizzling acting chemistry.
2. Romance - There was so much sexual tension at the start. I could sense desire felt by them. It was great when they finally got together. Nice kisses though I wish there were more kisses once misunderstanding cleared.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits for both FL & ML. Their visual chemistry was off the charts too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Tuan, ML's colleague and FL's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. Second half - The drama started going downhill when ML's father told FL that FL & ML were biological siblings. I hated that FL didn't talk about it with ML - instead she demanded a breakup. I watched the second half at 4.0 x the speed to ensure I could mark this drama as complete. Indulgence could have been done in standard 24-episode format.
2. Car accident - I thought FL would focus on car accident that caused her parents' death but nope, this task was put on hold because other things happened.
3. Antagonists - Main antagonist was badly written. Too much screentime given to Qiu Yu & Shasha. Shasha is niece of Aunt Yun but she isn't wealthy nor working. I don't understand the value she brings if she had married ML Her character didn't add value to the story.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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Likeable main characters but the romance was underdeveloped

I was going through iQiyi's shorts catalogue and found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me and I am a fan of Zhao Guan Yu.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both main characters hid their true identity from one another because they were rich and wanted to avoid gold diggers. Both FL & ML were likeable but I found FL was too nice to allow someone else to use her identity for too long.
2. Humour - Light-hearted comedy.
3. Uncle - niece dynamic - This dynamic was interesting because there were ups and downs. There was a time uncle was competing with FL for company succession / inheritance but they worked together on bringing down impostor.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too much time given to the impostor. I was surprised she could get away with her fake identity after the exclusive lift scuffle.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. Hardly any scene of them developing a romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The starting was hilarious

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Must see romantic suspense drama with great acting and fiery chemistry

I discovered this drama when I was going through Huang Bo's filmography to update his MDL profile. This drama's synopsis intrigued me. I enjoyed this drama a lot and could watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a drone developer. Great to see a female scientist in vertical dramas. She was smart to use her strength to save herself in difficult situations. Lun Rui Xue impressed me with her acting.
2. Romance - At first the relationship between FL and ML was more physical for survival but it's great to see it transition to love as both trusted and depended on each other to catch the villain and get out of that place. This is one of few dramas in which main couple works together on a common goal. There were hot kisses and sexy seduction.
3. ML characterisation - A complex character wonderfully portrayed by Huang Bo. ML is anti-hero trapped in an undercover mission waiting to finish and get out. I liked that I couldn't read him at first.
4. Antagonists - There are two types of antagonists: FL's family and the people behind human trafficking & drug smuggling. Both types were nicely developed though I wish there was more screentime for the mastermind behind the those big crimes.
5. Legacy - Legacy is one of the themes explored in this drama and I liked how it was written in many ways such as from perseptives of FL, ML and antagonists.
6. Fitness - I have been into keeping myself fit after a health scare. So I appreciate whenever a drama has scenes of physical training & fitness. Appreciated that this was shown as part of main couple's preparation to bring down the mastermind.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - This story involves human trafficking which for me is hard to watch. Innocent women being duped then abused physically and mentally by heartless people.

Favourite scene
When ML revealed his identity to FL

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Painful to watch because of abuse endured by FL

I managed to watch this drama after Black Swan Strategy was released and before Youtube link got removed. I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan and I enjoyed Wang Hao Xiang's dramas that I have watched. This drama was painful to watch. Trigger warning: Abuse, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she took the opportunity to blow off steam when she wanted to be herself. I'd say she was mentally strong because of the tantrums her mother threw at her frequently.
2. Ending - Loved the ending! Very similar to Black Swan Strategy.
3. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and her twin sister. Wen Mo Yan looked hot in biker chic getup.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan and the actress who played FL's mother.
5. Relationship - I liked that ML was there for FL / played the role of a friend when she was at her lowest point. There were some kisses but that happened mostly at the start because drama was quite heavy from second act onwards.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL's mother had mental health issues and she was abusive towards FL. It was painful to watch scenes of her hurting and threatening FL.
2. Confrontation - That scene between FL's ex fiancé and FL's mother was tense. Damn he was brutally honest with her mother that I was afraid of what she would do to herself and FL.
3. Chemistry - Unfortunately I didn't sense any romantic chemistry between Wen Mo Yan and Wang Hao Xiang.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Domineering female CEO & a house husband entangled in family dispute & power struggle

I was curious about Li Quan Cheng's work so I decided to watch this drama. I had never seen Mai Tong's drama neither.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like flirty ML so this Ye Xuan Yi won me over. It's admirable that he doesn't feel emasculated by his wife's ambitious nature. Darn, how old is Ye Xuan Yi??? Li Quan Cheng played this role to perfection as he was able to demonstrate the serious and the cheeky sides of his character.
2. Romance - Sweet romance. Too bad their sexy time was interrupted. Anyway I loved how ML cared for FL. Their love language is act of service.
3. Supporting characters - Lei Yun was an awesome right handman. I liked FL's sister too.
4. Antagonist - I knew who the main culprit was before it was unveiled. I enjoyed the arc even though it was flawed.
5. Styling - Loved the clothes worn by Ye Xuan Yi and Lei Yun. Su Yin's magenta pantsuit was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. Acting - OMG the actress and actor playing the antagonists went over the top with their acting - like they were in pantomime. I also think Mai Tong's acting was inconsistent. She was great at portraying cool and distant head of company but as a wife witnessing a dying husband, she didn't express enough warmth & tenderness.
2. Shareholder meeting - Vertical dramas always get this scene wrong but the scene in this drama is absolutely ridiculous. The discrimination against people with physical impairment, the process of verifying company chairman made me mad. Good thing FL said something against the discrimination of people with mobility issue.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the shareholder meeting

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This drama made me think of external locus of control

I am a massive fan of Guo Yuxin and was excited to watch her historical dramas because I had never done it before.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid acting by Guo Yuxin, Ceng Yi Tong, the actress who played SFL and Gu Ming.
2. Plot - This is my second reborn tale involving sisters. It's fascinating to watch how 2 characters, that were given another chance in life, lived their lives. I also enjoyed this drama for exploring the social status of ancient community even though it was brief.
3. Locus of control - Gosh, I learned about locus of control when studying psychology at university 20 years ago. I enjoyed watching the perspective of SFL who always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on external forces i.e. other people.
4. Ending - The last 10 minutes of the drama went from tragic to comedic. I liked how the leading 4 characters were wrapped up. There was a nice move on the 2 supporting characters too.
5. Styling - I love FL's outfits especially the aquamarine & lilac robes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Slow burn romance which is understandable because ML was a general. I wish there were more tender moments between FL & ML, not necessarily kisses or sex but more like handholding and playful banter.

Favourite scene
The ending for SFL & SML.

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Republican era reborn-revenge drama with sexy pairing & good acting

I was curious about Xu Jiang Shuai's work after watching She is Noble. Decided to watch this drama since I enjoy Yao Yu Chen's acting & I rarely watch Republican era vertical dramas.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was chemistry between Yao Yu Chen and Xu Jiang Shuai making their intimate scenes sizzling hot.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she approached ML to execute her revenge plans. Her revenge on her fiancé's mistress was amusing. Yao Yu Chen was great in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He was protectiveness of her. I liked that he was willing to go along with FL's scheming.
4. Styling - I loved the qipao worn by FL, the mistress and other female characters in this drama. Xu Jiang Shuai also looked dashing in the uniform of Republican era military officer.
5. Antagonists - Gu Jing'An is a villain I love to hate. Such a meaty character that pose threat to FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - The abuse at the start of the drama was hard to watch.
2. Antagonist - The green tea that appeared in third act was annoying. I don't understand why she got to live in the same house of the couple.

Favourite scene
When villain ambushed ML to tarnish ML's reputation

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Jiejie romance with well written characters & plot. No silly green tea!

I enjoyed the acting of Wang Xi and Xia Jing Ran so when this drama appeared on my youtube dashboard, I was intrgiued & decided to watch. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & good dash of spicy with good kisses. I liked that ML was playful & coquettish. This jiejie romance made both ML & FL work on their issues rather than let them fester and create bigger misunderstanding.
2. FL characterisation - I liked how her character was written because we got to see her facing challenges at work.
3. ML characterisation - I don't like secret identity but in this drama, I could put it aside because he was smart, mature & genuine about his feelings for FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother especially when he was caught by ML for snooping. The dynamic between ML & FL's brother after that scene was fun to watch. ML's assistant was funny too.
5. Siblings - There were 2 pairs of siblings: 1) FL - her brother, 2) ML - his brother. Good contrasts in sibling dynamics.
6. Ending - Amusing & so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Miscast - I felt like both Wang Xin and Xia Jing Ran were miscast. Wang Xin loooked too mature for 22 year old guy while Xia Jing Ran lacked assertiveness for the role of successful older businesswoman and she looked youthful still. Nevertheless they did well in their roles.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught by ML

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FL too obliging even after multiple blackmails

I was perusing new releases and this drama's poster caught my attention. I always think both Li Zi Jie and Li Ke Yi have the prettiest lips in the world of Chinese vertical dramas. Thick, full lips. Anyway I watched within the first two days of release. I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I never thought I would see Li Ke Yi rocking top & trousers combo because she's always in dresses and qipao. I loved the wide leg trousers and brown top/jacket she wore. ML wore noce suits - I really like the teal blue suit.
2. Kisses - Good kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's colleagues at BC group, the orphanage director & the kids .

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's arranged fiancée for the double standard, the greed & being controlling. His mistress is even worse. She acted as though she was already part of his family.
2. FL's characterisation - Having watched Spring Day starring Guo Yu Xin & Chen Zheng Yang a week ago, I felt that there are similarities between this couple & that couple. However I felt that FL was too obliging to the Ji family. Her arranged fiancée was disrespectful to her but out of respect/feeling indebted, she just persevered and accepted the blackmail. I also don't understand why she left a company that's good for her growth & wellbeing.
3. Relationship - I found the relationship overall had more downs than ups. Their secret relationship felt more like booty calls than actual, healthy relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL saw a painting at the orphanage

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Supernatural murder mystery with a touch of romance

I was browsing through my iQiyi app when I found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me as it reminds me of Western supernatural series such as True Calling and Ghost Whisperer. So I clicked play and overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supernatural theme - It's refreshing and I really enjoyed it.
2. FL characterisation - She's aloof but smart. I really liked that she's always a step ahead of others. Zhao Fei was excellent in this role.
3. ML characterisation - He's a workaholic but not overbearing. He's smart - I liked that he came out with a plan to convince shareholders.
4. Romance - As expected, there is romance. A sweet one but the chemistry between Zhao Fei and Yang Cheng Han was lacking for a romantic couple. I wish there were more warm moments by the couple so it would feel rewarding when they truly got together.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and FL's male friend. The two junior colleagues of FL were cute.

What I disliked:
1. Conclusion - What is the motive of the masked antagonist for killing FL's family? Was it explained? I want to know so please let me know.

Favourite scene
When FL's male friend fought against masked killer

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Longtime crush rewarded with heavy kisses once they got together

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit member who says that this drama has FL chasing ML first. I have mixed feelings about this drama.but overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is heavy on kisses - good quantity & quality. FL & ML went all out with passion & desire felt in their makeout session. There were also sweet gestures done by both FL & ML.
2. Styling - I really liked clothes worn by FL who was 22 years old because they reflected her youthfulness.
3. Acting - This is first time watching drama of both Li Jia Chen & Li Ya Ya. They were good in their roles as they seemed very comfortable with the close contact.

What I disliked:
1. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long that I felt bored halfway through so I doubled the speed. I wish the pre-confession phase was shortened and antagonists' screentime were reduced.
2. Antagonists - There were 2 of them and both got a lot of screentime. One should be jailed for his crime.
3. FL's characterisation - In general, I am not a fan of childlike FL. She is one of them but her act is tolerable because it's just her playful nature.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate encounter

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Fast paced spy drama that has light touch of Mr and Mrs Smith

I found out about this drama from reddit. Was in the mood for something quick and this fit the bill with the drama being under 90 minutes. This drama has light touch of Hollywood's Mr and Mrs Smith and was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Action scenes - I enjoyed the action scenes and appreciated the one on one battles between FL and ML. It's great to see kickass FL and kickass ML. I actually liked that ML acknowledged FL as his equal partner during their action scene.
2. Romance - Since both FL and ML had secret identity, their romance was done in two ways - sweet (when they run their daily lives) and spicy (when they were on missions). I wish there were more emotional pull between them before their secret identities were revealed.
3. Styling - One member said Yer Forger outfit which made me search online as I was unfamiliar. I liked FL's spy outfit.
4. Antagonist - The antagonist character was done well and I could feel that he's almost on par with the main characters unlike other antagonist. I liked how his character was wrapped up.

What I disliked:
1. Last fight - I thought this scene could be done better with a different strategy. Since we had 2 great spies, why work in silo?

Favourite scene
FL and antagonist in hotel room

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The couple's playful banters were fun to watch

I am going to write a post on Zhang Chu Xuan's dramas so I watched this drama as part of my homework. I am always curious about Yao Guan Yu even though I haven't found his drama enjoyable enough for me to watch repeatedly. Overall I liked this drama but won't watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their banters were so entertaining and that's their love language. Yao Guan Hu excels in smirking once more. There were some nice kisses though I wish we had gotten steamy scenes and more time dedicated to their romance.
2. Empowerment - Zhang Chu Xuan has taken many women empowerment roles and I like it a lot even though in reality these milestones did not happen back in early 20th century. In this drama, she succeeded in getting a divorce and being appointed as a strategist in the army.
3. Acting - Solid acting by Zhang Chu Xuan, Yao Guan Yu, SFL & SML.
4. Antagonist's first arc - I actually liked SFL's character arc in the first act. She was a formidable nemesis to FL and I think the points about arranged marriage vs love match were valid.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's second in command & FL's maid. Even FL's mother was adorable despite short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists' second & third act - Ok writer went crazy (pun intended) with SFL's character arc once the 4 leads were in military. I liked SML when he realised that SFL had gone overboard. He was able to distinguish right and wrong. However he & his family were very cruel at the end.

Favourite scene
When ML woke up after a surgery

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