emberzmars

Great chemistry in this light, easy to digest story about merman looking for his soulmate

I was in the mood to watch mermaid / merman short dramas so I chose this one. I watched it on youtube because only VIP members can watch full episodes on WeTV. My Mermaid Boyfriend was fun & breezy watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I consider chemistry as a subset of acting and wow, both leads got very good chemistry. They were in sync from the get go. I liked that they exuded warmth when on screen.
2. Plot - It is familiar, simple, easy to digest story. The water splash scene reminds me of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her personality. She wasn't weak girl with low self-esteem.
4. ML characterisation - He was sneaky! The first 2 episodes cracked me up.
5. Romance - Friends to lovers dynamic.
6. Styling - I liked the pink and blue clothes worn by the leads.
7. Supporting character - ML's sister was a wonderful addition. I liked her advice to ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His arc was underdeveloped but overall he was selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML intervened in a potential fight

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Good opening scene but the rest was a mess. I disliked FL

I watched Li An Qi in a drama with Huang Bo and she gave a great performance. I noticed her name when this drama was released and I got the feeling that it was jiejie romance so I watched it. What a disappointment!

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Li An Qi made a great older woman and Shen Yu Fan was very handsome
2. Intimacy - Spicy & hot scenes.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend at work & her eventual husband.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fickle. I don't get it why she chase another man to be her boyfriend when ML was clearly interested in her.
2. Romance - A lot of push from FL. I also disliked that there was distress in their relationship. FL chose someone else to marry.
3. Scheming - A lot of scheming happened.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Lack of chemistry, frustrating ML & infuriating romance arc left me unsatisfied

A reddit friend told me about Shen Hao Nan having dimple. I wanted to verify so opened my iQIYI app and randomly chose this drama because I thought it was a sweet campus romance. Oh I was wrong!

What I liked:
1. Acting - I was moved by A Shang's performance during scenes of FL recollecting her past. I cried - that's unexpected. I also cried when ML realised how precious FL was to him.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character pre and post rebirth. It's great that she reinvented herself post rebirth. I liked her character growth except that last part.
3. Confessions - FL shared her perspectives of her wasted potential in past life with ML and I was heartbroken by her insights.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend Liu Nian. ML's brother was ok but his character was underdeveloped. I liked FL's grandfather & ML's mother.
5. Drugged - I just want to say that the treatment to ML's drugging was refreshing. I was shocked.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't like that ML pester FL for a second chance in their relationship. For a couple who had been together for 10 years, they were emotionally disconnected. I didn't buy the romance and was disheartened that FL decided to give him another chance.
2. ML characterisation - He was terrible at expressing his love in his past life. Once reborn, I found him selfish. I wish he had given FL space to grow & realise her potential without his meddling.
3. Plot - Overall the story left me unsatisfied. There were plenty of loose ends from SML's role in this whole drama to that crappy reconciliation.
4. Acting - I see chemistry as subset of acting and there was lack of chemistry between A Shang & Shen Hao Nan. Their couple scenes were awkward as though they didn't know how to play off their characters' dynamic.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML how she wasted her potential because her focus on him

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Familiar rebirth no revenge story but the twists made it more enjoyable

I was recommended this drama by a reddit friend. I watched the other version first then this version, both on the same day. There are distinct approach to the third act. I had not seen dramas by any of the three actors (minus Love and Strife because Tang Shu Ya played a supporting character whom I did not recall). I must say I enjoyed this drama more than version 1.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Unlike version 1, ML here was active & started walking in third act. He went on a peace mission. I liked his protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - The romance arc was better told in this version. I was surprised by the confession. There was warmth between the couple and yes, a kiss. There was also tangible threat to the couple's relationship which they successfully overcame.
3. Storytelling - Balanced perspectives from both FL & ML. They were not overshadowed by the main antagonist. I also liked how the drugging and punishment scenes were implemented. I was surprised by the connection between rebirth and SML. Good use of flashbacks.
4. Supporting characters - The emperor was surprisingly fair - he punished his selfish son. I also liked the Crown Princess and servants of ML & FL.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by the cast especially FL's purple attire.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast with Tang Shu Yu giving ML charm & presence.
7. FL characterisation - She was smart especially when the antagonists schemed. I also liked that she was self-reliant post-rebirth.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jing Chu was a scumbag for the mistreatment and harassment. The green tea was annoying and narcissistic.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Started off great but then became flat with common plot, bland acting and lack of chemistry

I was preparing a reddit post about vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Shu Chang. I decided to watch this drama because it stars Ma Qian Huan & Han Jia Hui too. I am familiar with revenge historical drama with concubine setting and this offered nothing new.

What I liked:
1. Han Jia Hui - It was great to see her playing a villain even though it was a supporting role. Even though food poisoning scene supposed to be a serious scene, HJH made it funny.
2. Opening scene - A great scene that establish the villain & FL's vengeance arc.
3. Styling - Loved the outfits worn by the cast.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Yao Yao & the Eunuch.
5. Revenge - I liked that FL's plan to bring down the villain included punishing her accomplices and manipulating ML.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Shu Chang was the main reason I watched this drama but her performance here was flat. She didn't convey much expressions. There was also no chemistry between her and Ma Qian Huan.
2. Romance - Due to the lack of chemistry, I didn't buy the attraction between FL & ML.
3. Antagonists - Han Jia Hui's character was evil as she killed innocent people. Gu Shi Xian was horrible too.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Messy revenge but the kisses were hot & brothers were handsome

This drama was reuploaded on one of the YouTube channels that I follow and I got curious. The leads were unfamiliar to me and since ML called FL jiejie, I decided to continue watching. The drama has confusing plot but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say Zhang Shuo Hang was captivating on screen. He brought a little crazy in his character but not a red flag. He and Chu Qian Yue had excellent chemistry. I also enjoyed the performance by Yang Cheng Yan, the actor who portrayed Ye Hai.
2. Romance - High sexual tension with good push & pull dynamics. The kisses were hot. The playful banter at the end was so sweet.
3. Visuals - I appreciated the beautiful faces of Zhang Shuo Yang and Yang Cheng Yan. Zhang Shuo Hang had slight resemblance to kpop idol Taeyong of NCT. Chu Qian Yue kinda look similar to Zhao Xi Xi.
4. Ending - That last scene after the epilogue was random & confusing but I liked it a lot.
5. ML characterisation - I liked his coquettish behaviour. Sly like a fox.

What I disliked:
1. Revenge - The revenge plan was messy. She was angry with her ex husband for cheating on her and criticising her dead parents. To investigate her parents' death, she propositioned young CEO who turned out to be ML's half brother. I expected FL to investigate but the drama was more focused on the love triangle.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL were unflattering. Very retro, grandma style.
3. Antagonists - FL's ex husband & his mistress were terrible. ML's father was horrible too.

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Gay romance with jealous colleague, possessive ex-lover and confusing systems plot device

I am a big fan of Chinese vertical dramas. I have seen a handful of Korean verticals but only 1 that I truly enjoyed. Thought I should give this a go since it is available on iQIYI and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing as I had not seen office rivalry story done this way.
2. Acting - I really like Kim Ye Chan's performance. His character was a sensitive soul & I could sense his sadness. The actress who played the antagonist gave a good performance because I hated her character.
3. ML characterisation - Yun Yeong Won was my favourite character as he was the most fleshed out. He yearned to love & be loved. Nice guy who was also a sensitive soul.
4. Styling - I liked the contrasting style between the two MLs as they reflected their personalities - uptight vs youthful. It's cute seeing adult wearing shorts to work.
5. Protectiveness - I liked the first scene in which we saw ML having confrontation with his ex boyfriend. Director ML was right about workplace bullying & sexual harassment.
6. Supporting characters - I liked that guy who was friends with the female antagonist. He only had few scenes but his appearances were interesting.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, that jealous colleague turned ML's ex boyfriend's wife was psychotic & malicious bitch. The type who is envious of a happy couple and would destroy their happiness. ML's ex boyfriend was a manipulative arsehole.
2. Systems - I don't quite understand this plot device. Why was the director ML given systems arc?
3. Romance - I felt they could have longer romance arc especially after the awful wedding.

Favourite scene
When both MLs had heart-to-heart conversation

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Good performances in this drama about betrayal, second chance & moving forward

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and came across Jia Qing. I had watched Su Jun He's drama with Guo Yu Xin - I enjoyed his performance and visuals there. So I decided to watch this drama last night and it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Elements - This drama features a few elements such as systems, cheating, second chance, revenge and they were done well. I was engaged most of the time while watching this drama.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was unforgiving but kind. Her life partner ML and their son mistreated her but instead of punishing them, she walked away and became focused on her own life. When they needed their help, she was kind to support then move on. I also liked how she was realistic about her situation as a transmigrator.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Jia Qing was captivating on screen with Su Jun He matching her skills and intensity. despite the 7-year gap between them. It was good to see Su Jun He playing a baddie. Li Zheng Jun did well in his role although I wish he had shown more of his charm to increase the pull dynamic. Even child actor gave a good performance - he did not just recite his lines like some child actors.
4. Romance - There were flashbacks to FL and ML's moments as happy couple and I enjoyed those scenes. The kisses were good, well I never expected them in cheating dramas. There was also romantic interest from SML.
5. Supporting characters - Their son Xiao Xu frustrated me when he sided with the antagonists. I liked ML's assistant who had a small role here.
6. Ending - I liked how the main characters were wrapped up.
7. Zhou Jing Yan characterisation - I did not what to expect of him because I assumed FL would help him out of guilt. I was good to see his character grow from beneficiary to business partner and potential love interest.

What I disliked:
1. ML - He was the main antagonist. An arsehole for forgetting FL's contribution to his success. I also disliked him for prioritising Xing Yue over FL. Unredeemable.
2. Antagonists - Xing Yue was atrocious, she lied, manipulated many people to become ML's wife. She even harmed ML's son (well that became a wake-up call for the ingrate). Her brother was conniving as well.

Favourite scene
When ML and the son met FL at the entrance of her workplace

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Zany FL made this fantasy drama enjoyable to watch

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical drama actresses aged 35 and above and MDL & reddit friend thehepburn informed me of Shu Chang and this drama. Gosh I realised that I had this drama in my watchlist many many months ago (must be during my Zuo Ming phase). I watched it yesterday and was entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I agree with the other reviewer about this drama being goofy. Well thanks to Xiao Qing. I also liked that she was nice & genuine especially towards those who treated her kindly e.g. ML's grandmother & parents.
2. Acting - Shu Chang excelled in this role. She commanded my attention whenever she appeared on screen. Zuo Ming performed well for a confused ML who later fell in love with FL. Despite the big age difference between them, their chemistry was dazzling.
3. Romance - It was warm & touching which I didn't expect considering how impersonal they were during their first intimate encounter. There were some nice kisses & sweet gestures. That wedding scene was touching.
4. Tone - I enjoyed the comedy bits. Hahaha the way FL walked before meeting ML's grandmother was damn funny. Drama was well-paced too.
5. Duration - This drama clocks in at 2 hours 5 minutes which was good for me as I don't enjoy draggy dramas.
6. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements from the snake alter ego to her use of powers. There was reincarnation arc used in this drama too although I wish it was longer because I'd like to see more of their dynamics in the past.
7. ML characterisation - Mr Nice Guy. I enjoyed his scenes which he remembered his past life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Money hungry uncle & daughter who wanted something they did not deserve. Gosh the daughter was so desperate that she would stage scenes.
2. ML's action - I was dismayed when ML didn't immediately back up FL when she was slandered by others.

Favourite scene
FL's funny walk

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Gay romance with physical & emotional intimacy done well

This drama caught my attention when it was released last year but I only watched it 16 hours ago after being reminded of it yesterday when I compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ short dramas for CShortHaven Discord. I had low expectations because of China's law on LGBTQIA+. However I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Writing - A plot that makes sense (most of the time) and executed well. I was surprised by sex scenes as I did not expect high quality production to have such scenes.
2. Xia Cheng Feng characterisation - I liked his character growth. He was quick to notice & make sense of his observations.
3. Romance - I have to say that I was bothered by how they started as a couple because Dr Jin Ye was aggressive with Xia Cheng Feng. However as their relationship foundation became solid, there were emotional connection that were beautifully presented. Thwy were hot for each other.
4. Acting - Wow, amazing performances by Pan Xin Yu and Zhang Qi Hao in their individual roles and as a couple. There was great chemistry between them. I will definitely check their other work.
5. Supporting characters - It surprised me that many of their close friends were supportive of their relationship. I liked Xia Cheng Feng's assistant, Dr Jin Ye's colleague.
6. Dr Jin Ye's characterisation - He was an alpha as a lover. I liked his doctor side although I think he was over the top with his treatments.

What I disliked:
1. Dr Jin Ye's actions - I disliked his possessiveness from the time he saw Xia Cheng Feng having a meal with the heiress to their first intimate moment.
2. Fan behaviour - Those racing fans were intrusive when they were at hospital.
3. Antagonist - He crossed the line after being rejected. I couldn't believe he even harmed the MLs.
4. Heiress - She behaved like a petulant child that it was a turn off. I disliked that she complained to Mr Xia when he didn't entertain her request.

Favourite scene
When Dr Jin Ye met Xia Cheng Feng after long time of not seeing him

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Lighthearted boy love disguising as bromance

I watched thia drama after Reach for the Stars because I wanted to feature them in my new reddit column, Drama Duo. I prefer Reach for the Stars.

What I liked:
1. Duration - This drama is under 2 hours.
2. Tone - Lighthearted with some funny moments. Different from Reach for the Stars which was more melodramatic.
3. Dynamic - I found this drama presented itself more as bromance unlike the other version.
4. Styling - Outfits for Ye Hao Ran really suited him - are those his dailywear? I also liked the outfit of antagonist's assistant - seem like something typical ML would wear.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked antagonist's assistant. Zhou Yi Li's assistant was adorable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He was possessive of Shen Ji Xing.
2. Writing - I felt that the relationship between the two leads and antagonist's arc were on the surface. If I had not watched Reach for the Stars first, I would say the antagonist posed no harm towards the leads.
3. Acting - Both Ye Hao Ran & Duan Mei Yang were ok in their roles but their chemistry was lacking even for bromance. I didn't sense any 'I'd die for you' vibe from those two.

Favourite scene
When Shen Ji Xing gave the password

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Lighthearted with FL & her son providing the laughs

I was writing a reddit post about vertical drama actors aged 35 and above and had Sean Pai in mind. I had only watched 2 of his dramas before so I thought of watching another one and chose this title because of its availability on iQIYI. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, sassy & likeable.
2. Supporting characters - ML's son was sassy like his mother. He was quick with his words that always resulted in comedic moments. I also liked ML's older relatives & assistant.
3. Tone - Lighthearted with right doses of comedy.
4. Acting - Wang Zi Yi excelled in her role so was the child actor playing the son.
5. Treatment - Those treatment sessions were outrageous but funny and Sean Pai was shirtless most of the time.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was terrible and condescending. Half-sister took credit for something she didn't do and was even willing to harm children.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. The first episode was set up to be spicy but the kissing was fake and the movements seemed mechanical / unnatural. Their kissing scenes mostly had one of the leads blocking the camera so you'd know the kissing was fake. Wonder if any of them had no real kissing clause.

Favourite scene
When the son scolded ML for being reliant on walking aids

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Never ending misunderstanding & mixed up identities. Not recommended

I remembered coming across this title when I was preparing for a reddit post of my favourite Guo Yu Xin dramas. I purposely skip this drama after watching first two minutes. So today I decided to watch it in full because I am exploring Chen Tian Xiao's work for another reddit post. This drama isn't worth recommending.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Guo Yu Xin wore pretty clothes. I really liked her in that pink blush dress. Chen Tian Xiao had good outfits too. He even managed to show off his muscular body.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & likeable.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend & ML's friend.

What I disliked:
1. Misunderstanding - This trope was stretched to the max. There wouldn't be any misunderstanding if either one of them had checked their marriage certificate. I increased speed until almost the end because the story was draggy.
2. Antagonists - The amount of injustice faced by FL qas astonishing. From her step-sis and work rival to ML's delusional pursuer, they were really out to get her. I felt like they didn't get retribution.
3. Romance - Clearly underdeveloped. There wasn't even a proper kiss.
4. Identities - Hidden & stolen identities were liberally used in this drama. It was exhausting.
5. ML characterisation - For a rich CEO, he was stupid.

Favourite scene
When FL's work rival presented her CV to ML at the selection of ML's executive assistant

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No goody-two-shoes in this drama, every main character schemed to get what they wanted

This drama was mentioned in reddit and I got curious because there are 3 main characters. Since it was available on iQIYI, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:

1. The scheming - Wow, every main character schemed to get what they wanted. This caused me to be wary of their actions.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting, Zhu Zhe Ren, Wei Ruo Chen, the actor who played the Emperor, the actresses who played the Empress and FL's half-sister.
3. Styling - Beautiful. I loved every gown worn by FL. The peach-pink dress was attention grabbing no wonder the emperor noticed her. I also liked ML's red uniform.
4. Dynamic - I loved how FL-eunuch ML relationship evolved from helpless damsel & her advisor / mentor to romantic love.
5. ML characterisation - He was morally grey therefore intriguing!
6. FL characterisation - Her build was a surprise to me. She was betrayed but wasn't aggressive in seeking revenge. She was open to being mentored by ML.
7. Ending - Phew!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I despised SML - he was manipulative right from the start. The main concubine & FL’s sister were nasty but they were open about it. The empress was cunning & two-faced.
2. Abuse - There was infanticide. I also disliked also when FL were abused & bullied.

Favourite scene
When FL defeated SML

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Great acting in this drama about two men in love

I had this drama in my watchlist since last year when I was fascinated with Huang Jing Zhou. Thank you to Jwells for finding new links. Watched it today and wow, this was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing performances by the cast led by Zheng Feng & Huang Jing Zhou. They were great in their individual roles and as a pair. Wonderful chemistry. I could sense the tension and longing between their characters.
2. Dynamics - I'd say that there is love between them. Zhou Yi Li always affected by Shen Ji Xing's affections whether they were words or physical touches. ZYL and his gazes - always looking out for SJX.
3. SJX characterisation - I liked that he wore his heart on his sleeve. His arc was well-developed though I disliked when he hit ZYL at the start of the drama.
4. ZYL characterisation - He was the opposite of SJX. Gave off dark vibe & always concealed his feelings & thoughts related to SJX.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Pei Ming for her care & thoughtfulness. She went above & beyond her duty as SJX's manager. I also liked Mu Si because he verbalise his thoughts and seemed to empathise with SJX.
6. Styling - I loved the contrasting styles between SJX & ZYL. ZYL always wore black, avant garde outfits like he was camera ready at any time. SJX wore a few white & light coloured pieces.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted mother was a psycho- controlling & possessive. It's creepy that she wanted SJX to herself like he was her lover.
2. Length - It was roughly 2 hours 42 minutes. I couldn't watch in one sitting - had to take breaks then re-watch.

Favourite scene
When SJX told ZYL what really happened that day 2 years ago

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