emberzmars

I didn't like this jiejie romance drama

Thanks to Raiana's review that appears on my feed, I got to know that the MDL page for this drama is up. I had completed watching Zhong Xi's drama woth Liu Qing on iQIYI then this drama was automatically played. Hhhhmm I didn't like this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I really liked ML's outfits. Great to see Ma Shuo Qi in hip, youtful outfits because I always watched him in CEO suits well except that one time he wore apron. FL also wore cool outfits.
2. Supporting characters - I liked Grandma Lin and ML's assistant.
3. Plot - It was something new but I didn't like the execution. I applaud writer for bringing a different story to family dispute arc.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a cold person and I didn't like how she treated ML.
2. Romance - I didn't sense emotional connection between FL and ML. I also didn't like that ML betrayed FL with his deception. This is one of the few jiejie romance drama I didn't enjoy.
3. Acting - I didn't sense any chemistry between Zhong Xi and Ma Shuo Qi.
4. Antagonist - A different level of scheming by the two baddies. FL's father was atrocious too.

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Boring uncle romance drama with no chemistry between leads

I missed Huang Bo and when this drama was released, I watched within first few days of release. Unfortunately this drama was not great. Boring uncle romance unlike the other drama Huang Bo co-starred with Zhi Peng.

What I liked:
1. Mafia boss - Not many scenes but they were fascinating. The gang was menacing.
2. Language - Wonderful to hear Cantonese. Not sure why there was mix of languages because ideally I wanted to hear boss & underlings to speak the same language.
3. Supporting characters - ML's henchman was entertaining. His jabs at ML were funny & he got away with saying his thoughts unfiltered.
4. Styling - I didn't like Huang Bo's gelled up hair which reminded me of Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However his clothes were good especially the pleather jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't buy it. Rong Rong didn't contribute to the relationship - she was lucky to be doted on.
2. FL characterisation - She was boring, insecure & passive. A damsel with no personality. Too cute for my liking.
3. Acting - The main actress gave a bland & amateurish performance. Plus there was no chemistry with Huang Bo.
4. Antagonists - FL's family were terrible & money minded.

Favourite scene
When ML's henchman said out loud what was on his mind

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Sa Gang Yun is former assassin turned butler. Enjoyed the action scenes!

I got to know about this drama from reddit CShortDramas. I was pleasantly surprised to watch the trailer. I decided to watch this drama and wow, it exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Coolest butler well he was a former assassin. Multiskilled, sexy and handsome too.
2. Plot - Refreshing. Great start with well-paced storytelling.
3. Action - Scenes were cool and I loved the fight sequences. Sa Gang Yun was damn fit!
4. Flashbacks - Great to see glimpse of ML's personal life in flashback sequence.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for ML. I was amused when the maids never noticed his handsomeness / attractiveness until after their employer was saved.
6. Duration - Short drama under 2 hours.
7. Supporting characters - I liked his nephew. The rival killer was also a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Forcing FL to accept his "love" was unacceptable - that guy was a rotten rich kid. His father was an enabler - just as horrible.

Favourite scene
When ML fought the goons who came to capture FL.

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This is proper love triangle with FL having relationship with 2 men at same time

I was in the mood for Li Bo Yi dramas and found this title in the playlist. I got intrigued so I watched and wow, I didn’t expect this love triangle drama to produce strong reactions. Overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Bo Yi and Ziang Yun Hao were amazing in their roles that I felt their desperation for FL's love & affection.
2. Romance - Wow, plenty passionate kisses. FL wasn't shy about what she wanted from both men.
3. Styling - I liked the contrasting styles for Meng Huai Yu & Shen Yan Zhi. They never wore the same colours when appeared together in scenes. Both men were very handsome.
4. ML characterisation - There are 2 MLs in this drama: the fiance Shen Yan Zhi & the other man Meng Huai Yu. I gravitated more towards Meng Huai Yu because he always prioritised FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I finished it in one sitting.
6. Storytelling - I liked that the twists & turns - I couldn't predict where the drama was going. It wasn't draggy too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yes FL was the antagonist. She played with the feelings with both men. I also couldn't read her thoughts when she drcided to continue having relationship with both men. I also didn't like Wen Yi Zhen for her scheming.
2. Acting - Gao Lin Lin gave an underwhelming performance - her facial expressions were lacking.
3. Ending - I didn't like it.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yi Zhen orchestrated a scene that required attention of Shen Yan Zhi

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Reconnection of childhood friends. Slowburn romance

I watched this drama because I was in mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas back in December & had seen photos of XYW as pilot for this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Reconnection, slow burn. Their romance story has this mature feel. Their relationship was filled with challenges from external party but between the two of them, the relationship was healthy.
2. Pilot - I enjoyed the pilot arc in this story.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she never blamed ML for her tragedy.
4. ML characterisation - He thought he didn't deserve her but he always had her best interests. Protective, loving.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the chairman, fellow actor, FL's assistant & ML's aunt.
6. Murder - I also enjoyed this small arc. The past haunted both leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The guy who pursued FL was a scumbag. I also disliked ML's father & uncle. ML's father was evil.

Favourite scene
When ML gave flying lessons to FL

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Suspenseful transmigration story marred by lacklustre acting

I have watched A LOT of Chinese vertical dramas but got curious about watching Korean vertical dramas when iQIYI started added them to their catalogue. I have watched a handful of K-verticals and only 1 I liked a lot. This isn't it unfortunately.

What I liked:
1. Visual - I must say Woo Ki Hyun's face was arresting from the high cheekbones to the small eyes and sharp nose. He was like a god!
2. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML.
3. Story - This is a transmigration story with FL being able to change fate of her character. The story was easy to follow even with plot hole. However I wish there was more to SML's arc.
4. Supporting character - I liked SML & Secretary Che.
5. Production - I liked the framing and type of shots captured for this drama. They created some suspense.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Easy to pinpoint the culprit and the motive though I found antagonist lacked presence / aura.
2. Styling - I disliked most of the outfits worn by FL when she was in novel. They made her look mousy and not an heiress.
3. Acting - The acting was not good. The main actress didn't have the charm nor aura, it felt like she just recited her lines - no power. There was no chemistry between her and Woo Ki Hyun.
4. Romance - Kisses were nice but I didn't buy their relationship. There wasn't spark / sexual tension between leads at the start.

Favourite scene
When SML confronted FL because he sensed something was off

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FL was the scumbag

I am curious about dramas that are about robots and AI. I found this drama on youtube so decided to watch it. This is essentially a cheating drama. I didn't enjoy the drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I appreciated Assistant Xu's protectiveness of his boss. I also liked ML's father.
2. Acting - I quite liked Chen Chu Huan's acting.
3. Length - Just 90 minutes.
4. Antagonist's action - I liked the scene where FL was told off by the antagonist. She blamed him for ruining her marriage but he set the record straight.

What I disliked:
1. FL - She cheated on her husband by kissing another man. Then she blamed the other man for ruining her marriage. Silly woman.
2. The other man - Yes, I disliked him not just for pursuing married woman but for taking credit for a project he didn't lead.
3. Sci-fi - Unfortunately there were many sci-fi scenes in this drama as it focused mostly on FL's arc.
4. The ending - I disliked it.

Favourite scene
When male antagonist told FL about her mistakes

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I was surprised by the stellar acting & good storytelling

I was moody & getting headache on Saturday evening because of unexpected work during daytime. I wasn't in the mood for new releases but still wanted to watch a vertical drama so I picked this title from my watchlist. Wow this drama went beyond my expectation. I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, Ma Qiu Yuan impressed me with her stellar acting. Her character's frustrations & desperation reached my heart. He Cong Rui gave a great performance too - he was expressive despite his character's cold demeanour. Palpable chemistry between MQY & HCR.
2. FL characterisation - Her life was filled with misfortunes but she was tenacious. It was good to see her vulnerability.
3. ML characterisation - He was a jerk at first but slowly became a better man after getting to know FL. I liked that he accepted FL's decision when she asked for breakup. He also prioritised FL's studies.
4. Romance - Rocky at first because ML treated her like a plaything. However the relationship became caring once ML understood the situation that FL was facing. I enjoyed the tender moments between FL and ML especially the face caress.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant a lot because of his perceptiveness. I also liked ML's mother, the traditional healer, FL's friend & FL's brother.
6. Styling - I liked FL's kooky jumpers. I noticed how small MQY was when I saw her shoes.
7. Writing - I thought this was going to be another Cold CEO with naïve poor virgin. Whoa I was wrong - there were many twists.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I knew that he was a baddie. ML's arranged fiancee was snobbish and atrocious. Glad they got retribution.
2. ML's actions - I disliked ML as first because of his red flag tendency. The forced kisses were a turn off.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about her frustrations around episode 31

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Underwhelming performance but good kisses and shots

I watched this drama a few days after its release because of a reddit friend's review. I liked Tian Yu Wei's acting in the two dramas I watched.

What I liked:
1. Production - Raw & natural. I liked how the drama was shot. I could see FL's pores, which is good thing for me.
2. Styling - Refreshing because of natural makeup.
3. Kisses - Good kisses.
4. Tian Yu Wei - I don't remember what this drama is all about but overall Tian Yu Wei gave good performance.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming that I was indifferent towards her character. There wasn't any chemistry with Tian Yu Wei.
2. Romance - Lacklustre.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made out in the car

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Short, straightforward & good enough revenge drama featuring a dancer

I recently enjoy the performances by Yu Ke Ran and saw this drama in a playlist of Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. My curiosity got the better of me - I watched it and liked it enough.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - I liked her revenge plan.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was flawed. She never expected to have a connection with SML the son of the antagonist.
3. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan, Yu Ke Ran, the actress who played the main antagonist and the actor who played her son gave good performances. My first time watching YKR as scumbag - I liked it!
4. Length - Only 67 minutes. Straight to the point.
5. Seduction - I enjoyed the scenes with Zhao Mu Yan and Yu Ke Ran. The shower scene was hot.
6. Dance - I loved Zhao Mu Yan in her dancing garb. She looked graceful. I also enjoyed the tango dance she did.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was evil. She killed her husband and his kids - DAMN! Her lover played by Yu Ke Ran was a vicious accomplice. Glad they got retribution.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Lucky & likeable Mr Nice Guy married to rich, beautiful woman

I was intrigued by Wei Jia Yu after seeing posters of his dramas on reddit. I decided to explore his work first with this drama. I liked it even though the romance part could be stronger.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Lucky guy. He got married to beautiful and rich woman who was unfortunately comatose. He was given access to expensive cars and luxury suite but he was truly Mr Nice Guy. Never abused privilege given.
2. Tone - Lighthearted & hilarious.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's relatives and nursing crew. ML's parents were likeable too.
4. Kindness - I loved the acts of kindness demonstrated in this drama.
5. Romance - Tender & sweet love. I loved their dates - ML took FL to outdoor places for speedy recovery. Acts of service were definitely his love language.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle & cousin were obnoxious.
2. FL characterisation - She was underdeveloped. Too much time on her comatose state.

Favourite scene
FL's birthday celebration

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Angst & tension - this is a love story that stood the test of time

I was in the mood for Shi Yue Yue dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I didn't expect this drama to be full of angst and tension but overall it was a good watch.

Trigger warning: Mental health issue, Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Romance - Childhood sweethearts who broke up due to FL's unsavoury situation. When they were not together as a couple, the tension was high. When they reunited, they were burning with passion. Some sweet moments - when they gave cheek peck or quick kiss.
2. Acting - Fantastic chemistry with great performances by both of them.
3. Family - Core theme. FL's grandmother, FL's parents, ML's brother.
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she's hardworking & troed her best to protect her grandma & mother.
5. ML characterisation - I likee that he provided support to FL intuitively.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father was dead but left a haunting presence. Unfortunately FL got harrassed by loan sharks because her father never settled his debts.
2. ML's action - I didn't like when he shoved his younger bro. He wasn't at fault for their father's wrongdoings.

Favourite scene
When ML found out about what truly happened to FL

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Sizzling chemistry & plenty of kisses but the story offered nothing new

I am in the mood for a drama starring Yue Yu Ting so I browsed her work and decided to watch this drama. I love love love their collab Rose Beloved so I had some expectations about this drama. Overall I liked it but Rose Beloved remains my favourite collab drama of theirs.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sizzling chemistry from the get go. There were plenty of kissing scenes and they were hot.
2. ML characterisation - Mr Nice Guy who had crush on FL. I liked his cheekiness.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by both leads. I loved that form-fitting black dress. Chen Zheng Yang also looked good in the glasses.
4. FL characterisation - She was protective of her aunt, whom loved her unconditionally.
5. Duration - About 2 hours, which is good length for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her biological mother wasn't a nice person. She was bias when it comes to her children. FL's ex was also despicable.
2. Plot - Nothing new and at times I felt bored so I doubled the speed.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL hid under a table

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Great performances in this dark revenge tale about poor vs rich people

I was apprehensive about watching this drama because of the length but one Youtube user commented that Sa Gang Yun was in this drama. That made me watch the drama. Overall I liked the drama and I hope Zuo Yi & Sa Gang Yun will collab again.

What I liked:
1. Morally grey - I liked that 3 characters were morally.grey and at some point of the drama, they became unlikeable including FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was out for revenge for the untimely death of her boyfriend. I loved her determination to punish those people.
3. Acting - Superb performances from Zuo Yi, Sa Gang Yun and the actress who played the main antagonist (SFL). The actor who played FL's boyfriend gave great performance.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boyfriend and FL's mother.
5. Plot twist - I liked that it appeared close to second hour. The third act was unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was sinister in her way to stay in control of the household. SML played by Sa Gang Yun was a ruthless character.
2. Seduction - I know romance wasn't main focus of this drama but Sa Gang Yun was too sexy. I wish he & Zuo Yi had some kisses with FL initiating them before ML passed out.
3. Acting - Zhang Ting Rui gave an underwhelming performance. The actor who played FL's boyfriend gave a better and more memorable performance.

Favourite scene
When the son found out the truth

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The 4 MLs should sing Backstreet Boys' “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” to FL

I had been on a Lan Bo kick lately — I adored his modern dramas but had never touched his historical ones. I reached out to my buddy from r/CShortDramas for a buddy watch and oh we had fun watching and writing a joint review.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - So far, I have only watched 3 reverse harem vertical dramas including this one and I must say I enjoy the amount of screentime given to each FL-ML pairing. There are 4 different dynamics at play - estranged married couple (Yun Qi-General Huo Xiao), childhood buddies (Yun Qi-Prince Xie Lin Yu), relatives (Yun Qi-Yun Jin Chen) and hhhm I am not sure what to call the dynamic between Yun Qi and Prince Qi Zhuo.
2. Acting - Superb performances. All five excelled in their roles - this is my first time watching Hyde & Yi Hang. Wow, all four men were devilishly handsome even in wigs. The actor I felt has the highest level of chemistry with Wang Yun Yun is Lan Bo.
3. ML characterisation - Four men with different but “lethal” charms - the jealous ex-husband General Huo Xiao (played by Lan Bo), the submissive younger relative Yun Jin Chen (played by Yi Hang), the alluring peacock Prince Qi Zhuo (played by Huang You Tian aka Hyde) and the childhood buddy Prince Xie Lin Yu (played by Liu Zi Heng). My favourite ML is Prince Xie Lin Yu - he is sweet, lovable and playful. Most of his scenes are funny.
4. Styling - Vibrant & beautiful clothes worn by all 5 leads. I love the vivid, contrasting colours! I feel like each character’s personality is represented by the colour of their costumes.
5. Kisses - Wow, she kissed them all but my favourite kissing scene is FL & General Hao. The tension was electric!
6. Supporting characters - Her maid Sul He was good character.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible with FL's half sister being pathetic and nosy.
2. Duration - At 3 hours 30 minutes, the drama was too long for me. I found certain parts of the drama draggy / too slow paced.
3. FL's actions - I felt bad for MLs because she toyed with their feelings. So the four men should band together and sing “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” by Backstreet Boys to FL.

Favourite scene
When Yun Qi entered the carriage of Prince Qi Zhuo almost at the end of the drama. And when she exited the carriage 😉

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