emberzmars

Zhen Zi Qi in his most romantic role while wearing military uniform ❤️❤️❤️

I am a big fan of Zhen Zi Qi and recently started to like Li Ke Yi's dramas. I was anxious when I started this drama because I dropped the other drama that they acted together. It was too cruel. I was very delighted that this drama was mostly enjoyable to watch.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - OMG, this must be Zhen Zi Qi's most romantic role ever! I understood his wariness of FL's actions in the beginning but was smart enough to follow his instincts and investigate. ZZQ had the best lines in this drama, most notable was during the blood testing and during a converstion with FL's biological brother at the hospital.
2. Romance - Gosh I loved that ML initiated those kisses & moves to get FL closer to him. FL reciprocated too. ZZQ & LKY had amazing chemistry (both acting and visual) in this drama.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by LKY. ZZQ looked hot in the 1920s Chinese military uniform! I also liked his hairstyle and overall look when he wore white shirts.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate entertained me with his witty quips. Even though they had short screen time, I liked the lady who raised FL and FL's biological father. He had a soothing voice.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - OMG she had such bad luck when it came to family. Both adopted & biological family members (san biological father) were mean to her. I was happy with her stance towards the ending.
2. Antagonists - Damn, ML's pre-arranged fiancée, her mother & brother were vile & entitled people. FL's adopted mother was evil.

Favourite scene
The blood testing

Read More

FL surrounded by toxic people

I watched this drama yesterday as I was in Huang Bo mood. Damn, this drama had negative vibe from start to almost the end. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked Shen Xing Chen despite the bad fate that befall her. I wish she had taken the opportunity presented in that third act.
2. Acting - Great acting by 5 prominent characters - FL, ML, white moonlight, ML's parents & FL's teacher.
3. Supporting character - I liked FL's teacher. He had crush on FL but never stepped outside the set boundary.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG that white moonlight is one of the most evil antagonists I have seen in the world of vertical dramas. Bat shit crazy! ML's parents were toxic and selfish. I was shocked by the crime that they committed.
2. ML characterisation - As much as I liked Huang Bo, I disliked this ML from the start. ML's behaviour was like a rollercoaster ride. He was mean at first then loving and at times indifferent.
3. Romance - There were genuine feelings between the couple in the 2nd & 3rd act. However ML was surrounded by toxic people that I felt FL should leave and stay away from them for her sanity in the long run.

Favourite scene
When ML's parents turned their backs on ML & FL. That's their true colour

Read More

Frustrating drama in which FL & ML made assumptions about each other

I find Yao Guan Yu visually striking so I am always drawn to his dramas. This is my second drama of his, I am unfamiliar with the main actress Zhang Qiu Zi. This drama is frustrating!

What I liked:
1. Yao Guan Yu - His character was a Mr Nice Guy. Yao Guan Yu had enough charm for me to finish this drama.
2. Styling - I really liked ML styling including.the pyjamas, which looked expensive.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's family because they genuinely liked FL. ML's bestie was good friend.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - OMG, 80% of the running time was spent on both FL & ML making assumptions about one another. Why are they not talking about their feelings. This is very frustrating!
2. Antagonists - SFL was insufferable! Pei Chi was way too nice to her.
3. Character development - Underdeveloped. I felt bored halfway through I started playing on my phone.

Favourite scene
When ML's father called ML to scold him for the alleged affair

Read More

Green flag ML & many kisses but bland FL

I have watched Yao Yu Chen's dramas before but this is my first drama of Chen Jing He. I decided to watch this drama because I was curious about his acting & I was sold by the high rating.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Green flag hero. He is smart & resourceful.
2. Romance - ML has had crush on FL since their first meet. There was more push (by FL) than pull but when they got together, they were sweet with each other. Many kisses.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is bland and meek. I was disappointed because I enjoyed Yao Yu Chen's past characters which always have spark.
2. FL's adopted father - Despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL remembered that she left her bra in the bathroom and went to retrieve it

Read More

Coming of age tale that looks into perception of beauty, self-worth & finding love

I watched this series in December 2023 during year end break. A hilarious clip that featured the water splash scene led to me watch this series. I expected a light, fluffy tale of college romance but oh boy, I was shocked. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a coming of age tale that tackles issues such as perception of beauty, self-worth and finding love.

What I liked:
1) Friendship - This drama shows the start of a friendship between Kim Bok Joo and Joon Jung Hyeong in first 2 episodes. I like how the series show the growth of their relationship from friends to best friends then lovers. When one was facing hardships, the other person was there for him/her. A true friend.
2) The romance - Because we see the grow in their friendship, the change of their relationship trajectory, from friends to lovers, was believable. I like that after ML realised that he had feelings for Bok Joo, he acknowledged them and took action.
3) Perception of beauty - I love this drama for showing the perception of beauty and for featuring a female lead in an unconvetional setting. She is a weightlifter & was raised by a single father so some perceived her femininity as "lacking". That scene when her crush (Jung Jae Yi) saw her in her "least feminine" form truly broke my heart. I couldn't stop crying because I felt her anguish.
4) Sports - I love watching massive sports events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup and always fascinated with sports drama. I love that this series was set in a sports university and as vieweres, we were exposed to several sports discipline such as weightlifting, swimming, artistic gymnastics. I also appreciate that this drama demonstrated performance slump and post-tournament depression.
5) Writing - This is one of the best written tv series I have watched. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong experience tremendous character growth in this series.
6) Acting - Brilliant acting by Lee Sung Kyung & Nam Joo Hyuk. This drama is the first work of them that I have watched. Definitely keen to watch their other work.

What I disliked:
1) Selfishness - I find Bok Joo's best friends were selfish at times. They were self-absorbed with their own feelings that they could not see that Bok-Joo was actually suffering mental block.
2) Fat-shaming - Joon Hyeong fat-shaming Bok Joo at the start of the series is not cool.

Favourite scene
When Jung Jae Yi saw Bok Joo weightlifting

Read More

I enjoyed this series despite its flaws

Never planned to watch Strong Girl Nam-soon but yourdramachingu's clip on YouTube convinced me to give this series a go. I watched Strong Woman Do Bong Soon after this series so I had no expectation of Strong Girl Nam-soon. I see a lot of negative reviews for this series before writing this review. Here are my thoughts.

What I liked:
1) Family - This is the central theme of the show, which sets this series apart from its prequel. The FL had different upbringing because she went missing when she was a child but lucky for her, her adoptive parents were kind people whom raised her well. I also liked that Hwang Geum Joo felt secure of her role as biological mother of Namsoon. That scene when she brought Namsoon's adoptive mother to meet Namsoon was really touching - I cried.
2) The romance - I enjoyed watching the relationship of Namsoon and Kang Hee Shik. They got off the wrong foot the first time they met but later they became allies and eventually lovers. Despite Namsoon's childlike mannerisms at the start of the series, she didn't act like a child or played coy when it comes to romantic relationship. I like her take charge behaviour!
3) Kang Hee Shik - I like his character and as a romantic interest, I am more team Hee Shik. This is my first time watching Ong Seung Wu's drama. I think he did well in his role.
4) Homeless friends - I like both Ji Hyun Soo and Teacher No because of their kindness towards Namsoon when she was struggling in her environment. They also had story arcs.
5) Byeon Woo-seok - His visuals are insane, his high cheekbones and height amazes me. He is very handsome with that styling.
6) Music - I like Itzy's song for this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Comedy - There are too many slapstick comedy scenes in this series. I think this drama would rate better if the writer had focused more on the origin/genetic side of superstrength power in the format of drama rather than the use of the superstrength power in the format of comedy.
2) Characterisation of main female characters - There was so much potential with the developments of side characters such as Hwang Geum Joo, Gil Joong Gan but then they became bland. A lot people were turned off by Namsoon's characteristics which is the writer's fault. Perhaps the writer wanted Namsoon to exhibit similar characteristics as Bong Soon (childlike) but I think this is the wrong move because it led stronger comparisons and harsher comments.
3) Gil Joong Gan's love story - I don't have problem watching a love story of aged individuals. However given that this series focused too much on comedy, the love story of FL's grandma did not add any value to this series. Well other than creating suspicion of that guy's intentions.
4) Hwang Geum Joo - I hate that she fat-shamed her son. It was obvious that she favoured Namsoon because Namsoon was welcomed with open arms. Good thing Kang Nam In didn't harbour any negative feelings towards his twin sister. I also disliked the way Geum Joo treated her husband and brother.
5) Ryu Shi Oh - He's a clear cut baddie from the start but there was too much screen time for his character that people romanticised him. He did not fall in love with Namsoon, he was obsessed with her powers which is a total red flag. He has a fitting ending.

Favourite scene
When Hwang Geum Joo reunited Namsoon and her adoptive mother

Read More

Enjoyable revenge drama marred by poor acting

I enjoyed Undercover Affair and wanted to check out Leo Yang's other work. So I watched this drama and was disappointed in particular the acting of main actress.

What I liked:
1. Story - Revenge seems to be a popular theme for mini dramas. Female lead's parents were killed by a group of 4 friends and the surviving daughter sought justice. I like how the story unfolded though there were some noticeable plot holes e.g. how did FL get that scar.
2. Romance - Wow, there are many kissing scenes in this mini drama and most of them were hot. Too bad Chen Su Jun was stiff & emotionless.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I noticed that actresses in mini drama tend to overact but Chen Su Jun's acting is underwhelming. She didn't have range of facial expressions. She seemed bored or zoned out most of the time. It'd be great if she could express conflicted feelings when Zhu Guan Wen confided in her or express desire when she gave in to Guan Wen's kisses.
2. Bao Er's adopted brother - I don't understand the purpose of having adopted brother appearing in Lianghe Town. Perhaps his purpose to make Guan Wen insecure but it'd be better if director & writer could show his role in Xue Tong's vengeance plan.
3. Last love scene - I find it disturbing because Guan Wen was drunk & aggressive. So that scene looked like a coercion. I wish Leo Yang gave a different spin to the scene by expressing self-loathing and love for Bao Er at the same time.

Favourite scene
The conversation and make out session in episode 16.

Read More

Had potential but poor execution

I was curious about this series because of the title and synopsis. Was looking forward to a refreshing tale of Cinderella but oh boy, what a disppointment. I got bored mid-way through the series but persisted because I want to mark this series as 'Complete',

What I liked:
1) Lee Jun Young - This is the second work of his that I've watched (The Impossible Heir being the first one). Lee Jun Young did well in a role that's been assigned to him - flawed & a little eccentric but charming chaebol/CEO. He is handsome and has a nice build and height, which are important traits for a male lead.
2) Supporting characters - It's great that the stepmom and stepsisters were nice people (unlike the classic Cinderella story) and were given some backstory so their characters were not just 2D. I also like Baek Dong Ho and Youngbae though I wish writer developed a better friendship arc for Dong Ho and Jae Rim.

What I disliked:
1) Shin Jae Rim characterisation - It's hard to like her because she was ungrateful brat and shallow even till the end. I wish there was more character growth because it's frustrating that female lead was still in self-pity mode in second last episode. Gosh she should have taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin and self-discover. There were very few scenes of Jae Rim as a person, as opposed to her as a stepsis and stepdaughter, a employee, a love interest.
2) Pyo Ye Jin - She is miscast unfortunately. I expected female lead to be wholesome and charming even when being a damsel in distress (best example is Giselle of Disney's Enchanted). However Pyo Ye Jin couldn't demonstrate these traits though the seduction scenes were a nice attempt).
3) Romance - The most frustrating part in a romance story is when a couple hardly communicates. This happens in the series - there are too many mixed signals from Cha Min, it's tiring. Plus there is no chemistry between Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young.
4) Fantasy elements - I'd say the fantasy scenes put a damper in my enjoyment of the series. The seduction scenes were fine because they tell viewers that Cha Min was falling for Jae Rim. But for example the "homeless Cha Min". They feel like a filler.

Favourite scene
When Jae Rim had too much drinks and had to pee.

Read More

Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

Read More

Eerie supernatural with murder mystery and no romance

I was in the mood for something supernatural so I decided on this drama because the title of youtube video implied that FL talked to animals during livestream. I must say I was surprised by the twist because I did not expect for the drama to turn dark.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

1. Animals - I liked that live-streamed session in which FL talked to animals. I also liked the black cat scenes.
2. Eerie - Secrets about ML's father reflected true life in my country, in which elixir and youth potions are concocted using black magic. There was also scene of coffin opening. I found these scenes eerie.
3. Main characters - FL transmigrated and obtained superpower. I liked her cool & calm energy.
4. Antagonist arc - I liked this arc a lot because it had strong emotional connection to ML.
5. Styling - I liked their outfits. Normal everyday clothes, not necessarily gothic.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's "bestie". Such a change of character.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I think the first case could be shortened. Even though I liked the banquet, the conversation between FL and various members of ML's family had too much yapping.

Favourite scene
The banquet

Read More

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 😉

Read More

Underwhelming fantasy drama and no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge

I am a fan of supernatural themed drama so when I found out about this drama, I was ecstatic. I watched it last week during commute to work. To my dismay, I felt like it was lacking something by the time I completed the watch.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I liked the concept that mermaids can create pearls through their tears. It was mentioned here at the start of the drama but I couldn't recall seeing it happened. I also liked the shapeshifter concept.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL reflected her mermaid identity. Cute!
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man. His comments were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Seemed forced / unnatural. No warmth. I didn't buy their love story because FL seemed to pity ML or perhaps it's the case of Stockholm Syndrome. Plus there was no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge.
2. Plot - FL & ML were underdeveloped characters. I felt like the drama could be stronger if ML's arc was given more time. The investigation was interesting but only introduced in the third act.
3. Antagonists - "Families" of both FL & ML were vicious. I didn't understand the warehouse scene led by FL's mother and sister. I understood it was revenge but it seemed haphazard?

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to push FL into the swimming pool

Read More

Tearjerker tragedy with couple separated for decades due to family dispute and imprisonment

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas. So last night I chose this drama from his youtube playlist because of the running time (just slightly over 2 hours) and the amount of views. Wow, I was moved by the performances that I cried twice! This drama exceeded my expectation - I enjoyed this drama immensely. Sa Gang Yun's best work to date - he is more than just a hot daddy/uncle!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing. I thought it was going to be similar to other Sa Gang Yun's dramas in which he played a rich ML while his FLs were poor / in need of money. I was wrong! Brilliantly written drama with complex characters. The third act was unpredictable with shocking twists.
2. Acting - Sublime performances by the cast (Qian Chan, Sa Gang Yun, the actresses who played ML's mother, main antagonist & FL's daughter). There were two heartbreaking scenes in the final 30 minutes of the drama that really touched my heart - I cried hard.
3. FL characterisation - Flawed but likeable. She faced a tough choice when she was barely an adult - I could forgive her for taking that decision. She strived to be a better person and oh boy, that last 10 minutes was shocking to me.
4. ML characterisation - He was wrongfully imprisoned so I understood why he had cold demeanour. Even though I disagreed with his revenge on FL, the betrayal was hard to take in.
5. Supporting characters - The doctor who was in charge of FL's daughter's case. He was a good guy but FL friendzoned him - I think because she thought she did not deserve to fall in love again. I also really liked ML's mother and FL's daughter.
6. Styling - Good outfits and makeup for the characters, emphasising the different life stages (for FL & ML) and health levels (for those hospitalised and injured).
7. Duration - At 2 hours 6 minutes, this drama was well-paced and had a good length. I was never bored.
8. Romance - It was mostly in flashback scenes. They were sweet and very much in love. The final 10 minutes demonstrated everlasting love between the couple.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The green tea was bad $#it crazy! Spoilt brat enabled by her father. FL's father and brother were vicious - they prioritised money over family members. I just couldn't believe how FL's mother was treated.
2. Abuse - Hated when the poor was abused and treated worse than animals.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother told ML about FL's good deeds

Read More

Mellow jiejie romance that could have done better with more chemistry and less running time

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I like Bai Yan's acting. The moment I saw this drama on its release day, I made a point to watch it immediately. It's great that older woman-younger man stories have grown to include different vibes from spicy, lusty & fast-paced to mellow & slow unravelling. This drama belongs to the mellow & slow unravelling. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Good production value. This drama made me feel like I am watching traditional 45-min-per-episode Chinese drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was focused on building her career. I understood why she didn't like her mother arranging blind date / marriage for her.
3. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL. I liked that he respected FL's decision.
4. Romance - The meet cute was amusing. Slow & steady romance with resistance coming from FL (who resisted relationship in general, not ML). There were many sweet moments and some nice kisses.
5. Supporting characters - ML's friends were entertaining. The mothers of the leads were adorable in their own ways.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - At almost 3 hours, I found this drama too long. The little misunderstandings were unnecessary.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Bai Yan and Zeng Xi Tang. I also found Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama a tad underwhelming. He gave much memorable performances as SML in other dramas.

Favourite scene
When FL finally admitted her feelings for ML

Read More

Great chemistry made this "estranged couple on the path of reconciliation" drama worthwhile watch!

I had this drama in my watchlist for months but only decided to watch it last month when I was on a diet of Xie Yu Wang dramas.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Xie Yu Wang was amazing in this drama. Lu Lu Lu was good in her role & chemistry between them were great.
2. ML characterisation - He was charming, protective but flawed. He did hurt FL's feelings.
3. FL characterisation - She was likeable. Seemed pretentious but she was misinterpreted.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with reconciliation. It's obvious that ML still cared for FL despite the estrangement. Good push & pull dynamics. The kisses were great.
5. Actor set - I liked that we got to see actors performing on set.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Duan Li Jun, the director and FL's father.
7. Ending - Sweet! I loved the proposal!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xu Qing Er was vicious. She was willing to get FL killed because she was insecure. Her mother was horrible too so it's right that apple doesn't fall far from tree.

Favourite scene
The haunted house scene for the dating show

Read More