emberzmars

Well-written & acted FL-focused drama about love, career and family

I love the first part of this drama. There was whimsical and magical vibe to it but the ending was abrupt. Then a few weeks ago, I was ecstatic upon finding out that there was second part to this story. I watched within a few days of release and was spellbound. Loved it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a woman who knew what she wanted for her career and went full steam for it. The career vs love conflict that she faced was relatable and I liked that she struggled and learned that love could be a priority in her life too.
2. ML characterisation - He was loving, patience and the most chilled nepo baby hehehe he's more concerned about FL's career than his and I liked that he didn't feel emasculated by her high ambitions.
3. Romance - Affectionate & healthy with physical touch being their love language. The breakup was understandable but it was great that they worked things out. I really liked the proposal.
4. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Li Ke Yi & Lu Dan Dong had wonderful chemistry & rapport.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's bestie and ML's grandma. Even FL's sister was ok after she learnt her lesson.
6. Styling - Loved the outfits for both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were horrible especially the grandfather and father. Stuck in that "men are better" mentality.

Favourite scene
When ML pulled FL into his lap then answered phone call from her father

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Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness couldn't save this crime drama

I recently became fascinated with Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness that I am always drawn to watch his dramas almost immediately upon release. I watched this drama on a fine Saturday and wow, I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension right from the moment FL met ML for the first time. Their romance took longer to develop due to circumstances but once the spark ignited, I saw ML's determination to win her heart. Quite sweet and some assumptions made - the romance was far from perfect.
2. Plot - It was unpredictable with third act was the most interesting to me.
3. Acting - I liked the performances by both leads. Li Sheng Nan was great in her crying scenes as she managed to evoke some emotions.
4. Styling - Ji Jun Liang was very handsome even in delivery person uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Yi FL's colleague was nasty.
2. FL characterisation - Somehow I found her bland after her runaway bride moment. She didn't act like a lawyer after being entangled with ML.
3. Continuity - At first ML had helmet while doing his delivery job but when FL hitched a ride, the helmet went missing.

Favourite scene
When ML offered FL a ride home after wedding cancellation

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Saccharine sweet romance about longtime crush

I like Shi Yue Yue's acting so when I saw the poster of this drama on my favourite website, I decided to watch it. Overall, it was an Ok watch.

What I liked:
1. Relationship - They started with one -night stand then flash marriage. Their interactions were very wholesome and respectful. I liked the fact that they worked together in the same company.
2. Feng Yi Yang - This is my first dramas of his and I quite liked his acting.
3. ML characterisation - Sweet Mr Nice Guy. He protected FL from being bullied by her family. I liked that he apologised after realising he made false assumption about FL.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's sister.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Underdeveloped. Both liked each other but too scared to make a move. It was frustrating. I wanted more kisses & physical touches!!!
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-sister were nasty and annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML's sister went into his room to search for photo of his white moonlight

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Mob boss FL & Delivery guy ML in OTT drama about gangs & family dispute

I finally watched this drama months after its buzz back when it was first released. It was over-the-top but entertaining. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that his character progressed. He started off as a doormat but later realised he was duped by girlfriend of 7 years. So he broke the engagement. I also liked his somewhat chill personality.
2. FL characterisation - Even though she was a leader of a gang, she still could and would kick ass. I liked that badassery side of her.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by Jiang Feng's acting because it was natural. I also liked acting of ML's mother
4. Supporting characters - The two right hand men of FL were awesome. I also liked FL's mother even though I didn't necessarily agree with her decisions. I actually wanted to see more interactions between her and ML's father.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's clothes but not the wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Forced & lacklustre. Their interactions were awkward and felt more like gratitude not love.
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-brother were money-hungry but my gosh the brother was rash & stupid.

Favourite scene
When ML was going to deliver braised chicken order at the start of drama

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Electrifying chemistry, plentiful affection and great acting in this spicy hidden identity drama

I noticed this drama when I was updating Li Quan Cheng's profile. I really liked Cui Yi Liang's acting. Somehow I watched another version Indulge in Your Trail first before watching this drama today. I prefer this version to Indulge in Your Trail.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn there were many spicy scenes. I also liked that there were plenty of sweet & affectionare moments. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Acting - Their chemistry was electrifying. Both of them played their roles, as individuals and as a couple, very well. I also liked SML's acting who also had good chemistry with CYL.
3. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool and calm - I liked that very much. She was also firm on boundaries with her ex. I also felt Cui Yi Liang's FL made more effort in their relationship than Yao Yu Chen's FL. She apologised immediately after hurting his feelings.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling from start till end. I loved, loved, loved FL's clothes in particular that sexy red dress. Li Quan Cheng looked hot & expensive. I even liked outfits for ML's mother.
5. ML characterisation - I admired his devotion towards FL - he made her his priority unlike her ex husband. I also liked that he enjoyed cooking for her.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie for being on her side all the time. I also liked ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was irritating for constantly referring to her as wife post-divorce. He wanted to get back together with FL but still in relationship with his mistress.
2. Smoking - There were many moments in which FL and ML smoked.

Favourite scene
FL's divorce party

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I enjoyed this drama about reborn ML as 8 year old with superpower

I discovered this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and thought it would my buddy watch & review activity with MDL user Fae. This is my first vertical drama with a kid as main character and overall I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Luo Zhuo Ran's performance really blew my mind. I must say he had a commanding presence for a child actor. The rest in the cast were good in their roles too.
2. Visual effects - I liked the scenes when ML used his superpower. The visual effects were good for a vertical drama.
3. ML characterisation - He loves his mum and would do almost anything to save her. I liked that he worked hard to earn money for the operation. He didn't use pity or go begging for money.
4. Supporting characters - The antique shop owner was my favourite character after ML. I liked how caring & protective he was towards ML.
5. Styling - I found Luo Zhuo Ran handsome for a young boy. I liked the contrasting hair styling between everyday hair and special banquet hair. I also liked the black jacket that he wore to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow ML's father was horrendous, which explains the opening scene between him and his son. I was happy that he and his mistress got their comeuppance.
2. Third act - I wish there were more action or fantasy scenes since ML had superpower. The slander at the end got me bored but I liked the debate about tourism & electric cars.

Favourite scene
When antique show owner found out the reason ML wanted to earn money

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Love Zhou Jia Yi, the writing and sci-fi element of this drama

MDL user Fae and I did a buddy watch & review on Love Algorithm and I love it! Thank you Fae for the recommendation! Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow I am impressed by Zhou Jia Yi's acting. Her interpretation of AI was very good - she managed to put some quirks but did not seem like an awkward / stiff robot. Wang Zi Lin was good in his role too.
2. Writing - That's clever writing there. There is a balance of slapstick & witty humour. I also liked the line about humans not fulfilling their promise - said by FL to Shen Chuan.
3. FL characterisation - FL reminded me of Bionic Woman and I loved that she was physically strong. I also liked that she only struggled with her feelings in the third act almost close to the ending.
4. Styling - FL had great styling - I especially loved the sleeveless top & long trousers she wore during the car accident. I loved the wigs & Jetsons space-inspired outfits worn by AI.
5. Framing - The director was smart in shooting scenes about FL's powers. The car accident scenes were well-framed even when there was a minute of green screen use. I also liked the VFX during FL's use of xray / hacking ability and also the fried robot / AI moments.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the techie brother to FL. He reminded me of Topher, the scientist / tech guy character in Joss Whedon's Dollhouse.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Chuan was a horrible person, envious of Huo Chen's success. I
hated that he ordered thugs to hurt / kill his
rival. ML's ex was power hungry & manipulative as well.
2. ML's parents - Father was typical character who favours one child over the other. ML's mother surprised me. She was a doormat who were afraid of society's views of herself & family so she'd rather her own & son's happiness.

Favourite scene
The water test during AI competition

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Familiar plot but pleasantly surprised by storytelling and acting

I missed watching Xie Yu Wang on screen and only yesterday found out that this drama is also available on Youku so I watched it. I am familiar with dramas with the selling egg plot with Du Ya Fei and Huang Bo's versions being my favourites and Zeng Hui being the version I dropped. I was pleasantly surprised by this version - I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that I liked Xie Yu Wang's approach to the character. He was soft-spoken like Huang Bo's version but wasn't so horny & forceful like Du Ya Fei's version. I also liked XYW's chemistry with Li Ke Yi. She also did well in her role as she wasn't very damsel like Yang Shu Yu's.
2. Main characters - This pairing seemed to have better synergy with less sponsor-beneficiary vibe. I liked that FL tried her best to repay heer debt to ML.
3 . Writing - In terms of storytelling, this version is quite similar to Du Ya Fei - Yang Shu Yu's version but condensed and lighter. I liked that the banquet in this drama was different from DYF-YSY version.
4. Romance - Great push and pull with good kisses with lust coming from both sides. There were also sweet moments with one particular turned comical then hot.
5. Styling - The outfits for Li Ke Yi really suited her character. Xie Yu Wang's broodiness when up a notch with those glasses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's mother and brother were bums and money-hungry. I didn't expect the punishment to be in that form - damn satisfying. The jealous female doctor was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to seduce him based on what she had learned

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Switch off your brain and just enjoy Du Ya Fei and child actress' performance

I came across this drama on reddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued to see Du Ya Fei acting with a kid so I watched it a few days ago. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Du Ya Fei and the child actress were good in their role. She was a dark but adorable character.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching different dynamics between FL and her two brothers. Second bro was welcoming while First brother remained skeptical until something happened to him.
3. Outfits - Liked their outfits with FL looking like little punk princess while Du Ya Fei looked good in DC Comics Joker purple suit.
4. Antagonists - This is one of few instances that I am fine with main antagonist's arc.
5. Duration - I appreciated that this drama only took 100 minutes or less.

What I disliked:
1. ML's wife - I felt that arc was done in a rush because I couldn't care less if she was reincarnated or not. It's also weird that the original body just accepted her fate as ML's wife.
2. Storytelling - Some parts were messy. Like why all of sudden ML's wife needs to be resurrected, how come ML was too kind to adopt FL.

Favourite scene
When FL fought against the old antagonist and saved First Brother

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Wonderful chemistry & acting in this straightforward, wholesome romcom about mismatched couple.

I was in the mood to watch Guo Yu Xin drama. I chose this drama because it's short and I enjoyed their collab in a period drama. This drama was a fun & quick watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she could take care of herself i.e. baddies could never lay a finger on her. She was kind, considerate and patient.
2. Acting - It's was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin playing this type of role - physically strong woman but in touch with her emotions. I cried when FL cried because I could feel the pain. Lei Yi Hao was charming and handsome. Together Guo Yu Xin and Lei Yi Hao had great acting chemistry and it shone despite the lack of skinship.
3. Romance - Underdeveloped but somehow satisfying due to their chemistry. I could sense that ML started to like for her she was.
4. ML characterisation - He was a pompous ass at the start of the drama and I disliked him. I only liked him in the second half of the drama when he realised he had misjudged FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I liked that it's fast paced.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I wish he had apologised earlier and made more effort to win back FL. I couldn't believe that he only bucked up after being prompted by his butler and assistant.
2. Antagonists - Typical green teas - constant Gege cooing, possessiveness and delusional. Scheming to be the missus.
3. Kisses - I wish the kissing scene wasn't given that treatment. I wanted to see real kisses between them in a modern drama.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML about his feelings

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Electric chemistry, good storytelling & Wang Yi Ran in top form made this drama enjoyable

I saw Undead_AEM_Bug's review on my feed and this drama got me curious because hey I missed Wang Yi Ran. My last drama of his was the one with Bai Yan so yes that was almost 4 months ago. This drama did not disappoint me - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Wang Yi Ran - YES, he shined so much in this role. What a great performance! He was able to express different façades of his character.
2. Romance - Electric chemistry between WYR and Bai Xu Han. There was a great balance of spicy and sweet scenes and what I enjoyed the most is feeling the growing love between FL and ML.
3. Acting - Bai Xu Han, the actor who played senior Fang and the actress who played FL's stepmother were great in their roles.
4. Main characters - I liked that FL was emotionally strong but had moments of vulnerability as well. It must be hard to receive a health scare that could jeopardise her future. I also liked ML because he had his own mission to accomplish.
5. Plot - It's a revenge tale with many plot devices thrown in so plot holes are unavoidable. Despite the flaws, I enjoyed this drama because the obstacles faced by FL were different from what I've seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's stepmother was evil for abusing FL since she was a child. Her bro Mr Fang Senior was equally evil and status hungry. FL's stepsis was bad minion.
2. Abuse - Too much abuse faced by FL. Good thing she was emotionally strong.

Favourite scene
FL dealing with her husband’s demand for sex

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Solid drama about revenge, hidden identity & teamwork

I am a big fan of Zhao Xi Xi so I added this drama to my playlist right after The Love of a Fool. Links were not available until today when thehepburn shared new links in the comment. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Perspectives - At first the story was told from FL's point-of-view. Then around halfway through ML's perspectives got thrown in and that made it more exciting watch for me.
2. Revenge - The big fish was much more interesting than the small fish.
3. Acting - Zhao Xi Xi and Wang Yi Lei gave good performances. I think it could have been great if they increased the level of sexual tension. SFL & SML were good in their roles too.
4. Antagonists - One of the few dramas with good antagonist arc.
5. Identities - It's interesting that both main characters had opted for different identities and appearances.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was a kiss but I would have liked more kisses or affection after the secret's out.
2. Corporate scenes - I found the meetings and corporate problems less interesting.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL if she was Chu Tong

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Good kisses make up for this typical family dispute, jiejie romance drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance so when I saw this drama poster and title, I immediately checked out the opening scene. This drama was alright for a one-time watch and in the sea of jiejie romance, it is not memorable.

What I liked:
1. Wen Yu - This is the first time I watched this drama and he played puppy-like younger lover character very well. I think it helps that he is baby-face. At times he looked like Wang Nan.
2. Romance - There was good kisses in this drama. That role play scene took me by surprise!
3. Surprise visit - I liked that surprise visit to the hotel room.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were annoying. Fighting over a company when they never showed any competency in leadership.
2. Familiarity - This drama uses hidden identity, jealous sibling tropes which I am getting tired of. For a drama that is almost 2.5 hours long, I found it draggy & stale.
3. Spark - I don't sense any sparks between Wen Yu and Qi Yu Jia.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Version 2.0 FL kicks ass & never gives in to scumbag's pleas

I was in the mood for Huang Bo drama so I chose this drama because it also has Xie Hong Xin. Just perfect for a night in and I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I prefer Lin Shu Yi version 2.0 who is basically another soul transmigrated to future. She is strong physically and emotionally compared to version 1.0.
2. Acting - Great acting by the actress who played FL (still don't know her name), Huang Bo, Xie Hong Xin and actress who played SFL. I still can't believe Xie Hong Xin's character is older than Huang Bo's character.
3. Vengeance - I'd say v 2.0 sought justice for v 1.0. She had good revenge plan which was executed well despite SFL's unpredictability. Being a different person, she never gave in to ML's pleas.
4. Ending - I liked it a lot.
5. Romance - There was a side story about FL' s blossoming romance with SML. The kisses were hot especially during the filming of their movie. Xie Hong Xin certainly know a good onscreen kiss.
6. Supporting characters - I loved Lu Ye Xuan! Grandma made good appearances.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo playing another scumbag. I hated ML for being indifferent about his unborn baby and for not being accountable for torturing FL. No remorse even at the end. ML did realise his mistakes and got his retribution. The final thing he did for FL was a good act.
2. SFL - Attention-seeing, cruel b!tc#. The amount of scheming is on another level. Distasteful for wearing red during mourning period. I was annoyed by her constant need of being a victim. Her mother is another unlikeable character.

Favourite scene
When FL auditioned for a role in a movie

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Steamy kisses but same old plot devices in this drama

When this drama was newly released, the Google translated title caught my attention - "Vulgar Plot". I decided to watch it today because I wanted a drama that's around 1.5 hours and I also enjoy Lin Rui Xue and Wang Nan's acting.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama had a lot of stramy kisses (sometimes I wonder how Zhang Bei Xi feels about it). There was fondness and affections between them. I liked that he called her "jiejie" - I think it's because of the rescuing she did at the second meet. ML did a lot of giving in this relationship.
2. Challenges - I liked that both characters faced challenges that could affect their livelihood - FL and her career, ML and his family dispute.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - I am tired of this "I have to break up with you to protect myself and/or us". I wish FL had confided in him about the threats. I also found FL to be passive in the relationship.
2. Antagonists - Wow, so many baddies here: ML's self-proclaimed fiancée, FL's friend, ML's family. The self-proclaimed fiancée was intrusive - she didn't have the right to simply enter ML's house. Glad she was told off.
3. Oversight - It was odd that FL had to search online for signs of falling in love when she's written books about it. Hadn't she done a lot of research prior to hooking up?
4. Ending - I didn't like it. I felt like it was a cop out.
5. Plot device - There was kidnapping & hit by moving vehicle scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued ML from being harassed by another woman

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