emberzmars

Sterile version of Zhao Xi Xi-Zhen Zi Qi's Sensual Pleasure

I liked Li Xing Lin's acting in the Bai Yue Guang drama starring Sun Qian Xun and Li Bo Yan. I decided to check out this drama because of Lin Zi Xuan and its availability on iQIYI. I loved her performance in I Just Want You. This drama had a familiar tone and overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She made her way to the Gu family because she wanted justice for her sister. I liked her persistence and focus on the revenge plan & contract.
2. Tone - Now this drama reminded me so much of Sensual Pleasure starring Zhao Xi Xi and Zhen Zi Qi. Both FLs were hired by ML to bring down another brother and at the same time, there was an affair between FL and ML. FL was desperate for money because of a relative's medical bill.
3. Styling - FL looked elegant in her outfits especially the qipao.
4. Ending - I liked it even though I wish SML & his mother had gotten severe punishment.
5. ML characterisation - Despite his scheming and roughness with FL, he was ok. He was genuinely concerned about FL.
6. Pacing - Good and not complicated.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Don't be fool by SML's good looks - he was sinister. His mother, sister and father were horrible people.
2. Romance - Unlike Sensual Pleasure, I didn't sense any attraction betwen FL and ML. ML was clearly attracted to FL but she was indifferent towards him. There wasn't any warmth between them except the time FL witnessed ML being abused by his father.
3. Acting - While there were ok in their roles, I didn't feel like rooting for them. There was no chemistry between Li Xing Lin and Lin Zi Xuan.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Heartwarming tale about a girl saving her home from demolition. Great acting by the leads!

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas for a reddit post so I chose to watch this drama. I like Feng Xiang Kun's acting too and based on positive comments that I've read, I had some expectations. I was delighted that they were met. The drama truly touched my heart and I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her from the beginning of the drama. She was honest, hardworking and humble. It was wonderful to see this well-rounded character in vertical dramas. I felt joy and proud when she won the bid to save her village.
2. Tone - Very warm right from the start. There was heart in the writing and performances. I almost cried during a confrontation scene.
3. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see a pampered city boy paired up with a hardworking village girl. But what a joy to see his character grew after he spent time with FL. I also liked that ML was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Romance - There was affection from the start of their marriage. I liked that they weren't hostile / distant towards each other. I could sense the growing attraction between them. Slow burn but oh so rewarding!
5. Acting - I was impressed by Sun Qian Xun's acting because this FL had soft edge unlike the other FL roles she had done. SQX delivered subtle dramatic acting which worked well with Feng Xiang Kun's performance. I loved his soft facial expressions. Both had matching intensity and energy and I would love to see them collaborate again in other dramas.
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant (the actor was handsome too), mother and FL's foster parents. Master Lin was a wonderful too for recognising FL's talents in horticulture. So was ML's grandfather.
7. Punishment - I liked that FL's sister was punished after bullying FL. Those moments were so satisfying.
8. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML. The matching outfits at the end of the drama were beautiful. The striking green/yellow top she wore to an informal meeting with her family & Jingyao group executive. FXK looked adorable in the security guard outfit.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious for abandoning her and wanting to destroy her home. I was infuriated when Su Qi told FL of the demolition plans and her parents' true feelings about her.
2. Hidden identity - Wish ML's true identity was revealed much earlier so there could be more time for groveling and making things right.

Favourite scene
When ML apologised for the deception.

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Familiar with plot but letdown by the amateurish acting

I am preparing a reddit post about Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama to watch this weekend on iQIYI. I have seen the first version of this story which stars Chen Mu Ye so I am familiar with the story. Unfortunately I struggled to watch this drama in one sitting. In my humble opinion, this version isn't as good as Chen Mu Ye's version.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was assertive and focused. Sun Qian Xun gave a good performance.
2. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama. FL was insistent on reuniting her family and I liked watching her interactions with her elders at the board meeting.
3. Styling - That bright yellow Stephen Curry t-shirt was striking. She stood out in a good way. Liu San Si also wore nice clothes.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's brothers but the middle one lacked screentime.
5. Food - Mukbang. Gosh I wanted those dishes after seeing them eat.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - The cast's performances were underwhelming - like they were amateur actors. There was no emotional punch when the siblings reunited. I also didn't sense any chemistry between Sun Qian Xun and the other actors (her love interest, ex biyfriend) and actress who played Jiang Tang.
2. Relationship - Romance wasn't the focus of the drama but I felt letdown by the lack of pull dynamics between FL and ML. They didn't even seem like friends. Just landlord - tenant & an acquaintance from high school.
3. Antagonists - Huan Yu was annoying & manipulative. Gu Jing Chuan was pathetic.

Favourite scene
When FL met her youngest brother Shen Ji An

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Heartbreaking tale of a grieving mother betrayed by her husband

I was preparing a reddit post on a collection of Han Jia Hui dramas so I chose this one for research. I had never seen Zhou Hang's dramas before. Thank gosh drama is less than 1 hour because I was heartbroken.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the most dramatic role Han Jia Hui has portrayed. She was good in her role of a grieving mother and a betrayed wife. Zhou Hang did well in his role too - he wasn't over the top since his character was a moron. However I wish he expressed anguish when he found out about his son's passing.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's sister who was there during tough times.
3. Pacing - Well-paced and written. A betrayal tale told in less than 1 hour. It wasn't draggy.
4. Backstory - I appreciated that writer added a challenge for FL's sister. I also appreciated that writer made the antagonist a public figure so when she was brought down, she lost a lot.
5. Trust - I liked that trust was a value highlighted in this story. There was no point for reconciliation / support when the trust is gone.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas - she harmed a child! Manipulative too. Her assistant was an idiot for agreeing to be an accomplice.
2. ML characterisation - He was an a$$hole for putting his & his white moonlight's needs first. For a successful lawyer, he was a moron for not checking for his son's health updates.
3. Cheating - Even though the relationship of ML and antagonist was lawyer-client and not lovers, I still considered him as a cheater. Emotional cheating because he prioritised his ex over his wife and believed every single thing his ex said.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist's lies were exposed

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Moving drama about found family but beware of the abuse at the start of the drama.

When the drama was first released, I was drawn to the translated title - Ten-Year-Old Wolf Girl Transforms into a Playboy Father. I thought this would be a fantasy drama that involves transfiguration. A reddit friend and I did a buddy watch and later co-wrote a review on subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the drama didn't meet my fantasy expectation, I enjoyed it.

Trigger warning: Child abuse

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was also smart in selecting a guardian in her new life.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the child actress’ acting. Wish I could find out her name because it isn’t listed on any of my regular websites including Weibo. I was delighted to see Zhang Yi Hong on screen because it’s been ages since I last watched his drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was like a lost person who had no direction in life at the start of the drama. It was good to see the uncle grew mature from a unserious playboy uncle to a protective and kind guardian / surrogate father.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the uncle-niece relationship. How they helped each other to get out of their bad place.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Wang and Grandma Chen.
6. Styling - The wolf skin-coat and headgear that FL wore at the start of the drama was cool. She was a pretty girl wearing those dresses.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - I was distressed with the chains and abuse! I couldn’t believe her biological family would treat her like a caged animal in a zoo.
2. Antagonists - FL’s biological father is a scumbag. I don’t understand the beef he has with FL. I couldn’t believe Grandpa Lu didn’t ask house staff to remove chains from FL. FL's mother and sister were nasty too. I can’t blame the younger sister for being mean because she was taught by her parents to be a mean girl.

Favourite scene
When Lu Chi Yu persuaded Lu Yan Xi to take up her biological father’s challenge and play billiards.

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Horrible ML, doormat FL with lacklustre romance

I watched this drama as part of my assignment on Cheng Cheng and his collection of dramas for subreddit CShortDramas. I have to admit that this is one of my least favourite Cheng Cheng dramas.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Cheng Cheng was shirtless in two scenes if I am not mistaken. He played a bad boy, a very handsome one.
2. Styling - I loved his styling for this drama. Cheng Cheng was smoking hot when wearing biker outfit. In fact he won the poll for best looking male lead in biker outfit on subreddit CShortDramas. I also loved FL's pink dress that she wore for this drama poster.
3. Shots - The scenes of them riding a motorbike were beautifully shot.
4. Kisses - Hot, passionate kisses.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was bloody rude & possessive. Never apologised to FL for his abhorrent behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - She seemed like a doormat. I don't understand the appeal of being with someone who is rude and horrible to you. I think she is the type who believes she can change him. Girl needed to understand and value her own worth.
3. Plot - Quite dull that I fell asleep and felt the story didn't progress much. No need to rewind.
4. Romance - Albeit the passionate kisses, the romance element was lacklustre. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were riding on motorbike

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I liked FL and how she faced challenges but the romance was underdeveloped

I discovered this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. I am fan of Cui Yi Liang and while I don't watch many Gao Ming dramas, I like his face card. Decided to watch it today and I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, kind & has a backbone. I loved it when she scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his supposed fiancee.
2. Dynamics - This boss-employee relationship was threaded carefully. I liked that FL never crossed the line even though she started noticing her growing feelings for ML.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man. His observations & remarks were entertaining. FL's male best friend was likeable too. ML's grandmother was alright.
4. Workplace - A lot of the episodes revolved around FL at work and I enjoyed watching her solve work challenges. The jealous colleague arc was fascinating because it mimics real life experience (Felix envious of FL because he didn't get the role).
5. The reveal - Ooooo the antagonist was humiliated.
6. Styling - FL got nice modest (look & price) outfits for her work clothes. I really liked the two wedding gowns FL wore. Cui Yi Liang was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - For not being honest with himself about his feelings for his "saviour". He should have come clean with her after a couple of months living together. I disliked that he toyed with feelings of 2 women.
2. Antagonist - FL's best friend was obsessed with wealth & status that she claimed to be someone she was not. She was manipulative and vicious - would even harm her best friend just to become ML's wife.
3. Romance - I could see the growing feelings they had for each other but I wouldn't categorise them as romantic action. To me, ML's actions were emotional cheating despite her fiancee being a nasty b!tch. I wish writer had done the ultimate reveal 5 episodes earlier with remaining episodes focused on the actual romance (kissing, hand-holding, dating) scenes.
4. Threats - Pity FL for going through too many incidents orchestrated by her best friend. I lost track of those incidents until FL said them out loud during a discussion.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his fiancee

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Frustrating tale of married strangers who didn't bother to check marriage certificate

I wasn't planning to watch this drama but a reddit friend mentioned that this is her favourite Guo Yu Xin drama. I like both GYX and Zhang Li Ren so I decided to watch it yesterday when I needed a light drama.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - They were likeable despite their lack of communication problem.
2. Relationship - It was apparent that ML was smitten by FL from their first encounter. ML was boss to FL.
3. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by GYX & ZLR in this drama. That white dress gave a Audrey Hepburn twist to her style. Very chic!
4. Supporting characters - FL's supervisor was perceptive, thank gosh.
5. Ending - I liked it even though it's abrupt.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - I'd say the villain in this drama is themselves. I knew ML travelled abroad for work for 1 year but why didn't they keep in touch? It frsutrated me when he made assumption over a background noise.
2. Cheating - I felt like they were emotional cheating even though it turned out that they were married to each other. I didn't like this aspect of their relationship.
3. Romance - Their romance was slow burn since they were attached to other people. It sucks that they never checked their marriage certificate like until 10 minites before this drama ended. Then they were only 2 or 4 minutes of dating before The End appeared. Frustrating.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Age gap romance with sweet & spice. Antagonists had too much screentime

I added this drama to my watchlist months ago but forgot about it until today when a reddit friend mentioned it. So I watched it and it was mostly enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked that they were affectionate with each other. ML was smitten with her and when he saw her a month after their one night stand, he seemed determined to get to know her. FL also was genuinely interested with ML.
2. Main characters - They were likeable & nice people. I like that ML told FL not to be nice to unkind people and she followed suit.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was MVP for welcoming FL into their lives with open arms. She was the romantic one in the family.
4. Acting - Good performances by Zheng Cheng Yue & Zhang Xuan. Their chemistry was great.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiao Jiao got away with being mean too many times. Her antics were tiresome and glad she received retribution at the end. FL's ex was a scumbag. FL's mom & brother were self-absorbed.
2. Duration - This drama was close to 3 hours. I found the bullying scenes draggy - writer & director should have cut them off. I prefer more scenes of FL & ML romance.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL kissed in the living room

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Surprisingly sweet story of a rebirth. Nice to see both leads in soft roles!

It had been awhile since I last watched Zhang Yun Tao dramas. This drama is available in iQIYI so I decided to make use of my paid subscription. I must say I was surprised by the story. I assumed this would be an aggressive revenge drama but it turned out to be a sweet second chance at life drama.

What I liked:
1. Rebirth trope - Both FL & SFL were given second chance at life after their "incident" in the past life. It was interesting to see how both deal with their fate post-rebirth.
2. FL characterisation - I assumed she wanted to seek revenge towards SFL but she didn't. She focused on her life instead. I liked that she's sweet & kind.
3. Romance - Very sweet with a dash of spice. I liked how warm they were with each other - they held hands right after getting marriage certificate even though they were strangers. Acts of service is their love language.
4. ML characterisation - I didn't like the deception but he was sweet & caring guy. I liked that he put his wife's needs first and is protective of her.
5. Acting - It was great to see both Xue Zi Qi and Zhang Yun Tao in soft roles. The couple in this drama had that sweet & quiet type of partnership, they had good chemistry that translated well on-screen.
6. Styling - ML's clothes were beautiful for a "driver". FL's clothes represent normal, daily wear of a woman in their 20s and I liked that.
7. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ting Ting was a bully. I was surprised she could hang out at the office despite not working there. Anyway she was the type of didn't want to be accountable for her choices & actions. It's funny that she assumed making one decision (about marriage) could secure her future. Her husband & mother were horrible too.
2. Traitor - I wish there was more focus / ML's perspective on this arc because it was interesting.

Favourite scene
Morning after

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Brilliantly written vertical drama about office romance in fashion industry

I had never watched Song Chen drama and today I felt like watching his drama. I checked his MDL profile and the drama title caught my attention. Since Jwells mentioned raw video on iQIYI platform, I tried searching on my iQIYI app and voila, found the drama. I must say I was very impressed by the writing & directing elements of this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fairly new in the city and at the fashion industry but never easily intimidated. I liked her can-do spirit & problem solving capability.
2. Writing - OMG this drama gave me US movie Devil Wears Prada vibe but the boss wasn't as aloof as Miranda Priestley. I loved that the drama covers professional & personal challenges in almost equal amount. This drama has depths.
3. ML characterisation - ML strived for perfection but he was never cruel to his employees. I liked that he was flawed and slowly his walls were brought down by FL. I also liked that he was a self-made successful fashion editor-in-chief.
4. Romance - Slowburn but satisfying. There were many sweet moments and good kisses. There is an almost spicy scene haha you know how it goes in vertical dramas.
5. Acting - I was impressed by Song Chen & Kan Zi Yi's performance. KZY's FL was endearing and SC was cool & emptionally restraint at first but showed some vulnerability as the story progressed.
6. Styling - Impeccable in particular ML's outfits. Damn he looked like a supermodel - I liked his height & build! FL and Daisy's clothes were beautiful & chic too.
7. Supporting characters - I liked Li Xia the coffee shop owner. ML's brother and childhood friend were likeable too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I felt the antagonist's arc was too simplified. It would be nicer if there was some buildup in the middle of the drama.

Favourite scene
When ML professed his love for ML

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Hilarious & warm tale about an actress & a CEO in a fake relationship

I was on reelxia browsing their catalogue when I saw this drama. I had been looking for vertical dramas with contract relationship and this one fitted the bill. I watched it on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed myself a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They were intoxicated and had a one-night stand but feelings started to grow soon after. ML was totally smitten by FL. I liked the kisses and sweet moments.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & quick thinker. I was delighted that she took advantage of their contract relationship and used ML's status & influence to her advantage.
3. ML characterisation - He was sweet & nice. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL 90% of the time.
4. Supporting characters - Yan Yu & ML's assistant were outstanding.
5. Acting - Great performances by Zuo Yi and Chen Zheng Yang. Their comedic timing was impeccable and their chemistry was great.
6. Acting demo - The scenes when FL put her acting skills to use were hilarious. I particularly loved it when director asked FL to demonstrate how a villain should act to her rival who stole the role from FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 jealous rivals: Bai Fei Fei & Yuan Meng. Both of them were evil in their scheming.
2. ML's action - I disliked when he chose Yuan Meng over FL.

Favourite scene
When director asked FL to demonstrate acting to the rival who sucked at portraying a villain

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Moved by leads' performances in this heartwarming tale of reformed gangster lady

I was drawn to this drama because of the Google translated title, which had these words: reborn, 1990, domineering or gangster lady. I thought it could be a remake of a drama about a reformed gangster lady married to wheelchair-bound guy starring Liu Can. Turned out I was right. I enjoyed this drama immensely and felt this version was much better than its predecessor.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a badass intro!
2. Styling - I loved the curly hair - very much early 90s grunge look. I also liked the various outfits that signified the various stages of FL's life.
3. Romance - It was clear that FL truly loved ML. There were playful banters and teasing initiated by her. I was moved twice - i) when FL carried ML piggyback style, ii) that discussion close to the ending. I also noticed that ML in this version was genuinely interested in FL (version 1 ML seemed to intoxicated when they had their one-nigh stand).
4. FL characterisation - She was smart, intuitive & physically strong. She knew how to use available resources - I liked that.
5. Business idea - Her business & partnership ideas were better written in this version. Selling milk tea was a great idea.
6. Supporting characters - I loved Lele, their son. Cinema owner Boss Huang was likeable and so were the reformed gangsters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was terrible. Never treated her right but kept asking for money. FL's sister was another horrible person.

Favourite scene
The conversation FL & ML had close to the ending

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Doppelganger story ruined by FL's stupidity

Yes, after a few weeks of release I finally got a link with English subtitles. I think I have seen bts clip of Huang Bo holding a baby in his Douyin account. I watched it today and hhhhmm had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Huang Bo played two characters who look alike (doppelganger). Great performances although I wish his real-life twin had played the supporting character.
2. Opening scene - I watched this drama without knowing its synopsis. I was shocked by the first 4 minutes. A doppelganger story always fascinated me.
3. Third act - The plot twist caught me by surprise and I liked it very much.
4. Duration - I liked that it's less than 90 minutes but intense.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's two friends because they were sensible. The male friend was handsome. Adult Tangtang was smarter than her mother.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG she was stupid & gullible. How could you not notice that the strange man wasn't your husband!
2. Bullying - I hated the forced marriage scene when both FL and Tangtang were bullied by antagonist's wife & son.

Favourite scene
Flashback when Tangtang remembered & repaid "Uncle" 's kindness

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Flawed revenge tale but yacht scene is the best part

I am a fan of Cui Yi Liang so I was intrigued when I saw the poster of this drama. I watched it on a Saturday afternoon the same week as its release and felt it was a meh drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Cui Yi Liang & the actress whonplayed the antagonist were good in their role.
2. FL characterisation - She was headstrong & determined to see her revenge plan executed well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked her best friend & teacher.
4. Styling - FL looked elegant. I liked ML's black jacket with light blue-white embroidery. The styling for antagonist was done well as the clothes highlighted class difference.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - I must have watched too many revenge dramas for me to have high expectations whenever a revenge drama is out. However this drama didn't offer anything new. There were too many plot holes that I became disinterested once FL had failing out with ML.
2. Antagonist - She was nasty but I wasn't sure she got retribution.
3. Length - The drama was close to 2.5 hours and it was draggy for me.
4. Romance - They started off great with good push and pull dynamics. However after the antagonist returned, their chemistry went down the drains. I didn't buy the romance.

Favourite scene
The yacht

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