emberzmars

Unhinged FL & great action sequences but WXY's acting very much one-note

This drama was popular when it was release - there were many people requested for links on subreddit CShortDramas. I wasn't a fan of Wang Xiao Yi but Lan Bo always catches my attention. I decided to watch this drama once I saw it added to iQIYI catalogue. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Unhinged, no holds barred. She was hellbent on revenge against her family.
2. Dynamics - He was intrigued by her aloofness then became smitten . I liked that they struck partnership early in their relationship.
3. Styling - Red dress was a great choice for the club scene - Wang Xiao Yi was hot. I also liked the green dress & ML's navy suit.
4. Action - Great action sequences accompanied with good music.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend.
6. Revenge - Explosive & outrageous! I also liked how unpredictable the storytelling was.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lu family greedy for money.
2. FL's action - I disliked her for sabotaging her relationship with ML. She was pretentious herself.
3. Acting - Wang Xiao Yi excelled as kickass heiress but once again, she gave one-note performance when she wasn't doing action scenes. Another bored housewife expressions. Sadly there was no chemistry between her and Lan Bo.

Favourite scene
When FL in green dress was having a somewhat heart-to-heart conversation with ML

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Sweet older man-younger woman romance with good acting

I was in the mood for Huang Bo dramas so I perused his drama playlist on Youtube and found this drama. The story is about older man-younger woman romance
and Huang Bo played a good guy. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Luck was on her side but she worked hard to achieve her goals. I also liked that she was smart in identifying risks & benefits in contracts.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was protective and supportive of FL. ML was gentle & loving partner.
3. Romance - I think there was only one kiss and intimate scene but it was good one. There were many sweet & tender moments.
4. Acting - Great performances by Yu Li and Huang Bo. I was surprised to find out Yu Li is only 2 years younger than Huang Bo. She managed to exude the youthfulness and innocence of FL.
5. Styling - Kudos to stylist for knowing how to create big age difference between FL and ML. The clothes worn by FL matched her age & characteristics.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL was physically harmed.
2. Antagonists - Sheng family was atrocious and snobbish. The family that raised FL was despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about the contracts that were not favourable to his company

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Delightful & cute tale of memory loss + good acting

I randomly checked fresh releases yesterday. Some comments on youtube mentioned Guan Yue's venturing into vertical dramas. Oh I liked Night of Love with You and was delighted to see him in vertical dramaland. Commenters also mentioned their delight seeing Yue Yu Ting in cute role so those reasons prompted me to watch this drama. I know there are multiple remakes of this plot. This is my first experience. I enjoyed it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was nice and cute. However I didn't like that she ditch her child in favour of Qin Yu.
2. Romance - ML clearly had crush on FL. When they kissed, I felt joy. Sweet romance with good kisses. They were also affectionate even before they kissed & had assumptions about one another.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Chen Chen so much. I also liked ML's subordinate Su Wang Shu who disliked FL but later befriended her.
4. Acting - It's refreshing to see YYT in a cute role because she always portrayed vixen / seductress. The child actor also gave a good performance - when he cried, his face turned red.
5. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and Su Wang Shu. FL was stuck in 18 year old mindset so her outfits were youthful whereas Su Wang Shu dressed in office wear appropriate for her age.
6. Twist - I liked the twist that explains the memory loss.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qin Yu was annoying & manipulative. The child psychologist Ye Wen Qing pissed me off.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML & Su Wang Shu confronted Ye Wen Qing

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Off-the-charts chemistry + good writing & acting elevated this jiejie romance

I watched this drama a few days ago and am delighted that MDL page was created just a few hours ago. I like Qi Yu Jia's acting in 2 of her dramas so went through her list of works and found this drama. I had never seen the work of Li Si Jun but no expectations. I enjoyed this drama A LOT!

What I liked:
1. Romance - A refreshing jiejie romance with time jump. In the first time period, FL was reluctant to consider romantic relationship with ML (he was too young) but changed her mind only that their romantic relationship was shortlived as something forced them apart. Three years later, the love was still there & with some fuel, a fire erupted. Their kisses were hot and there were some sweet moments between them.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss heiress with shrewd mindset. Smart, kind & protective.
3. ML characterisation - At the start, he was eager to please, flirty but toughen up after the separation. He still harboured a crush on FL but was careful not to show strong emotions in public until the auction took place.
4. Styling - Great choice of outfits for FL and ML with contrasting styling for ML before and after separation. I also liked that female acupuncturist wore traditional outfit from a certain tribe in China.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend who kept updating FL about his whereabouts. I also liked FL's bestie.
6. Confrontations - I loved the confrontation scenes involving ML's grandfather. The second one was thrilling because of clapback.
7. Acting - Good performances from Qi Yu Jia & Li Si Jun and wow, such an electric chemistry between them. I was excited the moment both of them appeared on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Surpisingly the antagonists in this drama are the elders. FL's grandmother was horrible for scheming to separate ML from FL. ML's grandfather was vicious in his scheming to ensure an heir to his empire. The threats were just unbelievable. Lou Yue was evil for tricking ML & attempting to molest him. Gu Shuo was a bully.

Favourite scene
The swimming pool

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Rebirth story with sweet romance and pathetic antagonist

I always enjoy Zhang Ruo Cheng's acting and since I was in the mood for her drama, I decided to watch this one. I had never watched Chen Rui Feng's dramas before. Overall this was a sweet romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was given a second chance at life so she decided to dump SML who mistreated her in past life. I liked her decisiveness and confidence when dealing with trash.
2. Romance - Sweet with a dash of spice. I wasn't expecting ML to do cosplay! I liked how he tried to win FL's heart. Good kisses.
3. ML characterisation - Once his secret was revealed, it made sense why he became protective of her. He was a soft giant - always attentive to FL's needs. I also liked that he was stubborn about telling his secret before their marriage. He wanted love, not gratitude.
4. Plot twist - Wow I didn't expect the third act to have another rebirth. I really liked the scene of ML's past life.
5. Styling - I love the embroidered jackets worn by ML. So beautiful. FL was beautiful too but my favourite outfit is the red qipao.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents. Despite the business marriage debacle, they were nice people.
7. Acting - I liked the performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Chen Rui Feng and the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, SML was the most pathetic antagonists I have ever seen. I hated his narcissistic behaviour and refusal to listen to FL. His girlfriend and mother were annoying too. I increased speed to 2.0 whenever they appeared.

Favourite scene
Glimpse of ML's past life

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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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Didn't meet my expectations but An An was the highlight

When I first saw this drama poster, I was ecstatic. I consider Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang as seniors in the world of vertical dramas. I had some expectations on the drama but unfortunately the drama fell short. It was still a good watch.

What I liked:
1. An An - The MVP of the drama. It was humbling to see her working hard to earn money in order to buy medicine for her mother. The child actress who played An An gave a terrific performance.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's cousin and father for their kindness towards An An.
3. Main characters - I liked them despite the flaws. The reasons for keeping secrets were solid.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and An An.
5. Family - It is the core theme of this drama as demonstrated in interactions (i) between FL and her daughter An An, (ii) ML and his cousin and father, (iii) ML and An An, (iv) FL and her family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Bai Fei Fei was horrible, spoilt brat who never want to be accountable for her actions. Her parents were horrible too - greedy for money!
2. Screen time - Bai Yan had little screentime. I wish she had appeared more especially in her interactions with her daughter. I also wish there was more time allocated for the reconciliation between FL and her family.
3. Romance - I wish ML hadn't made assumptions when he saw FL again. Anyway I expected sexy time between two characters because Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang have great onscreen kissing skills but I was letdown.

Favourite scene
When An An hustled for money

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Heartfelt age gap romance that I enjoyed it immensely

I stumbled upon this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I clicked the link I found to check for English subtitles and was drawn to the first two minutes of the drama. I decided to watch it immediately (because “watch later” approach for Dailymotion links doesn’t work for me) and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - I was hooked after the first two minutes. Loved FL’s bold move!
2. Acting - It was my first time watching Huai Wen and Liu Jia Xi’s acting and I liked their performances. The drama was warm and heartfelt - I almost shed a tear when FL confronted her parents. Oh, I liked Huai Wen’s visuals - he turned 40 last month!
3. FL characterisation - She was abused by her family but decided at one point to leave toxicity behind by striking a deal with ML. FL was 21 year old but was mature, smart and knew what to do with the authority she had been given.
4. ML characterisation - He was 39 year old businessman whonwas pragmatic & straightforward. I liked his response to FL's proposal. He was also kind, protective and nurturing towards FL.
5. Romance - Slow burn, which was fitting considering FL’s age and their circumstances (they got married for convenience and the big age gap). I liked that they communicated regularly (they spoke about what they wanted out of the marriage at their first meeting!). I could also feel the love and affections they had for each other. They were partners for life! I wish there were hot, fiery kisses.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's employee who was assigned as bodyguard to FL. He built good rapport with FL that she treated him as ally rather than nuisance.
7. Family - Core theme of this drama. I liked that it was explored in many ways, (i) FL - ML, (ii) FL and her family, (iii) ML and his family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL was emotionally abused by her family - they were horrible people. I also disliked FL's ex / ML's son who was spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
The opening

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I didn't enjoy this slapstick comedy but acting was good enough

I was on a marathon of Sun Qian Xun's dramas and this time I selected this drama. I enjoy quirky robot / AI themed dramas so I had expectations for this drama. Sadly I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Sun Qian Xun and Wang Nan excelled in comedic acting. Their chemistry was fantastic and they bounced each other's energy. The cast gave good performances too.
2. Main characters - Likeable. At least the ML wasn't stupid to blindly follow antagonist's scheming.
3. Supporting characters - Assistant Wang & the scientist were my favourites.
4. Styling - I really liked the burgundy sports wear and ash blonde wig that the robot wore in the opening scene.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There was too much time spent on antagonist's scheming and less time spent on ML - FL relationship (past & present). I increased speed to 2.0x because those scenes were nothing new for me. The drama was too long & draggy.
2. Antagonist - Typical jealous half-sister who fought FL for ML's affections. FL's father & stepmother were horrible people.
3. The daughter - This arc was severely underdeveloped I felt there was no need for it. The child actress who played the role probably only had a total of 2 minute screentime.
4. Humour - Slapstick isn't my thing so yeah I didn't enjoy the comedy.

Favourite scene
The opening

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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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Familiar plot (transmigration, jealousy, misunderstanding) & lack of chemistry - nothing special

I watched this drama because I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. This is on eof two collaborations between Han Jia Hui & Yao Guan Yu and I was curious to see their dynamic and actint in historical dramas so I chose this drama. Overall I thought it was average quality wise.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Another doctor FL transmigrated from modern time so she used her medical knowledge in historical time. She knew part of her original host's memories so she tried her best to get divorce from ML. The green tea behaviour was amusing!
2. ML characterisation - With the ability to hear FL's inner monologue, he learnt to understand FL's actions better. I liked that he apologised to FL after knowing that he had misunderstood FL.
3. Battle of wits - Persian visitors came for a visit and the battle of wits between FL and them was fun to watch.
4. Romance - Slow burn. They had a talk after ML found out FL was the person who saved him 10 years ago. It was honest and I liked it.
5. Food - I also enjoyed food-related scenes - FL brought her knowledge of modern food.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Typical jealous female antagonist in the form of sister wife. She used all her means to bring down FL. The emperor's queen another character I disliked.
2. Acting - There was no chemistry between HJH & YGY. Therefore their romantic scenes lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The talk FL & ML had after ML knew that FL saved him

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Smiley Huang Wen Bo made this drama enjoyable watch

I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I decided to watch this drama. It has been awhile since I last watched Huang Wen Bo dramas. I saw douyin clip of them having fun. Anyway the drama had familiar plot so it was predictable. Execution wise alright.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and self-reliance. She was determined to be her own person without the rich wife tag
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. He was smitten by FL and protective and nurturing.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with spicy first encounter. I liked that ML always reassured FL when she felt insecure. A few kisses between them.
4. Huang Wen Bo - He was smiling all the time and gosh gorgeous smile.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's close colleague & ML's assistant (the actor was attractive). The actor who played FL's older brother was ripped and handsome too bad his character was a douchebag.
6. Hidden identity - I liked that ML came clean with his identity after the official meeting with FL. No silly imposter or persona.
7. Styling - Hotel employee uniform looked like Thai traditional clothes - I liked them. Some characters also wore Hawaiian tshirts & singlets so I assumed this resort must be in tropical side of the country.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's work rival was something. Envious of FL constantly slandering FL. ML's supposed fiancée was delusional. Her scheming was something else.
2. FL's families - Both adopted and biological families were horrible. I couldn't believe Mrs Chen was ok with her adopted daughter harming FL.

Favourite scene
FL and ML's intimate encounter

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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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So-so drama about transmigration and love triangle. FL had better chemistry with SML

I was in the mood to explore Ma Qian Huan dramas so I decided on this title because I like Zuo Yi's acting. I didn't know what to expect with this drama but in the end, it was alright.

What I liked:
1. Plot - FL transmigrated into a book that she was reading so she had the advantage of knowing where the story / her character was heading. I liked that FL's different action had an impact on the journey of her character.
2. FL characterisation - She had to think on her feet. and was resilient.
3. Supporting characters - Gu Sheng, FL's brother, ML's grandpa.
4. Rivalry
5. Duration - Just over 100 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Cunning up & coming actress that reminds me of US film All about Eve.
2. FL's action - She held onto Gu Sheng's arm in front of ML - I didn't like that.
3. Romance - Lacklustre. There was better tension / dynamic between FL & Gu Sheng than between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
The press interview in hospital room

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