emberzmars

Transmigration, family & business rivalry are the important elements of this drama

I noticed this drama on iQIYI and got curious. I hadn't watched Zhang Qi Xuan drama in long time. I watched this morning and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling & acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top grade acting by Zhang Qi Xuan & Liu Yu Hang. Those emotional scenes were heartbreaking that I was moved to tears. On top of that, they got great chemistry.
2. FL characterisation - She was assertive & smart. Also kind enough to help the Gu family to stay afloat while the eldest sibling was comatose. I liked her lesson plans for the younger brothers.
3. Romance - While ML was in "coma", there was no two-way interactions between them. However ML fell hard for FL as she continued to show her resilience and smartness. Their first kiss was extremely hot with ML kissing FL like he was parched. Later we got to see ML pursuing FL and I liked those scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the second & third brothers. ML's assistant was unintentionally funny too.
5. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama. From ML to antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Formidable antagonists - they were business rivals who were hungry for money & status. Jiang Lei was evil mastermind - he didn't mind fatality whenever his plans were executed. Jiang Yichen was a delusional goon. Song Qingyun was another scumbag.
2. The Gu daughter - Gosh, she was so gullible. I couldn't believe she betrayed her family just because she was suspicious of FL's change in character. She should have confronted or at least discussed with her brothers.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded the youngest Gu sibling

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When a cat princess meets a sickly and prickly human

I have had this drama in my watchlist for a few weeks and decided to watch it on Saturday evening. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Tone - It started with a bang and overall the drama was lighthearted and comedic. I liked it a lot!
2. FL characterisation - I liked her kind, cheerful and bubbly personality. She was a princess but wasn't a spoilt brat. She listened to advice from her mentor / watcher, ML's cat & grandma.
3. Acting - I have only watched a handful of Sun Qian Xun's drama and I must say her acting was fantastic in this drama. This is my second time watching Li Bo Yan and I liked his acting here too. Both of them had fabulous chemistry.
4. ML characterisation - He was sickly and prickly but overall kind. He was suspicious of FL's secret identity but never confronted her. In fact he protected her and I liked that.
5. Fantasy - I loved the use of different elements e.g. superpower, talking to animals, teleportation.
6. Styling - FL had fantastic feline-like outfits & hairstyle - I loved it! ML's outfits were good too - I liked the maroon-black combo.
7. Romance - Slow but there was affection. Good kisses and there was even 2 spicy moments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's sister was jealous & delusional. She knew no shame with the threat and posing as somebody else.
2. FL's action - I wish FL didn't resist ML's attempts at intimacy too many times.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML to accomplish her goal

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Heartwarming tale about adapting oneself after a memory gap

I had seen Ma Le Jie dramas when I first explored vertical dramas. After 3 dramas, I deliberately avoided her dramas because she always played damsels in distress and cried a lot. However this drama came with positive reviews and since I had not seen any Li Bo Yan dramas, I decided to watch it today. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL had the mind of her 18 year old self when in reality she was 10 years older. I liked that she was sensible & righteous despite the confusion. She did act impulsively once but that was based on her strong gut feeling which turned out to be the right decision.
2. Romance - Slow but rewarding. There were good kisses but what hit me the most were the conversations they had with each other. For example, FL asked ML what she was like at 28 years old. That was heartearming moment because it showed that ML knew FL through and through. I also loved the big argument because that was when their relationship was really tested. When trust is broken, a relationship falters.
3. Pop culture - I liked the scenes of idol worshipping because it reflected real life. Delusional fans are PR nightmare. Anyway I liked how FL tackled that challenge.
4. ML characterisation - The moment ML made his entrance at the start of the drama was amusing because of Lighter & Princess song. Anyway ML was patient and loving man. I liked that he was supportive at work - helping FL with her work challenges.
5. Acting - I liked Ma Le Jie's acting in this drama. I wish she upped the emotions when FL was slandered by the antagonist & their colleagues at the work event. Anyway MLJ got good chemistry with Li Bo Yan. I liked his acting too and will check out his other dramas.
6. Styling - Great outfits for both FL & ML. I liked FL's black top & black skirt she wore to work. Li Bo Yan's shirts were rarely buttoned - nice chest!
7. Length - The running time is 1 hour 45 minutes. Easy to watch & digest.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's secretary was unprofessional. She did some scheming to get FL into trouble. She should put her personal feelings aside at work.

Favourite scene
When a misunderstanding escalated into a big argument.

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Short tale of love and sacrifices for one's happiness

I had saved this drama in my playlist for weeks but this morning decided to watch it because I was in the mood for something short. I was unfamiliar with Wang Jin but I liked Zhang Li Ren's acting. This drama is different from the typical Chinese vertical dramas I have seen. I wonder what was in the writer's mind when they wrote the screenplay.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - There was character development in ML. He was a miserable man who later received "a guardian angel" in the form of FL. He was silly to entertain requests from bai yue guang but learned the truth and tried to win FL's heart.
2. Acting - I liked Wang Jin & Zhang Li Ren's performance.
3. Opening - Captivating enough for me to finish the whole drama.
4. Ending - Wow, I didn't expect it to end like that.
5. Reality hits - I loved it when the maid scolded ML for being so oblivious of FL's treatment towards him.

What I disliked:
1. Misery - So much misery in this drama. ML & FL felt miserable at one point of their lives.
2. Relationship - The moment Yunli met Yanchen was short but meaningful. I wish there was explanation in the past.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had fun spending time together

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Cheating drama told from perspective of victim the ML

I added missing Ding Hai Zia dramas recently so I thought to myself "Let’s watch this drama". I like Ye Ting's acting in The Cost of Treachery.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This is a cheating drama and I liked that story is told from the perspective of ML (FL emotionally cheated on hubby ML).
2. ML characterisation - I liked that gender reversal role was explored here - ML was homemaker when he was married to FL. He was kind, loyal and loving but underappreciated by wife.
3. Supporting characters - ML was adopted by FL's family when he was a child and they grew up together. I really liked the adopted parents because they were kind and sensible. ML found his biological family when he was an adult and I liked his biological family because they were warm.
4. Acting - I really liked Ye Ting's performance in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was a brat. I was surprised of her behaviour considering she should have grown up alongside both FL & ML. I also disliked FL's bai yue guang but the actor's voice was nice.
2. FL characterisation - Ungrateful wife who betrayed feelings of her husband. I disliked her for being condescending towards ML despite the pleas of getting back together. FL claimed she knew the difference between love and gratitude but didn't seem to truly understand those words when she kept insulting ML.
3. Art gallery - This scene was draggy - FL was condescending to ML multiple times by reminding ML that he was an orphan.
4. Ending - The ending felt disconnected because there was no scene of FL finally accepting her situation.

Favourite scene
When ML had hid first meal with his biological family

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Young CEO smitten by cool, smart & badass high school student

I had been looking for this drama for months after being a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. Links were not available until today when I saw it on Dailymotion under the title 'Bow Down The Killer Queen is Back'. I was excited, clicked play then informed Jwells. Unfortunately the videos had been marked private once I was halfway through the drama. Anyway glad I managed to finish this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her because she could kick ass. She was smart, mature & self-reliant, most likely because of her past life.
2. Styling - Loved her outfits especially that punk princess look she wore at a special event.
3. Supporting characters - ML's assistant & doctor friend provided comic relief. I also liked ML's mother but her reaction during the kidnapping baffled me.
4. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL after she rescued him from an attack. He protected FL with his money & influence. He was Mr Nice Guy but it was weird to see a boss in his 20s having a crush on a high school girl.
5. Dynamics - ML fell in love with FL and pursued her but she didn't want to feel indebted. I liked that this was explicitly mentioned because a lot of times main characters confuse gratitude with love. I wouldn't categorise their relationship as romantic but FL did eventually fall for ML.
6. Acting - I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen and Zhu Yi Wei's acting.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & mother were sinister. The constant jealousy & scheming was tiring. I also disliked ML's nephew and their classmate who bullied FL.
2. FL's past - I was disappointed that her life before rebirth / transmigration was not explored in this story.

Favourite scene
FL went into ML's car then rescued him from an attack

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My expectations were not met because of Fu Yu Shu's underwhelming performance

I added this drama on my Plan to Watch list months ago but only remembered to watch it last night after watching Huai Wei's uncle romance drama co-starring Liu Jia Xi. This is my second drama of his so I had some expectations. Unfortunately this drama did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Somehow this drama reminded me of kdrama When the Phone Rings because the substitute bride is younger sister of woman betrothed to ML. ML exuded maturity, patience and gentleness and I liked that. He voluntarily offered to pick FL up from work.
2. Styling - Huai Wen looked dashing in his outfits. I liked FL's outfits too. The wedding dress gave a butterfly look while the pink chiffon evening gown was very pretty.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother & the dog (so adorable).
4. Huai Wen - I really liked his acting here. His facial expressions were on point. When he proposed, there were expressions of love and sincerity on his face.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh I was frustrated with her demeanor. She had a bland personality. The fact that she was a medical doctor unsure / clueless when it came to intimacy with her husband, threw me off.
2. Romance - ML was always giving (which was good) but FL hardly took any intiative until the last 30 minutes or so of the drama. It turned me off that ML always had to "remind" her of their marital obligations. She was mechanical that I found the intimate scenes awkward.
3. Antagonists - The rival doctor was pathetic.
4. Acting - Fu Yu Shu's performance was underwhelming & stiff. Despite the good kisses, there was no chemistry between her & Huai Wen.
5. Duration - There were many videos on Dailymotion with various length with the longest videl being more than 3 hours long. I chose to watch the one with 2 hours length (medium length) which I later found out it was 1.25x speed during screen recording. Even with this length, I found the drama too slow-paced for my liking.

Favourite scene
When ML proposed for real

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Tragic love story with flawed main characters & superb acting

I was in the mood for Wang Chen Peng drama so I lookes at my list and found this title. This drama raised a lot of questions but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng. I felt like both of them pushed each other that led to best performances.
2. Romance - There were 2 love stories in this drama: (i) FL with Lin Mo, and (ii) FL with ML. Both were tragic but there were sweet moments. The kisses between Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng were hot. I loved the one in the darkroom.
3. ML characterisation - I empathised with him the most. He was a stand-in for FL's dead fiancé. He truly loved FL but couldn't accept the deception which was understandable.
4. Ending - I liked it because I think they needed time apart. Hope she got therapy during those years apart.
5. Supporting characters - FL's doctor friend had feelings for her but never pushed FL into a romantic relationship. I was surprised when he helped ML - eeerrrmm wouldn't he lose his medical license? I also liked Lin Mo's mother, who reminded me of the mother in The Love of a Fool.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I understood that she was flawed, emotionally vulnerable after death of her fiancé. I disliked her for toying with ML's feelings in the name of revenge because her fiancé's death wasn't the fault of ML. I also disliked her for blackmailing ML by endangering herself. She badly needed therapy.
2. ML's actions - His desperate attempts to get FL to leave him were no-no for me.

Favourite scene
When both FL and ML were in the darkroom

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Chen Si Che as a painter seeking revenge while Yao Guan Yu looking like a sexy vampire

I am a fan of Chen Si Che so I was excited to know that she worked with Yao Guan Yu on a drama. I didn't know what to expect from the poster but watched it within few days of release. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The first part of the drama concerned me because of ML's behaviour. However the dynamics turned after some time apart. There were sweet & spicy moments in their romance story. I really liked scenes of them laughing.
2. Revenge - I liked it enough despite the twists. I kinda feel some softness when it came to the execution - I think because she was cool & less angry in comparison to FLs in other revenge dramas.
3. Acting - Chen Si Che and Yao Guan Yu seemed relaxed in this drama. I liked their chemistry and individually did well.
4. Styling - Yao Guan Yu seemed like a vampire with the outfits that he wore. Oh he also looked like Korean singer-songwriter Bang Yongguk with the outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lin family was horrible people. The kids were idiots that were spoilt rotten by their father. Their own revenge plan was like a child's play.
2. Acting - I felt the actor who played FL's supposed fiancé had interesting look but gave underwhelming performance. His character was quite crucial to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL told a wonderful surprise to ML

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Combustible chemistry & steamy kisses but too much screentime to the antagonists

I binged Cheng Cheng's dramas as an assignment to write a reddit post on his work. This was one of the dramas I watched - I already liked Huang Yun Yun. There was certain aspects that I thought could be reduced but overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, lusty kisses. I never saw Cheng Cheng kissed with fervour until I watched this drama. There were some sweet and tender moments which I enjoyed too.
2. FL characterisation - I loved her from the start because she was a sultry vixen out to seduce ML. She knew her strengths and how to use them to achieve her goal.
3. Styling - FL's outfits were very pretty. I also liked ML's outfits - modern and rugged.
4. Music - I enjoyed the songs featured in this drama. Some I recognised from kdramas e.g. FAKE PARADISE by Xylo.
5. Acting - Huang Yun Yun & Cheng gave a good performance even though I think ML was underdeveloped. Both of them had combustible chemistry that I sensed the intensity of the pull and sexual tension between them.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister & dastardly SML / former love interest were given too much screentime. I couldn't care less about their antics. I wish the writer & director had cut short their screen time and instead gave more time to showcase FL-ML romance.
2. Abuse - Damn, why would you harm an elderly???

Favourite scene
When SML headed to a hotel room to check if FL was with ML

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Sweet with a dash of spice fantasy drama. Good chemistry!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Cheng Cheng so chose this drama as part of my assignment. FL is unfamiliar to me. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her humbleness and gentleness. She was pushed to a corner by ML because of her sister's situation but I didn't perceive her as doormat.
2. Romance - Good despite the slow build up. Sweet and spicy and I could sense desire coming from both parties. I wish there were more bonding scenes before the revelation so I could feel his pain more.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy element of this story. Star-crossed lovers who later reincarnated in this couple. I also liked the love lock concept.
4. Supporting characters - FL's sister was awesome. Despite her frailty, she was protective and I loved the warning she gave to ML. I also liked ML's assistant.
5. Acting - I really liked Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng's acting. She was good at evoking emotions of her characters while Cheng Cheng's acting really shined when his ML started longing for FL's affections. There was great chemistry between Huang Li Ting and Cheng Cheng which made me believe that their characters deserved a happy ending.
6. Third act - I must say that this was one of the few dramas with third act I enjoyed. It had a plot twist that made the drama unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle and aunt were horrible people. I also disliked ML's mother for her selfishness even though I understood her intentions.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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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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