emberzmars

Simple story about loving a person for who they are

I miss Guo Yu Xin so I decided to watch this drama today. I chose it because of the length and its historical setup. I liked it very much!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was kind and pure. She helped ML thinking he was a prisoner of the king when he was in fact the king (this is a hidden identity drama).
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he had 2 different exteriors: tough at work and in public, and soft/mellow in front of FL. Righteous king - he punished those who went against the law.
3. Romance - Very sweet romance with a dash of spice. Damn that bathtub scene was sweet then spicy. There are several good kisses in this drama. I also liked that they were very protective of each other.
4. Duration - This drama is less than 100 minutes and pacing was good. A simple story.
5. Wedding - I liked FL's reaction when ML finally admitted to being the king.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL & her mum for getting abused by her father and that silly princess.
2. Antagonists - Disliked FL's father, his mistress, FL's suitor and the princess.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

Read More

Wholesome, warm & lighthearted comedy about time travel forward and sibling dynamics

I loved Chen Mu Ye's acting in a drama she co-starred with Wang Yi Ran. I was excited when this drama was released. I watched it this afternoon and it was such a pleasure watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Lin Mo was endearing, kind & unpretentious and I liked that.
2. Comedy - I laughed a lot watching this drama. Loved the warm & lighthearted tone.
3. Relationship - I loved the sister - brother interactions. It's clear that both brothers loved her dearly.
4. Acting - Chen Mu Ye was wonderful in this role. Even though she's in her mid-30s, she was able to transform into a 18 year old character without being annoying or childish.
5. Supporting characters - My favourite supporting character goes to Jiang Tang. Capable employee - she should be given the president role. I loved FL's brothers, ML's butler and even FL's ex and the girl who was dating FL's second brother were not nasty.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What?!!! I also felt that the accident wasn't solved.
2. Romance - It was underdeveloped especially with that abrupt ending. I felt like ML and their potential romance didn't get enough screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded second brother after the staff meeting

Read More

Familiar plot but both leads had rock vibe & gorgeous styling

I found out about this drama on reddit and it is an adaptation of "I had one-night stand with younger man overseas then we met again in China 3 years later" plot. I have watched 4 other versions in total - Zhang Yun Tao, Shao Wei & Cai Cheng Yuan as MLs. I enjoyed this version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He got the bad boy vibe going and was the most aggressive / tough Lu Chi Ye out of 4 versions I watched. I liked that he threatened legal action to the company who dropped FL as their spokesperson. I also liked that he felt FL's pain when she confided her secret.
2. Styling - I loved Qin Tin Ai's hairstyle and outfits for this drama. She had the rock chic vibe. The photo shoot with the motorcycle was different than the photo shoot in other versions
3. FL characterisation - She was tough as nails on the outside but had vulnerable moments too.
4. Romance - ML was aggressive with his bites & wooing style. There were nice kisses in this drama.
5. Acting - It was my first time watching Qin Tin Ai & Liu Yi Long and I liked their acting in this drama. Qin Tin Ai is young to be Liu Yi Long's jiejie but somehow she made it work!

What I disliked:
1. Smoking - Not a fan of smoking. There was too much smoking shots in this drama.
2. Acting - The acting of supporting cast (FL's agent, FL's family, the scumbag who had affair with FL's sister) was underwhelming. I felt the actress who played FL's agent was timid - she looked more like an assistant when she was supposed to be firm, no-nonsense.
3. FL's grandmother - Unlike other versions, this version only had grandmother "appeared" during phone calls. Quite a disappointment because her grandmother was her rock.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

Read More

No romantic spark & the story would have been better if leads were business partners

I am a fan of Si Jia Li so I was intrigued by this drama when I browsed her work. Since the drama was only 48 minutes long, I decided to watch it. I did not like it and would not recommend this drama to anyone.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was quite eccentric. I liked her for telling off ML who assumed she wanted the arrangement done by their families.
2. Supporting character - I liked FL's friend. There was a sense of comfort between them and their interactions were more fun to watch than interactions between FL and ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't enough interactions and chemistry between Si Jia Li and the actor who played ML. It would have been better if they had worked as business partners rather than as romantic partners.
2. Antagonist - Typical vertical drama antagonist.

Favourite scene
When FL and her bestie worked on a photo shoot

Read More

Refreshing story of second chance in life & love for ML

I came across this drama in a subreddit. I was intrigued because the title indicates that it involves rebirth trope & a character with disability. This drama was a breath of fresh air.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - I don't watch many male-centred vertical dramas and comedy so this was a fun watch. Funny moments were mostly provided by supoorting characters.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching both leads. Yen Hao was really good in his role. He was likeable. Shen Yue 'Er was good in her role as CEO FL. Supporting cast did well too.
3. Tone - This is a light-hearted tale of second chance in life & love. There is no overblown drama and I loved it!
4. Romance - Very sweet and wholesome with ML trying to win FL's heart. I liked that they had contrasting personality - FL was cool, calm & collected while ML was cheerful & warm.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's secretary & ML's colleagues from same department.
6. Styling - I really liked outfits for ML. He looked trendy & attractive with that styling. I loved FL's green suit and gosh her shoes were pretty.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - It was rushed. I wish there was more romance between ML & FL.
2. Antagonists - ML's family was horrible.

Favourite scene
Battle between 2 departments in the staff meeting

Read More

I liked the leads' chemistry and their kisses in this version of a familiar plot

I became a fan of Song Yu Bo after watching him in inner thoughts drama set during Chinese Republican era last weekend. I browsed his list of dramas and this stood out because I was familiar with the plot - "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man". I have watched versions by 1) Shi Tong, 2) Zhang Shan & Zhao Guan Yu, 3) Cui Shi Yi & Aorigele. I was surprised that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of lust & love. Song Yu Bo did not disappoint me - the kisses were hot. I really liked watching their relationship progressed from one night stand to kept man / sugar mama and finally true lovers.
2 ML characterisation - Out of the four versions I've seen, Song Yu Bo's ML is my favourite. I felt that he brought more warmth & support into the relationship and was more like a partner. Meanwhile in the other versions their MLs were almost like bodyguards with FLs being the boss. I also liked that ML expressed his dissatisfaction with FL's decisions.
3. FL characterisation - I liked Wei Fan Shu's FL. She was more open to being vulnerable as opposed to FLs in the other 3 versions.
4. Acting - Both Wei Fan Shu and Song Yu Bo were great in the roles. They had sizzling chemistry with the right amount of push & pull dynamics.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked that she didn't come clean to ML about her pregnancy. I was baffled by that ending.
2. Antagonists - FL's cheating husband was possessive and nonsensical. How could you ask your wife to follow you & your mistress around at malls? How could you allow friends of the mistress to treat FL badly? The mistress was batshit crazy for the outrageous scheming in third act. I also disliked ML's grandpa for scheming. Anyway the actor seemed to young to play a grandpa - he could pass as older brother to FL's cheating husband.

Favourite scene
When they celebrated FL's birthday

Read More

Gender role reversed - dominant & rich FL with ML that underwent a lot of character growth

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit friend. I was unfamiliar with the leads but heck this was a fun watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved the gender role reversal. FL was the more successful of the two - she led her own company & was a smart & fair boss.
2. ML characterisation - There was a lot of character growth for ML. He started off as a bully victim who was given a second chance at life. I chose to be with FL instead of SFL and it was cool to see him as a kept man but later had his own ambition to succeed.
3. Romance - I liked that FL was more dominant and proactive than ML but ML also made efforts as the relationship grew. I wish there were more romance in the last 30 minutes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's assistant for helping out ML with love advice. She saw value in making her boss happy and indirectly less stressed at work.
5. Retribution - Yes, the antagonists got their comeuppance.
6. Styling - This is first time I saw a ML getting a glow up. I actually liked his before and after looks - the thick framed glasses and hair with bangs looked good on him while the better hairstyle (forehead seen) and outfits made his character more mature & serious.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lins were horrible people. However it's refreshing to see a jealous brother instead of the usual jealous sister in many vertical dramas. Qin Ruoyao was damn annoying.
2. The past - FL was insecure and later we got to know that there was a past relationship between FL & ML. I had a lot of unanswered questions - why were they separated? Why wasn't ML able to recall that past? Why didn't FL tell ML about this past (because why did writer include this past then)?

Favourite scene
ML made his move while FL was on a work video call

Read More

Longtime crush, assumptions & green tea shenanigans with sizzling chemistry from the leads

I didn't know Han Jia Hui has worked with Wang Zilin twice until I checked his list of new releases. This drama's video title caught my attention because it implied FL had relations with ML's father. It did feel weird but overall this was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The push & pull dynamics was done very well. Their interactions at the start of the drama were explosive & playful (that sneaky kiss while ML's father in the room) but gradually developed depth as the story progressed. They became emotionally connected once they overcame a hurdle in their relationship.
2. Acting - Han Jia Hui has grown so much (Have Babies is my first drama of hers and I love her there). In here, she showcased different façades of her character. Wang Zi Lin was great in his role and matched intensity of Han Jia Hui's acting.
3. FL characterisation - Despite all the scheming & tough exterior, she was a vilnerable woman. I loved that she was willing to risk her life to save ML.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie (she kicked ass!), ML's bestie (he looked so familiar) & assistant. The gangster boss was handsome!
5. Gift - There was birthday party of an elder and I liked FL's personalised gift.
6. Styling - I loved the clothes worn by Han Jia Hui & Wang Zi Lin.
7. The ending - I wasn't expecting it to be funny and that surprise guest in FL's entourage was a pleasant surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - I wish they confessed to each other at the start of their marriage so there was no misunderstanding based on assumptions.
2. Antagonists - I disliked people that take credit for something they didn't do. I also disliked people who answered someone's phone without permission. She overstepped boundaries.

Favourite scene
When FL was desperate to get out of dangerous situation & called ML for help

Read More

FL with temporary amnesia with hot & imposing guy pursuing her

This is my first drama starring both Qian Zhe and Wang Yi Yang. I think I chose this drama because it features a main character with amnesia. Overall I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - Such a sexy & memorable scene! I first watched this drama not too long after its release and now with 4 months gone by and plentiful of vertical dramas watched, I can still recall the scene.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was a journallist and had to conduct an interview with ML.
3. Romance - This is one of the rare dramas in which we see FL being pursued by 2 men. She even got to kiss both of them.
4. Abs - Qian Zhe is one of the few vertical drama actors that have well-defined six / eight packs. His shirtless scene was a delight!
5. Dumpling making scene - It was short but meaningful.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - At the start, I found him imposing because of his aggressive approach towards FL. However he redeemed himself when he showed genuine care towards FL's health.
2. Antagonist - Lu Ze was an opportunist and manipulative.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

Read More

A story of a reformed prisoner who wants to live a better life with his son

I discovered this drama on reddit and watched it in preparation for a special post that celebrates Father's Day. Such an emotional experience watching this drama so please have tissues nearby when you watch it.

Plot overview:
ML Yang Lang is a reformed prisoner and lives a hard life with his young son. During a chance encounter, he meets his ex-wife and gets caught in a custody battle against her.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I loved that he worked hard to live a clean life with his son. There was temptation there because his gang members wanted him to rejoin but he was set on his new life and strives to be a better man.
2. Bond - ML has a precious relationship with his son. The separation was tough on both side.
3. ML's son - At first he behaves like a typical 8 year old when it comes to school matters. However the separation really made him realise how much love & dependency he has for his dad. The last 10 minutes of the drama was very touching that you know his dad has raised him well.
4. Life lessons - This drama was tough to watch because of the prejudice faced by ML and how power and influence can affect someone's life.
5. Acting - Specatuclar acting by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. ML's ex-wife - She was clearly selfish prioritising her needs over her son's. I also disliked how oblivious she was about her partner's schemes.
2. Partner of ML's ex-wife - Sinister & dishonest. He should have been upfront to ML's ex -wife about not wanting to raise another man's kid.
3. Ending - I usually don't mind a cliffhanger but I wish there was another episode to that final moment.

Favourite scene
The last 10 minutes of the drama

Read More

Huang Bo playing doting dad to twins...ker ai!

I was preparing a reddit post on Huang Bo's dramas when I came across this unlisted drama on his MDL page. I enjoyed this drama and submitted it as New Title.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama's plot is similar to Mr Pei Loves Her So Much starring He Cong Rui & Xu Meng Yuan. Not sure if both dramas came from same source but I liked the story that I don't mind watching different versions.
2. FL characterisation - The difference between this drama and Mr Pei Loves Her So Much is the FL's backstory. This FL needed to bear children in order to get her inheritance so she underwent artificial insemination. Unfortunately her twins were taken away from jealous family members. I liked that FL is successful & hardworking.
3. ML characterisation - He is a doting father who is pressured to get married by his kids.
4. Acting - It's wonderful to see Huang Bo playing a green flag character. I giggled so loud when he did a little dance. Ker Ai! This is my first time watching Wei Fan Shu and I enjoyed her acting and chemistry with Huang Bo and child actor & child actress.
5. Romance - There were nice kisses in this drama, which I didn't expect in dramas with live-in small children. The flashbacks were short but sexy.
6. Supporting characters - I liked the twins, ML's parents and cousin.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I think it went too long. Wish they came clean earlier.
2. Antagonist - The "fake" biological mother to the twins was horrible & selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML did a happy dance

Read More

ML forgot the love he once had

I watched this drama within 3 days of its release because I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and the short duration of the drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - She devised a brilliant plan after being betrayed by her husband. This drama reminds me so much of Bao Zhi Yue's mermaid drama.
2. Relationship - The good times FL had with ML were bittersweet. ML was a good husband then. I liked their bed scenes.
3. Acting - Great acting by Huang Bo and Jin Xin Xin. The child actor did a good job too.
4. Ending - I like it even though I thought it was harsh.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was naive for falling into scheme of SFL. He had shown remorse and seemed genuine about wanting to reconcile with FL but it was too late.
2. Antagonist - Wow, what an evil person!

Favourite scene
The ending

Read More

No chemistry & warmth between FL and ML in this secret child drama

Zhang Yun Tao is one of those actors whose drama I keep watching even though he's not my top 10 actor. As usual I watched this drama because of him and the secret baby plot. I have mixed feelings about this drama. There are many and better dramas related to secret babies and/or ZYT.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I like ML's mother & son.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's wardrobe especially the black jacket & navy trouser that he wore to a parent-teacher event.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I couldn't relate to FL. Usually I find FL who has had a child to be warm but she is cold & uninteresting. I found her plan to get back her child as silly.
2. Romance - Typical start in which a main character was intoxicated & had one night stand with a stranger.
Anyway because of FL's cold personality, I didn't buy their romance. There wasn't any emotional connection between them unless you count their biological child as an emotional connection.
3. Antagonists - Another entitled green tea. The paralysed antagonist was cuckoo for her scheming.

Favourite scene
When ML's employees were snooping in ML's room as he was having discussion with FL

Read More

FL's infatuation with ML overshadows the main story. Wasted potential

I watched this drama within the first 3 days of its release. I am a fan of Li Ke Yi and still warming up to Yao Guan Yu. As usual, I go into newly released vertical dramas blindly without knowing synopsis. Started off great but halfway through I started to lose interest. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - It's wonderful to see revenge drama from the perspective of ML. He has an interesting back story.
2. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL and ML although because of FL's infatuation, I couldn't see their relationship going serious and for long term.
3. Antagonist - I like male antagonist's arc because it has substance.
4. Duration - I liked that drama is less than 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. FL's characterisation - Her infatuation with ML is a hindrance to ML's investigation and overall affects the effectiveness of its storytelling. I could barely remember ML's arc because of the FL-ML dynamic. I wish writer had made her an assertive character who didn't behave like a high school girl.
2. Special ability - Oh how I wished writer had focused more on FL's special ability. This could have been a mystery sci-fi drama.
3. Intimacy - That final intimacy scene felt like a coercion. Is that the best way to jog one's memory?
4. Styling - What's up with the wig? Did Li Ke Yi have different hairstyle for another drama?

Favourite scene
When antagonist discovered FL's special ability

Read More

Quiet mystery romance with good chemistry between the leads

I was surprised to see a collab between Zhang Chu Xuan and He Cong Rui. Both are my favourite actors. I watched this drama within first 3 days of its release. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I like the quiet mystery element of this drama. The drama is not too dark which is a breath of fresh air.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in investigating her sister's death. She was more concerned about truth rather than vengeance.
3. ML characterisation - Gosh he was mysterious that I was praying he's not a baddie. He figured out FL's hidden agenda quite early but he didn't go overboard with confrontation nor meddling.
4. Acting - I really enjoy the acting of both ZCX & HCR, individually & as a couple. It's great to see ZCX playing this role (a softer, vulnerable woman) as I've seen her in too many "strong woman" characters. HCR exuded the right allure for this mysterious character.
5. Romance - Slow burn because investigation takes precedence. There was good balance of push and pull - sweet & spicy moments. FL begging ML scene was unexpected for me - it was very sweet.
6. Styling - ZCX looked beautiful in that floor length dress. I also liked the pink blush dress.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I did feel that FL was stringing ML along and I disliked it. Good thing she didn't take long to fess up.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

Read More