emberzmars

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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Suspenseful stalker story with good performances by Sheng Yi Jie and Li Bo Xuan

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie so I was intrigued when I saw the poster. I gathered that it wasn't a typical romance drama. Two weeks ago I decided to watch the drama via iQIYI. I liked how the drama turned out.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama is about a stalker and I liked how the story was told. Even the supporting characters played important roles in bringing this story to life. No two-dimensional characters.
2. Directing / Editing - There was enough suspense and creepiness to maintain the tension between FL and the perpetrator.
3. Acting - Sheng Yi Jie & Li Bo Xuan were great in their roles. They were able to convey different emotions and eccentricities to their characters.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie and IT colleague Bin Tai. Madam Ning surprised me with her character development - I liked her too.
5. Pacing - Well-paced story told in less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He had a sad upbringing which led him to being insecure and creepy.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Revenge period drama with good screenplay. Exceeded my expectation.

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas and wanted something different so I chose this historical drama. I had watched Zhao Yuan You when he played supporting roles in False Face and True Feelings and My Merman Brother. I must say that this drama exceeded my expectation because I didn't expect the twists.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was seeking justice for her father who was killed by ML's mother. I liked that her revenge plan wasn't perfect but somehow people even strangers were willing to help her achieve her goal. I also liked that they got retribution.
2. Dynamics - Wow, good push & pull dynamics even without full-blown romance.
3. FL characterisation - FL assumed the role of a long lost relative of ML. I liked her determination to bring down ML's family for their wrongdoings. She had sympathy for ML after knowing that he was the nicest member of the family.
4. ML characterisation - ML was a scholar who smart, observant and nice. He didn't close one eye to the crimes committed by his family members - he investigated.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's maid and FL's fake mother who understood her intentions and agreed to support her cause.
6. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. Can we get season 2, please?

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was truly evil and impulsive. I was shocked she wasn't remorseful for killing an innocent healer. I'd say ML's father was his wife's accomplice because he covered the crime committed by his wife. ML's brother was a rapist and narcissist while ML's sister was a superficial spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
When FL's fake mother admitted to ML's mother that FL was her daughter

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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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FL terminated employment of bodyguard ML after realising her love was a lost cause

Huang Bo is my no. 1 favourite vertical drama actor. I remember when this drama was a fresh release - a few members of subreddit CShortDramas said it was good drama. I watched the same weekend and yes, I have to agree with those members. The drama was good due to the writing & performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was wise and cool. I loved that she saw a lost cause (her unrequited love) and moved on. She wanted to be cherished so she looked for a partner that could give that to her. I also liked that she was firm with her stance.
2. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's character is the main male lead even though he was a character I loved to hate (there you go again Huang Bo playing a scumbag). A case of mistaken identity gone wrong. Despite his bad behaviour, I liked that he learnt his lesson & tried to win FL's heart even without success.
3. Supporting characters - SML was definitely awesome. I was tickled by the fact he too applied to become FL's bodyguard. ML's assistant was another character I liked.
4. Writing - I loved it especially the second half of the drama. I didn't know where this story was headed and never got bored / felt the need to check my phone while watching the drama.
5. Bodyguard scenes - With ML & SML being bodyguards, we go to see some action scenes. I also liked the bodyguard audition scene.
6. Acting - This is my first drama of Meng Jia Xin and she nailed the assignment. Huang Bo gave a great performance too. I cried when he cried reading FL's diary. His facial expression and tone of voice moved me during that scene. Sun Yi Xun was good in his role too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xie Yi Yao was annoying & manipulative. Definitely know how to make people do things for her.
2. Romance - Unfortunately the romance between FL and SML was underdeveloped. I would love to see more scenes of their relationship journey from allies whom were married to each other to full romantic partners.
3. Bullying - I hated that ML allowed FL to be bullied by Yi Yao. That should already send warning bells about Yi Yao being a bad person.
4. ML's actions - He was a poor bodyguard always prioritising Yi Yao over his client (FL). FL was too nice to let bad behaviour to continue for a period of time but I was relieved his employment was terminated.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to let go of his pursuit and move on with his life

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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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Gorgeous leads but lack of chemistry and weak storytelling didn't meet my expectations

It had been awhile since I last watched Zhang Chu Xuan drama so I decided to check this out. I had seen 1 or 2 dramas of Chen Ming Hao. Hhhhhmm I felt something was missing in this drama. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - That's what hook me to watch this drama.
2. Visuals - What a gorgeous pairing! Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Ming Hao were stunning in this drama. Beautiful outfits.
3. Alliance - I liked that FL was resourceful. She had allies in her plan to bring her husband down.


What I disliked:
1. Storytelling - I couldn't stay engaged during the drama. I didn't find the revenge arc interesting enough. FL's husband / soon-to-be-ex-husband was a good character to love to hate but overall this drama was monotonous.
2. Romance - If you look at the synopsis, this boss-employee relationship had the potential of forbidden romance. However I didn't sense much pull dynamics between them.
3. Acting - ZCX & CMH acting were ok in their individual roles. However I couldn't feel any chemistry between them.
4. Smoking - So much smoking in this drama.

Favourite scene
When FL recruited ML to become her bodyguard

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Two people with opposite upbringing falling in love but too bad antagonist got a lot of screen time

I was intrigued by the title of this drama on dailymotion - The Nerd and The Gangster's Daughter. Then I realised Zhang Ruo Chen portrayed FL - I like her acting very much. I watched it and overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The meet cute was adorable! This is a sweet, slow burn romance with opposites attract conundrum. The proposal was sweet and heartfelt.
2. FL characterisation - She was trained by her mother to be an independent woman. I loved that FL can kick ass. She was also kind - she arranged activities for ML's grandmother to meet people her age. That's a sweet gesture.
3. ML characterisation - He was intelligent & perceptive. He accepted FL as she was, without making a big deal of her unconventional upbringing. Also a sweet guy.
4. Supporting characters - ML's father didn't make much appearance but he was a cool guy. I also liked Uncle Jack.
5. Elders - I liked their group activities! It was fun seeing them stay active.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's colleague / childhood friend was annoying and disrespectful. She couldn't take no for an answer and ML had repeatedly told her that he was not interested in her. The biggest disappointment is ML's grandmother. I couldn't believe what she did to FL after all the activities FL arranged for her. I didn't understand her insistence on class and status - she was just prejudice against people with different upbringing. Good that she was punished for the snobbery. ML's aunt was another horrible person. I also didn't like ML's mother for controlling her daughter. I understood her view but her approach was too aggressive.
2. Duration - This drama has a running time of 2 hours 42 minutes. I found it too long especially when antagonists were given too much screen time. I wish there was more time spent on FL-ML blossoming relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL and then proposed.

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When unhinged ML meets & falls in love with crazy FL, chaos ensue

I was in the mood for dark and dangerous female leads and somehow came across this drama on YouTube. The title of the video was My Mafia Girl - Your sweet enemy crashes your funeral *Hottest Date Ever. So that definitely caught my attention. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was crazy and unhinged. I liked that he fought against bullies haha he is a person you don't want to mess with.
2. FL characterisation - She was crazier. Don't be deceived by her dainty look - she could kick ass.
3. Supporting characters - Uncle Shen Yangzhou was my favourite because of his close bond with ML. ML's parents were entertaining.
4. Acting - Min Xing Han was brilliant in this role.
5. Romance - I loved their banter. A lot of teasing and tension. Good kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao Anna was a snob & bully. Quite pretentious.
2. Acting - I wish there was more chemistry between Min Xing Han and Xuan Yi Xin.

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Tale of rebirth & revenge with FL's dancing scene being my favourite scene

I watched this drama as preparation for a reddit post on Guo Yu Xin's dramas. I liked this drama but didn't love it so I didn't feature it in my post.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She wanted revenge, she planned & got it done.
2. Guo Yu Xin - Her acting was good. I particularly enjoyed her dancing scene because she was sultry, which I had rarely see.
3. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The soft pink & mint green hanfus fit with Guo Yu Xin's skin tine. Even the princess wore beautiful hanfus.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many people against FL: her cousin & mother, her betrothed, the princess and even father. The princess was the most evil most likely because she had the most power. Glad she got her comeuppance.
2. Romance - It was underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
The dance

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Guo Yu Xin playing a girlboss who rides a motorbike and never cries. Something different!

I found this drama on Guo Yu Xin's drama playlist on YouTube. I realised this drama did not have a MDL page so I submitted it as New Title. I did not know what to expect but watched the drama and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Lan Yu Xi was a girlboss. She had set professional goals and was focused on achieving it. I liked that quality. I also liked her quiet confidence. It was nice to see Guo Yu Xin in this role - she rode a motorbike & did not cry in this drama!
2. Corporate espionage - ML was sent by his grandfather to steal FL's recipes. What an exciting premise! There was also an arc involving another rival of FL.
3. ML characterisation - Hahaha it was wonderful to see ML training to become a waiter at FL's restaurant. He was likeable and didn't follow his grandpa's instructions. Wang Ze Yi was good in his role.
4. Supporting characters - I lliked Dong Dong, Assistant Wang, ML's grandpa & mother, FL's mother and Liu Jia Jiao.
5. Romance - Slow burn but rewarding. Good kisses, hugging, quality time spending together. I liked that they bonded over their love for cooking.
6. Antagonist - I liked that the antagonist is a business rival and not a white moonlight. This antagonist arc had substance.

Disliked:
1. Lan Ling Er - Jealous cousin but no substance. Power / status hungry.

Favourite scene
When ML auditioned to be an employee of The Inn

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Sultry, cool & dark FL in an arranged marriage with arrogant "puppy" ML. Great acting & chemistry!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I am familar with Zhang Yi Yang's work but had never seen any of Bai Xue Ru's dramas. One day when I had more time to finish a vertical drama on one sitting, I watched this drama. I enjoyed it very much!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her! She was sultry, cool & confident but at the same time got a dark soul & could be dangerous. Mess with her & her loved ones and she would make the perpetrator's life miserable.
2. ML characterisation - He was arrogant at the start but slowly turned out to be a goofy character. I liked that we got to see his vulnerability.
3. Romance - Damn, one of the best push-and-pull dynamics in vertical dramas. There was a sexy attraction between them from their first encounter. Their kisses were hot & passionate.
4. Acting - Wonderful performances by Bai Xue Ru and Zhang Yi Yang, individually and as on-screen couple. Their chemistry translated very well.
5. Supporting characters - Xu Zi Jie, ML's grandpa and his butler were entertaining.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits that the drama inspired a few ideas for my reddit posts. I liked that she even got to wear sportswear.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen family was horrible and toxic.
2. Duration - At 3.5 hours, the drama is long. I felt like Shen family could be given less screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML visited ML's father, stepmother and stepbrother after marriage.

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High hopes for this tale of revenge & love triangle but writing was a letdown

I was browsing Huang Bo's douyin when I saw trailers of this drama. I wa excited because I like both Huang Bo and He Jian Qi's acting. Today when the drama was released I realised that Chen Yu Ling was the female lead so high hopes. Unfortunately Dangers Deal didn't meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Huang Bo & He Jian Qi performed very well. They gave some depth / maturity to the characters.
2. Styling - Great outfits were selected for FL, ML & SML.
3. Supporting characters - I liked SML's half bro / right hand man for his astute observations of SML's feelings for FL.
4. Intimacy - A lot of kissing. He Jian Qi sure is a great onscreen kisser.
5. Rivalry - I liked that both ML & SML were rivals in the oil business. I appreciated writer injecting some oul & gas industry knowledge, instead of the usual company competitions, to this drama.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a nepo baby. Gosh I was frsutrated when ML had to explain to her about oil price fluctuations. She only wanted Duan company because she felt entitled to it. I disliked her for toying with feelings of both men.
2. Revenge - Poorly planned but somehow she managed to get 2 smart & attractive men to do the thinking for her. The plot didn't go anywhere. She just wanted to marry ML since she had said that to her dad but disguised it as her revenge plan.
3. Acting - I felt Chen Yu Ling was miscast. She didn't have enough charisma to play an heiress gamed for hostile takeover. She had some chemistry with both He Jian Qi and Huang Bo but I felt she could have pushed for more sexual tension with Huang Bo.

Favourite scene
When SML unveiled to FL his relationship with her father

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FL's character didn't meet my expectation but kissing scenes were really good

I found this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. The main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. The synopsis & comments intrigued me so I watched. It was an alright watch but kissing scenes were very good.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - Many steamy, lusty kisses. Both were really into each other. There were also sweet moments.
2. Acting - Ma Xing Shuo had a commanding presence & charm in this drama. Li Zi Yi was good in her role too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's love rival Jiamu but why did he do that to FL?

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL suffered too much bullying from her family and at workplace and even from ML.
2. Antagonist - ML's niece / junior colleague was despicable. She even took advantage of Jiamu. FL's family & Jiamu's sister were horrible.
2. FL's arc - At the start of the drama she was a masseuse then went to complete a law degree. I wish her career as trainee lawyer was given more screentime.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical domineering ML. I disliked that he was egoistic with FL when they met again.
4. Romance - They started off being in transactional relationship. I wish there was more romance and wooing from ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk and her inhibitions lowered

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ML pretending to be a robot but didn't act like a robot

I had been interested in this drama ever since it was released. I liked Xu Jing Shuai's acting and the concept of robots & AI. Only found a link yesterday and watched it few hours ago. This drama didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Tone - It's lightweight & had some funny moments.
2. FL characterisation - She was gifted by her friend a robot as a companion. I liked that during the halfway mark, she started to question the likelihood of falling in love with a robot. It showed that she was not delusional & had a sense of reality.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Fang who was sympathetic to both ML & FL. I also liked ML's grandma.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had his own story to tell because in other robot vertical dramas I watched, ML was more like a tool / accessory.
4. Dynamics - They had childhood connection that was only discovered when he became robo-companion. The master - servant relationship was mostly cute & wholesome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother and brother were horrible people. I also disliked FL's jealous colleagues / rivals. They were pathetic to plagiarise and then divert the attention by slandering FL.
2. Robot - Ok, ML didn't try hard to act like a typical robot. His movements were human-like that it's silly FL never question that he was a real human being..
3. Acting - It was so-so. The main actress could have done more with her performance. There was lack of chemistry between her and Xu Jiang Shuai.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to recharge ML's batteries

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