emberzmars

Offbeat romcom that looks at long distance relationship

Over the weekend I watched Lin Qiting-Wang Qianshuo dramas and got to know that she and her real life partner Peng Yu have acted together. This is my first drama of theirs. I enjoyed this offbeat romcom.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - I didn't expect this drama to be humourous. A lot of laughs from start till almost the end. Just leave your logic when the drama starts.
2. Romance - I saw their romance as a long distance relationship. They were not able to be in close proximity but they made it work within the capacity that they had been given. I could see that ML genuinely cared for FL.
3. ML characterisation - I really liked his character. That confrontation between ML and that family of three was well written. I was delighted that he stood up for himself. This is my first time watching Peng Yu and I was charmed by his acting.
4. Supporting characters - I was wary of the artefacts expert and arms dealer but wow they turned out to be allies of ML. FL's general was also delightful to watch though I think FL was too generous about the sharing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh I hated ML's ex and her family. Opportunistic, selfish and disrespectful to the elders. I had no issues with ancient antagonist since it was done sensibly.
2. FL's styling - I disliked long, fake nails and this being a historical drama, it didn't make sense for an empress to have long nails with some art. Lin Qiting should have them removed. I also disliked her outfit when she confronted the enemy. The shoes did not make sense!

Favourite scene
When ML's lunch disappeared

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So-so romance & antagonist drama is draggy

I needed to make use of my iqiyi subscription so I chose this drama. This is the second drama of Zhang Ruo Chen & Wang Bo that I watched. It was an ok watch. I prefer the other collaboration.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see multiple facets of her character. It was mentioned that she was slandered in the past and she got to prove everyone wrong at an event. Loved her resilience.
2. Musical art competition - It's odd that there was a musical art competition between ML's company and rival company when they actually compete for a piece of land. However this event gave opportunity for FL to clear her name and the traditional music showcase was done well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant very much because he was sensible & straight talker with ML. He told ML about ML's wrongdoings. I also liked the kind female staff right from the start.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Like many self-proclaimed childhood sweethearts in vertical dramas, she was delusional and possessive. Clearly disrespectful of boundaries set by ML. She also liked to blame others especially FL. Got tired of her deviousness.
2. Romance - There were many assumptions made by FL that led to strain in their relationship. I hated that she lied to ML about spending the night together. She should just tell him. I wish the writer had focused more on FL-ML relationship than on FL-green tea rivalry.
3. Promotion - It was strange for FL to receive such promotion when she was clearly lacking both knowledge & skills to become a manager. She should have started as executive or officer but the staff seemed ok about her promotion.
4. Make up - I don't usually comment on make up but green tea's make up was horrible. When she was hospitalised, you can clearly notice the skin tone differe nce between her neck & face. Her foundation was too light. Plus she always looks like she had pink eye with the unflattering eye make up.

Favourite scene
When FL competed at the musical art competition

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Started off great but went downhill in third act

I got to know about this drama from reddit. The first few minutes alone was interesting but oh dear, this drama was a rollercoaster ride.

What I liked:
1. Fake dates - This drama uses a fake relationship trope. I really liked when they went on their dates. FL was fun so I got it why ML was attracted to her.
2. Styling - I really liked Zhang Yun Tao's outfits. The teal green suit and blue suit were well tailored and fitted him to a T. However stylist should give Chi Xiaoyi a different set of clothes. It's unbelievable that she went on almost 9 fake dates wearing the same outfit!
3. Acting - While the writing was very much flawed, the acting was good enough. I always find Zhang Yun Tao compelling in any role that he's portrayed. Yang Sanji was charming enough to portray 2 different personas.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandpa. He was a sensible man!
5. Interaction - I enjoyed the interactions between FL and ML's grandpa in particular the chess game and his birthday party. What a thoughtful gift!

What I disliked:
1. Third act - The series went downhill once we entered the final 30 minutes. There were too much drama and unnecessary use of supporting character.
2. Antagonists - With the blonde hair & coloured contact lens, Hera was ice queen personified. Like many other white moonlight, she did all she could to sabotage FL-ML relationship. I was baffled by how she was left unpunished even till the end.
3. Romance - Now the romance felt like a rollercoaster ride. They were sweet when they were together but their relationship didn't have a solid footing. There were too many assumptions made that led to misunderstanding. The couple didn't have clear communication and it frustrated me.

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to roadside stall

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Family saga and slow burn romance with Huang Bo portraying the greenest flag

I am a huge Huang Bo fan so I got excited when I got to know that he had new drama out. I watched this drama by accident - I thought I was going to watch The Moonlight Never Falls (another of his new release). I did watch The Moonlight Never Falls and overall, I enjoyed this drama much more than The Moonlight Never Falls.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I swoon whenever I watch Huang Bo playing a gentle soul. Total green flag character. He was loyal, patient and loving.
2. Romance - This drama has the most passionate love scenes by Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi. ML's gentle voice when they were intimate for the first time was touching. Their relationship did suffer from lack of communication (I blamed it on FL). Despite that, this drama is very focused on their relationship with little interference from third party and I like it this way!
3. Family theme - The core theme of this drama is family and I enjoyed it!
4. Acting - Out of all the Huang Bo-Xu Si Qi collaborations that I have seen, I think this is my favourite because of the richness in their acting. Various emotional states were expressed by both of them.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn in this drama.
6. Supporting character - I liked FL's best friend and adopted brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I disliked her insecure and rash behaviour. She made assumptions about ML, left without confronting him and when she was wrong, she apologised and promised to stay together. She did this a few times but good thing she remained loyal to ML.
2. Antagonists - ML's family was controlling.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL made out and then came a proposal

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Well-written and compact fantasy romance drama

I found this drama while going through Liu Qing's drama playlist on Youtube. However I only watched this drama last week when I wanted to watch something that is less than 90 minutes. This is one of the best written vertical dramas I have watched.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I must say I was hesitant to watch another merman story because My Mermaid Husband is a letdown. Thankfully this drama did justice to mermaid trope because of the excellent writing. A Youtube user mentioned that this drama's plot is similar to Kdrama My Demon but I beg to differ. This is a better fantasy drama. I appreciate the gender reversal with FL being a boss and ML being her assistant. I also liked the antagonist arc because it did not involve any love rival or jealous family members.
2. Product placement - This is my 2nd or 3rd time watching a Chinese drama heavy with product placement and yes, it was clever marketing. The writer brilliantly interweaved the products into the story that the products seemed relevant to the characters.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was hardworking, smart & fair boss. This is my first time watching Yi La playing a serious character and she did well.
4. ML characterisation - Liu Qing usually portrayed intense characters so I liked this one the most because he was funny! ML was smart (i) to apply for a position of FL's assistant in order to retrieve his missing item, and (ii) to use resources around FL.
5. Supporting characters - OMG, this drama has different set of supporting characters that provided intel for ML and comedic relief for us.
6. Romance - Mostly sweet romance. I watched a few of Yi La's dramas so I know that she doesn't do real kissing. That's fine because the romance in this drama is believable enough.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I usually don't mind vague ending because I could make my own interpretation easily. However this one left me with some unanswered questions.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL his special power

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Potential to be a good drama ruined by FL's characterisation

There is something about Yu Pei Shan that compels me to explore his dramas. I was intrigued by this drama because FL was given the role of a villain and the running time is less than 90 minutes.

What I liked:
1. Yu Pei Shan - He was dashing in this drama even though his character was overshadowed by FL.
2. Intro scene - A sexy start and I liked it. I also liked the scene of how FL was brought into ML's world.
3. Ending - I enjoyed the vague ending.
4. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both ML & FL.
5. Running time - It's good that this drama was short because otherwise I'd be struggling to finish it.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She had the advantage of knowing where things are headed but she was not strategic in her decision making. I understand that FL was playing a role to meet a goal but I got tired of her "lies" especially when she deceived the King of Dragon boss.
2. Romance - I don't buy the romance because FL had lied so many times. I also don't see FL as someone who genuinely like ML.

Favourite scene
When FL comforted ML who was going through a tough time

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Mature jiejie romance with great acting by leads

I was intrigued by this drama because I liked the poster and the drama is about older woman-younger man romance. I had watched dramas by both Yu Xiao Wan and Chen Yun Ting.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She designs jewellery and I enjoyed her "at work" scenes. She is a great boss and a rational person. I liked that FL doesn't get mad when she found out about ML's real identity. She weighs pros and cons of being in a romantic relationship with ML. Great acting by Yu Xiao Wan.
2. Romance - Lusty, loving & mature. I loved ML's dedication towards loving & protecting ML. FL was committed to the relationship once she felt sure & secure - I liked this!
3. ML characterisation - He was smart to offer himself as muse. Though I am not a fan of secret identity, ML didn't drag it out.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits as they exude confidence & elegance.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's cousin a lot!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feifei was too annoying. I also disliked ML's parents.

Favourite scene
When FL confided her feelings after the chandelier incident

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Charmed by Yao Yuchen in this light rom-com about love and family

I enjoy watching dramas of Yao Yuchen and Zhang Yi Yang so I was delighted when I discovered this drama on reddit.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see FL's hiding her identity for survival. I love her hidden hobby. I must say Yao Yuchen is one of the most charming vertical drama actresses. I liked her in this role.
2. Romance - There were a lot of kissing and sweet moments between ML & FL. There is also a secondary romance in this drama, which I enjoyed.
3. Friendship - It's refreshing to see that FL and SFL are besties instead of rivals. I love watching their friendship in this drama.
4. Styling - Fabulous style for FL. She gets better outfits compared to her bestie.
5. Supporting characters - ML's mother is wonderful!

What I disliked:
1. ML's brother - His character is severely underwritten and the actor had the least screentime. I wish the writer had given him a better arc.

Favourite scene
When FL & SFL panicked because their husbands could find out their secrets

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Sweet romance but drama is not memorable

I picked this drama because I discovered it in Xia Jingran's filmography. It had been awhile since I last watched Du Ya Fei's drama. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Crush - I liked that ML developed crush on FL because of her kindness.
2. Romance - Sweet romance with a lot of light touches and hugging.
3. Styling - Xia Jingran has fabulous hair, which can be seen in this drama. I love her clothes and especially shoes. Fascinating choice considering the height difference between her and Du Ya Fei.
4. Acting - I liked Du Ya Fei and Xia Jing Ran's acting.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - After watching plenty of dramas on a regular basis for almost 5 months, I felt that there was nothing new offered in this drama.
2. Antagonist - same old, same old. Jealous of FL.

Favourite scene
When FL first saw her hubby shirtless.

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Reborn tale with reverse roles, violence and good comeuppance

I came across this drama on reddit. The actor and actresses were unfamiliar to me but the comments in Youtube were generally positive. I watched and enjoyed it. However please be informed that there are scenes of violence.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FLs are usually the ones doing the most sacrificing in relationship but not for this drama. It's refreshing to see ML being the "doormat" of the relationship. This is my first time watching Du Pei Yuan and he did well in playing this role. A good balance of kindness and pitiful.
2. FL characterisation - The FL is the scumbag of relationship between her and ML. It's refreshing to see a villainous FL. This is also my first time watching Zhong Ying Ling's drama and she was great in being sinister.
3. Supporting character - The doctor was played by Wei Jia. She left a lasting impression despite short screen time.
4. Ending - Good comeuppance.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both FL and SML were atrocious. The actor who played SML looked familiar. Could he be Yang Chen, who starred with Si Jia Li in 'But Mr. Shen is too charming'?
2. Torture - Damn the scenes were painful to watch.
3. ML - doctor relationship - I want more!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Wei Lin was funny and charming and Zhao Guan Yu impressed me with his acting!

I stumbled upon this drama because of actress Wei Lin. I enjoyed The Bridge of Hearts but she didn't have MDL profile at the time of this review. I submit this drama as New Title then created a MDL profile for her. It was definitely worth the effort because this drama is fun to watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was likeable, pretty and funny. I enjoyed watching her dynamics with ML and with ML's assistant. Wei Lin has the charms and acting skill to play such character.
2. ML characterisation - At first, I didn't quite like him because he thought he was hot stuff haha. My view changed as he learnt more about FL and started falling in love with her. I have watched a few Zhao Guan Yu's dramas but this one leaves a lasting impression. I really liked his acting here as I was moved in a few scenes.
3. Romance - There was sweet & spicy scenes. I loved it when ML realised his feelings for her because his acts of service was truly for her. Sizzling chemistry between Wei Lin and Zhao Guan Yu.
4. Styling - Love FL's clothes and shoes in this drama though the heels were quite high! I liked ML's outfits too but the red underwear wouldn't be my choice (must be for comedic effect!).
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She did serious crime but was unpunished. Surprised she could be in the vicinity of ML and FL.

Favourite scene
ML's reaction after doctor came out of the operating theatre

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Action-packed jiejie romance with combustible chemistry and great acting!

I don't recall how I came across this drama but I am relieved that I watched it. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Jin and Xu Jiang Shuai were convincing in their roles as a CEO and a bodyguard. Their chemistry was electrifying.
2. Action - This is one of the rare vertical dramas that have a lot of action scenes by main character(s) (I'm not talking about hired men to beat villains which is common in vertical dramas). Nan Feng was really cool!
3. Romance - Short but with a sting. Hot kisses! I enjoy watching their growing romance and it has mature vibe to it. Oh did I mention that this is older woman-younger man romance???
4. Pacing - Quite fast-paced and easy to follow storyline. I was never bored.
5. Outfits - I love FL's styling as it reflects maturity, confidence and femininity. ML always wear suits but he does look hot in white t-shirts too.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - This drama is about 1 hour 4 minutes. I think there was opportunity to expand on certain arcs if the running time is longer.

Favourite scene
FL told ML that she is 10 years older than him and his reply "So What?"

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Refreshing plot but not a fan of FL

Warning: This drama has scenes of domestic violence.

I became a fan of Wang Chen Peng after watching Wen Rou Ye Gu. This is my first time watching Chen Lu Xi. This drama had a refreshing plot but I am not a fan of Chu Suang. At the time of this review, I am not sure if I want to watch part 2 of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Chen Lu Xi and Wang Chen Peng were excellent in their roles as they were able to convey various emotions felt by their characters. I know Wang Chen Peng is very tall but wow, the height difference between him and Chen Lu Xi was staggering.
2. Troubled colleague - I liked this arc very much because I felt that this is a way for FL to learn about life. It was great that she was compassionate and resourceful. The domestic violence was hard to watch.
3. ML characterisation - He was a patient and understanding husband. He respected his wife's wishes and always treated her nicely.
4. Boundaries - It's scary that SML would approach FL even when she clearly brushed him off. I liked that FL told off SML when he wooed her.
5. Romance - I could see that they loved each other. I did feel that FL received more than gave back to the marriage.
6. Supporting character - I liked her bestie whom I found more mature than her. ML's family was nice and the chubby nephew was endearing.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love independent women but I felt FL emphasised too much on her needs to be on her own. She was a married woman so she should learn to compromise. Luckily for her, ML was around to save her from being harmed. I also found FL immature when it came to relationships.
2. Communication - I don't mind slow burn romance but I felt that communication was an issue for them. I disliked her for easily making assumptions without talking to her husband. I also disliked her for being insecure when ML's supposed ex girlfriend came to visit him at work. She should ask about exes from him before getting married but not asked someone else after marrige.
3. SML - I was surprised he jumped into conclusion after hearing office gossip. For someone who was well-off, he should have investigated.

Favourite scene
When FL bumped into ML at the airport

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ML's family made this longtime crush romance an enjoyable watch

I hadn't watched Feng Xiang Kun's dramas for awhile. I saw this drama on reddit and thought "Why not give this a go!". My first drama of Chai Hui Xin as FL as I had seen her playing green tea roles before.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet, hardworking and opportunist. Thankfully her scheming was with good intentions. It was funny when her scheming backfired. Chai Hui Xin was good in her role.
2. Romance - Very sweet one with a lot of teasing. ML washing his underwear was unexpected. It's also refreshing that there is a short secondary romance involving ML's brother.
3. ML characterisation - He had long time crush on FL though he never showed it at the start of their marriage. I liked that he's calm & collected.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family was the comic relief. Loved his mum! FL's best friend was likeable too.

What I disliked:
1. Slander - Wow, that coffee shop scene was stressful. Wouldn't that be considered as sexual harrassment?

Favourite scene
FL met ML's mum for the first time

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FL chose herself over romantic love and I loved it!

Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for creating Si Jia Li's profile. I have been a fan of hers since my first month of vertical drama exploration. She was spectacular in a drama about female CEO with challenging family members. Si Jia Li is still lesser known so there isn't a playlist of her dramas on YouTube. This drama is different from the usual FL with scumbag boss/lover and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was paid by ML to be his employee and lover. At first I was afraid that she would stay meek but no, she left the toxic environment once the contract was over. Good character growth.
2. Writing - I must say that second half of this drama was more exciting. She thrived after leaving ML. I liked that her new colleagues were supportive.
3. Ending - I loved it because she prioritise her self.
4. Romance - Actually this drama doesn't have strong romance element and I liked it a lot. There was another love interest but FL decided not to pursue.
5. Duration - This drama is only 70 minutes long. Well paced story without drawing out the negativity. I appreciate it!

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Damn he was mean to FL. He was also passive about his arranged engagement when ML & FL were together. I was relief with how his character was wrapped up.

Favourite scene
When ML beg FL to come back with him and she firmly said "No"

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