emberzmars

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Bad romance & draggy Chinese Republican era drama

I enjoyed Yang Yu Bin's costume drama which he co-starred with Wang Zi Jia. I found out that Yang Yu Bin acted in Chinese Republican era drama so I was excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was captivating on screen. I liked his acting even though I didn't have strong feelings for his character.
2. Styling - I must say Yang Yu Bin looked damn fine in Chinese Republican era military uniform. I also liked his black trench coat.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was a bad romance. There were sweet gestures and spicy moments. However there was no trust between FL & ML even until the end. A lot of assumptions made because no honesty between them.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like her character at all. She was always suspicious of ML so she lied to him all the time. She's a blind follower, just following instructions without feeling the need to follow her instincts and investigate the truth.
3. Duration - This drama was 2.5 hour long and I found it draggy.
4. Transmigration - I felt this wasn't required since FL just followed the course set for the original character that she inhabited.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday

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Interesting premise ruined by frequent ads

I got curious about this series when a reddit user requested a link to the drama. Since it's less than 40 minutes, I decided to watch it. I have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I liked that both FL & ML worked at a matchmaking agency. This is a body swap story so it was amusing to see them coping being in the other people's body.
2. Supporting characters - I liked the photographer & painter couple. Very short screen time but their story spoke volume.
3 Tone - It's very light hearted.
4. Duration - Less than 40 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I get it that JD.com invested in this drama but the ads were excessive and overshadowing the whole story.
2. Writing - Because of the constant ads, the story of main couple is heavily affected. I couldn't connect with them.

Favourite scene
At the art gallery

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Gullible FL who kept getting bullied by relatives

I watched this drama because I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas. Sadly this drama didn't meet my expectations. I don't recommend watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma and subordinate.
2. Grief - I think this scene was done well thanks to the actress who played FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was gullible and easily fooled by her uncle & cousin. She was a damsel in distress that required saving by ML.
2. Romance - There was no romantic relationship between them. ML might liked FL thus caref for her but FL seemed indifferent to their romantic relationship. She never made any effort to be his wife - she's convinced that they only married because of the baby.
3. Bullying - There was too much bullying in this drama and most are outrageous & violent.
4. Antagonists - Uncle & cousin were atrocious & materialistic.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had a conversation about their child

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Heartfelt Chinese BL with thought provoking dialogue & fiery chemistry

I saw this poster on MDL's newly added dramas search results. I don't watch many BL but this caught my attention again when I noticed MDL user Jelena Petrovic's rave comments on my feed. I enjoyed this short drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Qin Jialin - Wow his acting impressed me very much. His micro expressions were on point that I had empathy for his character from the start of the drama. Gosh, Qin Jialin was damn sexy not just the physique but also in the way he spoke. At times Qin Jialin resembled Korean actor-idol Park Hyung Sik.
2. Chen Xi characterisation - I knew he was a troubled soul from the first moment Hao Yu threatened him. He was nonchalant about life after being abandoned by former lover.
3. Hao Yu characterisation - He seemed tough but he was a softie & green when it came to life experiences.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between the two men right from the start - well maybe that shower scene at the very beginning prompted us the audience. The first intimate scene was 🔥 even though Hao Yu was resistant.
5. Writing - This story had heart, genuine affection. There was a chat about the meaning of life. I liked it that way because most BL dramas that been marketed on streaming platforms heavily emphasised on lust.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I felt like it was abrupt. In addition to their growing relationship, I also want to know about their individual growth after they got together. It seems like hope will drive them to get out of the funk that they're experiencing.

Favourite scene
When Hao Yu found Chen Xi at the beach contemplating life

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Writer & director were too indulgent on FL - ML chemistry that they forgot how to tell a good story

I wanted to watch something on Youku so I picked this drama because of mini drama format and jiejie romance trope.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Jun Hao and Feng Xi Yao gave good performances and had sizzling acting chemistry.
2. Romance - There was so much sexual tension at the start. I could sense desire felt by them. It was great when they finally got together. Nice kisses though I wish there were more kisses once misunderstanding cleared.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits for both FL & ML. Their visual chemistry was off the charts too.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Tuan, ML's colleague and FL's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. Second half - The drama started going downhill when ML's father told FL that FL & ML were biological siblings. I hated that FL didn't talk about it with ML - instead she demanded a breakup. I watched the second half at 4.0 x the speed to ensure I could mark this drama as complete. Indulgence could have been done in standard 24-episode format.
2. Car accident - I thought FL would focus on car accident that caused her parents' death but nope, this task was put on hold because other things happened.
3. Antagonists - Main antagonist was badly written. Too much screentime given to Qiu Yu & Shasha. Shasha is niece of Aunt Yun but she isn't wealthy nor working. I don't understand the value she brings if she had married ML Her character didn't add value to the story.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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Likeable main characters but the romance was underdeveloped

I was going through iQiyi's shorts catalogue and found this drama. The synopsis intrigued me and I am a fan of Zhao Guan Yu.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both main characters hid their true identity from one another because they were rich and wanted to avoid gold diggers. Both FL & ML were likeable but I found FL was too nice to allow someone else to use her identity for too long.
2. Humour - Light-hearted comedy.
3. Uncle - niece dynamic - This dynamic was interesting because there were ups and downs. There was a time uncle was competing with FL for company succession / inheritance but they worked together on bringing down impostor.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too much time given to the impostor. I was surprised she could get away with her fake identity after the exclusive lift scuffle.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. Hardly any scene of them developing a romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The starting was hilarious

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