emberzmars

Enjoyed this kick ass spy parents & perceptive kid

I came across this drama after watching Give Up! Madam, Vests Are Everywhere. I wanted to watch more espionage vertical dramas. I was highly entertained by this series

What I liked:
1. Sun Lu Lu - This is my first time watching her drama and I was impressed by tlher comedic timing & action scenes. Her eye gunk reaction made me LOL!
2. FL characterisation - Smart, single mum who kicks ass literally & figuratively. I understood her protectiveness & self-preservation.
3. Supporting characters - FL's son & ML's assistant were delightful to watch. I liked that the son was perceptive.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance. I liked that FL was more forthcoming when it came to their relationship.
5. Family - I enjoyed watching the bond between the son & ML. The kid was very happy to have a positive father figure in his life. I also liked that ML immediately warmed up to the kid. That scene in which the couple were late to pick up the kid was touching.
6. Mission - I was satisfied as they were many action sequence.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - FL's nails were striking and had ML noticed them during the mission, FL's cover would be blown.

Favourite scene
When ML trying to win back FL's heart

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Mischievous ML & touching wedding scene led to enjoyment of this drama

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was hostile towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version second after completing Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he was mischievous and caring. This is my first time watching Li Sheng Jie and he did well in this role. I quite like that he was expressive (his smug look was perfect) and boyish handsome.
2. Romance - Their powder-keg relationship was entertaining especially the convenience store scene. This version had a role play session too hehehe. Their makeout sessions were hot because of the tension & framing.
3. Styling - I love her outfits from the black work suit and white jacket & white skirt to red swimsuit. Beautiful wedding dress. Her wardrobe looked expensive and elegant.
4. Music - Ed Sheeran's Perfect was played. Great choice!
5. Ending - This version has a wedding scene. Touching scene with FL's father. I love FL's bouquet!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was pitchy and her reactions to ML's teasing were quite hostile. However I liked her because she verbalised her gratitude for her husband's love. I think Zhao Zao Er was good in her role.
2. Status announcement - They informed that they were married to each other at their high school reunion. However I wish they had shown us when their colleagues found out about their relationship and how shocked they were.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Sweet workplace romance with some bullying thrown in

I am a big fan of Chen Zheng Yang since I first watched him in ''Rose Beloved'. I am familiar with Zhang Ya Meng because I already watched 'Embrace in the Dark Knight'. I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What an elaborate scheme concocted by ML to be in a relationship with FL. Overall sweet romance with some spice.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart, hardworking & relatable. She wasn't spineless. Delighted to see Zhang Ya Meng as female lead because she has the acting chops & presence.
3. ML characterisation - He was a good boss and most importantly a devoted husband. I liked that he didn't hide his mum's identity from FL for too long. Chen Zheng Yang is great at smirking & gazing into his partner's eyes.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend & ML's assistant a lot! ML's mum was nice too.

What I disliked:
1. Rival - Despite being smart & a worthy antagonist i.e. not a bimbo, she was a mean girl & acted like a petulant child. Too much screen time given to the rivalry between FL and SFL. Anyway the actress who played Xia Wanyu resembled American actress Leslie Bibb.
2. FL's mother - Ungrateful & manipulative.

Favourite scene
That scene at the start

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Great acting but the story was a mess

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin and while I don't watch many Liang Si Wei dramas, I really enjoyed his acting in Define Your Style. I wondered how this drama would go because the introductory scene was filled with negativity. This drama was similar to a roller coaster ride.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This CP was a matching pair as both seemed to challenge each other's acting capability. The emotional scenes were emotionally intense for both actors.
2. Romance - This is a second chance romance drama. Once they reconciled, they were a sweet couple. There were also hot kissing scenes. One YouTube user even pointed out that Guo Yu Xin was a better kisser than Meng Na when paired with Liang Si Wei.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, mother & her male friend because they showed genuine concerns for her.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I hated that FL never told ML about her illness early on when they were on good terms. She was a coward.
2. Ending - I didn't know what to deduce from the ending.
3. ML's behaviour - I disliked him for being cruel to FL once they reunited. Some scenes were stressful to watch.
4. Antagonist - ML's admirer & his mother were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL requested for divorce around 40th minute mark

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Affectionate & playful CP made me watch this drama on repeat

In my first month of my vertical Chinese drama exploration, I came across Dramazone Youtube channel. I had become a fan of Sun Yue so I was excited to watch this drama. Oh wow, I love it so much that I watch on repeat. Too bad the link can no longer be found on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I must say I like coquettish MLs and this ML is definitely coquettish. He might be seen as a himbo but he's actually smart. Sun Yue always brings out sunny personality to his characters. That's why I enjoyed this ML.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a qipao designer. Sucb a gorgeous collection. I also loved tnat sne was financially independent. She offered to take care of ML. This was my first Ma Qian Qian drama and I liked her acting as she was able to showcase both sassy & serious side of her character.
3. Romance - Top notch romance with a lot of kisses, innuendo & affectionate moments. The couple had each other's backs right from the start of their marriage. Ma Qian Qian & Sun Yue seemed so comfortable with each other.
4. Supporting character - FL's grandma was so supportive. Even ML's superior at the law firm was comical. I liked FL's bestie & ML's assistant whom looked familiar - are they Zhai Xinran & Wang Yi Lei?
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML & some supporting characters. The characters were quite fashion savvy. My favourite FL outfit is the light pink jacket & mini skirt with cutout at the side.

What I disliked:
1. FL's admirer - He schemed to get FL's attention that she overlooked ML's call. He knew she was already in relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML limped towards FL & then they had heart-to-heart conversation

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Heartfelt military romance drama that made me ponder & appreciate LDR

Sometimes I watch vertical dramas on a whim and this was one of them. I wasn't familiar with the leads but comment section in the youtube link were generally positive. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a doctor. She was smart & self-sufficient. She understood her role as military wife even when the challenges were hard on her. I was impressed by Zhang Qi Xuan as she was able to convey different facial expressions. I am not a fan of emotional FL but her emotional outbursts were nicely done.
2. ML characterisation - There were 2 main sides of Qin Lang in this drama: 1) a husband and 2) a soldier. I loved watching the hubby side especially when he was unashamedly affectionate with his wife in front of his colleagues. Han Yu Xuan's acting was impressive for a little known actor. That scene in which Qin Lang waited outside operation room was heartfelt.
3. Romance - There was amazing chemistry betweeb Zhang Qi Xuan and Han Yu Xuan. Their characters started off on the wrong foot but misunderstanding was cleared within the first 25 minutes of this drama. There were plenty of affectionate & emotional moments between ML & FL. There were some good kisses, in which desire was visible on both sides. Overall their relationship makes me appreciate couples who stay committed to each other despite the long distance and/or heavy work responsibility.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's subordinates. I also liked his admirer even though she was delusional at the start.

What I disliked:
1. Years of no contact - It's silly to think that FL stayed married to a husband whom had not made any contact with her in their first 6 years of marriage. I wished the writer had reduced the amount of years.
2. Mission - I didn't like that FL was involved in that last mission because she was not trained for dangerous missions. Her action, while noble, wasn't a smart one.

Favourite scene
ML & FL's makeout session interrupted by their family

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Cute jiejie romance with boyish handsome ML

I am a fan of older woman-younger man (jiejie) romance. Watched this drama months ago but only found the MDL page today. Too bad the links on Youtube had been removed because they would be helpful in jogging my memory for this review. I remember that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - As usual, they hooked up at the start of this drama. I don't recall if the kisses were steamy but I clearly remember the morning after. FL noticed ML's good looks so she took photos to commemorate when suddenly ML woke up & posed playfully. ML was cheeky to set that scandalous photo as the caller photo.
2. ML's characterisation - He had a crush on her so definitely coquettish. He made a lot of effort to get FL to like him.
3. Zhan Zhuo - He was boyish handsome in this drama. Acting was good enough for me to stay curious of his career.

What I dislike:
1. Age gap - FL was said to be 10 years older but she was a university student when she became a tutor while he was a high school student. The gap just didn't make sense. Should have reduced the number.
2. FL characterisation - FL seemed to resist ML's wooing. I think she only loosen up once she recalled or was told of the tutoring. I wish she would be more open at the start.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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Heartwarming family drama mixed with medical & military arcs

I have a girl crush on Zhang Chu Xuan. Out of her many dramas that I've watched, I am only disappointed with 1 drama. I tend to watch modern dramas but made an exception to this because of her and the high view count. I was surprised to find out that I watched this drama & Hu Yong Tao's drama with Guo Yuxin within the same day.

What I liked:
1. Su Wang Qing characterisation - Her character transmigrated from modern time to historical time. I enjoyed watching her character development. Zhang Chu Xuan was able to showcase the differences between pre-transmigration Wang Qing and post-transmigration Wang Qing.
2. Lu Shen Ting characterisation - I enjoyed watching his different personas: caring father, stern army general, resentful husband, loving husband & lover. I liked Hu Yong Tao in this drama more than that drama with Guo Yuxin.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance that made me swoon! There were many tender moments between FL & ML. Great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Hu Yong Tao. However I wish that kissing scene was longer.
4. Family theme - I enjoyed the family scenes whether it was the core 4 (FL, ML & their two kids), the villagers or the high ranking officer & his wife.
5. Supporting characters - Out of the 2 kids, the boy Xiaorui got more screentime. He was so adorable! Surprisingly I also liked SFL once she realised her limitations.
6. Outfits - I rarely saw historical time commoner outfits in vertical dramas so it's nice to see them here. I loved ML's army general outfit. Dang he looked so masculine and menacing, which reminded me of Blossoms in Adversity Hui Yi Tian's military persona.

What I disliked:
1. Medical expertise - I get it that she has knowledge from modern times but I think it's unbelievable that her knowledge expands wide fields within medicine from obstetrics to pharmacology. The writer was too ambitious. I dislike the conceive scenes because it was too far fetched!
2. SFL - Her voice got on my nerves! She seemed like she's always yelling whenever FL was around.
3. Duration - I think the drama is too long. I wish they had given more time to ML's general persona & trimmed FL's medical arcs since there were too many of them.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML punished their son for a bad deed

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Female CEO trying to get pregnant after leaving scumbag hubby

The moment I saw the title of this drama on YouTube ("female CEO borrows sperm pregnant, not know baby’s dad is a business mogul who's secretly loved her"), I was drawn. I am familiar to the works of Lu Lu Lu and Wang Nan - I think they did well for this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like that a smart & assertive FL who also happens to be a CEO. Ex hubby was clingy and annoying and I think she handled him well. Oh I also liked that FL got a suitor other than ML & her ex husband.
2. Romance - I like how the relationship grew from sex buddy/sperm donor to a serious, committed relationship. There were many tender moments in the drama. It's also good to see how ML becoming more involved with FL's professional life.
3. Acting - Good acting by Lu Lu Lu, Wang Nan and LI Guanlin, who played Chu Ming the ex-hubby. Great chemistry between Lu Lu Lu and Wang Nan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's ex hubby was mean towards FL. He deserved the divorce but unfortunately he couldn't let go of her even though he knew he made a big mistake in their marriage. His harassment bothered me.

Favourite scene
When ML told off his nephew and claimed FL as his girlfriend

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Beautiful outfits, captivating main actor & cool supporting character

I watched this drama a few months ago when I was exploring Zhao Mu Yan dramas.

What I liked:
1. Styling - The traditional wedding dress at the start of the drama made a great impression on me. Zhao Mu Yan looked beautiful in it. I also liked the outfits worn by Zhao Mu Yan e.g. the pink perplum dress, the cream fluffy dress, the qipao, the wedding dress.
2. Romance - That first intimate scene between FL & ML caught my attention. It was hot. I also liked that they were affectionate with each other.
3. Zhang Yi Hong - I was impressed by his acting in this drama. He was good at displaying different emotions of his character. He has a distinctive nasally voice that I could recognise in later dramas that did not credit leads' names in the drama title.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant had the coolest hairstyle in all vertical dramas that I have watched.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most vicious antagonists I've seen in vertical dramaland.
2. Injuries - Both ML & FL were harmed at different points of the drama. Pity them!

Favourite scene
FL & ML making out in the car

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Finished it feeling unfulfilled & disappointed...what a shame!

I added this drama to my Youtube watchlist a few months ago because of Zhang Jijun. Last night I wanted to watch something short (less than 2 hours) so I decided to finally watch this drama. Oh boy, I finished the drama feeling unfulfilled & disappointed.

What I liked:
1. FL's arc - She went through a lot and despite the hardships, I enjoyed her arc. I liked her reaction upon finding out about her biological family - she didn't acknowledge them.
2. ML's characterisation - I liked that ML was persistant in protecting FL and finding the connection between her and his childhood sweetheart.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister even though she didn't have much screen time. I also like ML's assistant.
4. Styling - I love FL's grey dress. I like the styling for ML and FL's biological brother. The antagonist & FL's mother also wore some nice outfits.
5. Li Zi Jie - OMG, that's Li Zi Jie in a supporting role. It's good to see him as a baddie because I have only watched him as ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt only ML was invested in their romantic relationship. There were some kissing scenes but they were lacklustre. FL didn't seem to enjoy his kisses.
2. Abuse - The amount of abuse suffered by FL is just too much.
3. Antagonist - She's one of the worst antagonists in vertical dramaland. She deserved her ending.
4. Writing / editing - The story seemed disjointed. There was a big revelation about FL roughly in the last 15 minutes of the drama but the impact of that revelation wasn't shown on screen. It's a shame because it's crucial to the relationship between FL & ML and between FL & her biological family. After the revelation, we were brought to the ending - a happy one but it felt out of place.

Favourite scene
When FL found out about her biological family

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Outrageous is the one word I choose to describe this drama

I have seen some cuts of this drama on my Youtube dashboard. So I watched on a Sunday evening.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - This is my first Liu Lan Bo drama and omigosh he was extremely handsome. Like a vampire well I thought of Edward Cullen because I could imagine him sparking like diamonds when under the sun.
2. Styling - Styling for ML totally elevated Liu Lan Bo's handsomeness. I also liked styling for FL because she didn't look like Lolita despite being a 20 year old. FL's wedding dress is beautiful because it's simple & classy.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant, who was amusing at times.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - I dislike him as he was possessive, lunatic & disrespectful to FL. He never tried to get to know & understand FL.
2. Romance - Where are the wooing & the dates? ML was very aggressive towards FL, which I don't find romantic. I don't buy the 'FL had feelings for ML' even at the end. She remained with him because he was lesser of the two devils. Because of this odd dynamic, I didn't see any chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Zheng Chenyu.
3. Screenplay - The screenplay felt disjointed. I noticed similarities with Captive Love from the Mob Boss (FL saving ML from his enemies, ML stalked & stopped FL from marrying someone else) then second act was inspired from kdrama Where the Phone Rings and third act was the big confrontation with the enemy. The ending was so anticlimactic.
4. FL characterisation - It's good that she never felt for ML's charms just because he was handsome and rich. However FL character elements weren't consistent. At the start she was struggling student working as delivery person but from second act, I didn't know what happened to her studies. What defined FL as an individual?

Favourite scene
When ML first met FL...that's the hook that made me curious about this drama.

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Deranged, dark revenge tale with good acting

I missed Wen Mo Yan's acting so when I checked her MDL profile, I found this drama intriguing. I have watched Ye Hao Ran and Wang Dao Tie dramas so I was excited to see all 3 in 1 drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - The most unpredictable revenge tale I have watched in vertical cdrama. I also enjoy the curveball thrown into the drama because nothing in life goes 100% according to plan.
2. FL characterisation - I like that she's driven to avenge her family. Her will wavered a bit much later but it is understandable.
3. ML characterisation - I could never tell what was on his mind so I enjoyed guessing his moves.
4. The ending - It's different from other revenge tales within vertical c dramaland. I liked it a lot!
5. Acting - Good acting even from supporting characters such as FL's mum & FL's friend. I like the actress who played the villain.

What I disliked:
1. Underdevelopment - I want to see more Wang Dao Tie! He had great chemistry with Wen Mo Yan in their other drama but too bad his character in this drama was underdeveloped.
2. Timejump - I think FL and ML's arcs after time jump were confusing at times. Well I wish writer had used different backstory for FL's friend/fake fiancee.

Favourite scene
After ML viewed contents of usb stick

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Beautifully shot scenes but the FL's behaviour led to lower rating

This version is the second adaptation of a familiar plot that I have watched. The first version I watched has Cao Tian Kai as ML & Zhang Shan as FL. I chose to watch this adaptation at the recommendation of few MDL users. This version is enjoyable but Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version is better IMHO.

What I liked:
1. Shots - The first item that impressed me is the shot of each scene. Vivid colours and great framing for a vertically shot drama. My favourite sequence of shots is when ML carried FL from living room to his room. Beautiful!
2. Music - I like songs featured in this drama that I even shazam-ed those unfamiliar to me (e.g. It's You by Sam Kim featuring ZICO). It's wonderful to hear 'See the Light' instrumental version in the drama.
3. Homage - The camping scene reminds me of kdrama 'When the Phone Rings'. Well there was that instrumental song played in the background.
4. Acting - Overall good performances from the three leads despite the less-than-brilliant writing of their characters.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Shuang Xu is too timid/passive and childlike for my liking. Yes, she's 22 years old but I've seen more proactive same-aged characters in other vertical dramas. At first I thought she was a socialite but I was wrong, there were scenes of her presenting proposal in an internal meeting and an event with invited guests & media.
2. Romance - FL did more receiving than giving in this relationship. There were some great kisses but almost all were initiated by ML so it felt one-sided most of the time until FL reaffirmed their relationship in front of her family.
3. Hostility - ML's cousin Lu Manman and FL's adopted mother were hostile towards FL at the start of the drama. In Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version, these two characters were lovable so of course I compared the characters in two versions. I also disliked Lu Manman's friends/followers - I mean who wears skirt to campsite? I also disliked FL's grandpa who never raised her but had a lot of opinion on FL's life choices.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "what do you want for your birthday?" and his response

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Hidden identity, family dispute, hot romance

I love, love, love Yu Long-Tian Yu drama about assertive female CEO. When I enjoy an actor/actress work, I'd look up for his/her drama on Youtube. I was delighted to come across this drama on Youtube last month. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They took part in a flash marriage as both had agendas to pursue. However there was affection despite them being married strangers. Yu Long and Tian Yu always have sizzling chemistry because they exude sexy, mature couple. I find them sexier during their kissing scenes. That sloppy lipstick mess was hot!
2. FL characterisation - She was driven by her goal to get her inheritance so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. FL was smart and independent - I liked that she wanted to raise/take care of ML. Oh and her scheming was entertaining to watch. I was shocked about her stepmother scheme.
3. Styling - I love FL's outfits from the orange pantsuit to the dresses. ML looked great in his outfits too.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many antagonists in this drama: ML's family, FL's family, ML's former friend & his sister. The actor who played ML's former friend Ye Jin Xiao is handsome - he reminds me of American actor Andrew Keeghan.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL

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