emberzmars

My expectations were not met because of Fu Yu Shu's underwhelming performance

I added this drama on my Plan to Watch list months ago but only remembered to watch it last night after watching Huai Wei's uncle romance drama co-starring Liu Jia Xi. This is my second drama of his so I had some expectations. Unfortunately this drama did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Somehow this drama reminded me of kdrama When the Phone Rings because the substitute bride is younger sister of woman betrothed to ML. ML exuded maturity, patience and gentleness and I liked that. He voluntarily offered to pick FL up from work.
2. Styling - Huai Wen looked dashing in his outfits. I liked FL's outfits too. The wedding dress gave a butterfly look while the pink chiffon evening gown was very pretty.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother & the dog (so adorable).
4. Huai Wen - I really liked his acting here. His facial expressions were on point. When he proposed, there were expressions of love and sincerity on his face.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh I was frustrated with her demeanor. She had a bland personality. The fact that she was a medical doctor unsure / clueless when it came to intimacy with her husband, threw me off.
2. Romance - ML was always giving (which was good) but FL hardly took any intiative until the last 30 minutes or so of the drama. It turned me off that ML always had to "remind" her of their marital obligations. She was mechanical that I found the intimate scenes awkward.
3. Antagonists - The rival doctor was pathetic.
4. Acting - Fu Yu Shu's performance was underwhelming & stiff. Despite the good kisses, there was no chemistry between her & Huai Wen.
5. Duration - There were many videos on Dailymotion with various length with the longest videl being more than 3 hours long. I chose to watch the one with 2 hours length (medium length) which I later found out it was 1.25x speed during screen recording. Even with this length, I found the drama too slow-paced for my liking.

Favourite scene
When ML proposed for real

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Tragic love story with flawed main characters & superb acting

I was in the mood for Wang Chen Peng drama so I lookes at my list and found this title. This drama raised a lot of questions but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng. I felt like both of them pushed each other that led to best performances.
2. Romance - There were 2 love stories in this drama: (i) FL with Lin Mo, and (ii) FL with ML. Both were tragic but there were sweet moments. The kisses between Zuo Yi and Wang Chen Peng were hot. I loved the one in the darkroom.
3. ML characterisation - I empathised with him the most. He was a stand-in for FL's dead fiancé. He truly loved FL but couldn't accept the deception which was understandable.
4. Ending - I liked it because I think they needed time apart. Hope she got therapy during those years apart.
5. Supporting characters - FL's doctor friend had feelings for her but never pushed FL into a romantic relationship. I was surprised when he helped ML - eeerrrmm wouldn't he lose his medical license? I also liked Lin Mo's mother, who reminded me of the mother in The Love of a Fool.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I understood that she was flawed, emotionally vulnerable after death of her fiancé. I disliked her for toying with ML's feelings in the name of revenge because her fiancé's death wasn't the fault of ML. I also disliked her for blackmailing ML by endangering herself. She badly needed therapy.
2. ML's actions - His desperate attempts to get FL to leave him were no-no for me.

Favourite scene
When both FL and ML were in the darkroom

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Chen Si Che as a painter seeking revenge while Yao Guan Yu looking like a sexy vampire

I am a fan of Chen Si Che so I was excited to know that she worked with Yao Guan Yu on a drama. I didn't know what to expect from the poster but watched it within few days of release. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The first part of the drama concerned me because of ML's behaviour. However the dynamics turned after some time apart. There were sweet & spicy moments in their romance story. I really liked scenes of them laughing.
2. Revenge - I liked it enough despite the twists. I kinda feel some softness when it came to the execution - I think because she was cool & less angry in comparison to FLs in other revenge dramas.
3. Acting - Chen Si Che and Yao Guan Yu seemed relaxed in this drama. I liked their chemistry and individually did well.
4. Styling - Yao Guan Yu seemed like a vampire with the outfits that he wore. Oh he also looked like Korean singer-songwriter Bang Yongguk with the outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Lin family was horrible people. The kids were idiots that were spoilt rotten by their father. Their own revenge plan was like a child's play.
2. Acting - I felt the actor who played FL's supposed fiancé had interesting look but gave underwhelming performance. His character was quite crucial to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL told a wonderful surprise to ML

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Well-written & acted FL-focused drama about love, career and family

I love the first part of this drama. There was whimsical and magical vibe to it but the ending was abrupt. Then a few weeks ago, I was ecstatic upon finding out that there was second part to this story. I watched within a few days of release and was spellbound. Loved it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a woman who knew what she wanted for her career and went full steam for it. The career vs love conflict that she faced was relatable and I liked that she struggled and learned that love could be a priority in her life too.
2. ML characterisation - He was loving, patience and the most chilled nepo baby hehehe he's more concerned about FL's career than his and I liked that he didn't feel emasculated by her high ambitions.
3. Romance - Affectionate & healthy with physical touch being their love language. The breakup was understandable but it was great that they worked things out. I really liked the proposal.
4. Acting - Great performances by the cast. Li Ke Yi & Lu Dan Dong had wonderful chemistry & rapport.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's bestie and ML's grandma. Even FL's sister was ok after she learnt her lesson.
6. Styling - Loved the outfits for both FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were horrible especially the grandfather and father. Stuck in that "men are better" mentality.

Favourite scene
When ML pulled FL into his lap then answered phone call from her father

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Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness couldn't save this crime drama

I recently became fascinated with Ji Jun Liang's handsomeness that I am always drawn to watch his dramas almost immediately upon release. I watched this drama on a fine Saturday and wow, I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I could feel the sexual tension right from the moment FL met ML for the first time. Their romance took longer to develop due to circumstances but once the spark ignited, I saw ML's determination to win her heart. Quite sweet and some assumptions made - the romance was far from perfect.
2. Plot - It was unpredictable with third act was the most interesting to me.
3. Acting - I liked the performances by both leads. Li Sheng Nan was great in her crying scenes as she managed to evoke some emotions.
4. Styling - Ji Jun Liang was very handsome even in delivery person uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Yi FL's colleague was nasty.
2. FL characterisation - Somehow I found her bland after her runaway bride moment. She didn't act like a lawyer after being entangled with ML.
3. Continuity - At first ML had helmet while doing his delivery job but when FL hitched a ride, the helmet went missing.

Favourite scene
When ML offered FL a ride home after wedding cancellation

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I love the chemistry and theme of belonging in this drama

It has been awhile since I last watched Cheng Cheng dramas. This drama came highly recommended in subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch it today as I am preparing post in line with a special week. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart & observant. I liked her cunning plans to punish people who crossed her.
2. Romance - FL seduced ML and I loved it because both brothers fell into her trap. The kisses were steamy and lusty. There were a few sweet & tender moments too.
3. Plot - I found it refreshing & nicely unpredictable as it moved from cheating partner to family issues. The core theme of belonging was strongly used in this drama and I loved it. The plot twist at the halfway mark was a pleasant surprise.
4. Acting - Fantastic acting by Yuan Yun Xuan and Cheng Cheng and they had great chemistry. I also liked the performance by ML's mother.
5. Supporting characters - Even though I disliked ML's mother and He Jiao Jiao at the start, they proved to have some depth.
6. Styling - I liked FL's outfits with my favourite piece being the knee high boots. I also liked the slight styling contrast for the two brothers.

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - The Xiaos were money hungry with Xiao Ya being the worst character in this drama.
2. Lost heir arc - I wish FL hadn't accepted the news from Gu grandpa that easily. It'd be good if she had thought about it overnight first before going to Gu family home. I also thought the asset handover was made too easy.

Favourite scene
When FL was hospitalised after a fire

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Saccharine sweet romance about longtime crush

I like Shi Yue Yue's acting so when I saw the poster of this drama on my favourite website, I decided to watch it. Overall, it was an Ok watch.

What I liked:
1. Relationship - They started with one -night stand then flash marriage. Their interactions were very wholesome and respectful. I liked the fact that they worked together in the same company.
2. Feng Yi Yang - This is my first dramas of his and I quite liked his acting.
3. ML characterisation - Sweet Mr Nice Guy. He protected FL from being bullied by her family. I liked that he apologised after realising he made false assumption about FL.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's sister.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Underdeveloped. Both liked each other but too scared to make a move. It was frustrating. I wanted more kisses & physical touches!!!
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-sister were nasty and annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML's sister went into his room to search for photo of his white moonlight

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Mob boss FL & Delivery guy ML in OTT drama about gangs & family dispute

I finally watched this drama months after its buzz back when it was first released. It was over-the-top but entertaining. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that his character progressed. He started off as a doormat but later realised he was duped by girlfriend of 7 years. So he broke the engagement. I also liked his somewhat chill personality.
2. FL characterisation - Even though she was a leader of a gang, she still could and would kick ass. I liked that badassery side of her.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by Jiang Feng's acting because it was natural. I also liked acting of ML's mother
4. Supporting characters - The two right hand men of FL were awesome. I also liked FL's mother even though I didn't necessarily agree with her decisions. I actually wanted to see more interactions between her and ML's father.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's clothes but not the wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Forced & lacklustre. Their interactions were awkward and felt more like gratitude not love.
2. Antagonists - FL's stepmother and half-brother were money-hungry but my gosh the brother was rash & stupid.

Favourite scene
When ML was going to deliver braised chicken order at the start of drama

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I enjoyed this drama about reborn ML as 8 year old with superpower

I discovered this drama on subreddit CShortDramas and thought it would my buddy watch & review activity with MDL user Fae. This is my first vertical drama with a kid as main character and overall I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Luo Zhuo Ran's performance really blew my mind. I must say he had a commanding presence for a child actor. The rest in the cast were good in their roles too.
2. Visual effects - I liked the scenes when ML used his superpower. The visual effects were good for a vertical drama.
3. ML characterisation - He loves his mum and would do almost anything to save her. I liked that he worked hard to earn money for the operation. He didn't use pity or go begging for money.
4. Supporting characters - The antique shop owner was my favourite character after ML. I liked how caring & protective he was towards ML.
5. Styling - I found Luo Zhuo Ran handsome for a young boy. I liked the contrasting hair styling between everyday hair and special banquet hair. I also liked the black jacket that he wore to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow ML's father was horrendous, which explains the opening scene between him and his son. I was happy that he and his mistress got their comeuppance.
2. Third act - I wish there were more action or fantasy scenes since ML had superpower. The slander at the end got me bored but I liked the debate about tourism & electric cars.

Favourite scene
When antique show owner found out the reason ML wanted to earn money

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Love Zhou Jia Yi, the writing and sci-fi element of this drama

MDL user Fae and I did a buddy watch & review on Love Algorithm and I love it! Thank you Fae for the recommendation! Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow I am impressed by Zhou Jia Yi's acting. Her interpretation of AI was very good - she managed to put some quirks but did not seem like an awkward / stiff robot. Wang Zi Lin was good in his role too.
2. Writing - That's clever writing there. There is a balance of slapstick & witty humour. I also liked the line about humans not fulfilling their promise - said by FL to Shen Chuan.
3. FL characterisation - FL reminded me of Bionic Woman and I loved that she was physically strong. I also liked that she only struggled with her feelings in the third act almost close to the ending.
4. Styling - FL had great styling - I especially loved the sleeveless top & long trousers she wore during the car accident. I loved the wigs & Jetsons space-inspired outfits worn by AI.
5. Framing - The director was smart in shooting scenes about FL's powers. The car accident scenes were well-framed even when there was a minute of green screen use. I also liked the VFX during FL's use of xray / hacking ability and also the fried robot / AI moments.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the techie brother to FL. He reminded me of Topher, the scientist / tech guy character in Joss Whedon's Dollhouse.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Chuan was a horrible person, envious of Huo Chen's success. I
hated that he ordered thugs to hurt / kill his
rival. ML's ex was power hungry & manipulative as well.
2. ML's parents - Father was typical character who favours one child over the other. ML's mother surprised me. She was a doormat who were afraid of society's views of herself & family so she'd rather her own & son's happiness.

Favourite scene
The water test during AI competition

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Familiar plot but pleasantly surprised by storytelling and acting

I missed watching Xie Yu Wang on screen and only yesterday found out that this drama is also available on Youku so I watched it. I am familiar with dramas with the selling egg plot with Du Ya Fei and Huang Bo's versions being my favourites and Zeng Hui being the version I dropped. I was pleasantly surprised by this version - I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that I liked Xie Yu Wang's approach to the character. He was soft-spoken like Huang Bo's version but wasn't so horny & forceful like Du Ya Fei's version. I also liked XYW's chemistry with Li Ke Yi. She also did well in her role as she wasn't very damsel like Yang Shu Yu's.
2. Main characters - This pairing seemed to have better synergy with less sponsor-beneficiary vibe. I liked that FL tried her best to repay heer debt to ML.
3 . Writing - In terms of storytelling, this version is quite similar to Du Ya Fei - Yang Shu Yu's version but condensed and lighter. I liked that the banquet in this drama was different from DYF-YSY version.
4. Romance - Great push and pull with good kisses with lust coming from both sides. There were also sweet moments with one particular turned comical then hot.
5. Styling - The outfits for Li Ke Yi really suited her character. Xie Yu Wang's broodiness when up a notch with those glasses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's mother and brother were bums and money-hungry. I didn't expect the punishment to be in that form - damn satisfying. The jealous female doctor was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to seduce him based on what she had learned

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Switch off your brain and just enjoy Du Ya Fei and child actress' performance

I came across this drama on reddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued to see Du Ya Fei acting with a kid so I watched it a few days ago. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Du Ya Fei and the child actress were good in their role. She was a dark but adorable character.
2. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching different dynamics between FL and her two brothers. Second bro was welcoming while First brother remained skeptical until something happened to him.
3. Outfits - Liked their outfits with FL looking like little punk princess while Du Ya Fei looked good in DC Comics Joker purple suit.
4. Antagonists - This is one of few instances that I am fine with main antagonist's arc.
5. Duration - I appreciated that this drama only took 100 minutes or less.

What I disliked:
1. ML's wife - I felt that arc was done in a rush because I couldn't care less if she was reincarnated or not. It's also weird that the original body just accepted her fate as ML's wife.
2. Storytelling - Some parts were messy. Like why all of sudden ML's wife needs to be resurrected, how come ML was too kind to adopt FL.

Favourite scene
When FL fought against the old antagonist and saved First Brother

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The couple always in misery but the chemistry was good

I am in a marathon of Li Ke Yi dramas because I am preparing a reddit post on her dramas. I actually watched bits of this drama months ago but dropped because I didn't like the first 20 minutes. I decided to pick it up again & complete watching. I didn't enjoy this drama. My least favourite role by ZZQ.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhen Zi Qi played 2 characters (twins) & I disliked both of them so that's good acting. Li Ke Yi was also good in playing character with many emotions. Both of them had great chemistry.
2. Flashbacks - I enjoyed the flashbacks especially ML & FL romantic past. There were tender moments and I love ZZQ's soft expressions of love.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the doctor (actor quite handsome) and FL's son.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was an asshole. I hated that ML tortured and threatened FL because he couldn't trust her.
2. Torture - Never ending cycle of torture. Not only ML tortured others, he also tortured himself with his doubts on his love for FL. I couldn't believe the adults wouldn't mind abusing the kid.
3. Antagonists - A family of power- and money-hungry people.
4. Ending - I don't mind bleak ending but this one was left hanging. I'd be surprised if there is part 2.

Favourite scene
Flashback to when ML waited for FL outside of a club. ZZQ looked so damn hot!

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Lighthearted crossdressing and hidden identity drama with sensible antagonist arc

I was in the mood for Li Ke Yi dramas in preparation for a reddit post on her work in vertical dramas. I chose this drama because this is her debut drama and the running time is short. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is quite clever at using crossdressing and loving a person because of who they are, regardless of sex and gender. There was a growing attraction between FL and ML with ML having a tough time accepting his feelings for FL disguised as a man.
2. Main characters - They were likeable enough though I felt that the writer could play around more with ML's character growth.
3. Supporting characters - Zhou Ting Sheng the actor was the highlight of this drama. Perceptive and kind to FL even though she was oblivious about his crush on her. Anyway wasn't FL's friend / housemate played by Liu Xi Yu? Gosh, this must be one of her early roles.
4. Antagonist - I must say Ms Bai had a great arc - she's manipulative but smart.
5. Styling - I don't know who in real world would think Li Ke Yi was a man but her tomboy style was preppy and cute. I also liked her champagne gold evening gown and the wedding dress. Zeng Hui wore great outfits too - they were fitted nicely.
6. Length - This drama is about 1 hour 50 minutes. The pacing was good and overall it was quick and easy watch.

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I wish FL had come clean about her identity to ML earlier, after receiving a bribe from Ms Bai. Let there be a real conflict between FL and ML.

Favourite scene
When Ms Bai convinced ML that she was the girl he had been looking for

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Wonderful chemistry & acting in this straightforward, wholesome romcom about mismatched couple.

I was in the mood to watch Guo Yu Xin drama. I chose this drama because it's short and I enjoyed their collab in a period drama. This drama was a fun & quick watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she could take care of herself i.e. baddies could never lay a finger on her. She was kind, considerate and patient.
2. Acting - It's was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin playing this type of role - physically strong woman but in touch with her emotions. I cried when FL cried because I could feel the pain. Lei Yi Hao was charming and handsome. Together Guo Yu Xin and Lei Yi Hao had great acting chemistry and it shone despite the lack of skinship.
3. Romance - Underdeveloped but somehow satisfying due to their chemistry. I could sense that ML started to like for her she was.
4. ML characterisation - He was a pompous ass at the start of the drama and I disliked him. I only liked him in the second half of the drama when he realised he had misjudged FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I liked that it's fast paced.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I wish he had apologised earlier and made more effort to win back FL. I couldn't believe that he only bucked up after being prompted by his butler and assistant.
2. Antagonists - Typical green teas - constant Gege cooing, possessiveness and delusional. Scheming to be the missus.
3. Kisses - I wish the kissing scene wasn't given that treatment. I wanted to see real kisses between them in a modern drama.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML about his feelings

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