emberzmars

Lighthearted princess and the bodyguard tale with good antagonist arc

I liked Dong Lan Xue a lot so I was delighted to know that Qi Xia Xia and Jin Chao have another collaboration. I literally just finished watching this drama and yes, I liked it but not as much as Dong Lan Xue.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - I liked that FL was sharp observer - she's not a spoilt princess. ML was good at his undercover mission.
2. Romance - Slow and steady. There was nice push & pull moment but it's missing emotional connection.
3. Styling - I liked the Turkish princess and her maid's outfits. Very pretty. Of course FL's outfits were beautiful too.
4. Antagonist arc - I enjoyed it despite it being predictable.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the other guard (ML's work rival) and the emperor.
6. Length - Fast-paced drama under 60 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Storytelling - Overall it's a fine story but I felt like it's missing intensity. So this story does not standout in a sea of microdramas set in historical China.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL from antagonist's attack

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Short & sweet body swap drama with good chemistry

I really liked Chen Xiao Yu's acting in a drama with Ma Shuo Qi so I decided to check this drama. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both are likeable but with contrasting personalities. They complement each other.
2. Romance - I liked the buildup and the actual kiss was hot and passionate. I wish they had talked more about their feelings for each other in the ending.
3. Styling - I don't know if it's real hair or a wig but damn Wu Yi Jia rocked that style. I loved that his character continued to keep the long hair.
4. Duration - Less than an hour so very fast-paced.
5. Superpowers - Reminded me of Korean drama My Demon but this drama was more entertaining.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's assistant & Uncle Lin.

What I disliked:
1. The past - I'd like to know why did ML look like another mortal man? I'd also liked to see his life as a demon.

Favourite scene
When they kissed for real

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I liked this drama because ML was firm with his stance

I literally just finished this drama. I am a fan of jiejie romance and I think I discovered this drama through a Youtube playlist of that trope. I enjoy Yao Yu Chen's acting but Yu Xian was unfamiliar to me before the drama. Overall I liked it despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked him because he didn't cave in easily to FL when she offended him. I also liked that he's attentive and a good cook. I liked seeing his serious and playful side.
2. Acting - I must say I was impressed by Yu Xian - he played Achou / Ming Jingzhou very well. Yao Yu Chen also played her role well.
3. Romance - A good balance of sweet & spicy. Steamy kisses and not shy about sex with them talking about it and buying condoms, loads of them. I understood FL's hesitation about falling in love after being cheated on by her husband but over time, she opened up her heart & grew to love him. It's wonderful to hear her confession.
4. Styling - I loved the dress FL wore when she first hooked up with ML. Damn, YYC looked sexy & hot! Meanwhile for ML, I prefer Achou's outfits to Ming Jingzhou's styling. The glasses just aged him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I totally understood ML being sulky & offended when FL wanted him to be a companion to a potential client who happened to be gay.
2. Antagonists - Ex hubby was a scumbag & his mistress was nosy. Ex hubby's mother and sister were stupid.

Favourite scene
When ML ghosted FL

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Mermaid tale with underwhelming performance by lead actress

I was drawn to this drama because of the mermaid trope and it's short length. However I was left disappointed after watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Concept - I liked the idea of turning scales into sapphire. I also liked the tragedy in this drama because it reminded me of Brothers Grimm's The Little Mermaid.
2. Styling - I liked styling for FL, ML and FL's brother.
3. Character growth - I have to say I prefer ML's arc more than FL's arc. He was a scumbag that forgot the sacrifices of his wife. He was remorseful but it was too late.
4. Acting - The actor who played ML was good in his role and overall was the best actor in comparison to Bao Zhi Yue. I also liked the child actor.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I was underwhelmed by Bao Zhi Yue's acting. She managed to get my sympathy when I discovered her struggles with her marriage. However her acting in the second half of the drama was stiff.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like that she left her kid just like that without explaining to the son why she's taking that step. I understand that she was hurt but my gosh her son was just an impressionable child. Who is going to advise the son when he comes of age?
3. ML characterisation - I disliked him for being gullible when it came to green tea. He didn't understand nor set boundaries.

Favourite scene
When FL plucked her scale

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Guo Yu Xin playing a scheming seductress and a justice seeker!

I am in the mood for Guo Yi Xin drama this week so today I picked this drama. I usually prefer modern to historical dramas but this one was engaging. It exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the first time I watched Guo Yu Xin playing a vengeful woman and I loved it! She was able to switch personas according to the people surrounding her. Lei Yi Hao / Hu Yong Tao was great in his role as a two-faced emperor. The actress who played Gu Qing Yan did spectacular job too.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination to seek justice. Scheming & resourceful. She only gave bad attitude / behaviour to those who were bad first.
3. Supporting characters - I loved Gu Qing Yan & Eunuch Jinzhong. Such impactful presence. FL's servant Lan 'Er was good character too.
4. Revenge - Carefully planned and laid out. I was never bored.
5. Romance - Damn the seduction scene was spicy. The bath scene ehem ehem. FL knew how to wrap ML around her fingers subtly.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits and I loved the different types of traditional costumes worn by people of different status.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Oh I disliked the empress and princess for framing Gu Qing Yan. They got punished, thank gawd. ML was antagonist too and wow, I almost pitied him.
2. Nails - This is my first time seeing Guo Yu Xin with fake nails and I hated it.

Favourite scene
The bath

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Good kisses make up for this typical family dispute, jiejie romance drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance so when I saw this drama poster and title, I immediately checked out the opening scene. This drama was alright for a one-time watch and in the sea of jiejie romance, it is not memorable.

What I liked:
1. Wen Yu - This is the first time I watched this drama and he played puppy-like younger lover character very well. I think it helps that he is baby-face. At times he looked like Wang Nan.
2. Romance - There was good kisses in this drama. That role play scene took me by surprise!
3. Surprise visit - I liked that surprise visit to the hotel room.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family members were annoying. Fighting over a company when they never showed any competency in leadership.
2. Familiarity - This drama uses hidden identity, jealous sibling tropes which I am getting tired of. For a drama that is almost 2.5 hours long, I found it draggy & stale.
3. Spark - I don't sense any sparks between Wen Yu and Qi Yu Jia.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Version 2.0 FL kicks ass & never gives in to scumbag's pleas

I was in the mood for Huang Bo drama so I chose this drama because it also has Xie Hong Xin. Just perfect for a night in and I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I prefer Lin Shu Yi version 2.0 who is basically another soul transmigrated to future. She is strong physically and emotionally compared to version 1.0.
2. Acting - Great acting by the actress who played FL (still don't know her name), Huang Bo, Xie Hong Xin and actress who played SFL. I still can't believe Xie Hong Xin's character is older than Huang Bo's character.
3. Vengeance - I'd say v 2.0 sought justice for v 1.0. She had good revenge plan which was executed well despite SFL's unpredictability. Being a different person, she never gave in to ML's pleas.
4. Ending - I liked it a lot.
5. Romance - There was a side story about FL' s blossoming romance with SML. The kisses were hot especially during the filming of their movie. Xie Hong Xin certainly know a good onscreen kiss.
6. Supporting characters - I loved Lu Ye Xuan! Grandma made good appearances.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo playing another scumbag. I hated ML for being indifferent about his unborn baby and for not being accountable for torturing FL. No remorse even at the end. ML did realise his mistakes and got his retribution. The final thing he did for FL was a good act.
2. SFL - Attention-seeing, cruel b!tc#. The amount of scheming is on another level. Distasteful for wearing red during mourning period. I was annoyed by her constant need of being a victim. Her mother is another unlikeable character.

Favourite scene
When FL auditioned for a role in a movie

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Delightful historical drama with inner thought trope. Loved the acting!

Someone on a subreddit recommended this title so I watched as I wanted to explore more inner thoughts trope. What a delight! I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Damn, she was unintentionally funny! I loved her for working towards a goal and wasn't easily infatuated by a handsome man (her husband).
2. Comedy - OMG I LOL-ed many times.
3. Acting - Shi Xiao Ye was spectacular in this role. She managed to add charm to her character. I also liked Zhan Xuan's acting.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family was likeable and entertaining.
5. Inner monologue trope - I don't know why only ML's family (including the father) could hear her thoughts but this provided opportunity for comedic moments.
6. Styling - I loved the outfits especially the mint green hanfu worn by FL. Zhan Xuan looked great in the army general's outfit.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked Yun Xi for her betrayal. She was power-hungry.
2. Romance - I would have liked more affectionate scenes between FL and ML.

Favourite scene
The first time second brother heard FL's inner thoughts

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Familiar plot & odd kissing scenes - my least favourite out of 4 versions

I wanted to watch more Aorigele's dramas because I really liked his acting in After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever. I watched the raw version (no English subs) of this drama because I was already familiar with the story having seen a few stories with "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man" plot: i) Shi Tong, ii) Zhang Shan, iii) Wei Fan Shu. This is my least favourite version.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - They are like FL & ML in other versions of this plot but less lusty.
2. Aorigele - I liked watching him play a Mr Nice Guy who's devoted to his lady. He has a great body and I like the shot of his back.
3. Acting - Both Cui Shi Yi and Aorigele gave good performance and there was chemistry despite the odd kissing scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Kissing - Ok I know Aorigele does kissing scene so I had some expectation considering other versions of this plot are quite steamy. I was disappointed. Aorigele clearly kissed his hand / thumb. This is my first drama of Cui Shi Yi so I wonder if she opts for "no kissing" policy.
2. Antagonist - FL's husband was stupid to allow other man to touch his wife and then became jealous when she did in fact get pregnant.

Favourite scene
The first time FL & ML were intimate

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Steamy kisses but same old plot devices in this drama

When this drama was newly released, the Google translated title caught my attention - "Vulgar Plot". I decided to watch it today because I wanted a drama that's around 1.5 hours and I also enjoy Lin Rui Xue and Wang Nan's acting.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama had a lot of stramy kisses (sometimes I wonder how Zhang Bei Xi feels about it). There was fondness and affections between them. I liked that he called her "jiejie" - I think it's because of the rescuing she did at the second meet. ML did a lot of giving in this relationship.
2. Challenges - I liked that both characters faced challenges that could affect their livelihood - FL and her career, ML and his family dispute.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - I am tired of this "I have to break up with you to protect myself and/or us". I wish FL had confided in him about the threats. I also found FL to be passive in the relationship.
2. Antagonists - Wow, so many baddies here: ML's self-proclaimed fiancée, FL's friend, ML's family. The self-proclaimed fiancée was intrusive - she didn't have the right to simply enter ML's house. Glad she was told off.
3. Oversight - It was odd that FL had to search online for signs of falling in love when she's written books about it. Hadn't she done a lot of research prior to hooking up?
4. Ending - I didn't like it. I felt like it was a cop out.
5. Plot device - There was kidnapping & hit by moving vehicle scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued ML from being harassed by another woman

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Tale of grieving mother, useless husband and his white moonlight

I liked Wang Lu's acting in Dark and White co-starring Si Jia Li. I decided to watch this drama because of the beautiful poster and short running time. It was a tough watch because of the topic but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Han Wei, Wang Lu & Yin Xin. I empathised with FL for losing a child and having a scumbag husband.
2. Styling - FL wore pretty clothes after the death of her daughter. I loved the bob too!
3. FL characterisation - She was a great mum who sought justice for her daughter and herself. She was smart by collecting evidence.
4. Duration - Drama is less than 1.5 hours.
5. Revenge - I liked revenge arc was carried out because those baddies got what they deserved.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, ML was the baddie. He was prejudiced against his wife but overly concerned for his "saviour" / white moonlight over his own family. I got it if he overlooked the tag on Xi Xi's wrist but to prioritise white moonlight's plea over an urgent surgical case? He deserved to be fired!
2. White moonlight - What a bitch! I was so gald that she got her comeuppance because she deserved to suffer.
3. ML's mother - Another character that I disliked. Stupidly sided on ML but no respect and grief for the granddaughter.
4. Slander - It's typical to put public shaming scenes in vertical dramas. I wish FL had taken legal action towards her husband for neglicence.

Favourite scene
When FL unveiled it all in front of reporters

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Lighthearted systems plot & jiejie romance drama

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit friend. Plus it has older woman-younger man romance. This drama uses the systems plot trope, in which a main character is given a mission and each accomplished task a reward will be given. Overall I liked this drama and one time viewing is enough.

What I liked:
1. Second chance - ML was given second chance in life and instead of continuing same path as previous life, he decided to make different decisions.
2. Tone - Lighthearted with many comedy bits.
3. Relationship - Writer is clever in the way of introducing ML to FL without her daughter's involvement and maintaining the conflict between ML and his ex. ML was a direct hire of FL. All 3 of them worked in the same company.
4. Rivalry - I enjoyed watching the business rival scenes.
5. Ending - Ha I liked what ML asked his ex to do on his special day.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's mission was to pursue FL romantically and he was rewarded after completing certain tasks. While FL completely fell for ML, I was not sure if he really developed feelings for FL. There was some kisses but overall the romance to me lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Wholesome comedy about no fraternising policy at workplace

I wrote a reddit post about workplace romance and someone shared this drama in the comments. I got curious because it uses boss - employee trope and the FL is the boss. It was a fun watch.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - The drama got me laughing & chuckling. The accidental love letter scene was funny! I like that drama is lighthearted.
2. Duration - This drama is just slightly over 100 minutes. Not draggy.
3. Supporting character - I actually liked SFL who is ML's original crush his supervisor. She was assertive & no-nonsense.
4. Role reversal - I liked that the bosses are female and the subordinate is male. I also liked that the CEO and supervisor had contrasting view on career and love.
5. No fraternising - This policy provided the conflict in this drama and I liked it. FL and ML were naughty for not disclosing their relationship.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was underdeveloped. I also didn't buy that ML really liked FL because he seemed like he was playing along the mistaken identity.

Favourite scene
When ML sent his love letter to his supervisor

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Underwhelming drama about damsel in distress with multiple suitors

I got to know about this drama from a subreddit. I was intrigued by the plot - multiple suitors in which FL got to kiss them all. Unfortunately the drama didn't meet my expectations. The ending was left open - I don't know if production team pland to do part 2 but I am not going to watch it.

What I liked:
1. Duration - It's very short drama - only 1 hour 6 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a typical damsel in distress. She got cheated by her boyfriend and while mending a broken heart, she overheard her adopted brothers conversation about her purpose of being adopted. Then the chase began and she was constantly confused.
2. Romance - There was no romantic feelings between FL and any of the brothers. The wooing was too aggressive especially by third brother.
3. Third brother - He came on too strong and forced. I found him creepy for kissing her when she was sleeping (no consent there). My interest in this dropped because of this scene.
4. Plot devices - There were common plot devices in this drama: jealous mistress, kidnapping. I got bored.
5. Ending - I am usually fine with open ending but this one didn't cut it. It was a cop out - FL didn't choose any of the suitors.

Favourite scene
When first brother kissed her

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No romance drama with great performances by Wang Lu and Si Jia Li

I came across the poster one day and got interested in the drama because of Si Jia Li. I enjoyed watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, I was captivated by Wang Lu's performance and aura in this drama. Si Jia Li was excellent in her role of ML's lawyer.
2. Writing - I liked how the story progressed. I was moved by the support ML got at the end of the case.
3. No romance - This is one of the few no-romance dramas that I watched and I enjoyed it. I'd like to see Wang Lu and Si Jia Li paired in a romance drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, they were despicable for accusing ML for a crime he did not commit. I found that the prosecutor and victim's father were too emotional in court. At times, the father got too involved in the case argument.
2. Court audience - They were loud for observers of a court case. Isn't that rude and offensive behaviour in court?

Favourite scene
When ML's daughter arrived in court as a witness

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