emberzmars

Riveting performances but I disliked main characters

I was excited to see Guo Yu Xin's new drama being talked about in reddit. Got to watch it today and I must say that it was a rollercoaster ride. While I enjoyed the performance by both Guo Yu Xin and Liu Yu Hang, this is one of those dramas I am fine watching it once.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I am a fan of Guo Yu Xin so I knew she was going to nail her role here. This is my first time watching Liu Yu Hang and I was impressed by his performance. It broke my heart to see him cry.
2. Romance - For me, it was painful watching their transactional relationship because I felt ML crossed the line a few times and FL was clearly uncomfortable about it. Once they were friends, then I was invested in their relationship. The intimate scenes were full of passion & desire, kudos to GYX & LYH for excellent acting. The height difference was very notable here but wasn't as jarring as Ke Chun - Yu Yin.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two male friends very much. His supposed white moonlight and admirer were ok after all. I also liked FL's grandma.
4. Styling - I really liked ML's styling as it matched his brooding energy. FL's outfits were mostly good except for that swimsuit, which looked like night gown. GYX wore a gliterry pale yellow dress which is memorable but too whimsical.

What I disliked:
1. Breakup - I hated the breakup & longterm separation and I blamed it on FL's immaturity. I understand that she had hard time dealing with her feelings but she shouldn't be mad at ML for too long because it wasn't his fault. That reconciliation scene was too short!
2. Antagonists - Now I see ML's mother as the main antagonist. Wow she was really something and I won't be wishing her Happy Mother's Day tomorrow.
3. Main characters - Now I hate to write this but I didn't like both ML & FL. There was too much misery. ML was too aggressive and unhinged at the start but later was ok once he took on the friend role. I felt like the first act could be shortened so ML could be more likeable. FL was ok at the start but I disliked her for turning her back against ML in the third act.

Favourite scene
When they confessed their feelings after a longterm separation

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Impressed by the writing and acting despite the goofy styling

I found out about this drama on Tian Shou Le, Ta Lao Gong Er Zi Shi Feng Huang MDL page. Other MDL members were talking about a werewolf drama and I got curious. I did a buddy watch of this drama with Fae and both of us enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's an awesome mom! I love her protectiveness over and love for her son. That dialogue when she comforted her son because his werewolf features were showing, was really touching. This is my first time watching Lin Zirong and I must say I was impressed by how she expressed her character's emotions. I'll definitely watch her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - I loved it when he apologised for misunderstanding FL at the start of their acquaintances. It's quite rare for me to hear ML explicitly say sorry for making assumptions. Anyway I liked ML as an individual, boss/leader, and a father. Zhao Guan Yu was good in this role.
3. Romance - The romance had a good balance of sweet gestures and spicy intimacy. I usually don't like sex scenes when FL is intoxicated but in this case, it seemed that alcohol lowered her inhibitions and led her to express her true feelings. That scene was hot because she took initiative. I also liked that they talked about their feelings and initial impressions of each other.
4. Supporting characters - The kid actor was well cast and did well in his role. His eyes looked like Lin Zirong's and loved the mullet hair. ML's assistant was a great sidekick and I also liked the other werewolf who told FL about the prophecy.
5. Styling - I find the werewolf hair and paws so adorable hehehe. I wish the stylist had not used glasses on ML. Just let him rock that weird hairdo, fangs and coloured contact lenses without the glasses.
6. Wolf lore - I liked how wolf lore was integrated into the story e.g. 1 mate for life, travel in packs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I think the baddies at the restaurant was quite random even though they were connected to FL's cousin. However overall I think there were good variation of baddies from FL's family & ML's wolf tribe to the evil scientists.

Favourite scene
FL calmed her son who was starting to show his werewolf features in public

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Sassy FL, sweet ML, smart kid...what's not to like about this drama?!

Found this drama while perusing Youtube channel. I was intrigued by ML being a gangster boss so I watched this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Zhu Xin was sassy, smart & funny. I liked how she bonded quickly with the kid. Song Yu Jia excelled in this role. I liked her reaction upon finding out the truth about the daughter & I also liked her decision to be apart while figuring things out.
2. Romance - Their kissing scenes were hot but what I enjoyed most was the progress of their relationship from strangers to co-parents then lovers.
3. Outfits - ML looked damn fine and handsome in all his outfits. I especially loved the all black ensemble he wore when his love rival treated them to lunch.
4. ML characterisation - Despite his background, he was a sweet man. It's refreshing to see a loving single dad with full custody of his child on vertical drama. I really liked that he was respecful of FL and didn't coerce or threaten her to forgive him. Cheng Cheng was great in this role as he was able to portray different sides (tough boss, caring father, sweet lover) of his character. His voice & physicality reminded me of Korean idol-actor Ok Taecyeon.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the daughter and ML's right hand man. They were such delight to watch!
6. Prejudice - It's great that writer demonstrated different types of prejudice e.g. poor person, kid brought up by single parent, former gangster.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Another drama with bad family members. The arc was short but that restaurant scene was entertaining.

Favourite scene
The first restaurant scene in which FL was introduced to ML & his daughter

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Live action Mills & Boon story done right!

I used to read Mills & Boon books and this story is quite familiar. A second chance romance of a separated couple and the male lead doesn't know that he has a child with his ex partner. I came across this series while browsing Mango TV short plays on YouTube. The synopsis peaked my interest so I bookmarked it and yesterday, binged on the series. I VERY MUCH LOVE THIS MINI DRAMA!

What I liked:
1. Bai Luoan characterisation - She is one of my favourite female leads! She is independent, intelligent and firm with her stance and principles. I like that she insisted to Huo Ling and Chen Wen Shi that she did not need their help to solve her problems. She is also kind as seen in her actions towards Chen Wen Shi, Mrs Huo, Huo Wei - it's great that Min Yan recognised her kindness.
2. The romance - When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling are in sync, you see true partnership in sickness and in health. Mature relationship. Damn, the kisses are hot! I also enjoy the tender moments between Bai Luoan and Huo Ling for example when they discussed having children and the proposals. I also liked how they handled the "morning after" - I like Bai Luoan's view on it!
3. The editing - It's interesting that this series starts with a conflict scene. I thought the male lead was the villain - a handsome one - and he was so despicable in the earlier episodes.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Wang Xing Wei's acting because he was great in portraying different sides of Huo Ling: sulky ex-partner, tender lover, no-nonsense businessman and a family man. Wang Zi Jia was amazing in her portrayal of Bai Luoan.
5. The ending - It's rare to get a final episode that is filled with happy moments. The last two minutes were very sweet and meaningful!
6. The writing - The plot is not new but the execution was done well. My favourite quote "I thought you were in the dark. Only then we can understand better. Light a lamp for others as you move forward." I sense the overall theme of this mini series is forgiveness. I like how the antagonists are handled.

What I disliked:
1. Huo Ling's lack of apology - I wish there was a scene of Huo Ling grovelling to Bai Luoan for the horrendous breakup and despicable actions 5 years later towards her.
2. Harm to Zhao Zhao - Pity that she was in stressful situations.

Favourite scene
When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling finally reconciled and kissed. I can see/sense desire and love in them.

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Electric chemistry between the leads led to my enjoyment of angst-filled melodrama

I watched this drama a few weeks ago when I was in vertical drama slump. Saw that Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were the leads so I clicked Play on my iQIYI app. Wow, what a rollercoaster ride. I certainly experienced different emotions but overall I like this drama. I have watched Bai Yan & Wang Yi Ran's other collaboration but I like this one more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I had never seen Wang Yi Ran cried so much until I watched this drama. Brilliant performances by both him and Bai Yan. Amazing chemistry and I think they brought out the best out of each other.
2. Angst - I don't usually enjoy angst-filled melodrama but this one is an exception because of the acting.
3. FL characterisation - I didn't like that she staged a cheating scene to break up with ML in order to protect him. However her character grew on me once we learned about her struggles. I liked that she was adamant about clearing her father's name.
4. ML characterisation - Pitiful lover who later became vengeful but mellowed down once he calibrated the situation.
5. Romance - Tumultuous post divorce. The tension was high once FL reappeared in ML's life and what a love journey. I could sense love and passion between them two.
6. Supporting characters - I liked their child and FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's family friend / supposedly fiancee was annoying jealous b. Daddy's princess who thought she could get away with bad things. Her father / ML's benefactor was cunning too. I disliked him for being selfish.
2. ML's action - I thought it was silly that he never knew about the downfall of FL's family much earlier.

Favourite scene
When ML learned the truth about FL's situation

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Stellar acting in this well-produced family-focused drama

I am a fan of Wang Chen Peng and really liked Lin Zi Xuan in I Just Want You. I got notified about this drama by thehepburn. I was ecstatic! I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Stellar performances by Lin Zi Xuan, Wang Chen Peng and the cast. I found LZX & WCP believable in their roles as cool, calm & emotionally restraint individuals. I was moved by the actress who played Yan matriarch/Wen Xi's biological mother. Another reviewer said there was no / lack of chemistry between LZX & WCP but I disagree. They had this quiet, subtle chemistry better than the couple in other versions of this story. LZX must be tall because the height difference between her and WCP was nice even when she wore flats.
2. Family - It is the central theme in this vertical drama. Wen Xi was caught in between 2 families: her biological family (the Yans) and the family that raised her (the Wens). I loved it when Yan matriarch told off Yan Zhao to grow up. ML's younger brother was mischievous. Her Wen bro is mysterious I can't wait to see more of him in part 2.
3. Romance - They were married strangers so it was fine to see awkwardness at the start of their marriage. I really liked that FL telling ML about direct communication. I really liked how their relationship progressed into harmonious partnership. The sexual tension leading up to intimacy was high. Even though there were not many intimate scenes, those scenes were hot.
4. FL characterisation - She was cool, calm & smart and I really liked those traits in FLs. I also liked her assertiveness especially the scenes involving Yan Zhao and FL's adopted mother.
5. ML characterisation - Another cold boss but he always had FL's back. I liked how he protected FL whenever they were at her family home.
6. Styling - Impeccable. Both looked like a sophisticated old money couple.
7. Production - High production value. I loved how scenes were shot.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was manipulative playing victim to both sides of her family. She always wanted to be centre of attention. Insecure and petulant. I also disliked Yan Zhao's biological mother for meddling and being biased and FL's biological brother for being gullible.
2. Ending - Cliffhanger. Good news that part 2 is coming soon.

Favourite scene
The first intimate scene

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Don't mind the product placements. The acting and plot were engaging and chemistry sizzling!

I was in the mood for something short that I could watch on my commute to a doctor's appointment. I was intrigued when this drama was released because of the leads (Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu) and the episode count. The youtube comments mentioned product placement. I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact storytelling about FL enacting revenge on her vicious family. Even though the episode count was small (only 18) and the drama was backed by product placement, I found the story was simple, easily digestible and enjoyable.
2. Acting - Great performances by Zhang Chu Xuan, Wang Kai Mu and the actress who played FL's sister. There was also great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu. They made me feel warm in some scenes.
3. Main characters - They were flawed but likeable. I understood the feelings experienced by FL. I also liked how perceptive ML was.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension from the get go. FL went to ML to make use of his connections but later felt in love with him. There were sweet moment and spicy kisses (to my delight). I could sense passion and love in their kisses.
5. Product placement - I'd say they were ok because most made sense in this story.
6. Styling - Wonderful clothes worn by FL and ML.
7. Duration - 62 minutes is just wonderful.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious especially the sister. FL's father was so gullible.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "Why was he nice to her?"

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Surprised by how much I liked this drama and the pairing between Ma Le Jie and Xie Yu Wang

I watched this drama as part of a reddit assignment about Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I have to be honest - I didn't like Ma Le Jie's acting at first because she often portrayed damsels but I liked two or three that I watched recently. So I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Surprisingly funny & lighthearted.
2. FL characterisation - She wasn't forgiving nor easy to be bullied. I liked her protective nature.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Protective too.
4. Romance - He fell for her first but she didn't resist his charms like other FLs - I liked! Their first intimate encounter was great moment. I also enjoyed their tender moments.
5. Length - Less than 100 minutes.
6. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was amusing & helpful.
7. Acting - Good performances by both MLJ & XYW. They had very good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family especially half-sister whom I found pathetic. ML's bai yue guang was delusional together with her father.

Favourite scene
When FL was upset & uncertain about ML's true feelings for her

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Sheng Yi Jie & Yang Han made a sexy pairing

I enjoyed Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han drama in which they have a cute son. So when I found out there is another collab drama, I was excited. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I always like Sheng Yi Jie - Yang Han pairing and it's great that they were more lovey-dovey here. I liked the moment she realised her feelings for ML.
2. Acting - Damn, the visual and acting chemistry was electric. Both were great in their roles individually and as a couple.
3. ML characterisation - Green flag.
4. Styling - Great outfits for FL. I didn't like ML's glasses but I guess stylist chose them to emphasise his Mr Nice Guy persona since antagonist was more baby-faced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her ex husband was too controlling & selfish. She should have done stricter measurement with contact.
2. Secret identity - I disliked that she didn't come clean with ML about her goal to get her mother’s shares. They could have worked together to achieve that goal.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were lying in bed

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Carefully executed revenge for the betrayal FL endured

I found out about this drama when I checked Cheng Cheng's MDL profile back in August. I was stoked because I am a fan of Cheng Cheng and Zhang Chu Xuan. I watched it today on its release day. Overall I enjoyed this revenge drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Cheng Cheng, the actor who played SML & the actress who played SFL were great in their roles.
2. Revenge - This is the main focus of the drama. The plan was elaborate and executed very carefully. I appreciate that SML & SFL were given more character depth & screentime as a result.
3. FL characterisation - I was sympathetic with her situation as she was scammed by her husband before they were married. I liked that she sought justice for herself instead of just going for divorce.
4. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. Cheng Cheng even wore a jacket without a shirt.
5. Third act - It was fascinating because I couldn't predict where the story was heading.
6. Supporting characters - I liked that employee of SFL.

What I disliked
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil for their scamming FL. I also disliked FL's son for siding with his father & being rude to FL. Brainwashed.
2. Duration - This drama is almost 3 hours long. Some sections had slow pacing so I got distracted easily.
3. Romance - There were some romantic moments between FL & ML but beware that romance is not the focus of this drama.

Favourite scene
When SFL found out that she had been duped by FL

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Chinese vertical drama with the best VFX, action sequences & the most Kdrama vibe

I am a fan of fantasy / supernatural tv series. When a reddit friend told me that this drama is similar to Korean drama My Demon, my interest was piqued. To be honest, I dropped My Demon because the poor writing did not meet my expectation. However for Along with the Gods / Bound to the God, I had little expectations. I was extremely impressed by the quality of this drama and enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I instantly liked FL Shen Yu Zhen right from the beginning because she acted like a shrewd businesswoman and negotiated terms & conditions of the partnership with ML, unlike the FL in My Demon (she just accepted ML’s terms & conditions blindly).
2. ML characterisation - I liked ML a lot! He enjoyed his role as god but wasn’t cocky (unlike the ML in My Demon - he seemed to loathe his work). He was nice and honest with FL.
3. Writing - Along with the Gods is a Chinese vertical drama with the most Kdrama vibe. Kudos to the writer of Along with the Gods for making this drama an improved version of My Demon. Along with the Gods has depth and maturity that My Demon lacks.
4. VFX - I was impressed by the visual effects - I must say it has one of the best VFX and action sequences in the world of vertical dramas.
5. Romance - I liked the romance arc - slow burn with good push-and-pull dynamics. There was even a little twist in the third act - past lives & reincarnation, which pays homage to My Demon but wasn’t draggy.
6. Acting - Great performances by both Sun Qian Xun & Li Bo Yan. SQX is known more for her comedic roles - Shen Yu Zhen is one of the few serious characters that SQX has portrayed and she nailed the role. Along with the Gods really showcased Li Bo Yan’s acting prowess - his character has a big role in this drama. It was cool to see Li Bo Yan fight baddies! We already know that there is great chemistry between SQX and LBY so I was convinced by the romance arc.
7. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. FL is adopted granddaughter of a rich lady and I liked that the grandmother did not chose her biological granddaughter as the heir - she chose based on merit.
8. Styling - Wonderful wardrobe for FL & ML. I wrote a reddit post about this combo of black pleather jacket - white shirt - black tie - black trousers before watching this drama. So I chuckled when I saw Li Bo Yan wearing this ensemble. He looked very handsome of course!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was greedy and evil with her husband being her Mr Yes Man / follower. Fang Hang Xing was alos evil and manipulative. Good thing all three got their retribution.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for a kiss from FL

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I liked the Ruo Chen pairing in this family drama

"Double Ruo Chens!", was my first thought when I first saw the drama poster. I am a fan of Zhang Ruo Chen's acting and I like Wei Ruo Chen's facecard - his dramas can be a hit or a miss! I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved Su Mo Ran’s sassiness and confidence, especially in the forced engagement scene. She wasn't easily intimidated - she snapped back at Feng Yi Yin & ML's sister on the spot.
2. Romance - I also liked how FL-ML romance developed - I did not expect ML to make a move so soon. There were a few good kisses and romantic moments.
3. Supporting characters - Oh, their daughter An An was adorable and delightfully cheeky, just like her mum! I also liked ML's grandmother and parents. They had empathy and did not believe the accusation made by Feng Yi Yin.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was not hung up on having relationship with "An An's" birth mother. He was skeptical with FL's presence around his daughter but that didn't stay long.
5. Kidnapping - Hahaha I didn't expect that person to be kidnapped.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast led by the charming Zhang Ruo Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feng Yi Yin was delusional & dangerous. She harmed An An! I also disliked FL's father, mother and stepsister.
2. ML's sister - Spoilt brat that acted like a petulant child.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate after their marriage

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Hong Qiao was charming in this family-focused drama

I was familiar with Hong Qiao because of her work in Han Yu Tong's fatgirl revenge drama. She was great there so when I found out she was the FL in this drama, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Even though she transmigrated into another body & time period, I liked that her original essence (ruthlessness & smart) was kept. I also liked FL for her kindness.
2. Supporting characters - He family was a delight. The nephew was adorable.
3. Comedy - I liked that this drama was lighthearted & funny.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. There were 3 families explored.
5. Acting - Hong Qiao was terrific in her role as she successfully demonstrated her charm & stage presence as the FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Disliked the married couple / neighbours for being envious & roping in FL's ex.
2. Jealous sibling - The third Prince arc was underdeveloped.
3. Romance - There was a romantic entanglement between FL & ML but I didn't believe ML had feelings for FL because he looked disinterested most of the time. It would be nice if there were touching / serious romantic moments between them.
4. Acting - Sun Zi Cheng was hot but his acting was monotonous. He didn't have any chemistry with Hong Qiao.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her nephew from food poisoning

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Despite the amazing chemistry, the lack of consent brought down this uncle romance drama

I am doing a homework on Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and love this pairing. After enjoying their 2 dramas, I decided to watch this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances by Xie Yu Wang, Zhang Chu Xuan and Liang Si Wei. I liked the chemistry between XYW & ZCX & ZCX & LSW.
2. Supporting character - I liked Prof Mu & ML's assistant. Outfits for FL managed to convey the age and status of FL.
3. Styling - XYW looked handsome in military uniform.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her when she was away from ML because she showed capability in taking care of herself. No more damsel relying on others to save her.

What I disliked:
1. Consent - FL was poisoned and the cure was sex of course like many other vertical dramas. I didn't like that FL wasn't informed of her condition & treatment. So I considered ML's action was rape because she was unconscious while receiving "treatment".
2. Antagonists - Too many making this drama over the top dramatic. From FL's moeny hungry relatives to FL's so-called best friend who was part of date rape.
3. Scenarios - I blamed the writers for creating many dangerous scenarios for FL to go through.

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

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Coherent storytelling and good acting but I didn't like ML nor the romance

There was a lot of talk about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas when it was fresh release. Mostly because of its screenplay and "vulgar" scene. I never watched The Prisoner of Beauty but I got curious and decided to watch it. Too bad I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Storytelling - Historical dramas in vertical format tend to be messy but to my surprise, the storytelling here was coherent and concise. I felt like watching a movie with good flow and without fillers.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting and Cesar Wu. FL is a standard character trapped in marriage alliance done to save her family. YYT managed to showcase FL's vulnerability without being cloying. Cesar managed to show different sides of his character: stern lord, confused husband, tender lover.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML & the rest of the cast.
4. Intimacy - Strong physical intimacy - that bath scene alone was provocative. Lust & desire were evident.

What I disliked:
1. Distrust - The amount of distrust in this drama was unbelievable. Even with 20 minutes to the end, FL & ML were at odds with each other.
2. ML characterisation - He was polarising! He loved her but still didn't believe in her. I'd say he is the main antagonist in this drama.
3. Romance - With trust being the main issue, I never believed their romance. There was no emotional intimacy between them.
4. Antagonists - ML's childhood friend, cousin and mother were horrible people.

Favourite scene
Bath scene

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