emberzmars

Guo Yu Xin kicked ass + plenty of hot kisses

I miss watching Guo Yu Xin dramas. I had watched Yan Zhi Xian in mini dramas but not vertical dramas. After watching a teaser on reddit, I was intrigued and watched this drama within 24 hours of its release. I liked it but didn't love it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were plenty of kisses in this drama and they were full of fervour. I liked that ML was protective of FL.
2. Acting - It was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin kicking ass & performing stunts. I also liked Yan Zhi Xian's performance. Both of them are excellent kissers. Their chemistry was sizzling.
3. Action - Loved the fight scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the tanghulu-eating guy. He added fun to the drama. FL's soldiers were entertaining as well.
5. Supernatural - I loved the fantasy element from gu worm to the child.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - Good physical intimacy but the emotional pull between FL & ML was not enough.
2. Antagonist - Crown prince.
3. Plot - I lost interest during the middle of the drama because ML's arc did not flow smoothly.

Favourite scene
When FL had spring dream

Read More

Cute & funny drama with entertaining supporting character

Liu Xi Yu has started to impress me with her acting these days. I know she has many dramas listed in IQIYI catalogue so a few weeks ago I decided to watch this drama. It was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing, Funny especially when FL's brother appeared on screen.
2. FL characterisation - Cute but not cloying. She was rich girl but not spoilt brat.
3. ML characterisation - Cold exterior but dude had massive crush on FL. He was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Acting - Great performances by Liu Xi Yu, Liu Lan Bo and the actor who played FL's brother.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL’s brother. His scenes were always entertaining. I also liked FL's best friend and ML's assistant.
6. Dynamic - I really loved the interactions between FL and her brother. They loved & helped out each other. No stupid arguments.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked the snobbish classmate who was jealous of FL. I also disliked the scumbag who tried to rape FL.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL communicated no verbally with FL's brother standing nearby

Read More

Brilliant drama about a man winning the affections of a woman dumped by his brother

Thanks to Reborn at 18: The Great Grandma Takes Charge, I got to discover Wang Pei Yan's talents. I remember when this drama was released. I watched it on reelxia within 3 days of its release then later found out that my reddit friends also watched the drama. We enjoyed this drama immensely that we co-wrote a joint review.m for r/CShortDramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a flirty puppy but sneaky at trying to win FL's affections. I also liked that he had a successful career - he's not just a rich kid.
2. FL characterisation - Loved that she didn't wallow in self-pity once she found out about her boyfriend. She got her heart broken but there was no second chance.
3. Romance - The banters between FL and ML were fun to watch. There was some sexual tension brewing between them. When they finally got intimate and kissed, the scenes were hot.
4. Acting - Terrific performances by Wang Pei Yan, Liang Wen Jing and the cast. I even liked the actor who played SML.
5. Styling - I loved FL outfits as they matched her personality - cool & confident. ML wore oversized clothes which mostly looked fine on him. I liked the Labubu collection!
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's parents for being supportive and understanding.
7. Writing - One of the best written dramas. Well developed arcs for the four lead characters.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, jealous and a gold digger. She was also the type of woman who defines her worth by having a man. ML's brother (the SML) was pitiful at first because of his situation but then he became despicable & disrespectful towards FL. He was silly for not doing a background check on the woman he was going to marry.

Favourite scene
ML expressed his concerns when FL was attacked by strange men

Read More

The kissiest "I marry my ex's father" story

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo. I thought this was an uncle romance drama but it turns out to be a drama with I marry my ex's father storyline. It had been awhile since Huang Bo played a green flag character so I was extremely delighted to see him in positive light. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Huang Bo was very kissy in this drama. There were 2 kissing scenes within the first 15 minutes. Out of the many I marry my ex's father vertical dramas, this drama has the most kissing scenes. On a serious note, I liked that ML didn't allow FL to avoid conversation about their relationship. He asked FL to give him and their relationship a chance.
2. Hidden identity - ML found out thar his son was FL's ex early on in the drama. I also liked that ML's work identity was revealed in the first 30 minutes. He also came clean to FL soon after.
3. ML characterisation - He trusted FL from the start - he never doubted her kind and sincere demeanour. I also liked seeing his softer side when he was with FL.
4. FL characterisation - Likeable even though she was a damsel. At least she didn't buy her ex's lies. She also showed some growth once she got into serious relationship with ML.
5. Acting - Zhi Peng seemed like a new and young actress. For me, she gave a good performance as unworldly young woman in relationship with much older man. She also never shied away from intense kissing so well done to her. Huang Bo gave good performance too especially when his ML showed his softer side.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - We had dumb (Jiao Jiao) and dumber (Ming Hao). Their envy was next level. Ming Hao was childish & undeserving of his family's wealth.
2. ML's mother - I disliked her for being easily manipulated.
3. Bullying - FL was often bullied at workplace and at home. These scenes ought to be reduced or omited - I prefer the couple to get more screentime.

Favourite scene
ML's marriage proposal

Read More

Great chemistry between Min Jie and Chen Ci - I enjoyed this drama

I was told by someone in subreddit CShortDramas that there is a cosplay scene in this drama. The fact that I could never find a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed prompted me to watch this drama. Glad I did because I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - plenty of kisses. I liked that FL tended to ML's needs. She made effort to love ML because in most vertical dramas, MLs are the ones making initiatives. I could sense growing love and affections between them.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her genuine care for ML. The temple scene was heartwarming.
3. Styling - I really liked ML's clothes. He wore a lot of collarless shirts that I often saw in Japanese clothing store Uniqlo. The cosplay scene was sexy and sweet - I liked it very much!
4. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his character grow. He was also smart in protecting himself from danger.
5. Acting - Min Jie and Chen Ci were good in their roles. They had excellent chemistry - I believed their love journey. Finally I found a Min Jie drama that I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was fake & greedy. Their reaction upon hearing FL's characters was unbelievable. Sadly ML's family was evil too.
2. ML's action - I disliked him for holding FL captive.
3. Duration - At 2 hours 50 minutes, this drama was too long for me.

Favourite scene
When FL made her entrance after "fake" death

Read More

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

Read More

Deng Ling Shu shines in this opposites attract rom-com

I am a big fan of Zhao Ting Yi's acting. I didn't like Deng Ling Shu's FL in the Prince is Wild drama but her acting in the drama with Cheng Cheng was good. I had not watched The wife with an agenda before watching this drama so I didn't know about their chemistry. Good thing I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her post-transmigration attitude was awesome. She was bubbly, smart & dazzling.
2. ML characterisation - He had rigid personality but slowly let loose as he got to know FL.
3. Tone - Funny from the get go.
4. Acting - Deng Ling Shu shone during comedic bits. She managed to exude joy & bubbly into her character. Zhou Ting Yi gave good performance though I found this was non-challenging role for him. Their chemistry was great.
5. Supporting characters - Butler is the MVP. Delighted to see Peng Yao playing FL's best friend. Other characters that I liked include ML's grandma, ML's assistant - loved them for being understanding.
6. Romance - Slowburn because FL was more concerned about her future. I enjoyed watching ML longing for FL's touch & affections. I loved the notes.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - There were assumptions made by ML about FL's actions. I wish ML had talked about his insecurities / concerns with FL instead of making assumptions.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex was a narcissist.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML about her feelings

Read More

Romance and off-the-charts chemistry made me watch this drama on repeat!

Chen Tian Xiang is one of those vertical drama actors I knew about, but his work never really caught my attention until I discovered this drama. The thumbnail showed him rocking an earring and a cool hairdo, which instantly intrigued me. Since I prefer modern dramas to historical ones, I thought, “Why not give this drama a go?” I enjoyed this drama immensely and watched it on repeat the first week.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A great mix of love and lust that kept me smiling from the beginning till the end of the drama. I loved that they were affectionate (kisses, hand-holding, words of assurance), as though they got married for love and not for convenience.
2. Acting - Did you know that actor Chen Tian Xiang is only 23 years old while actress Chen Yu Ling will turn 20 years old in October? I was spellbound by their performances. They brought a sense of maturity and depth to their individual characters. Their sizzling chemistry made me swoon whenever they had their tender moments and steamy kisses.
3. FL characterisation - Damn, FL had ML on her sight from the get go. I liked that she was tactical, a quick thinker and could stand up to bullies.
4. ML characterisation - He exuded a bad boy vibe but he was gentle, kind & protective of FL. I loved that there was no misunderstanding between them - they had each other's backs.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by both FL and ML. Although I am not a fan of some FL’s Lolita-looking outfits (gosh the Mary Janes / pumps with socks combo!), I loved the dresses she tried out (my favourite is the mint green dress).
6. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. There is a contrast between a warm & accepting family (ML’s parents and grandma) versus a cold and calculative family (FL’s father, stepmother and half-sister). I really liked ML’s mother because of the empathy given to FL.
7. Supporting characters - ML's bestie was funny. I also liked FL's bestie. ML's family was likeable too except the older brother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were horrible especially the half sis Shi Ching Mo. ML's brother Han Zheng was a scumbag.

Favourite scene
ML's birthday celebration with FL

Read More

Heartfelt age gap romance that I enjoyed it immensely

I stumbled upon this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I clicked the link I found to check for English subtitles and was drawn to the first two minutes of the drama. I decided to watch it immediately (because “watch later” approach for Dailymotion links doesn’t work for me) and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - I was hooked after the first two minutes. Loved FL’s bold move!
2. Acting - It was my first time watching Huai Wen and Liu Jia Xi’s acting and I liked their performances. The drama was warm and heartfelt - I almost shed a tear when FL confronted her parents. Oh, I liked Huai Wen’s visuals - he turned 40 last month!
3. FL characterisation - She was abused by her family but decided at one point to leave toxicity behind by striking a deal with ML. FL was 21 year old but was mature, smart and knew what to do with the authority she had been given.
4. ML characterisation - He was 39 year old businessman whonwas pragmatic & straightforward. I liked his response to FL's proposal. He was also kind, protective and nurturing towards FL.
5. Romance - Slow burn, which was fitting considering FL’s age and their circumstances (they got married for convenience and the big age gap). I liked that they communicated regularly (they spoke about what they wanted out of the marriage at their first meeting!). I could also feel the love and affections they had for each other. They were partners for life! I wish there were hot, fiery kisses.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's employee who was assigned as bodyguard to FL. He built good rapport with FL that she treated him as ally rather than nuisance.
7. Family - Core theme of this drama. I liked that it was explored in many ways, (i) FL - ML, (ii) FL and her family, (iii) ML and his family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL was emotionally abused by her family - they were horrible people. I also disliked FL's ex / ML's son who was spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
The opening

Read More

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

Read More

Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama

There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.

Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment

Read More

FL dumped by boyfriend but she later went out with his younger bro

I watched this drama within the weekend of its release because it was hotly talked about in subreddit CShortDramas. This is another version of Cao Sai Ya - Chen Ming Hao drama but I watched this version first. I enjoyed this version but I must say that Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao was a better couple - I enjoy their lovey dovey scenes so much more.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good mix of sweet & spicy. Spicy start to their relationship.
2. FL characterisation - Emotionally strong. Never allowed anyone to bully her.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his protectiveness. I also liked that he prioritised FL in his life.
4. Zhou Ting Yi - He was captivating on screen. I got it why FL stayed with him in a secret relationship for four years.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandpa. I also liked ML's friend who was also an ally to FL (he was the jewellery designer).
6. Grovelling - This was my second time in 12 hours that I watched SML on bended knees begging for forgiveness.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He treated FL badly. He was egoistic & condescending. He did not deserve FL.
2. Rich brat - The girl who wanted to marry ML & was mean. I was glad no one from Shen family bought her antics.

Favourite scene
When FL met Shen grandpa for the first time

Read More

Wasted opportunity with too little romance & too much screentime for antagonist

I am a fan of both Lin Zi Rong and Yang Yu Bin so I was delighted to see that they work together in this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed with how this drama turned out.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was very handsome despite his character being two-dimensional.
2. Styling - I liked FL's wedding gown. Very whimsical.
3. Supporting characters - I liked that FL's grandpa acted as ML's love advisor.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - ML first appeared in the 39th minute and he did not have much screentime. What a waste of opportunity.
2. Antagonist - Adopted sister acted like a petulant child. I found adopted brothers, especially no. 4 & 2, were very two-dimensional. It was also icky that the brothers were raised as potential husbands to FL and they all lived together. I thought these adopted siblings had too much screentime and their arcs did not interest me. I increased speed to 2.0x whenever they appeared on screen.
3. Romance - It was underdeveloped. I wish screentime allocated to antagonists was re-distributed to the romance story.

Favourite scene
When FL surrendered to ML

Read More

Letdown by writing & Yang Shu Yu's acting

I was intrigued by this title after seeing a review on subreddit CShortDramas a few days ago. I didn't read the review in order to avoid spoilers. Last night I decided to watch the drama on iQIYI and hhhhmmm it was so-so. Intriguing start but second act onwards was boring for me.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Liu Yu Hang was excellent as he got to play two distinct characters. It was fun to watch the contrasting personalities.
2. Secret - I liked that both FL & ML knew about the twin switch by episode 11. I also liked that FL caught her boyfriend cheating on her in episode 20.
3. Lu Jingran - Silly, spoilt brat. He provided the comic relief.
4. Romance - There were good kisses & sweet and tender moments.
5. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the yellow canary dress. Her very high heels were pretty too. I also liked the contrasting styles for the twins.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song Qing An was a sick bastard & FL's mother was an accomplice. ML's father was an abusive & controlling father. I also disliked the betrothed fiancee to ML - she was delusional.
2. FL characterisation - I found her bland & at times infuriating. It was nice that writer gave her a career which she kept a secret from her family but she was backed up by secret investor (ML) so I don't think her success was attributed to her own capabilities. I disliked her for leaving ML without a proper discussion on their relationship.
3. Yang Shu Yu - Her dramatic acting was one-note. She should be in agony after finding out the truth about her father's death.
4. Chemistry - No chemistry between Yang Shu Yu & Liu Yu Hang.

Favourite scene
When Lu Jing Ran discovered FL & ML's relationship

Read More

I expected gritty revenge tale from ML's pov but FL got too much screentime

This drama had been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I don't know why I didn't feel like watching it immediately but today I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I must say I was disappointed by this drama - I expected more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that this drama is about ML seeking revenge for the death of his parents. He was smart, calculative and resourceful. However I don’t quite understand how he could have money & influence to blackmail and eventually own Zhou Group?
2. Supporting characters - FL's father was smart and I liked him a lot more than FL. Shu Qing, the other Zhou Group employee was likeable too.
3. Intimacy - Abundance of physical intimacy in this drama from fiery kisses to shower scene and bold dialogue. Even SML got a hot kissing scene. Anyway Wang Yi Lei excelled in onscreen kissing.
4. Styling - I liked that Wang Yi Lei looked rugged in this drama. I liked the asymmetrical jacket that he wore but oversized shirt & pants drowned him as he was very lean.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yi Lei and Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zhou father and son were evil.
2. Screentime - Typically in vertical dramas with FL seeking revenge, most of the screentime goes to FL planning & executing her revenge. Unfortunately this doesn't happen with this drama. I was dismayed that FL got a lot of screentime. I would have liked to see how ML come out with his revenge plan and why those people were targeted instead of FL's arc.
3. Wu Chun Yi - I understood that she was a Daddy's Little Princess but I didn't like her acting. Her facial expressions were not good so her acting was underwhelming.
4. Romance - There wasn't any chemistry between Wang Yi Lei & Wu Chun Yi. I didn't buy that ML really fell in love with FL because their relationshipnl was purely physical (well at least what was shown to us).
5. Repeat - I watched on iQIYI and scenes at the start of drama were repeated in the third act. Editing could be better by only giving glimpse of what transpired at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
Makeout session on the sofa

Read More