emberzmars

Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

Read More

Touching slowburn romance about healing of damaged self-worth

I watched this drama a few months ago but I didn't remember what led me to watch this drama. Was it Sun Yi Xun, the translated title or the thumbnail of youtube link? Nevertheless, I was glad I watched this drama because it touched my heart.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was patient and full of empathy. She never felt insecure when ML was distant. Instead, she tried her best to understand ML and make the best out of the arranged marriage. I was even impressed when she stood up to bullies.
2. ML characterisation - He was still reeling from childhood trauma when he married FL. That's why he was aloof - he just needed to be cherished. He treated FL with respect despite being in an arranged marriage.
3. Romance - Slow burn with healing of damaged self-worth. FL's love language is act of service - I liked it. No green tea to ruin or test their relationship.
4. Confrontation - Damn great scene.
5. Acting - Great performances by both leads with good chemistry. I felt the warmth exuded by their characters. I was surprised by Sun Yi Xun's chest tattoo. I am sure it's real because there is personal photo of him with tattoo peaking through his shirt.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was a psycho, punishing and controlling his grandson.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she liked him

Read More

Boring uncle romance drama with no chemistry between leads

I missed Huang Bo and when this drama was released, I watched within first few days of release. Unfortunately this drama was not great. Boring uncle romance unlike the other drama Huang Bo co-starred with Zhi Peng.

What I liked:
1. Mafia boss - Not many scenes but they were fascinating. The gang was menacing.
2. Language - Wonderful to hear Cantonese. Not sure why there was mix of languages because ideally I wanted to hear boss & underlings to speak the same language.
3. Supporting characters - ML's henchman was entertaining. His jabs at ML were funny & he got away with saying his thoughts unfiltered.
4. Styling - I didn't like Huang Bo's gelled up hair which reminded me of Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However his clothes were good especially the pleather jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't buy it. Rong Rong didn't contribute to the relationship - she was lucky to be doted on.
2. FL characterisation - She was boring, insecure & passive. A damsel with no personality. Too cute for my liking.
3. Acting - The main actress gave a bland & amateurish performance. Plus there was no chemistry with Huang Bo.
4. Antagonists - FL's family were terrible & money minded.

Favourite scene
When ML's henchman said out loud what was on his mind

Read More

This is proper love triangle with FL having relationship with 2 men at same time

I was in the mood for Li Bo Yi dramas and found this title in the playlist. I got intrigued so I watched and wow, I didn’t expect this love triangle drama to produce strong reactions. Overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Bo Yi and Ziang Yun Hao were amazing in their roles that I felt their desperation for FL's love & affection.
2. Romance - Wow, plenty passionate kisses. FL wasn't shy about what she wanted from both men.
3. Styling - I liked the contrasting styles for Meng Huai Yu & Shen Yan Zhi. They never wore the same colours when appeared together in scenes. Both men were very handsome.
4. ML characterisation - There are 2 MLs in this drama: the fiance Shen Yan Zhi & the other man Meng Huai Yu. I gravitated more towards Meng Huai Yu because he always prioritised FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I finished it in one sitting.
6. Storytelling - I liked that the twists & turns - I couldn't predict where the drama was going. It wasn't draggy too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yes FL was the antagonist. She played with the feelings with both men. I also couldn't read her thoughts when she drcided to continue having relationship with both men. I also didn't like Wen Yi Zhen for her scheming.
2. Acting - Gao Lin Lin gave an underwhelming performance - her facial expressions were lacking.
3. Ending - I didn't like it.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yi Zhen orchestrated a scene that required attention of Shen Yan Zhi

Read More

Wang Yi Ran was entertaining in this time travel drama

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting drama. To my delight, she has a drama with Wang Yi Ran, one of my favourite vertical drama actors. It was good dama but not great.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Yi Ran was a delight. He was good at conveying a confused man who had strong intuition about FL. Sizzling chemistry between him and Yue Yu Tingg.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted time travel drama. I liked that the drama focused on the couple.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was curious but instinctive. Always followed his gut feelings. He was also Mr Nice Guy.
4. Styling - I loved thr outfits worn by both FL & ML.
5. Dynamics - Ha it was fun to see current ML meeting past ML.

What I disliked:
1. Time travel - I felt this trope was simplified too much. At the end, audience was told that the time line was fixed and ML wouldn't vanish whenever he remembered his past with ML. I also didn't get why no repercussions when current ML interacted with past ML.

Favourite scene
When ML fell onto FL at the bar

Read More

Angst & tension - this is a love story that stood the test of time

I was in the mood for Shi Yue Yue dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I didn't expect this drama to be full of angst and tension but overall it was a good watch.

Trigger warning: Mental health issue, Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Romance - Childhood sweethearts who broke up due to FL's unsavoury situation. When they were not together as a couple, the tension was high. When they reunited, they were burning with passion. Some sweet moments - when they gave cheek peck or quick kiss.
2. Acting - Fantastic chemistry with great performances by both of them.
3. Family - Core theme. FL's grandmother, FL's parents, ML's brother.
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she's hardworking & troed her best to protect her grandma & mother.
5. ML characterisation - I likee that he provided support to FL intuitively.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father was dead but left a haunting presence. Unfortunately FL got harrassed by loan sharks because her father never settled his debts.
2. ML's action - I didn't like when he shoved his younger bro. He wasn't at fault for their father's wrongdoings.

Favourite scene
When ML found out about what truly happened to FL

Read More

Eerie supernatural with murder mystery and no romance

I was in the mood for something supernatural so I decided on this drama because the title of youtube video implied that FL talked to animals during livestream. I must say I was surprised by the twist because I did not expect for the drama to turn dark.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

1. Animals - I liked that live-streamed session in which FL talked to animals. I also liked the black cat scenes.
2. Eerie - Secrets about ML's father reflected true life in my country, in which elixir and youth potions are concocted using black magic. There was also scene of coffin opening. I found these scenes eerie.
3. Main characters - FL transmigrated and obtained superpower. I liked her cool & calm energy.
4. Antagonist arc - I liked this arc a lot because it had strong emotional connection to ML.
5. Styling - I liked their outfits. Normal everyday clothes, not necessarily gothic.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's "bestie". Such a change of character.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I think the first case could be shortened. Even though I liked the banquet, the conversation between FL and various members of ML's family had too much yapping.

Favourite scene
The banquet

Read More

Underwhelming fantasy drama and no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge

I am a fan of supernatural themed drama so when I found out about this drama, I was ecstatic. I watched it last week during commute to work. To my dismay, I felt like it was lacking something by the time I completed the watch.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I liked the concept that mermaids can create pearls through their tears. It was mentioned here at the start of the drama but I couldn't recall seeing it happened. I also liked the shapeshifter concept.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL reflected her mermaid identity. Cute!
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man. His comments were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Seemed forced / unnatural. No warmth. I didn't buy their love story because FL seemed to pity ML or perhaps it's the case of Stockholm Syndrome. Plus there was no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge.
2. Plot - FL & ML were underdeveloped characters. I felt like the drama could be stronger if ML's arc was given more time. The investigation was interesting but only introduced in the third act.
3. Antagonists - "Families" of both FL & ML were vicious. I didn't understand the warehouse scene led by FL's mother and sister. I understood it was revenge but it seemed haphazard?

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to push FL into the swimming pool

Read More

Tearjerker tragedy with couple separated for decades due to family dispute and imprisonment

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas. So last night I chose this drama from his youtube playlist because of the running time (just slightly over 2 hours) and the amount of views. Wow, I was moved by the performances that I cried twice! This drama exceeded my expectation - I enjoyed this drama immensely. Sa Gang Yun's best work to date - he is more than just a hot daddy/uncle!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing. I thought it was going to be similar to other Sa Gang Yun's dramas in which he played a rich ML while his FLs were poor / in need of money. I was wrong! Brilliantly written drama with complex characters. The third act was unpredictable with shocking twists.
2. Acting - Sublime performances by the cast (Qian Chan, Sa Gang Yun, the actresses who played ML's mother, main antagonist & FL's daughter). There were two heartbreaking scenes in the final 30 minutes of the drama that really touched my heart - I cried hard.
3. FL characterisation - Flawed but likeable. She faced a tough choice when she was barely an adult - I could forgive her for taking that decision. She strived to be a better person and oh boy, that last 10 minutes was shocking to me.
4. ML characterisation - He was wrongfully imprisoned so I understood why he had cold demeanour. Even though I disagreed with his revenge on FL, the betrayal was hard to take in.
5. Supporting characters - The doctor who was in charge of FL's daughter's case. He was a good guy but FL friendzoned him - I think because she thought she did not deserve to fall in love again. I also really liked ML's mother and FL's daughter.
6. Styling - Good outfits and makeup for the characters, emphasising the different life stages (for FL & ML) and health levels (for those hospitalised and injured).
7. Duration - At 2 hours 6 minutes, this drama was well-paced and had a good length. I was never bored.
8. Romance - It was mostly in flashback scenes. They were sweet and very much in love. The final 10 minutes demonstrated everlasting love between the couple.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The green tea was bad $#it crazy! Spoilt brat enabled by her father. FL's father and brother were vicious - they prioritised money over family members. I just couldn't believe how FL's mother was treated.
2. Abuse - Hated when the poor was abused and treated worse than animals.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother told ML about FL's good deeds

Read More

Mellow jiejie romance that could have done better with more chemistry and less running time

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I like Bai Yan's acting. The moment I saw this drama on its release day, I made a point to watch it immediately. It's great that older woman-younger man stories have grown to include different vibes from spicy, lusty & fast-paced to mellow & slow unravelling. This drama belongs to the mellow & slow unravelling. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Good production value. This drama made me feel like I am watching traditional 45-min-per-episode Chinese drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was focused on building her career. I understood why she didn't like her mother arranging blind date / marriage for her.
3. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL. I liked that he respected FL's decision.
4. Romance - The meet cute was amusing. Slow & steady romance with resistance coming from FL (who resisted relationship in general, not ML). There were many sweet moments and some nice kisses.
5. Supporting characters - ML's friends were entertaining. The mothers of the leads were adorable in their own ways.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - At almost 3 hours, I found this drama too long. The little misunderstandings were unnecessary.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Bai Yan and Zeng Xi Tang. I also found Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama a tad underwhelming. He gave much memorable performances as SML in other dramas.

Favourite scene
When FL finally admitted her feelings for ML

Read More

Great chemistry made this "estranged couple on the path of reconciliation" drama worthwhile watch!

I had this drama in my watchlist for months but only decided to watch it last month when I was on a diet of Xie Yu Wang dramas.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Xie Yu Wang was amazing in this drama. Lu Lu Lu was good in her role & chemistry between them were great.
2. ML characterisation - He was charming, protective but flawed. He did hurt FL's feelings.
3. FL characterisation - She was likeable. Seemed pretentious but she was misinterpreted.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with reconciliation. It's obvious that ML still cared for FL despite the estrangement. Good push & pull dynamics. The kisses were great.
5. Actor set - I liked that we got to see actors performing on set.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Duan Li Jun, the director and FL's father.
7. Ending - Sweet! I loved the proposal!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xu Qing Er was vicious. She was willing to get FL killed because she was insecure. Her mother was horrible too so it's right that apple doesn't fall far from tree.

Favourite scene
The haunted house scene for the dating show

Read More

Reborn & revenge: I marry your father instead of you

I stumbled upon this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. My gosh, the trailer caught my attention and good thing the reborn & revenge drama was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - I loved that her revenge plan included marrying her ex's father and getting involved in the company management.
2. FL characterisation - She was tactical, focused & smart. I loved her proposal to ML and her confidence.
3. Romance - Their intimate scene was hot. They were in a marriage of convenience but developed a romantic relationship soon after marriage. They were sweet to each other.
4. Acting - I had seen the actress who played FL in a drama with Zhen Zi Qi. I liked her acting here. The actor who played ML was hot & handsome. Damn! They had good chemistry.
5. Duration - Running time under 90 minutes. Well paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's son was ungrateful brat. Cruel too. I can't believe he even planned to kill his father.
2. Romance - I wish there were kissing & flirting between FL & ML.

Favourite scene
When FL proposed to ML

Read More

Unhinged FL & great action sequences but WXY's acting very much one-note

This drama was popular when it was release - there were many people requested for links on subreddit CShortDramas. I wasn't a fan of Wang Xiao Yi but Lan Bo always catches my attention. I decided to watch this drama once I saw it added to iQIYI catalogue. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Unhinged, no holds barred. She was hellbent on revenge against her family.
2. Dynamics - He was intrigued by her aloofness then became smitten . I liked that they struck partnership early in their relationship.
3. Styling - Red dress was a great choice for the club scene - Wang Xiao Yi was hot. I also liked the green dress & ML's navy suit.
4. Action - Great action sequences accompanied with good music.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend.
6. Revenge - Explosive & outrageous! I also liked how unpredictable the storytelling was.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lu family greedy for money.
2. FL's action - I disliked her for sabotaging her relationship with ML. She was pretentious herself.
3. Acting - Wang Xiao Yi excelled as kickass heiress but once again, she gave one-note performance when she wasn't doing action scenes. Another bored housewife expressions. Sadly there was no chemistry between her and Lan Bo.

Favourite scene
When FL in green dress was having a somewhat heart-to-heart conversation with ML

Read More

Sweet older man-younger woman romance with good acting

I was in the mood for Huang Bo dramas so I perused his drama playlist on Youtube and found this drama. The story is about older man-younger woman romance
and Huang Bo played a good guy. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Luck was on her side but she worked hard to achieve her goals. I also liked that she was smart in identifying risks & benefits in contracts.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was protective and supportive of FL. ML was gentle & loving partner.
3. Romance - I think there was only one kiss and intimate scene but it was good one. There were many sweet & tender moments.
4. Acting - Great performances by Yu Li and Huang Bo. I was surprised to find out Yu Li is only 2 years younger than Huang Bo. She managed to exude the youthfulness and innocence of FL.
5. Styling - Kudos to stylist for knowing how to create big age difference between FL and ML. The clothes worn by FL matched her age & characteristics.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL was physically harmed.
2. Antagonists - Sheng family was atrocious and snobbish. The family that raised FL was despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about the contracts that were not favourable to his company

Read More

Delightful & cute tale of memory loss + good acting

I randomly checked fresh releases yesterday. Some comments on youtube mentioned Guan Yue's venturing into vertical dramas. Oh I liked Night of Love with You and was delighted to see him in vertical dramaland. Commenters also mentioned their delight seeing Yue Yu Ting in cute role so those reasons prompted me to watch this drama. I know there are multiple remakes of this plot. This is my first experience. I enjoyed it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was nice and cute. However I didn't like that she ditch her child in favour of Qin Yu.
2. Romance - ML clearly had crush on FL. When they kissed, I felt joy. Sweet romance with good kisses. They were also affectionate even before they kissed & had assumptions about one another.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Chen Chen so much. I also liked ML's subordinate Su Wang Shu who disliked FL but later befriended her.
4. Acting - It's refreshing to see YYT in a cute role because she always portrayed vixen / seductress. The child actor also gave a good performance - when he cried, his face turned red.
5. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and Su Wang Shu. FL was stuck in 18 year old mindset so her outfits were youthful whereas Su Wang Shu dressed in office wear appropriate for her age.
6. Twist - I liked the twist that explains the memory loss.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qin Yu was annoying & manipulative. The child psychologist Ye Wen Qing pissed me off.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML & Su Wang Shu confronted Ye Wen Qing

Read More