emberzmars

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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Revenge, seduction and a kid were the essence of this drama

I saw the drama poster when the drama was a fresh release. I liked Shi Yue Yue's acting but never heard of Zhao Song Song. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Shi Yue Yue and the actress who played antagonist were excellent in their roles. Zhao Song Song was good too. He and Shi Yue Yue had good chemistry although I'd have liked more romantic scenes.
2. Romance - Their first encounter was hot even though I disliked scenarious of horny & intoxicated main character. There was good balance of push and pull dynamics between them. Great kisses.
3. FL characterisation - FL had a revenge plan and I loved that seducing ML was part of her plan. She was also cool.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML set firm boundaries with antagonist and never entertained her romantic moves just because she was "mother" of his son. I liked his calm personality.
5. Supporting characters - FL's parents were so loving that I was moved when watching them accompany FL to hospital. The kid was adorable. I also liked FL's friend & to some extent, antagonist's assistant.
6. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by Shi Yue Yue. She looked radiant when she wore a baby bump & maternity dress. I also liked her bestie's yellow mustard dress.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow she was a lunatic for doing all those things. It didn't make sense that she delivered FL's baby & then pushed FL into the river.
2. ML's parents - I disliked them for being gullible to antagonist's acts.

Favourite scene
When ML got into FL's trap & went to her place

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Good acting performances but I expected romance in this story of a mature couple

I was fascinated by Wang Lu in his drama with Si Jia Li so I went to check his list of dramas. I decided on this drama because it was a new release release and short.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances from the actress who played FL, Wang Lu, the actors who played FL's husband & son. The actor who played the son looked familiar to me.
2. The plot - It's interesting to watch a main character with adult child. In this case FL has adult son who unfortunately an accomplice to her ex husband's scheming.
3. Length - Short since it's only 44 episodes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was underdeveloped which saddened me because I wanted to see romance of a mature / middle aged couple.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was a scumbag. Their son was horrible too.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her "dead" husband

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Plenty of kisses, affections and likeable leads in this story of longtime crush

I decided to watch this drama after reading positive review on sub-reddit CShortDramas. Both Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin were unfamiliar to me. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this story - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FL is shy or skittish with ML for a long time. I liked that Jin Wu was quick to accept ML's feelings for her and then reciprocated his love. Awesome doctor as well.
2. Romance - This is a romance-heavy drama and I love it! Plenty of kisses and affections between the couple. I liked that their relationship was harmonious right from the start - no misunderstanding / assumptions, no fighting / no playing hard to get.
3. ML characterisation - Duan Shi Yan was a total green flag character. A devoted partner who isn't intimidated by a career-focused woman. He pined over FL for many years but never aggressive in his wooing. He respected her by giving her the power to decide when they should have sex.
4. Acting - First time watching Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin's acting and I liked it very much. They had great chemistry too.
5. Styling - I loved FL's red dress!
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's family (grandma, parents) for being so welcoming towards FL. ML's friends were a good bunch too. I also liked patient An An and ML's dog

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex who is the SML was despicable - expecting a child with his mistress whilst on romantic relationship with FL. Another person I disliked is FL's mother. She was selfish, insecure & status hungry she was willing to sacrifice FL's happiness.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL acting drunk & dizzy in front of his friends

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Abundance of physical intimacy but I found the couple lacked emotional connection

I watched this drama back in April when I was curious '52 lovers in 4 years' plot and Zhang Bei Xi. This was my first drama of both Zhang Bei Xi and Liu Ying. I kept forgetting to create MDL page until MDL friend Raiana told me that this page is up & running. I have also watched the Shi Tong - Cheng Cheng version and I liked that version more than this version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is spicy - there were many intimate scenes from the one night stand to the sneaky touches. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Styling - I loved outfits worn by both FL & ML especially the qipaos and traditional shirts. The Taoist beads also added a sexy allure to ML's character.
3. ML characterisation - I loved that he owned a qipao store. He was also a patient man - FL resisted ML too many times.

What I disliked:
1. Connection - Plenty of lust and spice but I felt this drama is lacking emotional intimacy. Perhaps the abundance of physical intimacy overshadowed emotional intimacy.
2. FL characterisation - There was something in FL's character that didn't click with me. I felt at times she was in constant state of "I want him but I cannot want him" like a typical FL when paired with domineering ML. Not sure if this was instructions given by writer / director or Liu Ying's approach to her character. Maybe I am biased because I liked Shi Tong's portrayal much more - her FL was firm & collected.

Favourite scene
When FL visited ML's qipao shop

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I liked this drama even though not much push & pull & too much product placement

I came across this very short drama on reddit. I recognise Ma Qian Huan on thr thumbnail and another person mentioned Ke Chun was the second male lead. Since there are 2 actors that I like, I decided to watch it immediately.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I enjoyed the story even though I knew where it was heading.
2. Acting - I really liked Ma Qian Huan and Ke Chun's acting. I wish Yan Er and Ma Qian Huan had shown more push & pull dynamics in their scenes together.
3. Romance - It was fine but it is lacking sexual tension between FL & ML.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor & ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - Once I see this drama parked under Special category, I knew it was going to be an advertisement. I found it amusing that everytime product is brought up, the specs are spoken in full. Like really? From the main characters to even a house maid.

Favourite scene
When a speeding car was heading towards FL & ML

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FL overcame obesity, slander and long distance relationship in this historical drama

I was browsing the vertical dramas on youtube fyp and noticed the intriguing title of this drama. It mentioned enemy so I was intrigued by enemy-turned-lovers stories. This drama is my second time watching the work of Hu Jia Hao and Mo Ning. Overall the drama was alright.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - As expected Mo Ning was great with her comedic acting.
2. Styling - I loved the outfits in this drama. Hu Jia Hao looked handsome in traditional clothes especially that blue gold robe at the end of the drama.
3. FL characterisation - She outsmarted her greedy family members. That shop attack scene was amusing.
4. Family - Family is a core theme of this drama. I liked the relationship between FL and ML's family members. It contrasted with FL's relationship with her own family members.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I read that this drama isn't the first time Hu Jia Hao and Mo Ning collaborated so I expected amazing chemistry. However I didn't sense it in this drama.
2. Antagonist - She was overly confident. A lot of yapping to show that she's the queen bee.

Favourite scene
When ML returned from the capital and talked to FL about her pregnancy

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Enjoyable reincarnation & campus life drama

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a subreddit user. This is my first time watching Ding Hai Xia as FL because I had only seen her in supporting roles. This is also my first fime watching Liu Cheng Lin. I was surprised by the storytelling - overall, I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It was refreshing to watch FL who woos a guy that she likes. It's also wonderful to see that she's resourceful / affluent even post-time travel / reincarnation. She never abused her power / influence to win ML's heart.
2. Romance - I liked watching the dynamics between the two. FL was aggressive in her pursuit of ML but never possessive. I must say I was pleasantly surprised when ML finally accepted her feelings. The kisses were hot and passionate.
3. Supporting characters - I loved FL's right hand woman / bodyguard / personal assistant. She kicked ass! I also loved ML's buddies / dorm mates. I really enjoyed the scene in which the class voted for a new class monitor / lead.
4. Singing career - I liked these scenes a lot because they made this drama standout from other campus life dramas.
5. Comedy - Thanks to ML's buddies.
6. Visuals - I didn't find Liu Cheng Lin handsome but damn he was attractive in the makeout scenes. Ding Hai Xia was hot too.

What I disliked:
1. Relationship - I wish there were most scenes of ML & FL together as a couple because I felt like ML succumbed to pressure (i.e. "She's sacrificed so much for me so I better give her a chance").
2. System - I felt like the system wasn't explained well. Why was ML in historical setting in the first place? Did ML inform FL about the system?

Favourite scene
Morning after

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Flash marriage drama that didn't quite meet my expectation

I watched this drama because someone on reddit recommended it. This is my second time watching Li Ya Ya and first time watching Gao Ming. It was an ok watch - I expected more since marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he's protective and respectful of FL.
2. FL characterisation - It's nice to see a doctor FL. I also liked her for apologising to ML because a heated conversation that happened before.
3. Romance - I could sense from the start that ML had a crush on FL despite the cold façade. Their dates were cute.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's parents for being kind to and supportive of FL. Loved ML's father's reaction when his wife meddled with their son and daughter-in-law's relationship. ML's assistant was good addition too.
5. Prophylactic - I didn't expect such scene but hey I enjoyed it.
6. The wedding - I enjoyed that chat amongst friends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow FL's ex was very bitter about the breakout. He was possessive. I hated him for wanting to control her post-breakup by threatening her career.
2. Scheming - The hotel room sneak-in was an invasion of privacy. Pity the hotel guest! I also disliked the false accusation by a patient of FL. Good thing the son came clean - bless his heart for having a pure heart.
3. Acting - I love flash marriage dramas but this one felt like it's missing something. I didn't sense much chemistry between Gao Ming & Li Ya Ya - they seemed awkward & perfunctory.

Favourite scene
When ML drunk dialled FL

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Hidden idenity & secret child drama with formidable antagonist

I saw this drama on iQiyi and thought "Why not watch it on the app?" since I am a fan of Han Yu Tong & Zhao Guan Yu.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching interactions between ML and FL's daughter. Even though he was her stepfather, there was emotional connection betweem them.
2. Antagonist - This is one of the handful times in which I liked antagonist's arc. It's great to see how a friendship is tested.
3. Supporting characters - FL's daughter has a good arc - substantial impact to ML's life. I also liked ML's grandma as she wasn't pushy with FL.
4. Styling - At first I didn't understand FL's choice of clothes but later I figured out why. I liked the outfits chosen to cover a scar that might be recognisable by ML. I also felt bit weird seeing Zhao Guan Yu without spectacles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Slow burn romance with little communication about their romantic feelings. It was also frustrating that Zhao Guan Yu & Han Yu Tong never had proper kissing scenes when both of them are capable of real onscreen kisses. I also didn't sense any chemistry between them two.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter missed ML but realised that there was something off between FL and ML's relationship

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Chef employee-restaurant employer romance with a lot of heart & good acting

I don't remember what made me want to watch this drama but when I was keen a few months ago, links to Delicious is You had been removed. However Jwells found new link & notified me a few days ago. I watched it today & it was a delightful watch. It had so much heart!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Huo Xiang is a chef with different type of training so some people looked down on her at the beginning of her employment. I loved that she is confident & assertive. This is my first drama of Peng Dai Dai and wow, I was captivated by her performance.
2. Romance - Great balance of push & pull. I enjoyed watching the progress of FL & ML's relationship as I could sense that they were slowly falling in love with each other. I even felt the heartbreak when FL discovered that ML had a sweetheart.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant - his monologues were entertaining. ML's grandpa appeared in only a few scenes and he was good at scheming haha.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML is not typical boss - aloof & imposing. It was wonderful to see his inner conflict between white moonlight (past) and his love interest (present).
5. Allergy - What a good plot device! I loved watching the after effect of consuming FL's homemade remedy & seafood. Refreshing approach to aphrodisiac.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL had too many identity / goals. I was fine with her being FL's professional rival but when she wanted to become Mrs Huo, she became a typical green tea.
2. Styling - Gosh SFL had long nails which is unbelievable for a 3-star Michelin chef. I also disliked FL's evening gown. Her velvet gloves downgraded the look.
3. Plating - I watched The Grand Maison Tokyo 3 weeks ago and Masterchef Australia is one of my favourite cooking shows. The plating for dishes was underwhelming considering the chefs are from Michelin star restaurants. The dishes looked like they had been cooked by street hawker.

Favourite scene
When ML had severe allergic reaction but his assistant couldn't feed him FL's remedy

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Despite the hot kisses, antagonist outshined both FL & ML

I came across this drama when it was newly released. A reddit user requested for link and I got intrigued. I watched it within a few days of its release and gosh I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Antagonist - I must say that antagonist outshined both protagonists in this drama. His arc is more compelling that FL’s arc and FL-ML relationship arc. He is even remorseful about his cheating so I appreciate this character growth.
2. Acting - Great performance by Aorigele, the actor playing the second male lead (SML). I would rewatch this drama just to see Aorigele's scenes.
3. Kisses - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. I even find Aorigele's makeout scene to be hot!
4. Styling - I must say that I love the outfits worn by Cheng Cheng and Aorigele. Love the horse riding outfits for all four characters!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I find FL a bland character. Her only purpose in this drama is to "teach" her chesting ex a lesson - there is nothing about her career or individual backstory. Yang Luo Qian’s acting is underwhelming.
2. ML characterisation - Cheng Cheng did the best he could for this drama. His character is severely underwritten and to me, ML is a tool for FL to make SML jealous.
3. Romance - I don’t sense any emotional intimacy between FL and ML. I was surprised by the subsequent scenes after FL reveals that she has faked the amnesia. FL and ML never talk about the fake amnesia, fake identity and their relationship.
4. Poster - The poster I saw first is the version with Yang Luo Qian sitting and Cheng Cheng standing next to her. I believe that the English title reflects SML’s perspective. Therefore Aorigele should have been included in that drama poster and received main character credit.

Favourite scene
When SML was remorseful and begged for forgiveness

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Refreshing tale of twins, amnesia and love amidst the adversity

I am a huge Huang Bo fan and for the past 2 weeks, I have watched as many Huang Bo dramas in preparation for a reddit post. I didn't like some of his dramas so my expectation for this drama was low. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Trigger warning: Domestic abuse

What I liked:
1. Plot - I thought it was going to be another good vs evil twin & amnesia stories but boy, I was wrong. The big secret was revealed somewhere in the middle that I never guessed would happen that early. I also didn't expect the plot twist. I must admit that I was never bored watching this drama.
2. Romance - There was a slow build up which is understandable given FL's predicament but wow, what a great journey. I was pleasantly surprised by FL-ML's dynamics when they encountered an imposter - they worked together on a common goal which is rare in romance-themed vertical dramas. There were many sweet moments & good kisses.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her very much. She was nurturing and good at following her instinct. She also knew what she wanted from ML and I liked that she requested for space.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him very much too. He was patient, loving towards FL and his nephew & niece and instinctive. Oh I also liked that he worked as part of search & rescue team.
5. Acting - Wonderful acting by Cheng Zi, Huang Bo, actor who played Dr Guo & actress who played one of the antagonists. Since Huang Bo has a twin brother, I wish Huang Tao was hired to play one of the twins!
6. Antagonists - Kudos to writer for giving proper arc for the antagonists.
7. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma, assistant and the kids.

What I disliked:
1. Dr Guo - Initially I disliked him for his scheming but later on he redeemed himself.
2. Leukemia - I don't know why this illness a popular choice to prove biological connection between the kid and ML or FL. I've seen it in a few vertical dramas already.

Favourite scene
The proposal caught me by surprise

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Bad romance & draggy Chinese Republican era drama

I enjoyed Yang Yu Bin's costume drama which he co-starred with Wang Zi Jia. I found out that Yang Yu Bin acted in Chinese Republican era drama so I was excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was captivating on screen. I liked his acting even though I didn't have strong feelings for his character.
2. Styling - I must say Yang Yu Bin looked damn fine in Chinese Republican era military uniform. I also liked his black trench coat.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was a bad romance. There were sweet gestures and spicy moments. However there was no trust between FL & ML even until the end. A lot of assumptions made because no honesty between them.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like her character at all. She was always suspicious of ML so she lied to him all the time. She's a blind follower, just following instructions without feeling the need to follow her instincts and investigate the truth.
3. Duration - This drama was 2.5 hour long and I found it draggy.
4. Transmigration - I felt this wasn't required since FL just followed the course set for the original character that she inhabited.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday

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Tragic tale of twin sisters & assumed identity

I got to know about this drama from an article on 10 sexy & sweet short dramas. This one in particular piqued my interest because of the male lead, Lin Ze Hui whose drama I watched a few months ago. Anyway I liked The Rift despite the flaws.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama very much reminds me of vertically shot drama 'Out of Control in the Dark Night' starring Wen Mo Yan & Wang Hao Xiang. The twin sister & assumed identity plot devices.
2. Romance - There was enough push & pull in the FL-ML dynamics. Sweet & spicy moments were there too. However I believe that they are not meant to be together, which leads me to...
3. The ending - Such a tragic ending for this drama and it's fitting in my opinion.

What I disliked:
1. FL's parents - Selfish and in a way, possessive.
2. Confrontation - I wish they had a talk/fight first before breaking up. But then again I always felt that their relationship was superficial & nostalgic with ML not knowing what really is going on with FL's life.

Favourite scene
The ending

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