emberzmars

Reborn tale with reverse roles, violence and good comeuppance

I came across this drama on reddit. The actor and actresses were unfamiliar to me but the comments in Youtube were generally positive. I watched and enjoyed it. However please be informed that there are scenes of violence.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FLs are usually the ones doing the most sacrificing in relationship but not for this drama. It's refreshing to see ML being the "doormat" of the relationship. This is my first time watching Du Pei Yuan and he did well in playing this role. A good balance of kindness and pitiful.
2. FL characterisation - The FL is the scumbag of relationship between her and ML. It's refreshing to see a villainous FL. This is also my first time watching Zhong Ying Ling's drama and she was great in being sinister.
3. Supporting character - The doctor was played by Wei Jia. She left a lasting impression despite short screen time.
4. Ending - Good comeuppance.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Both FL and SML were atrocious. The actor who played SML looked familiar. Could he be Yang Chen, who starred with Si Jia Li in 'But Mr. Shen is too charming'?
2. Torture - Damn the scenes were painful to watch.
3. ML - doctor relationship - I want more!

Favourite scene
The ending

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Wei Lin was funny and charming and Zhao Guan Yu impressed me with his acting!

I stumbled upon this drama because of actress Wei Lin. I enjoyed The Bridge of Hearts but she didn't have MDL profile at the time of this review. I submit this drama as New Title then created a MDL profile for her. It was definitely worth the effort because this drama is fun to watch!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was likeable, pretty and funny. I enjoyed watching her dynamics with ML and with ML's assistant. Wei Lin has the charms and acting skill to play such character.
2. ML characterisation - At first, I didn't quite like him because he thought he was hot stuff haha. My view changed as he learnt more about FL and started falling in love with her. I have watched a few Zhao Guan Yu's dramas but this one leaves a lasting impression. I really liked his acting here as I was moved in a few scenes.
3. Romance - There was sweet & spicy scenes. I loved it when ML realised his feelings for her because his acts of service was truly for her. Sizzling chemistry between Wei Lin and Zhao Guan Yu.
4. Styling - Love FL's clothes and shoes in this drama though the heels were quite high! I liked ML's outfits too but the red underwear wouldn't be my choice (must be for comedic effect!).
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She did serious crime but was unpunished. Surprised she could be in the vicinity of ML and FL.

Favourite scene
ML's reaction after doctor came out of the operating theatre

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Action-packed jiejie romance with combustible chemistry and great acting!

I don't recall how I came across this drama but I am relieved that I watched it. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Jin and Xu Jiang Shuai were convincing in their roles as a CEO and a bodyguard. Their chemistry was electrifying.
2. Action - This is one of the rare vertical dramas that have a lot of action scenes by main character(s) (I'm not talking about hired men to beat villains which is common in vertical dramas). Nan Feng was really cool!
3. Romance - Short but with a sting. Hot kisses! I enjoy watching their growing romance and it has mature vibe to it. Oh did I mention that this is older woman-younger man romance???
4. Pacing - Quite fast-paced and easy to follow storyline. I was never bored.
5. Outfits - I love FL's styling as it reflects maturity, confidence and femininity. ML always wear suits but he does look hot in white t-shirts too.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - This drama is about 1 hour 4 minutes. I think there was opportunity to expand on certain arcs if the running time is longer.

Favourite scene
FL told ML that she is 10 years older than him and his reply "So What?"

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Refreshing plot but not a fan of FL

Warning: This drama has scenes of domestic violence.

I became a fan of Wang Chen Peng after watching Wen Rou Ye Gu. This is my first time watching Chen Lu Xi. This drama had a refreshing plot but I am not a fan of Chu Suang. At the time of this review, I am not sure if I want to watch part 2 of this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Chen Lu Xi and Wang Chen Peng were excellent in their roles as they were able to convey various emotions felt by their characters. I know Wang Chen Peng is very tall but wow, the height difference between him and Chen Lu Xi was staggering.
2. Troubled colleague - I liked this arc very much because I felt that this is a way for FL to learn about life. It was great that she was compassionate and resourceful. The domestic violence was hard to watch.
3. ML characterisation - He was a patient and understanding husband. He respected his wife's wishes and always treated her nicely.
4. Boundaries - It's scary that SML would approach FL even when she clearly brushed him off. I liked that FL told off SML when he wooed her.
5. Romance - I could see that they loved each other. I did feel that FL received more than gave back to the marriage.
6. Supporting character - I liked her bestie whom I found more mature than her. ML's family was nice and the chubby nephew was endearing.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love independent women but I felt FL emphasised too much on her needs to be on her own. She was a married woman so she should learn to compromise. Luckily for her, ML was around to save her from being harmed. I also found FL immature when it came to relationships.
2. Communication - I don't mind slow burn romance but I felt that communication was an issue for them. I disliked her for easily making assumptions without talking to her husband. I also disliked her for being insecure when ML's supposed ex girlfriend came to visit him at work. She should ask about exes from him before getting married but not asked someone else after marrige.
3. SML - I was surprised he jumped into conclusion after hearing office gossip. For someone who was well-off, he should have investigated.

Favourite scene
When FL bumped into ML at the airport

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FL chose herself over romantic love and I loved it!

Thank you to JustOneMoreEpisode for creating Si Jia Li's profile. I have been a fan of hers since my first month of vertical drama exploration. She was spectacular in a drama about female CEO with challenging family members. Si Jia Li is still lesser known so there isn't a playlist of her dramas on YouTube. This drama is different from the usual FL with scumbag boss/lover and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was paid by ML to be his employee and lover. At first I was afraid that she would stay meek but no, she left the toxic environment once the contract was over. Good character growth.
2. Writing - I must say that second half of this drama was more exciting. She thrived after leaving ML. I liked that her new colleagues were supportive.
3. Ending - I loved it because she prioritise her self.
4. Romance - Actually this drama doesn't have strong romance element and I liked it a lot. There was another love interest but FL decided not to pursue.
5. Duration - This drama is only 70 minutes long. Well paced story without drawing out the negativity. I appreciate it!

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Damn he was mean to FL. He was also passive about his arranged engagement when ML & FL were together. I was relief with how his character was wrapped up.

Favourite scene
When ML beg FL to come back with him and she firmly said "No"

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Enjoyed this kick ass spy parents & perceptive kid

I came across this drama after watching Give Up! Madam, Vests Are Everywhere. I wanted to watch more espionage vertical dramas. I was highly entertained by this series

What I liked:
1. Sun Lu Lu - This is my first time watching her drama and I was impressed by tlher comedic timing & action scenes. Her eye gunk reaction made me LOL!
2. FL characterisation - Smart, single mum who kicks ass literally & figuratively. I understood her protectiveness & self-preservation.
3. Supporting characters - FL's son & ML's assistant were delightful to watch. I liked that the son was perceptive.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance. I liked that FL was more forthcoming when it came to their relationship.
5. Family - I enjoyed watching the bond between the son & ML. The kid was very happy to have a positive father figure in his life. I also liked that ML immediately warmed up to the kid. That scene in which the couple were late to pick up the kid was touching.
6. Mission - I was satisfied as they were many action sequence.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - FL's nails were striking and had ML noticed them during the mission, FL's cover would be blown.

Favourite scene
When ML trying to win back FL's heart

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Visually appealing CP but this is not my type of drama

I became an instant fan of Shi Yue Yue after watching her drama 'Qian Sui Qi Meng Yun Wei Yang'. When I saw the thumbnail of this drama on Youtube, I did not recognise her. Found out that she's the FL in the comments section. ML wore uniform so I thought it was going to be military romance but it wasn't.

What I liked:
1. Shi Yue Yue - I am not a fan of timid and cute FLs but she was endearing as a young woman coping with the presence of her crush.
2. Meng Jia Hui - Wow, he was extremely tall and handsome in this series.
3. Confession - I loved it when ML visited FL at the hospital and read FL's diary with her consent. Touching scene!
4. Health & fitness - I like it when a drama includes a health & fitness scene. The military style physical training in this drama was fun to watch. Reminded me of 'Got a Crush on You'.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - OMG the romance developed at very slow pace. I disliked that when ML confessed to FL, she suddenly made him 'chase' her, and let him think she's crushing on someone else. There were barely any kissing scenes.
2. Duration - The drama lasts 2 hour 40 minutes and some arcs could be shortened or even omitted from the drama.
3. Antagonist - Surprised she could commit crime many times without getting punished.

Favourite scene
When ML read FL's diary

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Mischievous ML & touching wedding scene led to enjoyment of this drama

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was hostile towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version second after completing Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he was mischievous and caring. This is my first time watching Li Sheng Jie and he did well in this role. I quite like that he was expressive (his smug look was perfect) and boyish handsome.
2. Romance - Their powder-keg relationship was entertaining especially the convenience store scene. This version had a role play session too hehehe. Their makeout sessions were hot because of the tension & framing.
3. Styling - I love her outfits from the black work suit and white jacket & white skirt to red swimsuit. Beautiful wedding dress. Her wardrobe looked expensive and elegant.
4. Music - Ed Sheeran's Perfect was played. Great choice!
5. Ending - This version has a wedding scene. Touching scene with FL's father. I love FL's bouquet!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was pitchy and her reactions to ML's teasing were quite hostile. However I liked her because she verbalised her gratitude for her husband's love. I think Zhao Zao Er was good in her role.
2. Status announcement - They informed that they were married to each other at their high school reunion. However I wish they had shown us when their colleagues found out about their relationship and how shocked they were.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Sweet workplace romance with some bullying thrown in

I am a big fan of Chen Zheng Yang since I first watched him in ''Rose Beloved'. I am familiar with Zhang Ya Meng because I already watched 'Embrace in the Dark Knight'. I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What an elaborate scheme concocted by ML to be in a relationship with FL. Overall sweet romance with some spice.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart, hardworking & relatable. She wasn't spineless. Delighted to see Zhang Ya Meng as female lead because she has the acting chops & presence.
3. ML characterisation - He was a good boss and most importantly a devoted husband. I liked that he didn't hide his mum's identity from FL for too long. Chen Zheng Yang is great at smirking & gazing into his partner's eyes.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend & ML's assistant a lot! ML's mum was nice too.

What I disliked:
1. Rival - Despite being smart & a worthy antagonist i.e. not a bimbo, she was a mean girl & acted like a petulant child. Too much screen time given to the rivalry between FL and SFL. Anyway the actress who played Xia Wanyu resembled American actress Leslie Bibb.
2. FL's mother - Ungrateful & manipulative.

Favourite scene
That scene at the start

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Great acting but the story was a mess

I am a massive fan of Guo Yu Xin and while I don't watch many Liang Si Wei dramas, I really enjoyed his acting in Define Your Style. I wondered how this drama would go because the introductory scene was filled with negativity. This drama was similar to a roller coaster ride.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This CP was a matching pair as both seemed to challenge each other's acting capability. The emotional scenes were emotionally intense for both actors.
2. Romance - This is a second chance romance drama. Once they reconciled, they were a sweet couple. There were also hot kissing scenes. One YouTube user even pointed out that Guo Yu Xin was a better kisser than Meng Na when paired with Liang Si Wei.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, mother & her male friend because they showed genuine concerns for her.

What I disliked:
1. FL's decision - I hated that FL never told ML about her illness early on when they were on good terms. She was a coward.
2. Ending - I didn't know what to deduce from the ending.
3. ML's behaviour - I disliked him for being cruel to FL once they reunited. Some scenes were stressful to watch.
4. Antagonist - ML's admirer & his mother were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL requested for divorce around 40th minute mark

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Affectionate & playful CP made me watch this drama on repeat

In my first month of my vertical Chinese drama exploration, I came across Dramazone Youtube channel. I had become a fan of Sun Yue so I was excited to watch this drama. Oh wow, I love it so much that I watch on repeat. Too bad the link can no longer be found on Youtube.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I must say I like coquettish MLs and this ML is definitely coquettish. He might be seen as a himbo but he's actually smart. Sun Yue always brings out sunny personality to his characters. That's why I enjoyed this ML.
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a qipao designer. Sucb a gorgeous collection. I also loved tnat sne was financially independent. She offered to take care of ML. This was my first Ma Qian Qian drama and I liked her acting as she was able to showcase both sassy & serious side of her character.
3. Romance - Top notch romance with a lot of kisses, innuendo & affectionate moments. The couple had each other's backs right from the start of their marriage. Ma Qian Qian & Sun Yue seemed so comfortable with each other.
4. Supporting character - FL's grandma was so supportive. Even ML's superior at the law firm was comical. I liked FL's bestie & ML's assistant whom looked familiar - are they Zhai Xinran & Wang Yi Lei?
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML & some supporting characters. The characters were quite fashion savvy. My favourite FL outfit is the light pink jacket & mini skirt with cutout at the side.

What I disliked:
1. FL's admirer - He schemed to get FL's attention that she overlooked ML's call. He knew she was already in relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML limped towards FL & then they had heart-to-heart conversation

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Heartfelt military romance drama that made me ponder & appreciate LDR

Sometimes I watch vertical dramas on a whim and this was one of them. I wasn't familiar with the leads but comment section in the youtube link were generally positive. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a doctor. She was smart & self-sufficient. She understood her role as military wife even when the challenges were hard on her. I was impressed by Zhang Qi Xuan as she was able to convey different facial expressions. I am not a fan of emotional FL but her emotional outbursts were nicely done.
2. ML characterisation - There were 2 main sides of Qin Lang in this drama: 1) a husband and 2) a soldier. I loved watching the hubby side especially when he was unashamedly affectionate with his wife in front of his colleagues. Han Yu Xuan's acting was impressive for a little known actor. That scene in which Qin Lang waited outside operation room was heartfelt.
3. Romance - There was amazing chemistry betweeb Zhang Qi Xuan and Han Yu Xuan. Their characters started off on the wrong foot but misunderstanding was cleared within the first 25 minutes of this drama. There were plenty of affectionate & emotional moments between ML & FL. There were some good kisses, in which desire was visible on both sides. Overall their relationship makes me appreciate couples who stay committed to each other despite the long distance and/or heavy work responsibility.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's subordinates. I also liked his admirer even though she was delusional at the start.

What I disliked:
1. Years of no contact - It's silly to think that FL stayed married to a husband whom had not made any contact with her in their first 6 years of marriage. I wished the writer had reduced the amount of years.
2. Mission - I didn't like that FL was involved in that last mission because she was not trained for dangerous missions. Her action, while noble, wasn't a smart one.

Favourite scene
ML & FL's makeout session interrupted by their family

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Cute jiejie romance with boyish handsome ML

I am a fan of older woman-younger man (jiejie) romance. Watched this drama months ago but only found the MDL page today. Too bad the links on Youtube had been removed because they would be helpful in jogging my memory for this review. I remember that I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - As usual, they hooked up at the start of this drama. I don't recall if the kisses were steamy but I clearly remember the morning after. FL noticed ML's good looks so she took photos to commemorate when suddenly ML woke up & posed playfully. ML was cheeky to set that scandalous photo as the caller photo.
2. ML's characterisation - He had a crush on her so definitely coquettish. He made a lot of effort to get FL to like him.
3. Zhan Zhuo - He was boyish handsome in this drama. Acting was good enough for me to stay curious of his career.

What I dislike:
1. Age gap - FL was said to be 10 years older but she was a university student when she became a tutor while he was a high school student. The gap just didn't make sense. Should have reduced the number.
2. FL characterisation - FL seemed to resist ML's wooing. I think she only loosen up once she recalled or was told of the tutoring. I wish she would be more open at the start.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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Heartwarming family drama mixed with medical & military arcs

I have a girl crush on Zhang Chu Xuan. Out of her many dramas that I've watched, I am only disappointed with 1 drama. I tend to watch modern dramas but made an exception to this because of her and the high view count. I was surprised to find out that I watched this drama & Hu Yong Tao's drama with Guo Yuxin within the same day.

What I liked:
1. Su Wang Qing characterisation - Her character transmigrated from modern time to historical time. I enjoyed watching her character development. Zhang Chu Xuan was able to showcase the differences between pre-transmigration Wang Qing and post-transmigration Wang Qing.
2. Lu Shen Ting characterisation - I enjoyed watching his different personas: caring father, stern army general, resentful husband, loving husband & lover. I liked Hu Yong Tao in this drama more than that drama with Guo Yuxin.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance that made me swoon! There were many tender moments between FL & ML. Great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Hu Yong Tao. However I wish that kissing scene was longer.
4. Family theme - I enjoyed the family scenes whether it was the core 4 (FL, ML & their two kids), the villagers or the high ranking officer & his wife.
5. Supporting characters - Out of the 2 kids, the boy Xiaorui got more screentime. He was so adorable! Surprisingly I also liked SFL once she realised her limitations.
6. Outfits - I rarely saw historical time commoner outfits in vertical dramas so it's nice to see them here. I loved ML's army general outfit. Dang he looked so masculine and menacing, which reminded me of Blossoms in Adversity Hui Yi Tian's military persona.

What I disliked:
1. Medical expertise - I get it that she has knowledge from modern times but I think it's unbelievable that her knowledge expands wide fields within medicine from obstetrics to pharmacology. The writer was too ambitious. I dislike the conceive scenes because it was too far fetched!
2. SFL - Her voice got on my nerves! She seemed like she's always yelling whenever FL was around.
3. Duration - I think the drama is too long. I wish they had given more time to ML's general persona & trimmed FL's medical arcs since there were too many of them.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML punished their son for a bad deed

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Beautiful outfits, captivating main actor & cool supporting character

I watched this drama a few months ago when I was exploring Zhao Mu Yan dramas.

What I liked:
1. Styling - The traditional wedding dress at the start of the drama made a great impression on me. Zhao Mu Yan looked beautiful in it. I also liked the outfits worn by Zhao Mu Yan e.g. the pink perplum dress, the cream fluffy dress, the qipao, the wedding dress.
2. Romance - That first intimate scene between FL & ML caught my attention. It was hot. I also liked that they were affectionate with each other.
3. Zhang Yi Hong - I was impressed by his acting in this drama. He was good at displaying different emotions of his character. He has a distinctive nasally voice that I could recognise in later dramas that did not credit leads' names in the drama title.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant had the coolest hairstyle in all vertical dramas that I have watched.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most vicious antagonists I've seen in vertical dramaland.
2. Injuries - Both ML & FL were harmed at different points of the drama. Pity them!

Favourite scene
FL & ML making out in the car

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