emberzmars

Finished it feeling unfulfilled & disappointed...what a shame!

I added this drama to my Youtube watchlist a few months ago because of Zhang Jijun. Last night I wanted to watch something short (less than 2 hours) so I decided to finally watch this drama. Oh boy, I finished the drama feeling unfulfilled & disappointed.

What I liked:
1. FL's arc - She went through a lot and despite the hardships, I enjoyed her arc. I liked her reaction upon finding out about her biological family - she didn't acknowledge them.
2. ML's characterisation - I liked that ML was persistant in protecting FL and finding the connection between her and his childhood sweetheart.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister even though she didn't have much screen time. I also like ML's assistant.
4. Styling - I love FL's grey dress. I like the styling for ML and FL's biological brother. The antagonist & FL's mother also wore some nice outfits.
5. Li Zi Jie - OMG, that's Li Zi Jie in a supporting role. It's good to see him as a baddie because I have only watched him as ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt only ML was invested in their romantic relationship. There were some kissing scenes but they were lacklustre. FL didn't seem to enjoy his kisses.
2. Abuse - The amount of abuse suffered by FL is just too much.
3. Antagonist - She's one of the worst antagonists in vertical dramaland. She deserved her ending.
4. Writing / editing - The story seemed disjointed. There was a big revelation about FL roughly in the last 15 minutes of the drama but the impact of that revelation wasn't shown on screen. It's a shame because it's crucial to the relationship between FL & ML and between FL & her biological family. After the revelation, we were brought to the ending - a happy one but it felt out of place.

Favourite scene
When FL found out about her biological family

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Deranged, dark revenge tale with good acting

I missed Wen Mo Yan's acting so when I checked her MDL profile, I found this drama intriguing. I have watched Ye Hao Ran and Wang Dao Tie dramas so I was excited to see all 3 in 1 drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - The most unpredictable revenge tale I have watched in vertical cdrama. I also enjoy the curveball thrown into the drama because nothing in life goes 100% according to plan.
2. FL characterisation - I like that she's driven to avenge her family. Her will wavered a bit much later but it is understandable.
3. ML characterisation - I could never tell what was on his mind so I enjoyed guessing his moves.
4. The ending - It's different from other revenge tales within vertical c dramaland. I liked it a lot!
5. Acting - Good acting even from supporting characters such as FL's mum & FL's friend. I like the actress who played the villain.

What I disliked:
1. Underdevelopment - I want to see more Wang Dao Tie! He had great chemistry with Wen Mo Yan in their other drama but too bad his character in this drama was underdeveloped.
2. Timejump - I think FL and ML's arcs after time jump were confusing at times. Well I wish writer had used different backstory for FL's friend/fake fiancee.

Favourite scene
After ML viewed contents of usb stick

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Beautifully shot scenes but the FL's behaviour led to lower rating

This version is the second adaptation of a familiar plot that I have watched. The first version I watched has Cao Tian Kai as ML & Zhang Shan as FL. I chose to watch this adaptation at the recommendation of few MDL users. This version is enjoyable but Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version is better IMHO.

What I liked:
1. Shots - The first item that impressed me is the shot of each scene. Vivid colours and great framing for a vertically shot drama. My favourite sequence of shots is when ML carried FL from living room to his room. Beautiful!
2. Music - I like songs featured in this drama that I even shazam-ed those unfamiliar to me (e.g. It's You by Sam Kim featuring ZICO). It's wonderful to hear 'See the Light' instrumental version in the drama.
3. Homage - The camping scene reminds me of kdrama 'When the Phone Rings'. Well there was that instrumental song played in the background.
4. Acting - Overall good performances from the three leads despite the less-than-brilliant writing of their characters.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Shuang Xu is too timid/passive and childlike for my liking. Yes, she's 22 years old but I've seen more proactive same-aged characters in other vertical dramas. At first I thought she was a socialite but I was wrong, there were scenes of her presenting proposal in an internal meeting and an event with invited guests & media.
2. Romance - FL did more receiving than giving in this relationship. There were some great kisses but almost all were initiated by ML so it felt one-sided most of the time until FL reaffirmed their relationship in front of her family.
3. Hostility - ML's cousin Lu Manman and FL's adopted mother were hostile towards FL at the start of the drama. In Cao Tian Kai-Zhang Shan version, these two characters were lovable so of course I compared the characters in two versions. I also disliked Lu Manman's friends/followers - I mean who wears skirt to campsite? I also disliked FL's grandpa who never raised her but had a lot of opinion on FL's life choices.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "what do you want for your birthday?" and his response

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Hidden identity, family dispute, hot romance

I love, love, love Yu Long-Tian Yu drama about assertive female CEO. When I enjoy an actor/actress work, I'd look up for his/her drama on Youtube. I was delighted to come across this drama on Youtube last month. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - They took part in a flash marriage as both had agendas to pursue. However there was affection despite them being married strangers. Yu Long and Tian Yu always have sizzling chemistry because they exude sexy, mature couple. I find them sexier during their kissing scenes. That sloppy lipstick mess was hot!
2. FL characterisation - She was driven by her goal to get her inheritance so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. FL was smart and independent - I liked that she wanted to raise/take care of ML. Oh and her scheming was entertaining to watch. I was shocked about her stepmother scheme.
3. Styling - I love FL's outfits from the orange pantsuit to the dresses. ML looked great in his outfits too.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many antagonists in this drama: ML's family, FL's family, ML's former friend & his sister. The actor who played ML's former friend Ye Jin Xiao is handsome - he reminds me of American actor Andrew Keeghan.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL

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Dry like overcooked chicken

I am usually intrigued by reborn-revenge tales that made FL appreciates and pursues ML. I rarely watched Wang Gege's dramas so I thought why not watch this drama because it had more than 2 million views. I was left disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Visual - It is my first time watching Wang Bo drama and I find him handsome like elite, old money heir. Perhaps the styling contributed to that thought. I also like FL's long dress as it higlights her willowy silhouette.
2. Supporting characters - Mr Gu was off at first but I like him once he acknowledged FL. The actress who played FL's sister looked so familiar but I can't recall her name.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I like it when FL is coquettish and affectionate with her husband especially when given second chance. However I didn't see any flirty behaviour in this drama. FL-ML relationship felt more like friends helping each other rather than lovers. Their romance was dry like an overcooked chicken.
2. Antagonist - FL's love rival is the most annoying out of the 3 antagonists. Her constant scheming was tiring.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were lying on hospital bed

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Underdeveloped romance - I want more!

I am a fan of Chen Zheng Yang and recently discovered & enjoyed Yu Xiao Wan's drama about body swap. I was excited to find out that they collaborated through this drama. Had high expectations but unfortunately not met.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Gosh I didn't expect comedy bits to come from Chen Zheng Yang. His character was a goofball. ML's assistant was funny too.
2. Styling - Yu Xiao Wan looked radiant after turning over a new leaf. Love the red dress on her!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It is underdeveloped. By the end of the drama, I still felt that the love was one-sided or at least FL got together with ML because it's logical/strategic rather than because she wants to explore real love.
2. Growth - This drama is centred on FL but unfortunately there is lack of character development for her. Yes, she quit her job because her boss didn't appreciate her but her journey post-resignation was easy as she was supported by ML.

Favourite scene
When ML jumped into swimming pool

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Second couple was fascinating to watch!

I was intrigued by this drama because of Miles Wei and
I have to admit that this is my first 'Miles Wei as main character drama'. Surprisingly I recognise Ke Ying (I love A Familiar Stranger). You are My Secret took me awhile to finish but once I hit halfway mark, I became more invested in the show. A great watch!

What I liked:
1. Rao Jing characterisation - I love her because she is smart, assertive, go getter. She is not a Mary Sue - her flaw gave an opportunity for her colleague to be part of her personal life, which makes her arc fascinating.
2. Zhao Fang Gang characterisation - He is like a class clown because he lights up the office. I also enjoyed his arc because I got to see his serious and unfriendly / insecure side.
3. Romance - Wow, secret office romance was hot. I actually enjoyed second couple romance more than main couple romance because second couple has fiery dynamics with the constant bickering. Their kisses were blazing hot. The third couple romance was enjoyable to watch too despite the shorter screen time.
4. Money issue - There were few instances where money became main issue for a character / couple. The fight between third couple was hard to swallow because it was a dealbreaker.
5. Acting - Overall great acting by the cast! I like the comic relief provided by Fang Gang and his two followers haha.
6. Visuals - The actors & actresses are good looking but not movie star good looking, which I like. I love Karlina Zhang's beautiful eyes.
7. Bank setting - I enjoy the cases presented at the bank. They seemed challenging & realistic.
8. Main characters' growth - I like that both main characters made mistakes and learn from them.

What I disliked:
1. Tang Yu Hui - Wow, she was delulu! Good thing she finally noticed that trait at the end of her arc.
2. Xiao Ning's characterisation - At first I dislike her character because I found her to be sheltered for a 27 year old woman. It annoyed me when she didn't know ML's coffee preference when they lived together!

Favourite scene
Second couple's second kiss 🔥

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Purely revenge tale that is a satisfying watch

I don't remember how I came across this drama but upon reading user comments, I decided it was worth watching. It was indeed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Well cast drama from main characters (FL, ML) to supporting characters such as ML's father, ML's bro, ML's mother & FL's mother. Liu Xi Yu carried her role well despite having an angelic face. The actor who played ML's brother caught my attention. Too bad I don't know his name because I'd love to watch more of his work. It was also nice to see the actress who played FL's mother as I enjoyed her acting and visual in another drama. I also was surprised to see ML being turned on - eeerrmm Qian Zhe was hot.
2. Revenge plot - This drama focuses on revenge. There are "romance" scenes but there are intentional for the purpose of revenge. Even though I could predict FL's plans, it was satisfying to see her sticking to her plans.
3. Kink - I was shocked. I didn't expect to see an adult playroom in a Chinese drama!
4. Manipulative - It is an important theme in this drama as it is exercised by several characters such as FL, ML, ML's father & ML's mother.

What I disliked:
1. ML's father - One of the grossest character I've seen in vertical dramaland. He was abusive towards FL & her mother - some scenes are distressing.
2. ML's brother arc - I wish his arc isn't preditable.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

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Partnership within flash marriage that turns to love as time passes by

I chose to watch this drama because I wanted to explore Bai Yan's work. I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's wonderful to watch a relationship that is built on partnership then grows into love. FL & ML had very good communication. Romance is mostly sweet but there is one spicy scene & some real kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Even though their relationship started as married strangers, ML took his role as husband and stepdad very seriously.
3. Supporting characters - I like Grandma Lin who took on nanny role to secretly bond with FL and her daughter. I also like FL's daughter who is integral to this story because in other vertical dramas, most of the kids' role are products of one night stands.
4. Acting - I enjoy watching Bai Yan playing a sweet character without heavy heartache. Wang Jia Mao was also good in his role. The actor who played Su Bei Chen did well do especially that last scene with his mother.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Bei Chen, his mother, FL's male coworker & Zhang Xioli are despicable. Su Bei Chen especially!
2. Kidnapping - This is a common trope in vertical drama but gosh this drama upped its ante with the kidnapping scene.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL at hospital

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Reborn revenge tale in historical setting - enjoyable!

I prefer modern stories to historical but once in awhile, I will watch historical drama. This is my first historical drama shot vertically and I was greatly entertained.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wonderful performances by Yao Yuchen, Liu Qing and Mao Shung Er. They nailed the dramatic & comedic moments.
2. Romance - The sexual tension was killing me. Real kisses and affectionate/playful moments. Would love to see more kisses once they confirm their relationship.
3. FL characterisation - I enjoy her scheming post-reborn. She was smart but played coy.

What I disliked:
1. Poison arc - I wish more time was spent on this because I find the explanation at the end was too rush.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL after FL's first confrontation with concubine Zhen

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Light & funny romantic comedy with great acting

The reason I watched this drama is Zhang Jinyi. She was impressive in a drama with Lu Huanyu, in which she played a tech expert married to "uncle" CEO. I decided to check out her other dramas hence this review.

What I liked:
1. Su Shi Mo characterisation - I love FL's quirkiness and self-confidence. She never felt down nor embarassed when other people looked down on her unconvetional capabilities.
2. Acting - I must say that Zhang Jinyi excels in comedies. She was entertaining to watch. I also enjoyed the main actor's performance - too bad I couldn't find his name her and in Youtube comments. I have watched many vertical dramas with wheelchair bound ML. This actor managed to give depth to his character unlike other dramas in which MLs are usually brooding & 2 dimensional. The actor is handsome & has big lips.
3. Supporting characters - FL's master was hilarious so was the master's relative who was at the auction.
4. Romance - Sweet, heartfelt romance. Their quarrel about treatment & divorce threat was emotional, I could sense the conflict within both characters.
5. Styling - I like styling for both FL & ML especially when they both wore similar colours.

What I disliked:
1. Snobbery - I dislike people who look down on folks who live or grow up in rural areas.

Favourite scene
The auction

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Sweet noona romance with fun ending

I watched this drama weeks ago & if I don't write MDL review immediately, I might forget about the drama. This is the case with this drama. A few days ago, I thought I had not seen it so I clicked play but the early scenes were familiar.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He's caring & romantic. In many vertical dramas, ML fell for FL when they were children or at least when he was a teen. In this drama, he was a younger colleague of FL who got to know her before her marriage. I find this background more realistic.
2. Ending - Fun ending and I love how supporting characters were written into the ending.
3. Villain arc - I like how SFL Stella was written. She was obsessed & possessive and how her true nature was revealed was a good scene.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's employees & ML's right hand man.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML was more invested in their relationship than FL. I also don't sense much romantic chemistry between Meng Lu and Chen Yun Ting.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Visually stunning couple but not enough kisses

I am a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and this is my second drama that featured Zhan Zhuo.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, Zhang Chu Xuan & Zhan Zhuo made a visually stunning couple. Their styling was on point too.
2. Romance - Their first kiss was intense, messy and hot.
3. Plot - Overall they had challenges such as age difference, office romance & ML's hidden agenda. It was enjoyable watching them go through these challenges. That taxi scene almost at the end was heartwarming.
4. FL characterisation - Zhang Chu Xuan chooses her roles carefully and she's always a delight to watch. I love that her character is successful & strong but had moments of vulnerability.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - I don't understand why kisses after the one night stand were blocked by FL. It was frustrating and I felt as though the director made ML boyish / immature with these shots.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed

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Simple love story with good chemistry and funny assistant

I like Du Ya Fei in a drama about FL selling her body to ML to get money. I was excited to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's simple, cute and sweet. I like seeing Ling Mo Zhou's dedication and protective behaviour for his wife. The kisses are hot and satisfying.
2. Assistants - I like the assistants to both ML & FL. It's funny that FL misunderstood ML's assistant frequent encounters with ML. FL's assistant is quite handsome.
3. Setting - Both FL & ML signed up to be in a reality tv show about their life as a couple and I like how this setting became a catalyst to their romantic relationship.
4. FL's mother in law - It's quite common for FL to meet ML's relative without actually realising their identity. I like how their first meeting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - Typical villain in micro drama - jealous half-sister and her mum.

Favourite scene
When FL misunderstood ML assistant's frequent encounters with ML

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Good melodrama focusing on empowered woman

I was keen to check out collaboration between Meng Na and Wang Yi Ran after checking out their dramas separately.

What I liked:
1. Shen Ruon characterisation - She is independent & quick thinking. She's always 2 steps ahead of her enemies. It's great to see her grow professionally throughout this drama.
2. ML's mother - Wonderful to see a supportive mother in law even at hard times faced by FL.
3. FL's family - I like watching the contrast between thr supportive FL parents and her money-hungry grandmother & uncle.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were some kisses but I wish there were more affectionate moments between FL & ML. I also wish there was co-dependence between them.
2. Lu Heng characterisation - He was underdeveloped that I felt like he was a side character. Lu company felt more like FL's company than ML's company.

Favourite scene
When ML's family hit with tragedy & FL stepped in to hold the fort

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