emberzmars

Product placement disguised in a story of reincarnation, rivalry & everlasting love

I came across an article that recommends 10 sexy and sweet dramas. The mini review and the screencaps intrigued me. The author never mentioned the names of main actor & main actress but I wasn't surprises when I found out the who played the male lead (ML). I enjoyed this drama special. After completing it, I played Ooh La La by Goldfrapp because the song is just so fitting.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG, ML & FL made out almost half of the running time. So much sexual energy going on. There were desire, lust and love. The intimate scenes were 🔥 and there were some sweet gestures too.
2. Reincarnation arc - I think it's done well despite the short running time. It's great that there were flashbacks at the right moments.
3. Visuals - I am always drawn to his visuals and damn, he was very handsome playing a coquettish man trying to win FL's heart. Yang Qian Qian was very pretty too.
4. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML. FL was a sexy siren while ML's outfits complimented his cocky attitude.
5. Ending - I liked the ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I understand that this drama is actually an ad for a snack brand. While I think the bouquet was a refreshing idea, eating crisps in the morning and having sponsor branded-pillows were just too much.

Favourite scene
The introduction - Ooh La La!

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I liked the murder investigation but disliked the romance

I was searching for dramas set in Chinese Republican era for a reddit post and found this title. Did the production team use this English title to lure fans of commercially acclaimed The Double? Anyway I got interested in this version of The Double because of Li Lei / Gangtie Rourou. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Murder investigation - I actually enjoyed this aspect of the drama. There were some red herrings but the investigation was quite easy to follow. The flashbacks close to the ending were really helpful. Vengeance successfully carried out at the end.
2. FL characterisation - I quite liked her and her backstory. FL seemed on track with her mission despite the challenges. I liked that she had had gun training.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked Yan Tiang Lan. FL's brother was an intriguing character.
4. Visuals - Li Lei and the actors who played Yan Tiang Lan & FL's brother were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's actions left me speechless. Those intimacy scenes were forced - I even saw it as rape because there was no consent given by FL. I didn't buy their romance at all.
2. Ending - What was the letter about? Why did ML do that?
3. Amnesia plot device - This was a perfect opportunity for a do over between FL & ML but too it wasn't fully utilised.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from a shooter

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Very likeable FL living in rural area with sickly ML & 2 children

I am on a mission to watch as many Huang Bo as I can because I am writing an article about his dramas. This caught my attention because it seemed family oriented and yesterday was Father's Day. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Xu Man is the bomb. She was an overworked doctor who transmigrated to 1980s and her new self was forced to marry a sickly man with 2 children. I liked that she prioritised her family's welfare than her own career - which is unlike other transmigration into 1980s vertical dramas. Xu Man was smart to keep up with her hubby's aunt's scheming.
2. Romance - Gosh I liked how forthcoming FL is when it comes to romance. She desired ML right from the start, always complimenting him on his looks and teasing him about their relationship. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a spicy intimate scene 🔥because vertical dramas with live-in kids rarely have spicy scenes.
3. ML characterisation - Despite his disability, he was a smart entrepreneur. ML was kind and compassionate. I loved that he expressed his thoughts about his aunt directly with FL. I also liked his protectiveness over FL and the kids.
4. Acting - Hou Cheng Yue impressed me with her acting in this drama as she managed to convey different emotions and made Xu Man very likeable. It was awesome to watch Huang Bo as Mr Nice Guy as I always like his soft facial expressions. Both Hou Cheng Yue and Huang Bo have great acting and visual chemistry.
5. Supporting characters - The kids, the director of hospital and FL's grandpa are wonderful additions to this drama.
6. Antagonist - I loved to hate ML's aunt. Putting that aside, it is great to see a formidable antagonist because I am tired of green tea / white moonlight as main antagonist in a vertical drama.
7. Setting - Kudos to writer for choosing countryside as opposed to city for FL & ML's reisdence & livelihood. I liked that the issue of shortages of doctors in rural areas was brought up in this drama.
8. Styling - I really liked FL's clothes especially she wears yellow flowery dress. Huang Bo looked a simple bloke with that hairstyle - different from his usual suave hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's family is despicable. I was shocked by their decision in the third act - after all, they forced FL to move to countryside & marry sickly man. I also disliked snooty behaviour of FL's sister and ex-boyfriend.
2. Surgery - It's funny that FL could operate on a patient even though she wasn't a registered doctor. The director had so much trust in her.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML were intimate with each other for the first time

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Fascinating SML in a story about betrayal, revenge and second chance romance

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao drama so I chose to watch this drama. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Plot execution - This drama employs a familiar plot of betrayal & revenge seeking but I liked how the story unraveled. The characters were mature adults dealing with their issues.
2. Ma Shi Yao - He looked like he lost weight but his acting was on point. I liked how he openly expressed his feelings towards FL.
3. Romance - There were passionate kisses and sweet gestures mostly from ML. I understand FL's reservations since she just got out of a long term relationship.
4. SML - What a fascinating character! I was surprised by his arc.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that ML faked amnesia because he was insecure about FL's feelings for him. He should talk with her.
2. Chemistry - I didn't sense any acting chemistry between Yu Cong & Ma Shi Yao despite the passionate kisses.

Favourite scene
When SML had the final talk with FL

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Transmigrated FL winning over her family's trust & working in garment industry

I am watching many Huang Bo's dramas this past week for an assignment. Picked this drama because the previous drama I watched has Huang Bo playing a scumbag. In here, he played Mr Nice Guy. Overall it was enjoyable drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL transmigrates into the novel she's reading and the character she took over was nasty towards her family. FL decided to turn 180° and I liked how she won over the heart of her family.
2. Tone - This is light hearted drama (in comparison to other Huang Bo's dramas) with good pacing.
3. Romance - ML had trust issues because of FL's bad attitude in the past and I liked how they worked together on mending their relationship. Slow burn romance with slight comedy when it came to kissing scenes. I wish there were more kissing scenes.
4. ML characterisation - He was a boss at garment factory and I enjoyed watching them at work in factory. There was growth in his character, which I truly appreciated.
5. Rivalry - I actually found it nice that the main antagonist is ML's business rival. It's entertaining to see how he schemed against ML & his company.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL & her boyfriend Wei Jin were annoying. I hated them for kidnapping innocent person.

Favouritrle scene
When FL went to buy fabrics. She gave good tips!

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Hidden identity flash marriage made livelier by ML's larger-than-life mother

I watched this drama early this year when I was still new to vertical dramas. I think I chose this drama because I had watched Zhang Yun Tao's drama with Bai Yan. I was pleasantly surprised by this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was a hardworking, honest employee at ML's company.
2. Romance - FL & ML got into a flash marriage and coincidentally have employee-employer connection but without realising it. Their romantic journey was sweet.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was an entertaining character. Loud, rich lady but respectful and non-judgemental. FL's mother & brother were good characters too.
4. Styling - I loved the biker chick outfit donned by FL. She was chic & cool. I also liked FL's manager uniform. ML wore colourful suits so that's interesting choice by stylist.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - In their first intimate scene, FL was drugged and framed by jealous antagonist. I wish it hadn't been that way.
2. Antagonist - Invaded privacy of FL. She was mean towards hotel staff.
3. Flash marriage - I liked this trope but gosh this wasn't done well. They went separate ways after getting license then developed feelings for their colleague. I still consider it cheating even though the other people are their flash marriage partner.

Favourite scene
When FL had a heart-to-heart conversation with her brother

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Second chance romance for mature couple but FL got bullied a lot

I was curious about San Gang Yun's dramas so I picked this drama. The English title seems to hint that FL is much older than ML.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked the adult children especially the guy. He was the one that introduced ML to FL.
2. Romance - FL & ML were separated a few decades ago when technology wasn't advanced so it was hard to find people. ML stood by FL's side whenever she faced challenges. Sweet romance.
3. Styling - I liked her wedding dress which shows her shoulders. FL looked pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL was bullied by a jealous neighbour outside of her house. As usual in vertical dramas, many onlookers that just gossiped & none intervened to stop bullying. Then there were other instances she got bullied.
2. FL's ex husband - Just a horrible & selfish person.

Favourite scene
The dating marketplace

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Dark revenge tale charged with sexual tension. I liked it!

I was in the mood for more Yang Jie dramas because the previous drama I watched was not satisfying. Came across this title and immediately watched it because her co-star is Zhang Yun Tao and there was only 1 working link listed in the comment section. I enjoyed this dark drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was convinced that ML's mother killed her parents & uncle so no further investigation required. She went straight into design & implementation of her plan.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yang Jie, Zhang Yun Tao and the actress who portrayed ML's mother. Terrific chemistry between Yang Jie and Zhang Yun Tao. Wonderful to see action scenes performed by both of them.
3. Romance - Now there were more push than pull and some toxicity but my gosh the sexual tension was electrifying whenever both FL & ML were in close proximity. They definitely desired each other.
4. Styling - Very beautiful qipao worn by FL & ML's mother. Zhang Yun Tao looked handsome in republican era military uniform.
5. Ending - The story was nicely wrapped up. I think the couple deserved that fate.
6. Supporting characters - FL's friends, ML's right hand man were good addition.

What I disliked:
1. The third act - I felt it was rushed especially when the big bombs were dropped. I wish the murder of FL's parents were told in a different way.

Favourite scene
When FL was pressured to kill someone

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This tragic romance made me cry 3 times!

This is the first time I watched Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi 's performance on screen. The story of yin yang & one person being "antidote" to another grabbed my attention. I must say I was very surprised by this drama because I cried THREE times!

This review originally appeared on another Huang Bo - Xu Si Qi's drama, Difficult to Touch. I had assumed that the drama I watched was Difficult to Touch because it has the same 'yin antidote to yang toxin' storyline.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - Damn, he gave a sublime performance in this drama as I felt different types of emotions: anger, sadness, hopeful, fearful. His acting & masculinity reminded me of Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender. Anyway I became a fan of Huang Bo because of this drama.
2. ML characterisation - His character growth was fascinating. He started as as a person who focused a lot on himself then slowly he was more concerned about others than himself.
3. FL characterisation - I too liked how her character developed. She was too nice at first but then grew wary and put her and daughter's needs first. I cried when she received the bad news. I think she made the right decision to care for her daughter. Xu Si Qi was great at expressing different emotions of her character.
4. Romance - Tragic romance. ML & FL were together 3 times, which I think they were not meant for each other. He fell harder for her while FL seemed to like him at the start & perhaps at the end of their coupling.
5. Supporting character - I liked the kid but computer whiz thing was a bit too much. I also liked ML's grandpa who was concerned for FL's wellbeing after ML & FL got together the second time. Dr Jin was a good character too.
6. Ending - I interpreted it as bittersweet & tragic.

What I disliked:
1. Sex - I felt consent was dubious. That scene was uncomfortable for me to watch.

Favourite scene
When ML saw FL right after her surgery

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Great, enjoyable story about mature couple and father - daughter relationship

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun's dramas so I checked his playlist and found this drama. Another unplanned pregnancy drama starring Sa Gang Yun - ehem what does that say about him hahaha anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her character was going through a difficult time when husband dumped her for another woman. However I saw this as her new lease of life as she was given opportunity to become a better version of herself. There was some much kindness and warmth in her character. Dai Dai was brilliant in this role.
2. Father - daughter relationship - ML's daughter the second female lead (SFL) is an adult so it was wonderful to watch interactions and banters between her and ML. The teasing was adorable and funny.
3. Romance - It was sweet romance. ML was clearly smitten by FL at their blind date. I wish there were kisses and spicy scenes because this mature couple was beautiful.
4. Supporting character - I loved that SFL was given an arc. I could feel the conflict she faced in the third act.
5. Antagonist - There are 2 types of antagonists in this drama: (i) FL's ex husband & mistress, and (ii) ML's ex wife. I enjoyed ML's ex wife plot device much more because it gave a higher impact to the drama. ML's ex wife is an antagonist I love to hate.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL's ex husband got married to his mistress (FL's former friend) and I hated every single moment of it. Why did FL do the job? I also didn't understand why ML was held back by another man and made weak when in reality Sa Gang Yun was more menacing that that guy? I was mentally exhausted when FL's mother jumped into the bullying bandwagon.
2. Antagonist - The mistress were despicable and intrusive. FL's ex husband was a wimp.

Favourite scene
The jewelry design competition participated by SFL

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Simple story about family with likeable main characters

I am big fan of Guo Yu Xin and try to watch as many of her dramas I can. This drama gets positive comments on youtube so I watched it just now. I had low expectations but glad I watched it because the drama was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was smart & instinctive. I liked that he verified claim first before informing the jade master about the missing child mystery.
2. Romance - Very sweet. ML is older and more worldly than FL but there wasn't any sense of manipulation or icky about their differences. It's good to see that both like and respect each other.
3. Mother - son dynamic - Good to see different interactions, i) between ML & his mother, ii) between ML's brother and mother. That last scene between mother and brothers was devastating.
4. Apprenticeship - What a cool opportunity for FL! I was glad she chose that opportunity over internship at ML's company because it gave some freshness to the drama.
5. Missing child claim - I loved this scene. I punched the air when ML said he had done DNA test.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family was money hungry. ML's brother was even worse - I couldn't believe he did that thing just to compete with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML announced that he had done DNA test

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Emotionally charged reincarnation tale with electrifying chemistry

I must say that I find Zhang Lei handsome. I was curious about his dramas so I watched his other drama but someone recommended this title. I just finished watching it and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was easily turned on by FL after noticing changes in her character. For me, the romance really clicked in the third act when FL started to pay attention to her feelings about ML. Their kissing by the pool scene was hot and emotionally charged as FL finally acknowledged her growing love for ML. I also found the kissing by the car scene very intimate because they were honest with their feelings regarding the other person and their relationship.
2. Reincarnation - I really liked ML's thoughts of his past lives as he was able to distinguish between his feelings for FL in present form from his feelings for FL in past lives. I also liked that he knew he was in control of his life journey.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was endearing. Great to see him again because I enjoyed the boy's acting in A Story About Love. I also liked FL's brother.
4. Sibling dynamics - This arc touched my heart. I totally felt FL's pain when her own brother didn't believe her. Her action was brutal but that was the best for her. Delighted to see grovelling scene.
5. Main characters - I enjoyed watching their characters grow. FL stopped becoming a doormat while ML started to make effort in their relationship. Great acting by Zhang Lei & Lin Qi Ting.

What I disliked:
1. Gossip - There wasn't a clear antagonist for this drama but that group of mean girls served the purpose of baddies I supposed. They felt out of place during parent-child event at school. I don't think any of them had children.

Favourite scene
The confession by the swimming pool

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Alright drama about cheating spouse and revenge

I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan. I liked some Ye Hao Ran's dramas and enjoyed Xu Kai Xin's mini drama. I was intrigued to know what this drama would turn out because there are 3 main characters listed in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - This is not your typical scorned lover drama. I felt the revenge plan was softer than the usual cheating spouse drama.
2. Acting - Good acting by the 3 leads. I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Ye Hao Ran. I prefer chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Xu Kai Xin.
4. Ending - I liked the path FL has chosen for herself.
5. Length - This drama is less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt Zhou Jia Yan's pursuit of FL while on the show is aggressive. Zhou Jia Yan was sweet guy gifting FL's favourite flowers but overall I didn't buy into their romance.
2. Tone - I didn't have strong feelings after completing this drama. I think it's because I couldn't connect to FL nor Zhou Jia Yan.

Favourite scene
When qipao was torn

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Loved watching aircraft maintenance engineer FL fall in love

I watched this drama at the recommendation of MDL user - I asked for Yao Guan Yu's best work. I am an aviation geek and I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I had high hopes. I enjoyed this drama but with the long running time, I wouldn't repeat this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see a FL in male-dominated job, which in this case aircraft maintenance engineer. She is capable and smart and I enjoyed the scenes in which she proved her sexist colleagues wrong. Peng Yao was good in this role as she managed to add femininity & innocence to the otherwise tomboyish character.
2. ML characterisation - I saw two sides to his character: calm & collected pilot captain and sensitive husband. He was so sweet to his wife despite the cold facial expression. Yao Guan Yu looked dashing in pilot uniform.
3. Aviation - Amazing to see aircraft maintenance scenes as I had not seen such scenes in other aviation-related vertical dramas. The piloting problem at the end is quite similar to Secret Love at 30,000 feet - I enjoyed the scene in that drama more because both FL & ML worked together on the problem.
4. Romance - Slow burn with nice kisses and sweet gestures. The scene about their wedding rings was touching. That TMI scene between FL and her flight attendant friend made me giggle.
5. Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching scenes involving FL's colleagues, FL's mother and ML's family. The female pilot & flight attendant were a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Length - At almost 3.5 hours, this drama could be trimmed down. The romance trajectory between FL & ML took too long and their individual arcs, as aircraft maintenance engineer and pilot, went smoothly with few challenges that were solved almost immediately.

Favourite scene
When ML responded to snide remarks made by FL's aunt & cousin

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Tiresome drama about secret identity, bullying & very underdeveloped romance

I got to know about this drama from reddit and was excited to watch it because of the title. This is my first time watching Zhang Zheng Yue. After completing the drama, I had to say that I was disappointed by this tale. I wouldn't recommend this drama unless you enjoy stories with this plot.

What I liked:
1. Stock market trading - The scene was different & exciting.
2. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was the most memorable out of the many supporting characters, which were mostly 2 dimensional.
3. Introduction - I liked it a lot especially when both ML & FL rode motorcycles separately.
4. Wang Yi Yang - She was very pretty in this drama. Acting wise ok.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The main antagonist Xiao Yun and her goons got so much more screentime than ML. The bullying got tiresome after the museum scene.
2. Romance - Very underdeveloped. The last scene didn't make any sense because there were no on screen scenes of FL - ML bonding as husband & wife (they had a flash marriage).
3. Secret identity - There were 3 characters with secret identities. ML's secret identity was negligible since he had the least screentime. Xiao Yun was an impostor. I was irritated with FL's secret identity at the museum scene because it led to Xiao Yun getting away with her crime.

Favourite scene
Stock market trading

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