emberzmars

Family saga and slow burn romance with Huang Bo portraying the greenest flag

I am a huge Huang Bo fan so I got excited when I got to know that he had new drama out. I watched this drama by accident - I thought I was going to watch The Moonlight Never Falls (another of his new release). I did watch The Moonlight Never Falls and overall, I enjoyed this drama much more than The Moonlight Never Falls.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I swoon whenever I watch Huang Bo playing a gentle soul. Total green flag character. He was loyal, patient and loving.
2. Romance - This drama has the most passionate love scenes by Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi. ML's gentle voice when they were intimate for the first time was touching. Their relationship did suffer from lack of communication (I blamed it on FL). Despite that, this drama is very focused on their relationship with little interference from third party and I like it this way!
3. Family theme - The core theme of this drama is family and I enjoyed it!
4. Acting - Out of all the Huang Bo-Xu Si Qi collaborations that I have seen, I think this is my favourite because of the richness in their acting. Various emotional states were expressed by both of them.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits worn in this drama.
6. Supporting character - I liked FL's best friend and adopted brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I disliked her insecure and rash behaviour. She made assumptions about ML, left without confronting him and when she was wrong, she apologised and promised to stay together. She did this a few times but good thing she remained loyal to ML.
2. Antagonists - ML's family was controlling.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL made out and then came a proposal

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Well-written and compact fantasy romance drama

I found this drama while going through Liu Qing's drama playlist on Youtube. However I only watched this drama last week when I wanted to watch something that is less than 90 minutes. This is one of the best written vertical dramas I have watched.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I must say I was hesitant to watch another merman story because My Mermaid Husband is a letdown. Thankfully this drama did justice to mermaid trope because of the excellent writing. A Youtube user mentioned that this drama's plot is similar to Kdrama My Demon but I beg to differ. This is a better fantasy drama. I appreciate the gender reversal with FL being a boss and ML being her assistant. I also liked the antagonist arc because it did not involve any love rival or jealous family members.
2. Product placement - This is my 2nd or 3rd time watching a Chinese drama heavy with product placement and yes, it was clever marketing. The writer brilliantly interweaved the products into the story that the products seemed relevant to the characters.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was hardworking, smart & fair boss. This is my first time watching Yi La playing a serious character and she did well.
4. ML characterisation - Liu Qing usually portrayed intense characters so I liked this one the most because he was funny! ML was smart (i) to apply for a position of FL's assistant in order to retrieve his missing item, and (ii) to use resources around FL.
5. Supporting characters - OMG, this drama has different set of supporting characters that provided intel for ML and comedic relief for us.
6. Romance - Mostly sweet romance. I watched a few of Yi La's dramas so I know that she doesn't do real kissing. That's fine because the romance in this drama is believable enough.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I usually don't mind vague ending because I could make my own interpretation easily. However this one left me with some unanswered questions.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL his special power

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Potential to be a good drama ruined by FL's characterisation

There is something about Yu Pei Shan that compels me to explore his dramas. I was intrigued by this drama because FL was given the role of a villain and the running time is less than 90 minutes.

What I liked:
1. Yu Pei Shan - He was dashing in this drama even though his character was overshadowed by FL.
2. Intro scene - A sexy start and I liked it. I also liked the scene of how FL was brought into ML's world.
3. Ending - I enjoyed the vague ending.
4. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both ML & FL.
5. Running time - It's good that this drama was short because otherwise I'd be struggling to finish it.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She had the advantage of knowing where things are headed but she was not strategic in her decision making. I understand that FL was playing a role to meet a goal but I got tired of her "lies" especially when she deceived the King of Dragon boss.
2. Romance - I don't buy the romance because FL had lied so many times. I also don't see FL as someone who genuinely like ML.

Favourite scene
When FL comforted ML who was going through a tough time

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Mature jiejie romance with great acting by leads

I was intrigued by this drama because I liked the poster and the drama is about older woman-younger man romance. I had watched dramas by both Yu Xiao Wan and Chen Yun Ting.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She designs jewellery and I enjoyed her "at work" scenes. She is a great boss and a rational person. I liked that FL doesn't get mad when she found out about ML's real identity. She weighs pros and cons of being in a romantic relationship with ML. Great acting by Yu Xiao Wan.
2. Romance - Lusty, loving & mature. I loved ML's dedication towards loving & protecting ML. FL was committed to the relationship once she felt sure & secure - I liked this!
3. ML characterisation - He was smart to offer himself as muse. Though I am not a fan of secret identity, ML didn't drag it out.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits as they exude confidence & elegance.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's cousin a lot!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Feifei was too annoying. I also disliked ML's parents.

Favourite scene
When FL confided her feelings after the chandelier incident

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Charmed by Yao Yuchen in this light rom-com about love and family

I enjoy watching dramas of Yao Yuchen and Zhang Yi Yang so I was delighted when I discovered this drama on reddit.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's interesting to see FL's hiding her identity for survival. I love her hidden hobby. I must say Yao Yuchen is one of the most charming vertical drama actresses. I liked her in this role.
2. Romance - There were a lot of kissing and sweet moments between ML & FL. There is also a secondary romance in this drama, which I enjoyed.
3. Friendship - It's refreshing to see that FL and SFL are besties instead of rivals. I love watching their friendship in this drama.
4. Styling - Fabulous style for FL. She gets better outfits compared to her bestie.
5. Supporting characters - ML's mother is wonderful!

What I disliked:
1. ML's brother - His character is severely underwritten and the actor had the least screentime. I wish the writer had given him a better arc.

Favourite scene
When FL & SFL panicked because their husbands could find out their secrets

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Sweet romance but drama is not memorable

I picked this drama because I discovered it in Xia Jingran's filmography. It had been awhile since I last watched Du Ya Fei's drama. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Crush - I liked that ML developed crush on FL because of her kindness.
2. Romance - Sweet romance with a lot of light touches and hugging.
3. Styling - Xia Jingran has fabulous hair, which can be seen in this drama. I love her clothes and especially shoes. Fascinating choice considering the height difference between her and Du Ya Fei.
4. Acting - I liked Du Ya Fei and Xia Jing Ran's acting.

What I disliked:
1. Secret identity - After watching plenty of dramas on a regular basis for almost 5 months, I felt that there was nothing new offered in this drama.
2. Antagonist - same old, same old. Jealous of FL.

Favourite scene
When FL first saw her hubby shirtless.

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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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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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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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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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Lots of foreplay but overall drama was draggy

I saw a link request for this drama on reddit. The positive reviews here convinced me to watch it last night. Oh dear, I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was palpable chemistry between Cheng Zi and Lan Bo that made those intimate scenes sizzling. So much foreplay between the main characters.
2. Supporting character - ML's assistant in the first scenario was the MVP of this drama. His remarks whenever FL & ML were in conflict were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Tug of war - I understood that it was FL's mission but the push & pull between FL & ML exhausted me. I felt like she was toying with ML's feelings too much. I never felt that FL genuinely loved ML.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't quite understand FL character. What was payback for completing the mission? Did I miss the explanation? I disliked her because she toyed with ML's feelings.
3. Pacing - Gosh this drama was draggy. This first scenario was too long that I was already bored by the start of the second scenario. I didn't pay attention to the second scenario. I wish the writer & director put equal amount of time for both scenarios.
4. Ending - I didn't like the ending because it never clearly addressed the introductory scene.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the filming set at the time FL about to shoot a kissing scene

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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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