emberzmars

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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Laugh out loud, intergeneration and wholesome are the words I choose to describe this drama

I found this drama on YouTube almost 3 weeks ago and did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I never laughed so much before. I think this is the vertical drama with the most comedic moments I have ever stumbled upon. I literally mean by chance because I wouldn't have watched it if the first scene didn't have CGI.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - The writing was good. A lot of physical comedy but does not annoy me. Sarcasm was spot on.
2. Acting - I have seen comments about Sun Qian Xun being excellent in comedy (this was my first drama of hers) but Zhang Yun Tao doing comedy, that I never expect and he did well.
3. Supporting characters - The grandson had an important role in this drama. The kid actor was excellent in his role & was adorable too. Lu Shi Bai is great supporting character. I like how his character was wrapped up.
4. Dynamics - ML-ML's grandpa interactions were entertaining. Rude but respectful if that makes sense. I also enjoyed the interactions between the grandson and ML's grandpa. So wholesome.
5. Styling - Fashion wise I love how ML was styled especially the magenta tinge on his bangs & his outfits once he crossed over to the other side of that magical mirror.

What I disliked:
1. Addressing mother - Why does FL's son call the mum "Hwa Jie" (Flower sister) instead of "Mama"? At times I bought it i.e. think of FL as sister instead of mother to the kid.
2. Romance - Romance could be done better. There was a lot of push in their relationship than pull. I would like more affectionate gesture like peck on cheek, hugging, kissing.
3. Dynamic - I wish there were more father-son bonding on screen. I think this drama could have more emotional connection if ML refused to harm or sacrifice the boy because he wants his son to live well.

Favourite scene
The first time a full moon appeared that affected the three generations of phoenixes.

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Handsome ML but overall drama was underwhelming

I found this drama on Youtube and was pleasantly surprised when I saw Li Xue Dan getting credited as FL in this drama. I liked her acting in Wen Rou Ye Gu. I have never seen Jiao Rui's acting before. Overall the drama was underwhelming.

What I liked:
1. Jiao Rui - I must say that I was captivated by him whenever he appeared on screen. Good looking and he can act. He got swagger!
2. Supporting character - I find SFL the bestie was more interesting than FL. The actor who played ML's love rival was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I am frustrated by her passive behaviour at work and towards her husband. Where is the competitive spirit? FL too timid for my liking. Li Xue Dan gave underwhelming performance for a FL.
2. Romance - Lacklustre. They felt more like roommates than a married couple. Gosh if I had a handsome husband who was so into me, I would kiss him senseless. I wish they had open communication about their feelings because a lot of assumptions being made especially by FL.
3. Writing - I found the drama draggy. Wish there was more dance component.

Favourite scene
When FL was confronted by badass ML at the start of this drama

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Sweet reborn drama but I disliked ML's action in third act

This is the second time I watched Wu Tian Hao in a vertically shot drama. I love his performance in I Just Want You. I had never watched Yang Zhi Wen's work before this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - This FL is sensible and I liked it! She's wary of ML's intentions because of her past relationship and I think that's smart of her. I like Yang Zhi Wen's portrayal of this role because she managed to showcase different facets of her character. FL wasn't annoying.
2. Wu Tian Hao - It is great to see him playing an assertive, no-nonsense character. It contrasts with his pretty boy visuals.
3. Tone - It's light and fast-paced.
4. Reborn - I liked that when given second chance, FL focused on herself rather than sought revenge.
5. Romance - Sweet romance except the start felt off (see What I disliked section)
6. Styling - ML had impeccable styling. As for FL's styling, I prefer the mature look to the teenage look. The white dress she wore in third act was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. ML's deception - I disliked ML for deceiving FL to fix a situation that he's facing.
2. Pursuit - I felt that the wooing was aggressive and no wonder it took awhile for FL to accept ML's pursuit.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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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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Mindless, very short vertical drama about rich guy, poor girl

I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas when I watched this series few months ago. This is one of the vertical drama series that you should just leave your brain at the door.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite her circumstance, she was kind, genuine and likeable. She also had class in comparison to the green tea and her friend. This is a damsel in distress story that I enjoy watching.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father because he stood up for his daughter, which is quite rare in Chinese vertical dramas. I also liked ML's sister for recognising FL as nice person and immediately treating her well.
3. Duration - I think the duration for this story was good enough.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - The first intimate scene had dubious consent and I disliked ML's reaction the morning after.
2. Pregnancy - Just a small issue - why must she be pregnant with triplets? Huang Bo's swimmers that good huh?

Favourite scene
When FL's father slapped ML

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Gripping revenge mystery drama with great acting by 3 leads

I thought I had seen too many revenge vertically shot dramas but oh boy, I was wrong. This revenge tale has a fresh and captivating plot - I love it!

What I liked:
1. Han Yu Tong - Girl never fails to amaze me with her acting chops. She was truly excellent in this drama as she portrayed 2 different characters.
2. Revenge arc - I liked that FL was focused on revenge. Damn, clever twist in the third act.
3. Antagonist - This is the rare case of a main antagonist that I love to hate!
4. Diary - I love the scenes involving a diary.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL.

What I disliked:
1. Cliffhanger - OMG, I need a part 2!!!

Favourite scene
The variety show

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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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Drama confuses me but Wei Ruo Chen was handsome

Fangirl of Zhang Chu Xuan here. I have aslo watched Wei Ruo Chen's drama about jiejie romance 'Love is Imminent'. I had saved the link but it was removed by uploader. Then thanks to Jwells who found alternative link, I watched this drama last night. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar arcs - I was reminded of few movies & tv series while watching this drama e.g. Korean drama 'W', American movie 'Palm Springs'.
2. FL characterisation - FL is a writer who got dragged into the story but her character was a villain. I liked that she knew the plot and tried to change the outcomes.
3. ML characterisation - A very interesting backstory and I liked the mysterious allure that he exuded. Wei Ruo Chen was good in his role. Plus he was handsome.
4. Supporting characters - The SML was handsome. Both SFL & SML piqued my interest.

What I disliked:
1. Translation - Gosh the translation wasn't good so I got confused with the story & lost focus after certain point.
2. Antagonist - Interesting concept but I think it could be written better. What is the motivation of the antagonist to do those things to the main characters? Or did I miss them because I got lost in translation?
3. Romance - I didn't feel much romantic vibe from the two characters. I blamed it on the writing.

Favourite scene
When ML fell from the roof

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Sweet, slow burn romance with He Cong Rui as mild-mannered ML

I was in the mood to watch more Han Jia Hui's drama after completing "Utterly Submit". Found this drama on Youtube and since I also liked He Cong Rui, I gave it a go. Such a sweet romance!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking, smart & self-sufficient. She solved her own problems. I liked that she never forced herself to work in a toxic environment. Han Jia Hui was great in this role.
2. ML characterisation - It's wonderful that he is not a CEO. He is a heart disease researcher. Yes he came from an influential family but he never used his connections for FL's employment. I've always watched He Cong Rui playing a domineering character so it's great to see him as a mild mannered man.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a literal meet cute! Him in shorts & hair wrap made me chuckled! Sweet, slow burn romance. Longing glances. Quite believable because of the challenges they had gone through. There were some kisses and a brief intimate scene though I wish for more.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's best friend. She shared great observations and advice. ML's friend was great too. I liked how he handled the antagonist. I found FL's admirer was a good love rival to ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist, FL's business rival, is a well-developed character. It's refreshing in that sense however I disliked her for putting FL in a dangerous situation. For a hotel manager, I don't understand how she could spend a lot of time at a rival hotel.
2. Aesthetics - The colour gradient was dull making this drama to be seen as having a low production value. FL's clothes were ordinary but her work uniform was pretty.

Favourite scene
ML's love confession

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Jiejie romance at work that was a pleasant watch

Older woman-younger man romance, also known as jiejie romance, is my favourite trope. I didn't realise that this trope was present in this drama until 15 minutes of watching it. This is a simple jiejie romance that is set at workplace. I enjoyed this drama despite not knowing any of the leads.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart & mature. She showed her vulnerability throughout the drama and I liked that in FL. I enjoyed Liu Mei Yi's acting in this drama. She reminded me of Korean female singer, Hwasa.
2. Romance - Their first hookup, the morning after and the shower scene were sexy and I found them to be attractive. There were some nice kisses in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - Despite them working together as colleagues, I liked that ML was respectful of FL. He never abused his power to have a relationship with FL.
4. Work - I liked that they supported each other whenever one faced challenges at work together.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I dislike people who take credit for something they never work on and this happens with the green tea. FL's father was horrible too.

Favourite scene
When FL saw ML at work right after hook up and took him to the pantry

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Miscast FL & bad writing made this drama dull & boring

I saw Yin Yi Bo's new drama about countryside girl on reddit. Hhhhmm I had never watched his drama before so I was intrigued & decided to watch this drama instead of that new release. Hhhhhmmm I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Yin Yi Bo - I found him handsome with him in this styling. He had captivating presence that made me want to explore his other dramas.
2. FL characterisation - I liked it when she was flirty/coquettish with ML. I also enjoyed the scenes when she confronted green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - Gosh this drama was dull. Too many talking / arguing scenes that are typical of vertical cdramas, I just fast-forwarded. I don't even recall the story after completing it.
2. Feng Yi Xin - She didn't have much presence for a role like this. Based on the synopsis, Gu Ming Zhu was supposed to be bold & assertive but Feng Yi Xin wasn't able to show those traits.
3. Romance - I can tolerate bad script if there is good chemistry between the leads especially when they are enemies or rivals. Sadly there wasn't any chemistry between Yin Yi Bo & Feng Yi Xin.

Favourite scene
When FL took a bath

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I want to see Zhen Zi Qi do more comedic role!

I saw Zhen Zi Qi on thumbnail, I clicked 'play'. I didn't expect him to be this entertaining!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her reaction upon finding out her situation. She was cool, funny & flirty. This was my first time watching Mo Ning drama and I was highly entertained.
2. ML characterisation - Omigosh it was wonderful to see Zhen Zi Qi playing a role that is lighthearted. His character was suspicious, sarcastic but cheeky. Loved the way he rolled his eyes.
3. Romance - They formed alliance which gradually turned to a romantic relationship. I enjoyed the bantering & chemistry between the two. There was some sizzling kiss.
4. Comedy - Many laugh out loud moments! The wedding, the ending Omigosh hilarious!
5. Pacing - This story was tight & paced well and I appreciated it.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, the scheming in this drama was something else.
2. Real world - Whenever there was transmigration arc, I always wonder how the arc would be wrapped up. It'd be nice if the arc could be tied to FL's reality - she was a nurse so perhaps...

Favourite scene
The wedding

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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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Revenge best served cold indeed

I am a fan of Chen Zheng Yang & Song Yu Jia & found this drama through one of their playlist. I enjoyed this drama even though there was hardly romance.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing acting by Song Yu Jia & the actress who played her bitter rival. I wish I knew SFL's name.
2. FL characterisation - She was determined & focused in accomplishing her goal. I liked that she was kind to the kid.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed the twist involving Lawyer Yang. Revenge best served cold indeed.
4. Relationship - Romance between FL & ML were shown in flashbacks and there was no romance between them in present. I liked that FL was firm with her stance regarding ML.
5. Ending - Bittersweet which I found fitting for this story.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She was the most extreme antagonist I have seen in vertical drama land. The things she had done to accomplish her goal were insane.

Favourite scene
When FL visited her parents' graves

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