emberzmars

Beautiful styling in otherwise forgettable drama

I totally forgot that I had watched this drama until I saw it appear on my YouTube dashboard a few weeks ago. On my second watch I recognised FL & ML. I had seen Yang Chuan Bei in mini drama Attacking Lady.

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's styling was impeccable from the hair to the glasses, dresses & business suits. The only thing I disliked is the dangling earrings.
2. FL characterisation - She was cool, sophisticated & goal getter.
3. Antagonist - I usually disliked antagonists but I was more sympathetic with this one. She was memorable because she committed a big crime & ooo had a cool wig.
4. Variety show - It added some humour & light vibe to this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Yang Chuan Bei's acting - I am not sure if cold, emotionally repressed guy was his signature approach to acting but for this drama, I couldn't warm up to him. At least in Attacking Lady, he had shown his character's vulnerability.
2. Romance - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhai Xin Ran & Yang Chuan Bei.

Favourite scene
When FL clashed with a male contestant from the variety show

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Zhen Zi Qi was adorable as playful hubby but lack of chemistry couldn't save me from feeling bored

I am a fan of Zhen Zi Qi. Found this drama on Youtube a few days ago & watched it this evening before dinner. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - OMG the auction scene was hilarious! I have never seen 2 men competing against each other using those tactics hahaha.
2. Zhen Zi Qi - It's wonderful to see him in a light, comedic role. Gosh he looked so adorable when his character was playful with FL.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was too much resistance from FL even with 20 minutes to the end of the drama. They never discussed their marital problems so I was baffled about the reconciliation. I also couldn't feel any chemistry between Zhen Zi Qi & Teng Ze Wen.
2. FL characterisation - I found FL's multiple hats quite random & disconnected. By using this approach, I don't sense any depth in her characterisation.
3. Ending - WTH is the ending???
4. SFL - OMG ML's admirer calling him 'Jing Yun gege' every time she was on screen irritated me! Surprised she was punished after accumulation of a few successful scheming.

Favourite scene
The auction

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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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Good showcase of mental health disorder but final 15 minutes was a haste!

I enjoy Zhang Qi Xuan and Qiao Jia Le's dramas so I was delighted to find out that they have worked together. I was intrigued by the comments left on Youtube. Mental health issue is definitely not explored much in vertical drama space. That being said, I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Zhang Qi Xuan and Qiao Jia Le did well in their roles. I enjoyed their performances be it as their individual character or as a couple. They had good chemistry and I'd like to see them together in other dramas.
2. Romance - Their romance was a slow burn, which was a good choice by the writer & director considering FL's delicate state of mind. There were some nice kisses and other physical touch. I wish FL would show more desire/appreciation instead of overthinking ML's moves.
3. Mental health issue - It was done well but there was potential to go deeper with FL's lived experiences.
4. Supporting characters - In spite of the bad treatment, I actually liked FL's sis during a major reveal at 1:30:00 mark. To my surprise, she displayed compassion towards FL whom did not appreciate it unfortunately. Anyway I liked ML's assistant and grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Child issue - This arc was so underwritten that it didn't add much value to this drama. It could be omitted from the overall drama.
2. Third act - There were 3 major reveals in the last 15 minutes. Such lazy writing with this drama being 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
3. Ending - WTH is the ending about? It's like a random dream!

Favourite scene
When FL purchased and ate spicy dried fish

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Trust and respect provided strong basis for FL-ML relationship

I have been watching a lot of vertical dramas on Youtube but also have paid subscription to iQiyi, Youku, wetv & Netflix. Came across this drama on iQiyi & went to read reviews on MDL. Sounded promising so I clicked 'Play' last weekend. 'Love and Strife' has a quiet vibe compared to other historical mini dramas but I enjoyed watching it.

What I liked:
1. Main characters' arcs - I appreciate the simplicity of both characters' arcs. FL's family was framed & murdered so she wanted to avenge. Whereas ML was trying to correct the wrongdoings done in the State.
2. Romance - I'd say their romance is more sweet & tender. The love they had for each other grew slowly. Trust and respect were built and provided strong basis for their relationship.
3. Third act - One of the most coherent & well written I've ever watched. The ending was satisfying.
4. Acting - I have watched Chen Si Che in modern vertical dramas. She did well in period mini drama. I've also watched Cai Zheng Jie in Shameless Lover though I don't recall his character there. He gave a solid performance as ML in this mini drama. the other cast did good too.

What I disliked:
1. Familiarity - Having watched too many historical mini dramas, I felt that there was nothing new in execution of the plot.
2. ML's secret identity - I wasn't sure the point of having ML to put on a mask since most of the investigations were done by his people. Was the purpose of the masked stranger to create sexual tension between him and FL?

Favourite scene
When FL & ML investigated the case of loan sharks

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Huang Jing Zhou was impressive as half demon

I had this drama in my playlist for half a year. I think I added it after watching Dong Lan Xue. Well last night I felt it was time to watch the drama. I have watched Huang Jing Zhou's dramas but this is my first time watching Yang Yi Mo's acting. Overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious at the start, more like an antagonist but turned out to be anti-hero. Huang Jing Zhou did well as the half-demon ML. I could see his character's internal struggle between his survival & FL's survival.
2. Writing - Very fascinating combo of drama, fantasy & romance. I liked that the drama centred around survival, slavery & ethics. The 2 twists surprised me. That line about humans being scariest than ghosts / witchcraft is true.
3. Supporting characters - Well written supporting characters in particular FL's family & friend.
4. VFX - I like the effects they did for blood shed.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I understand her hatred for ML but after awhile it stunted her character growth. She seemed helpless but not as pathetic. I was also underwhelmed by Yang Yi Mo's performance but perhaps this was tied to her character's development.
2. Romance - I don't sense much romance considering FL was always hostile towards ML. I could see ML's changing the way he treated FL halfway through the drama. It was definitely one-sided romance. Anyway I enjoyed his bloodsucking scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL revealed her supernatural powers in public

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Good transmigration tale marred by lack of romance

I am a fan of Zhu Mo Yan but has never watched her historical drama. This had been in my playlist for awhile so I thought why not watch it while I am on historical vertical drama phase. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Jiao Pei Kai / Bai Fang Wen - This is my first time watching his drama. He was quite endearing and comical as ML. I liked him enough to explore his other work.
2. Li Sheng Jie - I wasn't sure it was him at the start but once the drama hit halfway mark, his appearance confirmed my suspicious. It was good seeing him as a sinister SML as I've only watched him as kind ML.
3. Transmigration arc - It was fascinating to see ML being transmigrated because most transmigration dramas had FL experiencing it. I also liked the very last scene.
4. Zhu Mo Yan - This wasn't her best role but I liked her character during the ancient times. Her outfit looked great as she looked convincing as minister/right hand person to the majesty.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was so much resistance from FL that there was barely any romantic scenes in the drama. The poster to me looked like a romcom but in the end gave me false hope.
2. Jealousy arc - With running time of almost 3 hours, I'd say this drama gave too much screen time to the antagonists. It was draggy that I was playing on my phone i.e. didn't pay attention to the subtitles.
3. Styling - I have issues with FL's shoes. They didn't match her dress. I am not sure if she was given flat shoes to maintain height difference with ML but c'mon, give her pretty sandals or ballet flats.

Favourite scene
The betrayal at the start of the drama

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Romance amidst violent attacks & family feuds

I enjoy Jia Yixuan's acting so I explored her work & noticed I haven't watched this drama. I have never seen Yu Peishan's drama before. I was excited given the high reviews.

What I liked:
1. Rescue - I liked that both had rescued each other and at multiple times. My favourite is when ML, who was bloody from a shootout, was rescued by FL from a group attack. Pleasant surprise!
2. Romance - There were some nice kisses hehehe ML liked attacking FL with kisses. Overall their romance was endearing - the hugs were cute. We were teased with sexy nightwear but director never gave us sexy bedroom scene.
3. Sister dynamics - It's quite rare for FL in vertical dramas to have more than 1 sibling. I enjoyed watching sister dynamics especially when second sister was introduced halfway through the series.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - This is one bloody vertical drama. I was surprised by how well ML recovered from his injuries, more than once.
2. Ending - It was abrupt.
3. Lifespan - ML was told he could only survived for another 2 months but there wasn't any scene of him informing FL. I wish they had more serious discussions considering the issues that they faced as individuals.

Favourite scene
ML, who was bloody from a shootout, was rescued by FL from a group attack.

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Expected sizzle but got fizzle

I have a massive crush on Bai Yan as she is a great actress that emotes and choose roles very well. This drama is my second He Cong Rui drama - my first was Huang Jin Tai, which I enjoyed immensely. I was curious to watch this combo.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I like He Cong Rui's styling for this drama. The haircut really made him looked like a mischievous troublemaker especially when he donned necklaces. FL's outfits were pretty with red dress being my favourite.
2. ML's career - This is one of the few vertical dramas which ML is not a CEO. Ling Si Huai is a surgeon. He faced a work conflict in the second act and I really enjoyed those scenes. I felt his pain.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I had hoped for sizzling chemistry between Bai Yan and He Cong Rui but was left disappointed. I don't buy the romance between FL and ML because they felt more like friends. Though I appreciated the genuine concern they had for each other.
2. Third act - Too much screentime for FL's bff Xu Man & Dr Qi Jia which also made me lose interest in the drama.
3. Antagonist - Wow, a delusional SFL that met a nasty end. The actress looked familiar but I can't recall her name.

Favourite scene
When ML faced a conflict at work and had to choose either unscheduled surgery or his family

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Th romance is dead. Let down by this drama

This is the second Ma Shiyao & Si Jia Li collaboration I watched. I had high expectations because I loved their drama "Jiu Ye Qing Zi Zhong" because of their sizzling chemistry and affectionate scenes. Oh boy, I was let down by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Kids - Both child characters played important role in this drama. The child actor & child actress did well in their roles.
2. FL characterisation - She's strong willed and kind. I liked that she was not ashamed of being a cleaner.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & ML's mother.
4. Styling - Outfits worn by SFL were beautiful (I love the red gown) but impractical. Who wears cocktail dresses to work?

What I disliked:
1. Snobbery - Gosh the amount of snobs (SFL, her minions) in this drama is irritating. Even ML was snobbish at the start. I disliked him for mentioning his donations to the kindergarten when talking to principal about the kids' issue.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance here is dead. There was an intimate scene at the start but after that, there were hardly any romantic scene. Not even a peck or hand-holding.
3. SFL - She's among the cruelest I've ever seen in vertical dramaland. When you used your own kid to get a man's attention, it is just despicable.
4. Slaps - The amount of slaps in this drama is just unbelievable!

Favourite scene
When the boy was envious of her female schoolmate because her mum hugged her. Such a heartbreaking scene!

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❤️ reverse gender role, headhunting cases & acting

I tend to watch more Chinese dramas than Korean dramas but I was in the mood for kdrama after enjoying
'When the Phone Rings'. I watched this series at the recommendation of my dad.

What I liked:
1. Gender roles - I like the reverse gender roles portrayed in this drama. I watched the different lifestyles with FL being CEO while ML being her secretary
2. Parenting - ML is also a single dad. Love watching Eunho moments with his daughter Byeol. Heartwarming!
3. Acting - Overall solid performances by the cast including the child actress and actor.
4. Headhunting - I enjoyed watching headhunters in action. My favourite episode is the luxury good appraiser - what an insight!
5. Product placement - I actually enjoy watching scenes featuring sponsors, Subway & Kopiko. In fact I even bought Kopiko at local supermarket.
6. Guest star - I am a fan of Go Won Hee so I was delighted to see her in this drama. Her episode was touching.
7. Styling - Love the styling for FL, ML & Junghoon.
Lee Jun Hyuk was very handsome. He reminded me of Superman Christipher Reeves.

What I disliked:
1. Rivalry - It's wonderful to see 2 powerful CEOs being competitive with each other. The antagonist is sinister with her ways, which is great because it highlights the value of integrity. However I dislike how the conflict between 2 of them was resolved after so much build up.
2. Ending - The last episode had dull moments. Junghoon & Sohyeon's scenes were not exciting as I felt that there wasn't much build up between them in earlier episodes.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she liked him

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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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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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