emberzmars

Life post-divorce included new love, career restart & unfortunately ex-husband's harassment

I was in the mood for Meng Jia Hui drama so I picked this one because it's the latest on his MDL profile. The synopsis was fascinating. Xia Xun Zi is unfamiliar to me so all these added some excitement and expectation. It was a good watch despite bloated antagonist arc.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - This drama centred on FL's life post-divorce. I liked that she didn't have a pity party for herself. She knew her worth.
2. ML characterisation - I really liked him. He was smart, supportive & focused on his goal.
3. Romance - Wow, ML had tricks up his sleeve. Well he had crush on her for 10 years but never meddled in FL's relationship with previous husband. I don't like deception but the lie was discovered quite soon after the marriage. I liked that he negotiated with FL about the terms of their marriage.
4. Supporting character - I loved ML's mother who initially played along then decided to tell FL the truth.
5. Styling - Good outfits chosen for both leads. FL looked great and fashionable. XXZ seemed talk too because she wore kitten heels and height difference wasn't too big.
6. Duration - Just over 2 hours is nice.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Ex husband was scumbag for denying his cheating behaviour. The mistress was annoying gold-digger and an imposter. His mother and sister were selfish too. Anyway I disliked that antagonist arc was given too much screen time.
2. Romance - I wish the antagonist screen time was cut short and reallocated to the main couple. I'd love to see their romantic progression develop with substance.
3. Acting - While I liked her voice, I found her performance was monotonous. I didn't also sense much chemistry and warmth between Xia Xun Zi and Meng Jia Hui.

Favourite scene
When ML introduced his wife at the banquet

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This drama should be reframed as the Tale of an Antagonist - her character arc was stronger

I had not watched Huang Bo dramas in months and with the slow updates of Chinese vertical dramas on MDL catalogue, I decided to watch this one. I could immediately write a review after completing the series and gosh I was letdown.

What I liked:
1. ML's grandfather - Wow, he was the best character in this drama. Never once believed the antagonist's words because he could sense her true colours. I also liked that he was never pushy with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He was love-brained. He couldn't get over FL even after 5 years. I forgave him for marrying the antagonist because she trapped him. He didn't get much screentime though.
3. SML - He too had character development. Not purely evil, there were moments of compassion.
4. Ending - I liked how SML & antagonist characters were wrapped up. That police arrest was cleverly done.
5. Acting - The actress who played the antagonist gave the best performance in this drama. She also had good chemistry with the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist is the main character - she was given too much screentime. Her character also had a good development that you could see that she was kind at one point i.e. not purely evil.
2. FL characterisation - She was weak. I understood that she had no memories of her past but c'mon, where were her instincts? She didn't fight back when bullied and this stayed until 75% of the drama. She was gullible too.
3. Romance - The secondary couple had more romantic scenes than the main couple. Huang Bo can do great kissing scenes but I think Yang Cheng Lu wasn't comfortable because there was no close up of their kissing scenes and they were hasty too.
4. Acting - Yang Cheng Lu gave a bland performance that you'd forget about her after watching this drama. There was no chemistry between her and Huang Bo.

Favourite scene
When police came to arrest the antagonist

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Fiery chemistry between leads and wow they were an attractive couple

I watched the other version of this drama Lead Him Back when it was a fresh release. Fast forward to couple of days ago when I noticed this drama. I am writing a reddit column about 2 dramas from the same source so today I decided to watch and review this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - FL chased ML and the pursuit took some time to produce results. The rewards: affection & hot kisses. Once they were together, the scenes came ablaze.
2. Acting - I must say the chemistry was palpable and much better than the other version (Sun Qian Xun & Wang Nian Jiang Cheng). Both were good in their roles too but SQX did better than Zhai Cheng Lu.
3. FL characterisation - She was calm & composed. I also liked that she explicitly told ML about her crush on him.
4. ML characterisation - He was cool unattainable captain. I liked that he was a gentleman.
5. Styling - I like manly man and damn, Zhang Si Fan was hot in pilot uniform. I also liked the clothes worn by FL. Anyway kudos to the sylist for elevating the looks because Zhang Si Fan & Zhai Cheng Lu made one gorgeous couple.
6. Ending - OMG, I didn't expect a cute ending.
7. Supporting characters - I liked the friends of FL & ML. They had good environment.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Her relatives were bad. They abandoned her.
2. Editing - Somehow the storytelling wasn't as tight as the other version. I could hardly feel the tension between FL and her relatives.

Favourite scene
When ML embraced FL's pursuit

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The twists made this stolen identity story exciting until the very end

I was preparing for a reddit post about Chinese vertical drama actors from Taiwan and decided to revisit Bai Yi Xiang's work even though I had seen 3 already. I picked this drama because I had only seen Zhai Cheng Lu in 1 drama. I must say this drama exceeded my expectation thanks to the writing.

What I liked:
1. Stolen identity - There was a good combination of elements to strengthen the stolen identity trope.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Zhai Cheng Lu and Liu Yan Jun's performances. Contrasting style to make their different personas stand out. Bai Yi Xiang was also good in his role in comparison to his other dramas that I have seen. The actress who played mother to both sisters was good too.
3. FL characterisation - She was calm, composed & kind. She was not an idle housewife - there were a few work scenes that showcased her capability at work.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between FL and ML post-identity swap. There were sweet gestures by FL towards ML.
5. Twists - I loved how the twists were presented in this drama. In most vertical dramas, the third act became flat after climax but this drama managed to keep my excitement and interest until the very end.
6. Pacing - 2 hours 14 minute drama that is well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Si Yao was a jealous opportunist and manipulative. She saw an opportunity that could benefit her without much work and took it. Mr Lu was another opportunist who was smart enough to get entangled with Si Yao.
2. FL's mother - Oh the twist! Her actions after finding out the truth frustrated me.
3. Cheating - ML slept with FL when she was drunk and amnesiac because he felt a connection with her. Then he never came clean to his wife-to-be. It's just icky to me that he cheated even with this complicated stolen identity element.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother revealed that she know about the stolen identity

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FL learnt to be self-reliant and independent after husband’s betrayal

I was in the mood for a jiejie romance drama (as a palate cleanser) after watching a terrible remake of Debauchery. I settled on this title because I thought why not give chance to someone unfamiliar. I had not seen the work of either leads. This drama was stressful watch but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Writing - While I didn't like the things that happened to FL, they were the realities of a betrayed wife. Those moments affected me especially the one in third act. Really added fuel to fire.
2. FL characterisation - I saw her as pitiful at first because of how she saw her value. However there was character growth - she gained self-esteem & confidence to persist & make herself happy. She was resilient.
3. Acting - Wow I was impressed by Nai Yi Wen's acting. Her performance made me want to watch more of her dramas. Xiao Wen Yu was good in his role too and my gosh their age gap was truly big! I also liked Wei Jia Yu's acting here. The flashbacks made both FL & SML fully flshed out characters.
4. ML characterisation - He had longtime crush on her but wasn't aggressive in his pursuit of her unlike MLs in other jiejie romance drama. He gave her space & reassurance.
5. Romance - I appreciated that their relationship didn't start with a one night stand like other jiejie romance dramas. There was push-and-pull dynamics and overall their relationship wasn't rushed.
6. Styling - I liked the dress she wore at the competition. Suited her figure and character.

What I disliked
1. Antagonists - Wow FL's husband was infuriating. He gaslighted her once she found out about his cheating and even manipulated his kids into taking his side. His mistress was horrible too for wanting to climb the corporate ladder without putting hard work.
2. FL's kids - OMG her daughter infuriated me for threatening FL. She acted like a child! So selfish!!! The son was a follower - wish he had more sense.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter threatened FL

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Dislike the abuse faced by FL but overall lighthearted family-focused drama

I was writing a reddit post about vertical drama actors aged 35 and above when I discovered this drama on iQIYI. I wanted to see if this could be my favourite Sean Pai drama so I watched it just before I published the post. This isn't my favourite drama of his.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant. Her medical skills were good but amusing.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's family. They were welcoming despite being rich folks. I also liked the twins even though they seemed too wise for their age.
3. Romance - It was sweet even though the romance arc was underwhelming to me. I liked that FL initiated the kiss.
4. Tone - It started off dramatic with the torture then slowly progressed into a lighthearted tale. One of my favourite scenes is the twins whipping ML into shape!
5. Ending - That abrupt moment was cute!
6. Family - This value was the focus of this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - I hated that FL was tortured & bullied by various people in this drama.
2. Antagonists - ML's pursuer who proclaimed to be ML's fiancee was annoying & behaved like a petulant kid. I wish she had gotten retribution - I disliked how the character was wrapped up. Now FL's senior was horrible for imprisoning FL and the twins.

Favourite scene
When FL cooked porridge for his brother-in-law

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No goody-two-shoes in this drama, every main character schemed to get what they wanted

This drama was mentioned in reddit and I got curious because there are 3 main characters. Since it was available on iQIYI, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:

1. The scheming - Wow, every main character schemed to get what they wanted. This caused me to be wary of their actions.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting, Zhu Zhe Ren, Wei Ruo Chen, the actor who played the Emperor, the actresses who played the Empress and FL's half-sister.
3. Styling - Beautiful. I loved every gown worn by FL. The peach-pink dress was attention grabbing no wonder the emperor noticed her. I also liked ML's red uniform.
4. Dynamic - I loved how FL-eunuch ML relationship evolved from helpless damsel & her advisor / mentor to romantic love.
5. ML characterisation - He was morally grey therefore intriguing!
6. FL characterisation - Her build was a surprise to me. She was betrayed but wasn't aggressive in seeking revenge. She was open to being mentored by ML.
7. Ending - Phew!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I despised SML - he was manipulative right from the start. The main concubine & FL’s sister were nasty but they were open about it. The empress was cunning & two-faced.
2. Abuse - There was infanticide. I also disliked also when FL were abused & bullied.

Favourite scene
When FL defeated SML

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Spicy with good looking ML but FL irritated me

I had this drama in my watchlist but only yesterday remembered to watch it because I was missing Zhou Ling Feng's acting. I watched Bend Over a few months ago so I had some expectations with this drama. Unfortunately they were not met. I prefer Bend Over.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious from the get go. I wasn't sure whether he had been reborn too when FL thought of it.
2. Romance - Their love language was physical touch. Lotsa kisses. They couldn't get away from each other. Many forms of seduction between them.
3. Zhou Ling Feng - He was good in his role. Insanely in love / lust and the same thing adorable (I blame his baby faced).
4. Styling - I liked their outfits especially when both were wearing emerald green. I also liked the outfits worn by the concubines.
5. Dream - I enjoyed the dream sequences as they provided insights towards ML's characterisation.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh her character wasn't interesting when she was without ML. So clingy and weak. Her moments with other love rivals were too little.
2. Wang Hai Min - I didn't like her acting her. She looked like she was going to cry all the time and that baby voice irritated me.
3. Antagonists- I didn't like FL's sister and that girl who aspired to be a concubine.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML during daytime

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Touching slowburn romance about healing of damaged self-worth

I watched this drama a few months ago but I didn't remember what led me to watch this drama. Was it Sun Yi Xun, the translated title or the thumbnail of youtube link? Nevertheless, I was glad I watched this drama because it touched my heart.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was patient and full of empathy. She never felt insecure when ML was distant. Instead, she tried her best to understand ML and make the best out of the arranged marriage. I was even impressed when she stood up to bullies.
2. ML characterisation - He was still reeling from childhood trauma when he married FL. That's why he was aloof - he just needed to be cherished. He treated FL with respect despite being in an arranged marriage.
3. Romance - Slow burn with healing of damaged self-worth. FL's love language is act of service - I liked it. No green tea to ruin or test their relationship.
4. Confrontation - Damn great scene.
5. Acting - Great performances by both leads with good chemistry. I felt the warmth exuded by their characters. I was surprised by Sun Yi Xun's chest tattoo. I am sure it's real because there is personal photo of him with tattoo peaking through his shirt.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was a psycho, punishing and controlling his grandson.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she liked him

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Boring uncle romance drama with no chemistry between leads

I missed Huang Bo and when this drama was released, I watched within first few days of release. Unfortunately this drama was not great. Boring uncle romance unlike the other drama Huang Bo co-starred with Zhi Peng.

What I liked:
1. Mafia boss - Not many scenes but they were fascinating. The gang was menacing.
2. Language - Wonderful to hear Cantonese. Not sure why there was mix of languages because ideally I wanted to hear boss & underlings to speak the same language.
3. Supporting characters - ML's henchman was entertaining. His jabs at ML were funny & he got away with saying his thoughts unfiltered.
4. Styling - I didn't like Huang Bo's gelled up hair which reminded me of Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However his clothes were good especially the pleather jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't buy it. Rong Rong didn't contribute to the relationship - she was lucky to be doted on.
2. FL characterisation - She was boring, insecure & passive. A damsel with no personality. Too cute for my liking.
3. Acting - The main actress gave a bland & amateurish performance. Plus there was no chemistry with Huang Bo.
4. Antagonists - FL's family were terrible & money minded.

Favourite scene
When ML's henchman said out loud what was on his mind

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This is proper love triangle with FL having relationship with 2 men at same time

I was in the mood for Li Bo Yi dramas and found this title in the playlist. I got intrigued so I watched and wow, I didn’t expect this love triangle drama to produce strong reactions. Overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Bo Yi and Ziang Yun Hao were amazing in their roles that I felt their desperation for FL's love & affection.
2. Romance - Wow, plenty passionate kisses. FL wasn't shy about what she wanted from both men.
3. Styling - I liked the contrasting styles for Meng Huai Yu & Shen Yan Zhi. They never wore the same colours when appeared together in scenes. Both men were very handsome.
4. ML characterisation - There are 2 MLs in this drama: the fiance Shen Yan Zhi & the other man Meng Huai Yu. I gravitated more towards Meng Huai Yu because he always prioritised FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I finished it in one sitting.
6. Storytelling - I liked that the twists & turns - I couldn't predict where the drama was going. It wasn't draggy too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yes FL was the antagonist. She played with the feelings with both men. I also couldn't read her thoughts when she drcided to continue having relationship with both men. I also didn't like Wen Yi Zhen for her scheming.
2. Acting - Gao Lin Lin gave an underwhelming performance - her facial expressions were lacking.
3. Ending - I didn't like it.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yi Zhen orchestrated a scene that required attention of Shen Yan Zhi

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Eerie supernatural with murder mystery and no romance

I was in the mood for something supernatural so I decided on this drama because the title of youtube video implied that FL talked to animals during livestream. I must say I was surprised by the twist because I did not expect for the drama to turn dark.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

1. Animals - I liked that live-streamed session in which FL talked to animals. I also liked the black cat scenes.
2. Eerie - Secrets about ML's father reflected true life in my country, in which elixir and youth potions are concocted using black magic. There was also scene of coffin opening. I found these scenes eerie.
3. Main characters - FL transmigrated and obtained superpower. I liked her cool & calm energy.
4. Antagonist arc - I liked this arc a lot because it had strong emotional connection to ML.
5. Styling - I liked their outfits. Normal everyday clothes, not necessarily gothic.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's "bestie". Such a change of character.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I think the first case could be shortened. Even though I liked the banquet, the conversation between FL and various members of ML's family had too much yapping.

Favourite scene
The banquet

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Underwhelming fantasy drama and no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge

I am a fan of supernatural themed drama so when I found out about this drama, I was ecstatic. I watched it last week during commute to work. To my dismay, I felt like it was lacking something by the time I completed the watch.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I liked the concept that mermaids can create pearls through their tears. It was mentioned here at the start of the drama but I couldn't recall seeing it happened. I also liked the shapeshifter concept.
2. Styling - The outfits worn by FL reflected her mermaid identity. Cute!
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man. His comments were entertaining.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Seemed forced / unnatural. No warmth. I didn't buy their love story because FL seemed to pity ML or perhaps it's the case of Stockholm Syndrome. Plus there was no chemistry between Zuo Ming and Liu Lan Ge.
2. Plot - FL & ML were underdeveloped characters. I felt like the drama could be stronger if ML's arc was given more time. The investigation was interesting but only introduced in the third act.
3. Antagonists - "Families" of both FL & ML were vicious. I didn't understand the warehouse scene led by FL's mother and sister. I understood it was revenge but it seemed haphazard?

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to push FL into the swimming pool

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Tearjerker tragedy with couple separated for decades due to family dispute and imprisonment

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas. So last night I chose this drama from his youtube playlist because of the running time (just slightly over 2 hours) and the amount of views. Wow, I was moved by the performances that I cried twice! This drama exceeded my expectation - I enjoyed this drama immensely. Sa Gang Yun's best work to date - he is more than just a hot daddy/uncle!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing. I thought it was going to be similar to other Sa Gang Yun's dramas in which he played a rich ML while his FLs were poor / in need of money. I was wrong! Brilliantly written drama with complex characters. The third act was unpredictable with shocking twists.
2. Acting - Sublime performances by the cast (Qian Chan, Sa Gang Yun, the actresses who played ML's mother, main antagonist & FL's daughter). There were two heartbreaking scenes in the final 30 minutes of the drama that really touched my heart - I cried hard.
3. FL characterisation - Flawed but likeable. She faced a tough choice when she was barely an adult - I could forgive her for taking that decision. She strived to be a better person and oh boy, that last 10 minutes was shocking to me.
4. ML characterisation - He was wrongfully imprisoned so I understood why he had cold demeanour. Even though I disagreed with his revenge on FL, the betrayal was hard to take in.
5. Supporting characters - The doctor who was in charge of FL's daughter's case. He was a good guy but FL friendzoned him - I think because she thought she did not deserve to fall in love again. I also really liked ML's mother and FL's daughter.
6. Styling - Good outfits and makeup for the characters, emphasising the different life stages (for FL & ML) and health levels (for those hospitalised and injured).
7. Duration - At 2 hours 6 minutes, this drama was well-paced and had a good length. I was never bored.
8. Romance - It was mostly in flashback scenes. They were sweet and very much in love. The final 10 minutes demonstrated everlasting love between the couple.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The green tea was bad $#it crazy! Spoilt brat enabled by her father. FL's father and brother were vicious - they prioritised money over family members. I just couldn't believe how FL's mother was treated.
2. Abuse - Hated when the poor was abused and treated worse than animals.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother told ML about FL's good deeds

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Mellow jiejie romance that could have done better with more chemistry and less running time

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I like Bai Yan's acting. The moment I saw this drama on its release day, I made a point to watch it immediately. It's great that older woman-younger man stories have grown to include different vibes from spicy, lusty & fast-paced to mellow & slow unravelling. This drama belongs to the mellow & slow unravelling. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Good production value. This drama made me feel like I am watching traditional 45-min-per-episode Chinese drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was focused on building her career. I understood why she didn't like her mother arranging blind date / marriage for her.
3. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL. I liked that he respected FL's decision.
4. Romance - The meet cute was amusing. Slow & steady romance with resistance coming from FL (who resisted relationship in general, not ML). There were many sweet moments and some nice kisses.
5. Supporting characters - ML's friends were entertaining. The mothers of the leads were adorable in their own ways.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - At almost 3 hours, I found this drama too long. The little misunderstandings were unnecessary.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Bai Yan and Zeng Xi Tang. I also found Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama a tad underwhelming. He gave much memorable performances as SML in other dramas.

Favourite scene
When FL finally admitted her feelings for ML

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