emberzmars

Strong start but falter past halfway mark

After two months of not utilising my Youku subscription, I decided to watch this minidrama because of the intriguing plot.

What I liked:
1. The start - This mini drama started off strong when FL, ML & FL's father were introduced.
2. Romance - I like this romance because FL is higher in power & authority compared to ML. There are some nice kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I like the in house doctor/ FL's advisor, FL's lady in waiting.

What I disliked:
1. Second half - I was surprised when FL revealed her secret to her father during halfway mark of the drama. However the drama became lacklustre after the reveal.
2. Antagonists - I think reason why it became lacklustre is the execution of antagonist arcs. The actor who main antagonist lacked conviction - perhaps he was miscast.
3. Dynamic - FL & ML dynamic wasn't as strong as I wanted / expected. There isn't emotional pull to this drama. I kept comparing this drama to The Killer is also Romantic, which pulled off 'opposites attract' dynamic really well.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML talking under cherry blossom tree

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Second chance romance with great kisses & acting

I am a fan of both Yu Long and Song Yu Jia. Upon finding out this drama, I became excited.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I like that she is smart, self-reliant and protective of her kid.
2. Romance - There are great kisses, thanks to Yu Long. This is a second chance romance and I like that ML realised that he still loves FL even before discovering that he has a child with FL.
3. Acting - Song Yu Jia does dramatic acting very well and so does Yu Long.
4. Supporting characters - I like the kid. He was raised well by FL - love his retort when he was given gifts by his grandmother.

What I disliked:
1. ML's mother - I hate her for projecting her grief onto FL and breaking up the couple. I dislike her for not apologising to FL immediately after ML found out about the break up.
2. SFL - She's just horrible.
3. ML's behaviour - I dislike the hostility ML showed towards FL at workplace. It's just unprofessional. If he despised FL too much, he shouldn't have accepted her work proposal.

Favourite scene
Swimming pool scene

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Refreshing tale of a woman getting empowered

I an always excited to watch Zhen Zi Qi's drama because the characters he have played are always fascinating. I decided to watch this drama also because the FL was vision impaired.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama focuses more on FL becoming empowered and I love it. She's smart & quick thinker - I like how she managed crises.
2. Partnership - FL & ML have developed good relationship through their business partnership.
3. Supporting character - I really like the director and how director & FL relationship grew from strangers to friends/ally. ML's grandma was a nice person too.
4. Styling - I like Zhen Zi Qi's outfits & hair style. The green suit is my favourite. FL also wore a few pretty dresses.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I don't feel much romantic chemistry between FL & ML. The kissing scene at the start was hot but there wasn't much affection throughout the series. I also sensed that ML was more invested in their relationship than FL was in their relationship.

Favourite scene
The press conference of the movie

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Sizzling chemistry, awesome FL -an enjoyable mini drama

I've saved this drama in my Youtube playlist for so long but only decided to watch it a few days ago. It's been awhile since I last watched a mini drama and I must say this mini drama is worth my time. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is feisty and I love it! She knows her worth and even in her moments of vulnerability, I understand and like her character.
2. Romance - The intimate scene at the start was damn hot! Beautifully shot kisses. I like how their romance develop - there were plenty of playful banter. I wish there were more kisses.
3. Villain arc - I actually like how the villain arc was done. I am relieved that villain wasn't shamed and I think it's great how the writer treat a delicate subject.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I dislike ML for not protecting and reassuring FL during his scandal.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending. Is that arc good enough to cause an issue? Will there be season 2?

Favourite scene
That intimate scene at the start

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Sizzling chemistry with very cute child actor

I have watched Bai Yan's dramas and some Youtube users have mentioned her chemistry with Liu Qing. This is the first drama of them that I decided to watch.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Sizzling chemistry between Bai Yan and Liu Qing. Damn their kissing scenes were hot even though short.
2. Xiao Bai - OMG I love Xiao Bai. He is so adorable and his scenes with Liu Qing were fun to watch.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant Song.

What I disliked:
1 Villain - Unlike other vertical dramas, the villain in this story used subtle approach. A person who made bad decisions. I dislike the decision made by the villain.
2. Romance - I wish the drama had spent more time on reconciliation & rebuilding of relationship between ML, FL & Xiao Bai.

Favourite scene
Xiao Bai's first scene

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Felt incomplete & disconnect

This was my 2nd vertical drama involving Zhang Chu Xuan and Lu Shan Dong. My expectations were not met.

What I liked:
1. Child actors - They were so cute. I think I have seen 1 boy in another vertical drama.
2. Zhang Chu Xuan - Good acting even though I dislike characterisation.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I don't think there was a romantic relationship between ML & FL. ML couldn't get over his ex so I felt FL was more of substitute rather than a girlfriend / lover.
2. ML characterisation - He was cold & distrustful till the end. Rough with FL. Seemed gullible as he took on SFL words literally. Unlikeable character for me.
3. FL characterisation - I couldn't understand her character. She should have come clean about the kids to the ML. I don't like the scheming.

Favourite scene:
The fire

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Simple love story with good chemistry and funny assistant

I like Du Ya Fei in a drama about FL selling her body to ML to get money. I was excited to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It's simple, cute and sweet. I like seeing Ling Mo Zhou's dedication and protective behaviour for his wife. The kisses are hot and satisfying.
2. Assistants - I like the assistants to both ML & FL. It's funny that FL misunderstood ML's assistant frequent encounters with ML. FL's assistant is quite handsome.
3. Setting - Both FL & ML signed up to be in a reality tv show about their life as a couple and I like how this setting became a catalyst to their romantic relationship.
4. FL's mother in law - It's quite common for FL to meet ML's relative without actually realising their identity. I like how their first meeting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - Typical villain in micro drama - jealous half-sister and her mum.

Favourite scene
When FL misunderstood ML assistant's frequent encounters with ML

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Simple story involving role reversal

I decided to watch this drama because 'female CEO' was tagged to it.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - The drama started off with FL being assistant to ML. After an incident, FL was given the chance to be boss to ML. I enjoyed watching FL being a CEO & tackling work issues. She was assertive & quick thinking.
2. Shen Hao Nan - Even though this drama was short & underdeveloped, I like his acting. I like his haircut too - kinda reminds me of Wang Anyu in Falling into You.
3. FL's ally - I like this character who could be a love rival.

What I disliked:
1. FL haircut - Her haircut in earlier scenes before she wore bucket hat, was hideous. Aged her - she looked like an aunty.
2. Writing - This story had potential but sadly underdeveloped. Would like to see the different dynamics between FL and ML before and after the incident.

Favourite scene
Business meeting when she outsmarted board members

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Good melodrama focusing on empowered woman

I was keen to check out collaboration between Meng Na and Wang Yi Ran after checking out their dramas separately.

What I liked:
1. Shen Ruon characterisation - She is independent & quick thinking. She's always 2 steps ahead of her enemies. It's great to see her grow professionally throughout this drama.
2. ML's mother - Wonderful to see a supportive mother in law even at hard times faced by FL.
3. FL's family - I like watching the contrast between thr supportive FL parents and her money-hungry grandmother & uncle.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were some kisses but I wish there were more affectionate moments between FL & ML. I also wish there was co-dependence between them.
2. Lu Heng characterisation - He was underdeveloped that I felt like he was a side character. Lu company felt more like FL's company than ML's company.

Favourite scene
When ML's family hit with tragedy & FL stepped in to hold the fort

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Wacky drama but with depth and great acting

I came across this drama on reddit and decided to watch after reading good reviews and knowing that Yan Zi Xian starred in this drama. I was highly entertained by this series.

What I liked:
1. Ye Zhao Nan / Guan San Mei characterisation - Wow, the character had so much depth & growth. I love the contrast between San Mei and Zhao Nan but there was at least one similar trait - intelligence. I love how she is quick thinking, likeable, funny and compassionate.
2. Romance - I love how romance developed between San Mei and Liu Xuan Ming. They were hostile towards each other at first but then slowly developed friendship and later love. I also enjoyed the secondary romance in particular the assassin Tan Rang and Princess Yun Luo. There are plenty of hot kisses in this drama and not just from main couple.
3. Acting - I was impressed by acting from Zhang Yue Nan, Yu Xuan Chen and Han Yu Tong. I am familiar with Han Yu Tong because of her work in vertical shot dramas but gosh it's so fun watching her played a scheming love rival.
4. Yi Yang Jun characterisation - What a rice development for this character. I find him compelling because Yu Xuan Chen had such presence and aura, sometimes he outshined Yan Zi Xian.
5. Comedy - This drama is one of the funniest Chinese dramas that I have watched & enjoyed.
6. Supporting characters - There were many characters that I enjoyed watching in this drama e.g. The Three Stooges, General Jin Fu (damn his body was hot!), Ke Qian Yue, Yao Hu.
7. Role reversal - I like how this was showcased in the drama because we see both sides. I also enjoyed female empowerment trope in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Princess Qi Meng / Qian Hui Rou - Great way to use Fan Wei's talent but I found the two separate individuals were very similar. I also couldn't figure out servant Bai Lu's loyalty toward Qian Hui Rou because Hui Rou's past.
2. Zhao Jin's love arc - I also didn't enjoy his love arc because it didn't seem natural.

Favourite scene
The start of the sisterhood and the kissing that follow suit

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Rebirth-revenge drama done well

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard yesterday. I liked the first few minutes so I continued watching.

Edit: Adjusted overall score because I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. The start - The starting scene made me want to continue watching the series. I really liked that FL Shi Wan witnessed ML Fu Ting Chen confronting her family for their wrongdoing. This scene is different from other rebirth-revenge drama that I watched.
2. Shi Wan characterisation - I like that she was clear and determined about taking her revenge. I was surprised by how far she was willing to go but she said that she's not a goody two shoes. She's not a damsel in distress. She figured out solutions to challenges that she faced.
3. Romance - I enjoy scenes of Shi Wan being coquettish with her hubby. She being turned on by his viciousness made me giddy. The kisses were great because both parties desired each other. Zhou Hang & Yao Yuchen had good chemistry.
4. Plot - This drama is quite light with good pacing. I'd say this drama is FL who found her voice and strength after given a second chance at life.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - There are too many villains in this series. Would have liked it if there were lesser villains with tighter arc.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were on their way to the mall

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Enjoyed it for the acting & location but FL performance was underwhelming

I am a fan of Wang Zu Yi after watching his performance in 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen', which I watched when I was on vacation in China in November 2024. After returning home, I decided to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Acting - It's wonderful to see Wang Zu Yi and Hou Dong acting together in a series for second time. Both gave great performances again. I also liked the acting from Han Yu Tong and Zheng Nan Xi.
2. Xian - I was surprised to see Xi'an Ancient City Wall featured in this series because I visited Chengdu & Xi'an just before watching this series. Love the scene when ML & FL went to their house rooftop and saw the City Wall.
3. The ending - I like it because I think it's fitting for ML & FL.

What I disliked:
1. Ji Shu Yi's acting - There wasn't much spark between Wang Zu Yi and Ji Shu Yi. I think Ji Shu Yi couldn't match the intensity of Wang Zu Yi's performance so their scenes together were lacklustre. I also didn't feel like rooting for FL and reconciliation because of the acting.

Favourite scene
ML & FL going to their house rooftop which overlooks Xi'an Ancient City Wall

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I like this drama because of kisses and Xiao Bai

I got to know about this series after reading a reddit post about C drama with many kisses. This drama reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' because both ML needed kisses from FL for survival and 'Night of Love With You' where ML is the antagonist,

What I liked:
1) Romance - I am surprised by the number of kisses as this story is a period drama. It's great that there were scenes of getting to know each other and falling in love. I also like how Female Lead Sheng Xian explained the mechanics of tv kisses.
2) Xiao Bai - My favourite character in this series! I think Wu Tian Hao should be billed third in the cast list.
3) Supporting characters - I also like Sheng Lian Hua, ML's right hand man and the fourth prince.
4) Style - I love the comic panels in this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I think the arc is too simple.
2) The ending - OMG, what was that ending? I wish they had gone with an ending similar to 'The Resilient Dr Ling'.

Favourite scene
The plot twist in episode 17

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Left hanging by that final episode

This series appeared on my Youku dashboard and I decided to watch because of the title. Despite the very short duration, don't waste your time watching this drama.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - I like FL's best friend, male colleague and grandma.
2) Visual - Yu Yi Fu is tall but baby face.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - I like marriage of convenience and this drama is alright. It had potential to become good one but fell short.
2) The ending - I was dissatisfied by the ending. I wish there were more episodes to elaborate on the plot twist.
3) Romance - It is definitely lacking.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML kissed.

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Simple & cute tale of merman - human in love

I was interested to watch another merman drama after completing My Merman Brother. So I clicked 'Play'.

What I liked:
1) Brothers - Despite characters being underdeveloped, I like that the 4 brothers have distinct personality. I was attracted to Gu Ze San from the get go because of he was mysterious.
2) Tone - It's simple and fluffly. This series feels very new adult aka protagonists in early 20s coming of age.
3) Bai Qing characterisation - I like how her character was written - I didn't expect the plot twist.

What I disliked:
1) Plot - I think certain arcs could be developed more.
2) Romance - They were sweet and that first kiss was kinda hot. However I wish their romance story had more substance i.e. we see more scenes of the main couple falling in love.

Favourite scene
When Bai Qing's life was threatened

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