emberzmars

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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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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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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