emberzmars

Abundance of physical intimacy but I found the couple lacked emotional connection

I watched this drama back in April when I was curious '52 lovers in 4 years' plot and Zhang Bei Xi. This was my first drama of both Zhang Bei Xi and Liu Ying. I kept forgetting to create MDL page until MDL friend Raiana told me that this page is up & running. I have also watched the Shi Tong - Cheng Cheng version and I liked that version more than this version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is spicy - there were many intimate scenes from the one night stand to the sneaky touches. Physical touch is their love language.
2. Styling - I loved outfits worn by both FL & ML especially the qipaos and traditional shirts. The Taoist beads also added a sexy allure to ML's character.
3. ML characterisation - I loved that he owned a qipao store. He was also a patient man - FL resisted ML too many times.

What I disliked:
1. Connection - Plenty of lust and spice but I felt this drama is lacking emotional intimacy. Perhaps the abundance of physical intimacy overshadowed emotional intimacy.
2. FL characterisation - There was something in FL's character that didn't click with me. I felt at times she was in constant state of "I want him but I cannot want him" like a typical FL when paired with domineering ML. Not sure if this was instructions given by writer / director or Liu Ying's approach to her character. Maybe I am biased because I liked Shi Tong's portrayal much more - her FL was firm & collected.

Favourite scene
When FL visited ML's qipao shop

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I liked this drama even though not much push & pull & too much product placement

I came across this very short drama on reddit. I recognise Ma Qian Huan on thr thumbnail and another person mentioned Ke Chun was the second male lead. Since there are 2 actors that I like, I decided to watch it immediately.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I enjoyed the story even though I knew where it was heading.
2. Acting - I really liked Ma Qian Huan and Ke Chun's acting. I wish Yan Er and Ma Qian Huan had shown more push & pull dynamics in their scenes together.
3. Romance - It was fine but it is lacking sexual tension between FL & ML.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor & ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - Once I see this drama parked under Special category, I knew it was going to be an advertisement. I found it amusing that everytime product is brought up, the specs are spoken in full. Like really? From the main characters to even a house maid.

Favourite scene
When a speeding car was heading towards FL & ML

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FL overcame obesity, slander and long distance relationship in this historical drama

I was browsing the vertical dramas on youtube fyp and noticed the intriguing title of this drama. It mentioned enemy so I was intrigued by enemy-turned-lovers stories. This drama is my second time watching the work of Hu Jia Hao and Mo Ning. Overall the drama was alright.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - As expected Mo Ning was great with her comedic acting.
2. Styling - I loved the outfits in this drama. Hu Jia Hao looked handsome in traditional clothes especially that blue gold robe at the end of the drama.
3. FL characterisation - She outsmarted her greedy family members. That shop attack scene was amusing.
4. Family - Family is a core theme of this drama. I liked the relationship between FL and ML's family members. It contrasted with FL's relationship with her own family members.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I read that this drama isn't the first time Hu Jia Hao and Mo Ning collaborated so I expected amazing chemistry. However I didn't sense it in this drama.
2. Antagonist - She was overly confident. A lot of yapping to show that she's the queen bee.

Favourite scene
When ML returned from the capital and talked to FL about her pregnancy

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Enjoyable reincarnation & campus life drama

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a subreddit user. This is my first time watching Ding Hai Xia as FL because I had only seen her in supporting roles. This is also my first fime watching Liu Cheng Lin. I was surprised by the storytelling - overall, I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It was refreshing to watch FL who woos a guy that she likes. It's also wonderful to see that she's resourceful / affluent even post-time travel / reincarnation. She never abused her power / influence to win ML's heart.
2. Romance - I liked watching the dynamics between the two. FL was aggressive in her pursuit of ML but never possessive. I must say I was pleasantly surprised when ML finally accepted her feelings. The kisses were hot and passionate.
3. Supporting characters - I loved FL's right hand woman / bodyguard / personal assistant. She kicked ass! I also loved ML's buddies / dorm mates. I really enjoyed the scene in which the class voted for a new class monitor / lead.
4. Singing career - I liked these scenes a lot because they made this drama standout from other campus life dramas.
5. Comedy - Thanks to ML's buddies.
6. Visuals - I didn't find Liu Cheng Lin handsome but damn he was attractive in the makeout scenes. Ding Hai Xia was hot too.

What I disliked:
1. Relationship - I wish there were most scenes of ML & FL together as a couple because I felt like ML succumbed to pressure (i.e. "She's sacrificed so much for me so I better give her a chance").
2. System - I felt like the system wasn't explained well. Why was ML in historical setting in the first place? Did ML inform FL about the system?

Favourite scene
Morning after

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Hidden idenity & secret child drama with formidable antagonist

I saw this drama on iQiyi and thought "Why not watch it on the app?" since I am a fan of Han Yu Tong & Zhao Guan Yu.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching interactions between ML and FL's daughter. Even though he was her stepfather, there was emotional connection betweem them.
2. Antagonist - This is one of the handful times in which I liked antagonist's arc. It's great to see how a friendship is tested.
3. Supporting characters - FL's daughter has a good arc - substantial impact to ML's life. I also liked ML's grandma as she wasn't pushy with FL.
4. Styling - At first I didn't understand FL's choice of clothes but later I figured out why. I liked the outfits chosen to cover a scar that might be recognisable by ML. I also felt bit weird seeing Zhao Guan Yu without spectacles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Slow burn romance with little communication about their romantic feelings. It was also frustrating that Zhao Guan Yu & Han Yu Tong never had proper kissing scenes when both of them are capable of real onscreen kisses. I also didn't sense any chemistry between them two.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter missed ML but realised that there was something off between FL and ML's relationship

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Chef employee-restaurant employer romance with a lot of heart & good acting

I don't remember what made me want to watch this drama but when I was keen a few months ago, links to Delicious is You had been removed. However Jwells found new link & notified me a few days ago. I watched it today & it was a delightful watch. It had so much heart!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Huo Xiang is a chef with different type of training so some people looked down on her at the beginning of her employment. I loved that she is confident & assertive. This is my first drama of Peng Dai Dai and wow, I was captivated by her performance.
2. Romance - Great balance of push & pull. I enjoyed watching the progress of FL & ML's relationship as I could sense that they were slowly falling in love with each other. I even felt the heartbreak when FL discovered that ML had a sweetheart.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant - his monologues were entertaining. ML's grandpa appeared in only a few scenes and he was good at scheming haha.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML is not typical boss - aloof & imposing. It was wonderful to see his inner conflict between white moonlight (past) and his love interest (present).
5. Allergy - What a good plot device! I loved watching the after effect of consuming FL's homemade remedy & seafood. Refreshing approach to aphrodisiac.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL had too many identity / goals. I was fine with her being FL's professional rival but when she wanted to become Mrs Huo, she became a typical green tea.
2. Styling - Gosh SFL had long nails which is unbelievable for a 3-star Michelin chef. I also disliked FL's evening gown. Her velvet gloves downgraded the look.
3. Plating - I watched The Grand Maison Tokyo 3 weeks ago and Masterchef Australia is one of my favourite cooking shows. The plating for dishes was underwhelming considering the chefs are from Michelin star restaurants. The dishes looked like they had been cooked by street hawker.

Favourite scene
When ML had severe allergic reaction but his assistant couldn't feed him FL's remedy

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Despite the hot kisses, antagonist outshined both FL & ML

I came across this drama when it was newly released. A reddit user requested for link and I got intrigued. I watched it within a few days of its release and gosh I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Antagonist - I must say that antagonist outshined both protagonists in this drama. His arc is more compelling that FL’s arc and FL-ML relationship arc. He is even remorseful about his cheating so I appreciate this character growth.
2. Acting - Great performance by Aorigele, the actor playing the second male lead (SML). I would rewatch this drama just to see Aorigele's scenes.
3. Kisses - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. I even find Aorigele's makeout scene to be hot!
4. Styling - I must say that I love the outfits worn by Cheng Cheng and Aorigele. Love the horse riding outfits for all four characters!

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I find FL a bland character. Her only purpose in this drama is to "teach" her chesting ex a lesson - there is nothing about her career or individual backstory. Yang Luo Qian’s acting is underwhelming.
2. ML characterisation - Cheng Cheng did the best he could for this drama. His character is severely underwritten and to me, ML is a tool for FL to make SML jealous.
3. Romance - I don’t sense any emotional intimacy between FL and ML. I was surprised by the subsequent scenes after FL reveals that she has faked the amnesia. FL and ML never talk about the fake amnesia, fake identity and their relationship.
4. Poster - The poster I saw first is the version with Yang Luo Qian sitting and Cheng Cheng standing next to her. I believe that the English title reflects SML’s perspective. Therefore Aorigele should have been included in that drama poster and received main character credit.

Favourite scene
When SML was remorseful and begged for forgiveness

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Refreshing tale of twins, amnesia and love amidst the adversity

I am a huge Huang Bo fan and for the past 2 weeks, I have watched as many Huang Bo dramas in preparation for a reddit post. I didn't like some of his dramas so my expectation for this drama was low. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Trigger warning: Domestic abuse

What I liked:
1. Plot - I thought it was going to be another good vs evil twin & amnesia stories but boy, I was wrong. The big secret was revealed somewhere in the middle that I never guessed would happen that early. I also didn't expect the plot twist. I must admit that I was never bored watching this drama.
2. Romance - There was a slow build up which is understandable given FL's predicament but wow, what a great journey. I was pleasantly surprised by FL-ML's dynamics when they encountered an imposter - they worked together on a common goal which is rare in romance-themed vertical dramas. There were many sweet moments & good kisses.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her very much. She was nurturing and good at following her instinct. She also knew what she wanted from ML and I liked that she requested for space.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him very much too. He was patient, loving towards FL and his nephew & niece and instinctive. Oh I also liked that he worked as part of search & rescue team.
5. Acting - Wonderful acting by Cheng Zi, Huang Bo, actor who played Dr Guo & actress who played one of the antagonists. Since Huang Bo has a twin brother, I wish Huang Tao was hired to play one of the twins!
6. Antagonists - Kudos to writer for giving proper arc for the antagonists.
7. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma, assistant and the kids.

What I disliked:
1. Dr Guo - Initially I disliked him for his scheming but later on he redeemed himself.
2. Leukemia - I don't know why this illness a popular choice to prove biological connection between the kid and ML or FL. I've seen it in a few vertical dramas already.

Favourite scene
The proposal caught me by surprise

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Tragic tale of twin sisters & assumed identity

I got to know about this drama from an article on 10 sexy & sweet short dramas. This one in particular piqued my interest because of the male lead, Lin Ze Hui whose drama I watched a few months ago. Anyway I liked The Rift despite the flaws.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama very much reminds me of vertically shot drama 'Out of Control in the Dark Night' starring Wen Mo Yan & Wang Hao Xiang. The twin sister & assumed identity plot devices.
2. Romance - There was enough push & pull in the FL-ML dynamics. Sweet & spicy moments were there too. However I believe that they are not meant to be together, which leads me to...
3. The ending - Such a tragic ending for this drama and it's fitting in my opinion.

What I disliked:
1. FL's parents - Selfish and in a way, possessive.
2. Confrontation - I wish they had a talk/fight first before breaking up. But then again I always felt that their relationship was superficial & nostalgic with ML not knowing what really is going on with FL's life.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Product placement disguised in a story of reincarnation, rivalry & everlasting love

I came across an article that recommends 10 sexy and sweet dramas. The mini review and the screencaps intrigued me. The author never mentioned the names of main actor & main actress but I wasn't surprises when I found out the who played the male lead (ML). I enjoyed this drama special. After completing it, I played Ooh La La by Goldfrapp because the song is just so fitting.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG, ML & FL made out almost half of the running time. So much sexual energy going on. There were desire, lust and love. The intimate scenes were 🔥 and there were some sweet gestures too.
2. Reincarnation arc - I think it's done well despite the short running time. It's great that there were flashbacks at the right moments.
3. Visuals - I am always drawn to his visuals and damn, he was very handsome playing a coquettish man trying to win FL's heart. Yang Qian Qian was very pretty too.
4. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML. FL was a sexy siren while ML's outfits complimented his cocky attitude.
5. Ending - I liked the ending.

What I disliked:
1. Product placement - I understand that this drama is actually an ad for a snack brand. While I think the bouquet was a refreshing idea, eating crisps in the morning and having sponsor branded-pillows were just too much.

Favourite scene
The introduction - Ooh La La!

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I liked the murder investigation but disliked the romance

I was searching for dramas set in Chinese Republican era for a reddit post and found this title. Did the production team use this English title to lure fans of commercially acclaimed The Double? Anyway I got interested in this version of The Double because of Li Lei / Gangtie Rourou. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Murder investigation - I actually enjoyed this aspect of the drama. There were some red herrings but the investigation was quite easy to follow. The flashbacks close to the ending were really helpful. Vengeance successfully carried out at the end.
2. FL characterisation - I quite liked her and her backstory. FL seemed on track with her mission despite the challenges. I liked that she had had gun training.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked Yan Tiang Lan. FL's brother was an intriguing character.
4. Visuals - Li Lei and the actors who played Yan Tiang Lan & FL's brother were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's actions left me speechless. Those intimacy scenes were forced - I even saw it as rape because there was no consent given by FL. I didn't buy their romance at all.
2. Ending - What was the letter about? Why did ML do that?
3. Amnesia plot device - This was a perfect opportunity for a do over between FL & ML but too it wasn't fully utilised.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from a shooter

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Fascinating SML in a story about betrayal, revenge and second chance romance

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao drama so I chose to watch this drama. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Plot execution - This drama employs a familiar plot of betrayal & revenge seeking but I liked how the story unraveled. The characters were mature adults dealing with their issues.
2. Ma Shi Yao - He looked like he lost weight but his acting was on point. I liked how he openly expressed his feelings towards FL.
3. Romance - There were passionate kisses and sweet gestures mostly from ML. I understand FL's reservations since she just got out of a long term relationship.
4. SML - What a fascinating character! I was surprised by his arc.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that ML faked amnesia because he was insecure about FL's feelings for him. He should talk with her.
2. Chemistry - I didn't sense any acting chemistry between Yu Cong & Ma Shi Yao despite the passionate kisses.

Favourite scene
When SML had the final talk with FL

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Transmigrated FL winning over her family's trust & working in garment industry

I am watching many Huang Bo's dramas this past week for an assignment. Picked this drama because the previous drama I watched has Huang Bo playing a scumbag. In here, he played Mr Nice Guy. Overall it was enjoyable drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL transmigrates into the novel she's reading and the character she took over was nasty towards her family. FL decided to turn 180° and I liked how she won over the heart of her family.
2. Tone - This is light hearted drama (in comparison to other Huang Bo's dramas) with good pacing.
3. Romance - ML had trust issues because of FL's bad attitude in the past and I liked how they worked together on mending their relationship. Slow burn romance with slight comedy when it came to kissing scenes. I wish there were more kissing scenes.
4. ML characterisation - He was a boss at garment factory and I enjoyed watching them at work in factory. There was growth in his character, which I truly appreciated.
5. Rivalry - I actually found it nice that the main antagonist is ML's business rival. It's entertaining to see how he schemed against ML & his company.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL & her boyfriend Wei Jin were annoying. I hated them for kidnapping innocent person.

Favouritrle scene
When FL went to buy fabrics. She gave good tips!

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Hidden identity flash marriage made livelier by ML's larger-than-life mother

I watched this drama early this year when I was still new to vertical dramas. I think I chose this drama because I had watched Zhang Yun Tao's drama with Bai Yan. I was pleasantly surprised by this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was a hardworking, honest employee at ML's company.
2. Romance - FL & ML got into a flash marriage and coincidentally have employee-employer connection but without realising it. Their romantic journey was sweet.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was an entertaining character. Loud, rich lady but respectful and non-judgemental. FL's mother & brother were good characters too.
4. Styling - I loved the biker chick outfit donned by FL. She was chic & cool. I also liked FL's manager uniform. ML wore colourful suits so that's interesting choice by stylist.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - In their first intimate scene, FL was drugged and framed by jealous antagonist. I wish it hadn't been that way.
2. Antagonist - Invaded privacy of FL. She was mean towards hotel staff.
3. Flash marriage - I liked this trope but gosh this wasn't done well. They went separate ways after getting license then developed feelings for their colleague. I still consider it cheating even though the other people are their flash marriage partner.

Favourite scene
When FL had a heart-to-heart conversation with her brother

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Second chance romance for mature couple but FL got bullied a lot

I was curious about San Gang Yun's dramas so I picked this drama. The English title seems to hint that FL is much older than ML.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked the adult children especially the guy. He was the one that introduced ML to FL.
2. Romance - FL & ML were separated a few decades ago when technology wasn't advanced so it was hard to find people. ML stood by FL's side whenever she faced challenges. Sweet romance.
3. Styling - I liked her wedding dress which shows her shoulders. FL looked pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL was bullied by a jealous neighbour outside of her house. As usual in vertical dramas, many onlookers that just gossiped & none intervened to stop bullying. Then there were other instances she got bullied.
2. FL's ex husband - Just a horrible & selfish person.

Favourite scene
The dating marketplace

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