emberzmars

Suspenseful stalker story with good performances by Sheng Yi Jie and Li Bo Xuan

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie so I was intrigued when I saw the poster. I gathered that it wasn't a typical romance drama. Two weeks ago I decided to watch the drama via iQIYI. I liked how the drama turned out.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama is about a stalker and I liked how the story was told. Even the supporting characters played important roles in bringing this story to life. No two-dimensional characters.
2. Directing / Editing - There was enough suspense and creepiness to maintain the tension between FL and the perpetrator.
3. Acting - Sheng Yi Jie & Li Bo Xuan were great in their roles. They were able to convey different emotions and eccentricities to their characters.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie and IT colleague Bin Tai. Madam Ning surprised me with her character development - I liked her too.
5. Pacing - Well-paced story told in less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He had a sad upbringing which led him to being insecure and creepy.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Revenge period drama with good screenplay. Exceeded my expectation.

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas and wanted something different so I chose this historical drama. I had watched Zhao Yuan You when he played supporting roles in False Face and True Feelings and My Merman Brother. I must say that this drama exceeded my expectation because I didn't expect the twists.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was seeking justice for her father who was killed by ML's mother. I liked that her revenge plan wasn't perfect but somehow people even strangers were willing to help her achieve her goal. I also liked that they got retribution.
2. Dynamics - Wow, good push & pull dynamics even without full-blown romance.
3. FL characterisation - FL assumed the role of a long lost relative of ML. I liked her determination to bring down ML's family for their wrongdoings. She had sympathy for ML after knowing that he was the nicest member of the family.
4. ML characterisation - ML was a scholar who smart, observant and nice. He didn't close one eye to the crimes committed by his family members - he investigated.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's maid and FL's fake mother who understood her intentions and agreed to support her cause.
6. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. Can we get season 2, please?

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother was truly evil and impulsive. I was shocked she wasn't remorseful for killing an innocent healer. I'd say ML's father was his wife's accomplice because he covered the crime committed by his wife. ML's brother was a rapist and narcissist while ML's sister was a superficial spoilt brat.

Favourite scene
When FL's fake mother admitted to ML's mother that FL was her daughter

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FL terminated employment of bodyguard ML after realising her love was a lost cause

Huang Bo is my no. 1 favourite vertical drama actor. I remember when this drama was a fresh release - a few members of subreddit CShortDramas said it was good drama. I watched the same weekend and yes, I have to agree with those members. The drama was good due to the writing & performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was wise and cool. I loved that she saw a lost cause (her unrequited love) and moved on. She wanted to be cherished so she looked for a partner that could give that to her. I also liked that she was firm with her stance.
2. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's character is the main male lead even though he was a character I loved to hate (there you go again Huang Bo playing a scumbag). A case of mistaken identity gone wrong. Despite his bad behaviour, I liked that he learnt his lesson & tried to win FL's heart even without success.
3. Supporting characters - SML was definitely awesome. I was tickled by the fact he too applied to become FL's bodyguard. ML's assistant was another character I liked.
4. Writing - I loved it especially the second half of the drama. I didn't know where this story was headed and never got bored / felt the need to check my phone while watching the drama.
5. Bodyguard scenes - With ML & SML being bodyguards, we go to see some action scenes. I also liked the bodyguard audition scene.
6. Acting - This is my first drama of Meng Jia Xin and she nailed the assignment. Huang Bo gave a great performance too. I cried when he cried reading FL's diary. His facial expression and tone of voice moved me during that scene. Sun Yi Xun was good in his role too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xie Yi Yao was annoying & manipulative. Definitely know how to make people do things for her.
2. Romance - Unfortunately the romance between FL and SML was underdeveloped. I would love to see more scenes of their relationship journey from allies whom were married to each other to full romantic partners.
3. Bullying - I hated that ML allowed FL to be bullied by Yi Yao. That should already send warning bells about Yi Yao being a bad person.
4. ML's actions - He was a poor bodyguard always prioritising Yi Yao over his client (FL). FL was too nice to let bad behaviour to continue for a period of time but I was relieved his employment was terminated.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to let go of his pursuit and move on with his life

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Gorgeous leads but lack of chemistry and weak storytelling didn't meet my expectations

It had been awhile since I last watched Zhang Chu Xuan drama so I decided to check this out. I had seen 1 or 2 dramas of Chen Ming Hao. Hhhhhmm I felt something was missing in this drama. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - That's what hook me to watch this drama.
2. Visuals - What a gorgeous pairing! Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Ming Hao were stunning in this drama. Beautiful outfits.
3. Alliance - I liked that FL was resourceful. She had allies in her plan to bring her husband down.


What I disliked:
1. Storytelling - I couldn't stay engaged during the drama. I didn't find the revenge arc interesting enough. FL's husband / soon-to-be-ex-husband was a good character to love to hate but overall this drama was monotonous.
2. Romance - If you look at the synopsis, this boss-employee relationship had the potential of forbidden romance. However I didn't sense much pull dynamics between them.
3. Acting - ZCX & CMH acting were ok in their individual roles. However I couldn't feel any chemistry between them.
4. Smoking - So much smoking in this drama.

Favourite scene
When FL recruited ML to become her bodyguard

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Two people with opposite upbringing falling in love but too bad antagonist got a lot of screen time

I was intrigued by the title of this drama on dailymotion - The Nerd and The Gangster's Daughter. Then I realised Zhang Ruo Chen portrayed FL - I like her acting very much. I watched it and overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The meet cute was adorable! This is a sweet, slow burn romance with opposites attract conundrum. The proposal was sweet and heartfelt.
2. FL characterisation - She was trained by her mother to be an independent woman. I loved that FL can kick ass. She was also kind - she arranged activities for ML's grandmother to meet people her age. That's a sweet gesture.
3. ML characterisation - He was intelligent & perceptive. He accepted FL as she was, without making a big deal of her unconventional upbringing. Also a sweet guy.
4. Supporting characters - ML's father didn't make much appearance but he was a cool guy. I also liked Uncle Jack.
5. Elders - I liked their group activities! It was fun seeing them stay active.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's colleague / childhood friend was annoying and disrespectful. She couldn't take no for an answer and ML had repeatedly told her that he was not interested in her. The biggest disappointment is ML's grandmother. I couldn't believe what she did to FL after all the activities FL arranged for her. I didn't understand her insistence on class and status - she was just prejudice against people with different upbringing. Good that she was punished for the snobbery. ML's aunt was another horrible person. I also didn't like ML's mother for controlling her daughter. I understood her view but her approach was too aggressive.
2. Duration - This drama has a running time of 2 hours 42 minutes. I found it too long especially when antagonists were given too much screen time. I wish there was more time spent on FL-ML blossoming relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings for FL and then proposed.

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When unhinged ML meets & falls in love with crazy FL, chaos ensue

I was in the mood for dark and dangerous female leads and somehow came across this drama on YouTube. The title of the video was My Mafia Girl - Your sweet enemy crashes your funeral *Hottest Date Ever. So that definitely caught my attention. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was crazy and unhinged. I liked that he fought against bullies haha he is a person you don't want to mess with.
2. FL characterisation - She was crazier. Don't be deceived by her dainty look - she could kick ass.
3. Supporting characters - Uncle Shen Yangzhou was my favourite because of his close bond with ML. ML's parents were entertaining.
4. Acting - Min Xing Han was brilliant in this role.
5. Romance - I loved their banter. A lot of teasing and tension. Good kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao Anna was a snob & bully. Quite pretentious.
2. Acting - I wish there was more chemistry between Min Xing Han and Xuan Yi Xin.

Favourite scene
The funeral

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Tale of rebirth & revenge with FL's dancing scene being my favourite scene

I watched this drama as preparation for a reddit post on Guo Yu Xin's dramas. I liked this drama but didn't love it so I didn't feature it in my post.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She wanted revenge, she planned & got it done.
2. Guo Yu Xin - Her acting was good. I particularly enjoyed her dancing scene because she was sultry, which I had rarely see.
3. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The soft pink & mint green hanfus fit with Guo Yu Xin's skin tine. Even the princess wore beautiful hanfus.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many people against FL: her cousin & mother, her betrothed, the princess and even father. The princess was the most evil most likely because she had the most power. Glad she got her comeuppance.
2. Romance - It was underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
The dance

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Guo Yu Xin playing a girlboss who rides a motorbike and never cries. Something different!

I found this drama on Guo Yu Xin's drama playlist on YouTube. I realised this drama did not have a MDL page so I submitted it as New Title. I did not know what to expect but watched the drama and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Lan Yu Xi was a girlboss. She had set professional goals and was focused on achieving it. I liked that quality. I also liked her quiet confidence. It was nice to see Guo Yu Xin in this role - she rode a motorbike & did not cry in this drama!
2. Corporate espionage - ML was sent by his grandfather to steal FL's recipes. What an exciting premise! There was also an arc involving another rival of FL.
3. ML characterisation - Hahaha it was wonderful to see ML training to become a waiter at FL's restaurant. He was likeable and didn't follow his grandpa's instructions. Wang Ze Yi was good in his role.
4. Supporting characters - I lliked Dong Dong, Assistant Wang, ML's grandpa & mother, FL's mother and Liu Jia Jiao.
5. Romance - Slow burn but rewarding. Good kisses, hugging, quality time spending together. I liked that they bonded over their love for cooking.
6. Antagonist - I liked that the antagonist is a business rival and not a white moonlight. This antagonist arc had substance.

Disliked:
1. Lan Ling Er - Jealous cousin but no substance. Power / status hungry.

Favourite scene
When ML auditioned to be an employee of The Inn

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High hopes for this tale of revenge & love triangle but writing was a letdown

I was browsing Huang Bo's douyin when I saw trailers of this drama. I wa excited because I like both Huang Bo and He Jian Qi's acting. Today when the drama was released I realised that Chen Yu Ling was the female lead so high hopes. Unfortunately Dangers Deal didn't meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Huang Bo & He Jian Qi performed very well. They gave some depth / maturity to the characters.
2. Styling - Great outfits were selected for FL, ML & SML.
3. Supporting characters - I liked SML's half bro / right hand man for his astute observations of SML's feelings for FL.
4. Intimacy - A lot of kissing. He Jian Qi sure is a great onscreen kisser.
5. Rivalry - I liked that both ML & SML were rivals in the oil business. I appreciated writer injecting some oul & gas industry knowledge, instead of the usual company competitions, to this drama.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a nepo baby. Gosh I was frsutrated when ML had to explain to her about oil price fluctuations. She only wanted Duan company because she felt entitled to it. I disliked her for toying with feelings of both men.
2. Revenge - Poorly planned but somehow she managed to get 2 smart & attractive men to do the thinking for her. The plot didn't go anywhere. She just wanted to marry ML since she had said that to her dad but disguised it as her revenge plan.
3. Acting - I felt Chen Yu Ling was miscast. She didn't have enough charisma to play an heiress gamed for hostile takeover. She had some chemistry with both He Jian Qi and Huang Bo but I felt she could have pushed for more sexual tension with Huang Bo.

Favourite scene
When SML unveiled to FL his relationship with her father

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FL's character didn't meet my expectation but kissing scenes were really good

I found this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. The main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. The synopsis & comments intrigued me so I watched. It was an alright watch but kissing scenes were very good.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - Many steamy, lusty kisses. Both were really into each other. There were also sweet moments.
2. Acting - Ma Xing Shuo had a commanding presence & charm in this drama. Li Zi Yi was good in her role too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's love rival Jiamu but why did he do that to FL?

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL suffered too much bullying from her family and at workplace and even from ML.
2. Antagonist - ML's niece / junior colleague was despicable. She even took advantage of Jiamu. FL's family & Jiamu's sister were horrible.
2. FL's arc - At the start of the drama she was a masseuse then went to complete a law degree. I wish her career as trainee lawyer was given more screentime.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical domineering ML. I disliked that he was egoistic with FL when they met again.
4. Romance - They started off being in transactional relationship. I wish there was more romance and wooing from ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk and her inhibitions lowered

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ML pretending to be a robot but didn't act like a robot

I had been interested in this drama ever since it was released. I liked Xu Jing Shuai's acting and the concept of robots & AI. Only found a link yesterday and watched it few hours ago. This drama didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Tone - It's lightweight & had some funny moments.
2. FL characterisation - She was gifted by her friend a robot as a companion. I liked that during the halfway mark, she started to question the likelihood of falling in love with a robot. It showed that she was not delusional & had a sense of reality.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Fang who was sympathetic to both ML & FL. I also liked ML's grandma.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he had his own story to tell because in other robot vertical dramas I watched, ML was more like a tool / accessory.
4. Dynamics - They had childhood connection that was only discovered when he became robo-companion. The master - servant relationship was mostly cute & wholesome.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's mother and brother were horrible people. I also disliked FL's jealous colleagues / rivals. They were pathetic to plagiarise and then divert the attention by slandering FL.
2. Robot - Ok, ML didn't try hard to act like a typical robot. His movements were human-like that it's silly FL never question that he was a real human being..
3. Acting - It was so-so. The main actress could have done more with her performance. There was lack of chemistry between her and Xu Jiang Shuai.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to recharge ML's batteries

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Chen Gang was endearing in this campus drama about longtime crush & second chance

I have to admit that I haven’t watched anything by Chen Bai Qiao since Mermaid Husband. So when I found out that his newest drama is a youth / campus drama and he looked like a bad boy in that poster, I was sold! Clicked “Play” and 5 minutes in, I already was enjoying the drama. I want to hug him too!

What I liked:
1. Main characters - This is my first drama that involves the rebirth of two protagonists. It’s working for me because both characters were very likeable. Rich MLs start to bore me so it’s great this ML is from a middle class family.
2. Romance - Lin Ran was a low profile student who suddenly seemed desirable to 3 girls. I loved that Su Qing Yan staked her claim as his girlfriend. Oh, she pursued him and I liked it a lot!
3. Monologue - I really enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML, FL, ML’s best friend and even ML’s white moonlight. They were often the comedic relief.
4. Supporting characters - My favourite is ML's best friend. He was funny but observant & mature. I also liked ML's parents.
5. Mystery - I like this small arc. Who wanted to kill FL and why?

What I disliked:
1. Ending - It was neat but too short. I wish that very last moment was much longer.
2. Nails - I disliked long fake nails.
3. Kisses - We didn't get any.

Favourite scene
When ML’s best friend witnessed ML asking FL out. It’s funny because it was awkward and endearing at the same time.

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Thriller mystery that was ok except FL's underwhelming performance

I was perusing new drama releases on my favourite website when I saw the poster and the translated title of the drama. I figured it would by a thriller / mysyery drama and it was. Overall, an OK watch.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I liked the twists of the drama. Writer did well in unveiling the mystery.
2. Acting - ML's acting was good. He made me guess and assume things.
3. Duration - It was well-paced for a drama less than 90 minutes. I liked that it wasn't draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming for me that I couldn't empathised with her plight.

Favourite scene
When FL found out what actually happened

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Mediocre, lighthearted assassin drama but cameo was great!

I am in the mood for assassin FL dramas and found this drama through MDL tag. This drama was so-so and I was bored most of the time.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were sweet moments with a dash of spice, which surprised me. ML was attracted to FL when she was assassin / bodyguard from the get go. The last 10 minutes were incredibly sweet.
2. Cameo - Damn Zhen Zi Qi's cameo was a great surprise. He was hot in assassin get up fighting with FL. I found that scene cute because they had worked together in dark comedy before. I also liked that he stated names of 2 characters that he had played before.
3. Duration - Under 90 minutes which was great.
4. Styling - I liked FL's assassin outfits and that last outfit worn by ML.

What I disliked:
1. Family dispute - I was bored when there were scenes involving power struggle and jealousy. Nothing new in terms of storytelling that I left the drama running on my tablet while I used my phone for something else.
2. Communication - It frustrated me that the couple never communicated throughout their marriage. How could you not know the face of your spouse until you received a divorce certificate?

Favourite scene
When ML was taking a bath

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Silly drama with too little romance - what a wasted potential

I was in the mood for Li Ke Yi. I found this drama in iQIYI catalogue so I watched this drama there. It's an ok watch - gosh I wish there was more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was attracted to FL from the first time he saw her. I also liked that he agreed to almost everything his wife said, including spending exorbitant money on auctioned items.
2. FL characterisation - She was silly but kind. I also liked that she wasn't indimidated by bullies.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma, FL's master. FL's sister was ok most of the time - I disliked her at the ceremony for being easily deceived.
4. The special ceremony - FL's master was perceptive - he agreed to come so he could expose the scam and teach them a lesson.
5. Dogs - They were so adorable especially Xiao Bai.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I wanted more romantic moments between them. The other drama with wheelchair-bound ML starring Li Zi Jie and Zhang Jin Yi had more tender moments.
2. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible, as expected. I don't understand why FL's sister felt entitled to marry ML even though ML and his family clearly rejected her. She also got too much screentime.
3. Plot - It was too silly with a lot of fillers. No character growth for both leads.

Favourite moment
When FL's master slapped FL's family

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