emberzmars

FL focused on searching for missing sister & never tempted by hot baddie

I was in the mood for Han Yu Yong dramas so I selected this drama today. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was focused on finding her missing sister and I liked that she didn't entertain the temptation.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her accomplices with second one being a nice surprise. Amazing sisterhood there. I was sympathetic with ML's friend.
3. Revenge arc - It's great that the plans were carefully thought out & implemented.
4. Tension - Director was good at capturing sexual tension between FL & ML on screen. Seduction scenes were nicely done especially the last one. A shirtless baddie with great physique is always appreciated!

What I disliked:
1. Crime scene - I felt this scene was unbelievable as per what supporting character said.
2. Motive - I still didn't understand ML's motive.

Favourite scene
When ML's friend prepared a nice surprise for FL

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Amazing crime drama with wonderful cast & intriguing cases

I wanted to watch more non-romance dramas this month so I picked 'Under the Skin' because this show was highly recommended on a few reddit posts. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I have watched dramas of Lu Yan Qi and Baby Zhang but was unfamiliar with Tan Jianci and Jin Shi Jia. I was very impressed by their acting and supporting cast too. Some guest roles made an impact on me for example Jiang Ge (episodes 1-3), Qu Lan Xin & Ren Xiao Xuan (episodes 3 - 5), Chu Tian Qi (episodes 10 & 11).
2. Character development - I really enjoyed watching Shen Yi's growth as an artist and as an individual. He was like a superhero whose power is sketching & painting. Captain Du Cheng also had some growth as a police officer.
3. Drawing - I love seeing the sketches done by Shen Yi although I found him to be too perfect. Like he's a savant. I also enjoyed the drawing on the blackboard especially the one in the last episode.
4. Pacing - I liked the format of this series - thank gosh it's not one case per episode because most cases were complicated and needed more time to be investigated.
5. Supporting characters - My favourite is Du Cheng's sister. She appeared after halfway mark of the series but her appearance were integral to the main arc. I also liked Jiang Feng, He Rong Yue and Li Han.
6. Music - The score reminded me of Queen's Gambit score. Anyway I liked the score a lot!

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Baby Zhang's character was very interesting so I wish she had more screen time.
2. Rash - Shen Yi made a few rash decisions in order to catch culprits. It's silly because he was a rookie cop and inexperienced in handling dangerous suspects & culprits.

Favourite scene
When Shen Yi led a case instead of Captain Du Cheng

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Second chance romance with cute grandpa-grandson moments

I have watched Wang Jia Mao's work before but this is my first Hou Cheng Yue drama.

What I liked:
1. Family - I really enjoyed the interactions between grandpa and grandson in this drama. I also like seeing grandson caring for his mother.
2. Ho Cheng Yue - FL has different sides to her (fallen socialite, mother, ex-lover, businesswoman) and I liked her acting.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - His actions were emotional when FL was hired as his employee by his father. He should be professional at work & put aside personal feelings at the office.
2. Romance - The drama started with FL & ML being in love but due to FL circumstances, they broke up. Because ML was a jerk when FL worked at his company, I was not sold on their romance.

Favourite scene
When ML's father visited FL at her home and met her son

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Enjoyable drama with 2 love stories

I don't remember what made me save this drama on my Youtube playlist. I think it had something to do with ML rugged/rough looks. I was in a phase hahaha.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like that he is black sheep of the family who made his own living instead of depending on his rich family.
2. Romance - There are two couples in this drama and I enjoyed both.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's friend & colleague as well as FL's assistant

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Second female lead was childish despite putting "strong woman" front. She ran away from her problem instead of confronting it.

Favourite scene
When FL thought ML was gay

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I rarely watch period drama but I love this series!

I am a fan of Zhang Jing Yi after watching her performances in Lighter & Princess and Bright Eyes in the Dark. I prefer modern drama to period drama but decided to add this series after reading rave reviews. I watched this series on 31 December 2024 together with my bestie and we love this brilliantly-written series!

What I liked:
1) Hua Zhi characterisation - She was intelligent, progressive, resilient and family-focused and I love that those traits were demonstrated in a period drama. She wasn't a Mary Sue, she did a mistake that cost her freedom.
2) Romance - There are different types of romance shown in this series and I love them. Hua Zhi and Gu Yan Xi's romance was built on solid foundation of love, trust and mutual respect. I gushed whenever they held hands or stole glances when in public. I also enjoyed the secondary romances in particular Shao Yao and Shen Huan. Theirs were like high school/university sweet romance.
3) Gu Yan Xi characterisation - One of the most fascinating male lead in cdrama. He had several identities and it excited me whenever he appeared on screen. As Commander of Security Bureau, he was menacing but as Mr Yan, he was sweet and a gentleman.
4) Acting - Wonderful from every one in the cast!
5) Supporting characters - I like most of them in particular Baoxia (her eyeroll was EPIC!), Chen Qing, Grandma Hua, Xia Jin E, Shao Yao, Shen Hua, Uncle Ping Yang.
6) Visuals - Wow, the cast was good looking and the outfits were beautiful. Bian Cheng resembles Korean idol Kai of EXO. I also enjoyed the cinematography and shots of Hua Manor.
7) Villain arc - The villain feared internal "threats" and I liked this arc.
8) Music - I love the score. The intro was also beautifully illustrated.
9) Action - I never expected epic action scenes because at first I thought this was a family-focused drama. Action scenes were thrilling.

What I disliked:
1) Hua Zhi's action - She made a mistake rebelling against the emperor and that cost her dearly.
2) Hua Rong's arc - I was sad.
3) Shen Qi - Caesar Wu was third billed in this series but his character was underdeveloped, I find.
4) Grandma Hua's daughter - She was despicable.


Favourite scene
Grandma Hua's death

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Wonderful, heartfelt coming of age drama about a sheltered young adult

I chose to watch Overprotected Kahoko last week after finding out that this drama would be leaving Netflix on 14 October. What a compelling coming of age drama!

What I liked:
1) Kahoko's characterisation - I enjoy watching Kahoko's character growth. At the start of the series, she was a sheltered young adult who never had to make her own decisions. Thus this affected the way she expressed her feelings and emotions. When she received criticism from her peer, she pondered and challenged herself - I like this about her! Despite being sheltered, she was observant and cared so much for her family. Just like her maternal grandma says about her - Kahoko is the glue that binds the family.
2) Hajime's characterisation - He was empathetic towards Kahoko. I like that he was aware of Kahoko's inability to express her emotions and instead of making assumptions or stopping Kahoko from expressing, he gave her a safe space to voice out her emotions and listen to her concerns. What a great friend! I also like that he says what's on his mind especially during the chat with Ito.
3) Masataka's narration - The narration is actually Kahoko's father's thoughts and feelings about Kahoko and his family. It's a shame that he was not able to voice them out but they provided wonderful tidbits on his family members.
4) Supporting characters - It's great that the supporting characters have depth to them. Brilliant acting by each cast member.
5) Kahoko and Hajime's relationship - I love how their relationship evolved from stranger to friends to best friends and lovers. They had honest and raw conversations that I cried twice - when she confessed her feelings to Hajime and when they argued and broke up.

What I disliked:
1) Izumi - I don't like her parenting style and I don't understand her reasons for objecting to Kahoko's decision. She's stifling.
2) Ito - What an ungrateful brat! I can't believe her behaviour even after learning about her grandma's situation.

Favourite scene
When Kahoko confessed her feelings to Hajime. I knew how he would react but couldn't help feeling heartbroken. Great acting by the two!

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Gripping drama on firefighting with great romance story

I was drawn to this drama because of Zhang Jing Yi and firefighting storyline. I was surprised that this series is ranked lower than other mystery romance that I watched but had stale etoryline. Perhaps some viewers dislike the ending - I can accept the ending being left open to interpretation because otherwise a happily ever after would seem at odds with the overall vibe of this gritty, slice of life drama.

What I like:
1) Firefighting - Wow, great firefighting scenarios featured in this series, from simple straightforward fire in a building to the more complex ones e.g. forest fires and explosion at a plant. There was even disaster relieft effort after an earthquake scenario. I also like that one of the characters is a structural engineer as I never thought firefighting could be a career pathway for structural engineering student. I also enjoyed the fire safety tips at the end of each episode.
2) Lin Lu Xiao characterisation - Lin Lu Xiao is a level-headed leader and even at a higher position, he strives to improve himself as a firefighter. Lu Xiao as a boyfriend is fun to watch too. Bright eyes in the dark is the first series of Johnny Huang's work that I watched and I enjoyed his performance.
3) Nan Chu characterisation - It's delightful to see a smart and capable Female Lead who pursues her passions and the man she is interested in. She is wise beyong her age and no wonder Lu Xiao and Jing Ge were attracted to her. I like that she considers the pros and cons of being in a relationship with a firefighter because then it isn't hero worship.
This is the second series of Zhang Jing Yi's work that I watched (first series being Lighter and Princess) and I must admit that Zhang Jing Yi continues to impress me with her performance.
4) Romance - The romantic scenes were sweet and intimate. I love that Nan Chu and Lin Lu Xiao kiss, hug, hold hands and comfort each other a lot. I love that Nan Chu initiated most kisses - you go girl! It's also good to watch scenes of fading romance as portrayed by Qi Lei and Milan. Painful but that's the reality of relationships that are not frequently nurtured.
5) Supporting characters - They were fun to watch from firemen Instructor Yang, Assistant Liu, Qi Lei to people in the industry such as Jing Ge, Xi Gu, Shen Guang Zong. Kudos to Lu Si Yu for that brilliant acting performance. I felt his character's heartache and pain.
6) Camaraderie - Strongly seen in firefighting community. There were some comedic moments when all firemen gang up against one for example when they found out that Lin Lu Xiao was going on a date!

What I dislike:
1) Nan Chu's mum - I don't like that she was distant to her child and even lied about Nan Chu's father. Nan Chu's reaction was milder than what I expected. Perhaps the tv series is just following the novel that is based upon.
2) Ran Dong Yang and Xu Zhi Yi - They are despicable people. Glad that they got punished in the end.
3) Qi Huo's secret - Fang should apologise for outing Qi Huo.

Favourite scene:
Xi Gu's present for Nan Chu at their new apartment. I gush a lot during that scene. Xi Gu's a total bestie!

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Stilted is best word to describe this mini drama

I watched this minidrama after heavy promotion on Youtube especially that bold trailer. If someone asks me to describe this drama in one word, I'd say 'stilted' is apt. Stilted acting, stilted character growth, stilted romance, stilted plot.

What I liked:
1) Qiao Fei characterisation - She is one of two characters that I like in this mini drama. Despite having less screen time, actress Zhang Ya Meng managed to give life to what could be a 2-dimensional character. I like her take charge nature, which is contrast to Female Lead Wen Xi.
2) Ren characterisation - He is the other character that I like in this mini drama, ever since his first appearance in the women's boutique. He is resourceful assistant to Male Lead Zhe Qing but he is his own person.
3) Qiao Fei - Ren romance - I prefer their romance to Zhe Qing-Wen Xi romance. Better chemistry & execution of their love story. It's cute that Ren felt challenged by Qiao Fei's remark of not dating younger men.

What I disliked:
1) Wen Xi characterisation - Gosh another damsel in distress. It's good that she came out of the "helpless girl shell" after her sister's accident. However her way of solving her sister's accident wasn't smart. She should have partnered up or "used" Zhe Qing.
2) Zhe Qing-Wen Xi romance - Gosh I cannot stand the manhandling! Some may find Zhe Qin's aggressiveness as hot but to me, it's just wrong. His moves were unnatural and stiff to the point of assault. Even most of kissing scenes were hard to watch because there were too much push factor rather than pull factor in their dynamics. Wen Xi never seemed to enjoy kissing.
3) Plot - just messy. I don't understand why Wen Xi was kidnapped in the first place. She was a nobody. Wen Hao's situations (being a whistleblower and having a secret romance) made this drama interesting but they became lost momentum once Wen Xi's romance developed and the villain had more screen time.

Favourite scene
When Wen Xi was drunk and Zhe Qing wanted to confirm her identity. What a smart way to validate your suspicion!

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Enjoyable hidden agenda & romance mini drama

This is the second drama that I watched which starred Hong Xiao (The Revenge of Begonia). I was interested to check out her other work and I also enjoy noona romance.

What I liked:
1) When Su Ban Xia confided in Jiang Shao Heng about her adverse reactions to a man's touch. It was heartfelt, I cried.
2) Su Ban Xia characterisation - I like that she is a girl boss who is also kind. She cared about her employee and even a stranger.
3) Visuals of second female & second male leads were complementary to each other. I really like the scenes when they hung out together.
4) I like Su Ban Xia's reaction after finding out about Jiang Shao Heng's pursuit of her. She wasn't hysterical.
5) I like the song that is played in end credit of episode 15. I can't seem to find the song title with Shazam. If you know, please let me know the song title.

What I disliked:
1) The acting by antagonists Wei Gao Yang & his sister were over the top that they seem like caricatures.
2) I wish we could have more scenes of Sang Le and Duan Zhao

My favourite scene
When Su Ban Xia confided in Jiang Shao Heng about her adverse reaction to a man's touch

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So much suffering in this revenge mini drama

This fast-paced (10 - 15 min per episode) mini drama kept me awake until almost 2 am.

What I like:
1) Visuals - With that hairstyling, I find Yan Zi Xian resembled Jackson Wang during GOT7's Crash & Burn and Not by the Moon era so much!
2) Plot - I enjoyed the 1st half of The Revenge of Begonia. Fast-paced and somewhat coherent.
3) Intimate scenes - Gosh, episode 1 is already steamy. Then comes feeding medicine scene. I also found tender moments were pleasant surprise.
4) An Ning's best friend - Only Yumei is likeable because she is rational!
5) I like the ending of the villain.

What I dislike:
1) The 2nd half plot just non-sensical and messy. Why did An Ning doubt He Xing Zhou a second time???
2) He Xing Zhou's mother was insufferable. Mo Xiang was pathetic too.
3) Abuse & misery - I am surprised that abuse in front of servants was permitted in that household. An Ning also suffered a lot by being He Xing Zhou's wife.

Favourite scene
When He Xing Zhou tried to cheer up An Ning with a performance. That's the only time I see He Xing Zhou smiled.

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Light new adult drama that left me wanting more...in a bad way

I was deceived! I thought this was a noona romance with substance but this drama was light but underdeveloped. It's shocking because it is based on a new adult fiction. I haven't read the story though so my review is purely based on this series.

What I like:
1) I like the opening song Never Stop (Rock version) since the very first episode. I even love it more when I read the lyrics. Brilliant song about chasing dreams.
2) I like the first half of the series especially when Liang Chen and Lu Jing played games together. The sexual tension grew once Lu Jing figured out Little Box's identity and gosh I love those moments.
3) Visuals of the leads - Lin Yi was boyishly handsome in this series while Xu Lu has high cheekbones like a model.
4) Lu Jing's dorm mates and even rival was fun to watch. They were adorable with their shenanigans.

What I dislike:
1) The writing - It was a struggle to finish Love Scenery especially once it reached mid-point. Second half was dull & underdeveloped. I wish the writer went deeper with Liang Chen's problems. Ideally I think it would be better to start Liang Chen as critically-acclaimed artist who had to go on hiatus because of health scare and that's when she meets Lu Jing (gaming while recuperating). While recuperating, she evaluates her life achievements and potential and decided to tackle a new challenge by doing rock songs and going on survival show. Another subplot that disappointed me was the development of the main characters' love story. Yes we know that there are challenges dating a public figure or even dating an older woman but the show only told not show these "challenges". Too many montages and filler scenes. I wish there were scenes of actual conversations between Liang Chen and Lin Yi. Maybe a scene about them unintentionally making music together since she was looking for inspiration for next album and he plays violin.
2) Not a fan of Ma Shan Shan. She wallowed in self-pity 80% of the show and was indifferent to Sun Binyu and even Liang Chen. She didn't deserve that much screentime.
3) The romance - The chemistry between Lin Yi and Xu Lu isn't there. Xu Lu seemed skittish whenever Lin Yi's character became affectionate (this includes hugging). It also seemed that Lu Jing was the only one initiating kisses and being enthusiastic while at it.
4) Supporting characters - I feel that Sun Binyu and Ding Jiayun were poorly written characters. Their only purpose was becoming love interests. What a shame!

Favourite scene:
1) When Lu Jing took photo with Liang Chen with the toy with box-shaped head. Then he sent the photo to Liang Chen and asked her what she thought of the photo. That was very cheeky of him!

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Superpowered or not, good parenting is core

I was in Busan when this show was in second week on air. Saw a lot of ads. First few episodes were less interesting to me but I became invested in episode 5 onwards.

What I like:
1) Parenting styles of 3 different families. Lee Mi-hyun is overprotective of her son Kim Bong Seok because of his supernatural powers but she never stops him from experiencing normal adolescence. He goes to public high school and he is allowed to bring friends home. Jang Ju-won becomes a single father after his wife passed away. You can see his dedication in raising his daughter Jang Hee-soo in safe environment. Lee Jae-man is another exemplary father despite his limitations.
2) Espionage - love episodes when Doo-shik, Ju-won & Mi-hyun were completing their missions. Even Frank's missions were thrilling to watch.
3) Acting - great acting by the cast.
4) Ending was just wonderful.
5) Romance stories of two sets of parents.
6) I am intrigued by the mysterious student who was not detected.
7) The battle at school. I love that Bong Seok carried his mum home.

What I dislike:
1) Higher ups at National Intelligence Services especially Director Min Yong-jun. Opening a school to identify and recruit superpowered individuals without being transparent to all parents is just a bad move.
2) I found the earlier episodes were less interesting because too much focus on Bong Seok and Hee-soo. Once the episodes focused on their parents' past, then I became more invested in the series.

Favourite scene
When Doo-shik was captured by NIS at Mi-hyun's residence and the scene at NIS.

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Perfect balance of career-focused & noona romance

Noona romance is one of my favourite tropes. Highly recommended for those who want female-led series with balanced stories about their personal and professional lives. Makes me think of (i) ethics - what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships


What I like
1) Writing - this show portrays female characters as strong, capable but flawed (not Mary Sue). Kudos to Kwon Do-eun for writing a brilliant series.
2) Acting - brilliant acting by the cast in particularly Lim Soo Jung & Lee Da Hee,
3) Portrayal of female friendship - how one started while another one disintegrate,
4) The score - Millenial Love was magical upon first listen while Heart Shape on Ankle makes me giddy whenever I listen to it,
5) Park Morgan characterisation - as a music fan and someone who's Ta Mi's age now, I wish I had a boyfriend like him. He was confident, empathetic, supporting
6) Jang Ki Yong & Lee Jae Wook were devilishly good looking
7) What's Wrong with My Mother-in-Law
8) This series makes me think of (i) ethics what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships

What I dislike
1) The conflict between Ta Mi and Morgan - in real life, I wouldn't reconnect because that's a dealbreaker

Favourite scene
When Ta Mi was distracted by Park Morgan's presence in her office. That dialogue is what I imagine a progressive western series would write about. That foreplay is so sexy.

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Live action version of old Harlequin novel

I like reading Harlequin novels once in a while and modern releases are quite refreshing & enjoyable. My Lethal Man is like an adaptation of old Harlequin novels. Full of clichés!

Pros:
1. Pacing - It was good. Despite the clichés, I managed to finish this series within 2 working days.
2. Fan Zhi Xin - Handsome. Gosh his jawline & cheekbones. His acting was ok. He seemed to have fun in behind the scenes.
3. Romance - Plenty make out scenes 😝
4. Supporting male leads - I like them both!

Cons:
1. Male lead characterisation - Domineering, sullen boss type.
2. Female lead characterisation - Damsel in distress type. Needs saving all the time except when hero was recovering from mental breakdown and when she came with plan for necklace. I think those were only times she took charge.
3. Mystery - quite predictable.
4. Li Mo Zhi - She's older than Fan Zhi Xin and it shouldn't matter but for this drama, I think Li Mo Zhi could have soften her facial expressions so conflicts can be expressed better.

Favourite scene
When they made out at the bridge. I like when male lead hugs female lead from behind.

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Best mini drama I have watched!

I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.

What I like:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.

What I dislike:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.

Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!

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