emberzmars

Dark revenge tale charged with sexual tension. I liked it!

I was in the mood for more Yang Jie dramas because the previous drama I watched was not satisfying. Came across this title and immediately watched it because her co-star is Zhang Yun Tao and there was only 1 working link listed in the comment section. I enjoyed this dark drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was convinced that ML's mother killed her parents & uncle so no further investigation required. She went straight into design & implementation of her plan.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yang Jie, Zhang Yun Tao and the actress who portrayed ML's mother. Terrific chemistry between Yang Jie and Zhang Yun Tao. Wonderful to see action scenes performed by both of them.
3. Romance - Now there were more push than pull and some toxicity but my gosh the sexual tension was electrifying whenever both FL & ML were in close proximity. They definitely desired each other.
4. Styling - Very beautiful qipao worn by FL & ML's mother. Zhang Yun Tao looked handsome in republican era military uniform.
5. Ending - The story was nicely wrapped up. I think the couple deserved that fate.
6. Supporting characters - FL's friends, ML's right hand man were good addition.

What I disliked:
1. The third act - I felt it was rushed especially when the big bombs were dropped. I wish the murder of FL's parents were told in a different way.

Favourite scene
When FL was pressured to kill someone

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This tragic romance made me cry 3 times!

This is the first time I watched Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi 's performance on screen. The story of yin yang & one person being "antidote" to another grabbed my attention. I must say I was very surprised by this drama because I cried THREE times!

This review originally appeared on another Huang Bo - Xu Si Qi's drama, Difficult to Touch. I had assumed that the drama I watched was Difficult to Touch because it has the same 'yin antidote to yang toxin' storyline.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - Damn, he gave a sublime performance in this drama as I felt different types of emotions: anger, sadness, hopeful, fearful. His acting & masculinity reminded me of Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender. Anyway I became a fan of Huang Bo because of this drama.
2. ML characterisation - His character growth was fascinating. He started as as a person who focused a lot on himself then slowly he was more concerned about others than himself.
3. FL characterisation - I too liked how her character developed. She was too nice at first but then grew wary and put her and daughter's needs first. I cried when she received the bad news. I think she made the right decision to care for her daughter. Xu Si Qi was great at expressing different emotions of her character.
4. Romance - Tragic romance. ML & FL were together 3 times, which I think they were not meant for each other. He fell harder for her while FL seemed to like him at the start & perhaps at the end of their coupling.
5. Supporting character - I liked the kid but computer whiz thing was a bit too much. I also liked ML's grandpa who was concerned for FL's wellbeing after ML & FL got together the second time. Dr Jin was a good character too.
6. Ending - I interpreted it as bittersweet & tragic.

What I disliked:
1. Sex - I felt consent was dubious. That scene was uncomfortable for me to watch.

Favourite scene
When ML saw FL right after her surgery

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Great, enjoyable story about mature couple and father - daughter relationship

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun's dramas so I checked his playlist and found this drama. Another unplanned pregnancy drama starring Sa Gang Yun - ehem what does that say about him hahaha anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her character was going through a difficult time when husband dumped her for another woman. However I saw this as her new lease of life as she was given opportunity to become a better version of herself. There was some much kindness and warmth in her character. Dai Dai was brilliant in this role.
2. Father - daughter relationship - ML's daughter the second female lead (SFL) is an adult so it was wonderful to watch interactions and banters between her and ML. The teasing was adorable and funny.
3. Romance - It was sweet romance. ML was clearly smitten by FL at their blind date. I wish there were kisses and spicy scenes because this mature couple was beautiful.
4. Supporting character - I loved that SFL was given an arc. I could feel the conflict she faced in the third act.
5. Antagonist - There are 2 types of antagonists in this drama: (i) FL's ex husband & mistress, and (ii) ML's ex wife. I enjoyed ML's ex wife plot device much more because it gave a higher impact to the drama. ML's ex wife is an antagonist I love to hate.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL's ex husband got married to his mistress (FL's former friend) and I hated every single moment of it. Why did FL do the job? I also didn't understand why ML was held back by another man and made weak when in reality Sa Gang Yun was more menacing that that guy? I was mentally exhausted when FL's mother jumped into the bullying bandwagon.
2. Antagonist - The mistress were despicable and intrusive. FL's ex husband was a wimp.

Favourite scene
The jewelry design competition participated by SFL

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Simple story about family with likeable main characters

I am big fan of Guo Yu Xin and try to watch as many of her dramas I can. This drama gets positive comments on youtube so I watched it just now. I had low expectations but glad I watched it because the drama was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was smart & instinctive. I liked that he verified claim first before informing the jade master about the missing child mystery.
2. Romance - Very sweet. ML is older and more worldly than FL but there wasn't any sense of manipulation or icky about their differences. It's good to see that both like and respect each other.
3. Mother - son dynamic - Good to see different interactions, i) between ML & his mother, ii) between ML's brother and mother. That last scene between mother and brothers was devastating.
4. Apprenticeship - What a cool opportunity for FL! I was glad she chose that opportunity over internship at ML's company because it gave some freshness to the drama.
5. Missing child claim - I loved this scene. I punched the air when ML said he had done DNA test.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family was money hungry. ML's brother was even worse - I couldn't believe he did that thing just to compete with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML announced that he had done DNA test

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Alright drama about cheating spouse and revenge

I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan. I liked some Ye Hao Ran's dramas and enjoyed Xu Kai Xin's mini drama. I was intrigued to know what this drama would turn out because there are 3 main characters listed in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - This is not your typical scorned lover drama. I felt the revenge plan was softer than the usual cheating spouse drama.
2. Acting - Good acting by the 3 leads. I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Ye Hao Ran. I prefer chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Xu Kai Xin.
4. Ending - I liked the path FL has chosen for herself.
5. Length - This drama is less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt Zhou Jia Yan's pursuit of FL while on the show is aggressive. Zhou Jia Yan was sweet guy gifting FL's favourite flowers but overall I didn't buy into their romance.
2. Tone - I didn't have strong feelings after completing this drama. I think it's because I couldn't connect to FL nor Zhou Jia Yan.

Favourite scene
When qipao was torn

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Loved watching aircraft maintenance engineer FL fall in love

I watched this drama at the recommendation of MDL user - I asked for Yao Guan Yu's best work. I am an aviation geek and I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I had high hopes. I enjoyed this drama but with the long running time, I wouldn't repeat this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see a FL in male-dominated job, which in this case aircraft maintenance engineer. She is capable and smart and I enjoyed the scenes in which she proved her sexist colleagues wrong. Peng Yao was good in this role as she managed to add femininity & innocence to the otherwise tomboyish character.
2. ML characterisation - I saw two sides to his character: calm & collected pilot captain and sensitive husband. He was so sweet to his wife despite the cold facial expression. Yao Guan Yu looked dashing in pilot uniform.
3. Aviation - Amazing to see aircraft maintenance scenes as I had not seen such scenes in other aviation-related vertical dramas. The piloting problem at the end is quite similar to Secret Love at 30,000 feet - I enjoyed the scene in that drama more because both FL & ML worked together on the problem.
4. Romance - Slow burn with nice kisses and sweet gestures. The scene about their wedding rings was touching. That TMI scene between FL and her flight attendant friend made me giggle.
5. Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching scenes involving FL's colleagues, FL's mother and ML's family. The female pilot & flight attendant were a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Length - At almost 3.5 hours, this drama could be trimmed down. The romance trajectory between FL & ML took too long and their individual arcs, as aircraft maintenance engineer and pilot, went smoothly with few challenges that were solved almost immediately.

Favourite scene
When ML responded to snide remarks made by FL's aunt & cousin

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Tiresome drama about secret identity, bullying & very underdeveloped romance

I got to know about this drama from reddit and was excited to watch it because of the title. This is my first time watching Zhang Zheng Yue. After completing the drama, I had to say that I was disappointed by this tale. I wouldn't recommend this drama unless you enjoy stories with this plot.

What I liked:
1. Stock market trading - The scene was different & exciting.
2. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was the most memorable out of the many supporting characters, which were mostly 2 dimensional.
3. Introduction - I liked it a lot especially when both ML & FL rode motorcycles separately.
4. Wang Yi Yang - She was very pretty in this drama. Acting wise ok.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The main antagonist Xiao Yun and her goons got so much more screentime than ML. The bullying got tiresome after the museum scene.
2. Romance - Very underdeveloped. The last scene didn't make any sense because there were no on screen scenes of FL - ML bonding as husband & wife (they had a flash marriage).
3. Secret identity - There were 3 characters with secret identities. ML's secret identity was negligible since he had the least screentime. Xiao Yun was an impostor. I was irritated with FL's secret identity at the museum scene because it led to Xiao Yun getting away with her crime.

Favourite scene
Stock market trading

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Drama about adopted vs biological family with a satisfying comeuppance

I was in the mood for dramas about sibling dynamics when I saw this drama in the Newly added section of MDL tv shows. This is my first time watching Lin Rui Xue and second time watching Zhou Ling Feng. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's good to watch Jiang Yao's character development. She was nice but naive when she was younger but after the hardships, she was assertive and determined not to forgive those who have bullied them.
2. Ending - Love it! FL never wavered from her stance and those who bullied her got their comeuppance.
3. The Songs - Great to see a very supportive adopted family. I really liked it that they were happy with whatever college entrance exam score that Jiang Yao received.
4. Plot twist - Wow I was very surprised when a bomb was dropped by Mr Jiang in the third act. I liked that line about it's unfair that Jiang Yao was being punished for something that happened before she was born.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - It was tough watching the harsh treatment given to Jiang Yao when she lived in Jiang household. I was almost in tears during some flashbacks.
2. Mingzhu - Insufferable brat. I hated her!
3. FL's biological family - While I sympathised with her brothers especially the eldest, the whole family of 5 were despicable. The parents were the worst! Anyway I wish the writer had developed third brother character in different way by letting him feel guilty for the actions he had done before he discovered the truths. Because now all three brothers experienced the same trajectory - feeling sorry & regretful after finding out the truths. Why have 3 brother characters when you could do with 2?

Favourite scene
When Jiang Yao received the honour of the school's top scorer

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Short & sweet version of Kdrama Business Proposal with attractive leads that can act

I watched this drama yesterday because I wanted to explore Zhao Xi Xi's dramas. Love her dramas with Zhen Zi Qi & Huang Bo. I enjoyed this short shorts immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It has similar premise to Korean drama Business Proposal and I love it! The romance is very sweet.
2. Visuals - Wow, good looking people were cast. Zhao Xi Xi & Hu Bo Wen are tall like models. The actor who played FL's ex is handsome too.
3. FL characterisation - She invested a lot of time and money for her bf & was underappreciated & got dumped. I felt for FL's pain and enjoyed seeing her character grow from that experience.
4. ML characterisation - He got suspicious of his date after awhile. Smart man. I like that he's a nice CEO.
5. Supporting character - FL's bestie of course. FL's colleagues were nice people.
6. Product placement - A subtle one. Sensible approach.
7. Length - It's only 45 minutes long. Well-paced drama.

What I disliked:
1. Couple scenes - I would have liked if there are more scenes after the couple finally got together. The last scene isn't enough.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had their first date

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Jiejie romance amidst family betrayal & hidden identity

Lin Qi Ting and Wang Qian Shuo acted together in two different dramas but both are about older woman, younger man romance. I got confused when I came across the other drama's MDL page. Delighted that this page is live for me to share my thoughts. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL Lin Zhixia is a jewellery designer who had been betrayed by her family.
2. ML characterisation - ML Huo Lingfei is a young CEO who hides his identity from FL and applied to become her intern.
3. Romance - This is a jiejie romance (8 year difference) with good mix of push & pull. The shower kissing scene was hot but I don't understand why other kissing scenes were blocked. There was a cute surprise scene. Lin Qi Ting & Wang Qian Shuo had great acting & visual chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was nice & cute.
5. Ageism - I liked that this drama explored the issue of ageism in the workplace.
6. Styling - I really outfits worn by FL & ML. The gowns worn by FL and FL's sister were pretty too. My favourite ML outfit is the denim & white top he wore during their date

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & sister just shameless & envious. FL's ex boyfriend was douchebag too but the actor who played the character is handsome.

Favourite scene
The shower scene

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Too much bullying but otherwise sweet romance

I watched this drama months ago when I was in the mood for Zhang Yi Lun dramas. I came across the poster & realised the drama did not have MDL so I submitted as New Title. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow the location of their one night stand is just unbelievable. Putting that aside, their romance was sweet and bit spicy. Good kisses.
2. Acting - I quite enjoyed Li Ai Xiao's acting despite her character's weak nature. Zhang Yi Lun's acting was fine too.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he's always reassuring FL to come to him if she has concerns.
4 Supporting characters - I liked FL's biological mother.
5. Styling - After marriage, FL wore beautiful clothes. I liked her evening gowns and wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL faced bullies almost all the time - at home, at work, during shopping trip. It's mentally tiring for me to watch those scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She is a damsel in distress that requires saving.
3. Antagonist - Typical green tea who is envious of FL and delusional about her relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When they kissed after getting married

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Poster didn't meet genre expectation but I enjoyed this drama

I saw this drama poster somewhere and thought it was a fantasy / sci-fi drama. Proposed it to my buddy Fae so we did buddy watch. Both main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. Sadly drama didn't meet our genre expectations & subtitles went missing in the second half of drama. However I enjoyed this drama to my surprise. If there is another video with full subtitles, I would watch it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she's a martial arts expert so was able to protect herself from harm. I also liked her sensible nature - I felt that she made decisions carefully even during the 2nd half of drama when subtitles went missing. She is also compassionate and kind hearted - I was moved when she carried her husband while running away from the enemy.
2. Romance - This is the second biggest surprise. I didn't expect the couple to be affectionate at all. I was pleasantly surprised when ML kissed FL while in the office and in public. Even though there was flashback to their chance encounter while they were in high school, I think ML fell in love with him when she carried him on her back.
3. Styling - FL's clothes were carefully chosen for the different occasions. Right choice of clothes for an excursion to the mountain / village. She also wore sensible clothes in scenes that required fighting. I also liked that FL's sister wore beret. Easier to distinguish between her and FL.
4. Supporting character - FL's right hand / SML was adorable. I could sense his crush on her but yeah he was so not meant for her.

What I disliked:
1. Misleading poster - I was conned. I thought it was a Sci fi drama!
2. Missing subtitles - It sucks. I could do guesswork for most scenes but I still don't know who is the mysterious antagonist that had connection with ML's uncle.

Favourite scene
When FL carried ML on her back

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Letdown by the romance but I ponder about being indebted

I was impressed by Sa Gang Yun's acting & visuals in Love in the Evening Wind & Stars so I browsed his list of work. I chose to watch this drama because I enjoy Bai Yan's acting. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she had her pride intact despite the torture & humiliation she faced.
2. ML characterisation - I could see that he was attracted by FL from the start and helped her in the way he could. He was a flawed character nevertheless. I was frustrated that he never verbalise his feelings for FL until an incident happened.
3. Indebted - This drama made me ponder about gratitude and "being" indebted. If someone saves your life, are you going to be eternally indebted to the savior? Is there no end to the request of support / favour?
4. Acting - Bai Yan, Sa Gang Yun & Huo Guan Jie were good in their roles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were so much potential with the push & pull and chemistry between Sa Gang Yun & Bai Yan. However I was disappointed by the lack of physical touch (kisses, hug, caress) and warmth between them. They also suffered from lack of communication.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex boyfriend was possessive & controlling that I feared for FL's life. The green tea interfered with the couple's life, she's manipulative & annoying.
3. Length - This melodramatic was long and at some point, draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed and the couple was given more time for their romance to grow healthily.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the kidnapping scene

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A heartfelt romance between mature aged couple with ML looking like Dr McSteamy

I was watching something on Youtube then an ad from Dramawave appeared. The guy was hot even though character was supposed to be middle aged man! I tried searching for the drama on reddit and then watched the drama in full. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by drama because it was heartfelt. This drama definitely goes to my 'watch on repeat' list.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The first scene reminded me of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze. FL was trying to sell eggs to a doctor as a desperate attempt to get big money but in this drama, FL was less damsel in distress. I was floored by her kindness and authenticity. Pan Yiyi was excellent in her role.
2. Romance - Damn this romance involves 2 mature age individuals (past 35 years old) and they were hot! Their intimate scenes were hot and tastefully done. I could sense the lust and desire they had for each other. That advice about intimate relations during pregnancy was much appreciated! In addition, I loved that this couple was affectionate. They held hands & spent quality time with each other. I was moved when FL felt cherished by ML
3. ML characterisation - I think ML is the type of person who never thought about love but once he has felt the possibility of loving and being loved, he wants to get hold of it. I liked that he was committed to making their relationship work. This was my first time watching Sa Gang Yun and wow, he impressed me. Looks wise, he gave me the vibe of Dr McSteamy of Grey's Anatomy.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister and grandma although I was irritated by grandma's silly question close to the ending. I also liked FL's daughter though wish she would make an appearance during the ending.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, FL's ex husband was a vile person! There was also green tea who tried her best to bring down FL but luckily her attempts were unsuccessful.
2. Abuse - FL suffered so much but I am delighted that she found a way out of those situations.

Favourite scene
When ML celebrated FL's birthday

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FL set a trap but got caught in big family saga. Spectacular acting by 3 leads

I am huge fan of Huang Bo and have seen Zhao Xi Xi's drama with Zhen Zi Qi which I love. I watched Your Trap last year and while I enjoyed certain areas of that mini drama, I found flaws with the writing. Huang Bo and Zhao Xi Xi's new drama will be released in 3 days so that prompted me to watch this drama as an "appetiser". I must say that I enjoyed Into The Abyss so much more than Your Trap.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Huang Bo and the actor who played SML Lin Zong Yi. I was engrossed in the drama whenever they appeared on screen.
2. Romance - I have mixed feelings about their romance. Two intimate scenes were hot & thrilling because it was a challenge to them and I could see desire and consent in both of them. However ML was aggressive towards FL at other times which made me question his genuineness. Despite that, there was one sweet act done by ML for FL.
3. Styling - The stylist should be given a raise for the beautiful outfits. Zhao Xi Xi looked elegant for an assistant while Huang Bo was very handsome with that hairstyle and those business suits.
4. Antagonists - What a complex group of antagonists. Even with the complicated mess, I appreciated the arcs given to the three antagonists.
5. Ending - It is great that the ending is light & happy.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - Such a polarising character. I felt his anger when he was played by FL but I couldn't stand his aggressiveness and jealousy.
2. FL characterisation - She thought she could be in control of the game she set but she got entangled as well. I disliked her lies to ML but found her Ok in the third act.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he answered his wife's call

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