emberzmars

Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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Handsome men amidst an underwhelming republican drama

I underutilised my wetv subscription so I browsed the catalogue and found this drama. Deng Kai is one of the actors that fascinates me even when he portrays anti-heroes and scumbags.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai - I really liked his acting in this drama especially the vulnerable moments. Episode 17 is my favourite episode. Oh, I was delighted to see him without wig. As Taylor Swift says in her lyrics, "He is tall and handsome as hell".
2. Kisses - Many hot kisses. My favourite is when ML pulled FL towards him so she was on top of him and they kissed passionately.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Liang Xiao, Li Tian and Gao Qi. Zhao De Biao was a surprise - quite a memorable character.
4. Visual - Wow, many handsome actors in this drama: Deng Kai, Ryan Kuo, Liu Bo.

What I disliked:
1. Investigation - I feel that this main plot was not focused enough. This drama is about ML investigating the impostor but all that I remembered is the love triangle.
2. FL characterisation - FL started strong at the start but then became wishy washy once the second act started. She seemed unfocused with her mission and her love life. I found Tan Yan Yan's acting underwhelming.
3. Romance - Apart from the kisses, romance was lacklustre. I felt like she was stringing along both men.
4 Ending - After all the sacrifices SML made, the couple just became like that?

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings and asked FL if she had feelings for him

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Spicy & dark revenge tale that feels like a mini drama production

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and my last drama of hers is Everlasting Love, which I enjoyed. I was ecstatic to find out about her new drama yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Revenge theme - There are so many revenge-themed dramas in the world of vertical dramas and I enjoyed this drama despite the familiar plot device. For once, I am delighted that green tea didn't get much screen time.
2. Acting - Great performance by Wen Mo Yan & Chen Ming Hao. I've only enjoyed 1 or 2 of her vertical drama - this one is added to the list. This is my first drama of Chen Ming Hao and I am keen to explore more. I felt that actor playing second male lead (SML) gave a good performance too
3. Romance - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. Good mix of love and lust. I was even hoping for some action by SML.
4. Editing - This drama felt more like a mini drama production because of the directing/framing of shots & tone. I am also grateful that Wen Mo Yan's voice is not dubbed.
5. Visuals - Damn, both ML & SML are very handsome. Wen Mo Yan is pretty, as usual.
6. Length - Running time of 100 minutes. Just perfect to watch after dinner but before bed.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I kinda expect FL's action but ML's response baffled me. Why a cliffhanger?

Favourite scene
When FL remembered the most atrocious thing that happened to her in previous life - what an emotional punch to the heart!

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Family is core theme of this drama

I came across this drama as I browsed Zhang Chu Xuan's list of dramas on Chinesemov.com The title intrigued me so I decided to watch last week. I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The introduction was amusing. I liked how FL decided to turn around the character that she inhabited. She's smart & compassionate so that changed people's perception of her. I also enjoyed her scenes as family provider.
2. Family theme - I loved that family is core theme in this drama. A few scenes were touching.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the three brothers & FL's daughter in law. It's wonderful that they were given arcs for character growth. Anyway that milk scene was funny because it backfired.
4. Styling - Loved the vibrant clothes worn by the cast.

What I disliked:
1. Zhang Tian Jing - I understand that his character doesn't have a lot of scenes but I found him lacking screen presence. His performance was underwhelming for me.
2. Romance - It is subtle but due to the lack of chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Zhang Tian Jing, it seemed unnecessary to have romantic interest.

Favourite scene
When the youngest son defended FL from a bully & his father

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I liked secondary couple more than main couple

I am a fan of Huang Bo. I watched this drama on 16 February 2025 but forgot to write a review until today when I am doing homework on his dramas.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was determined to make his marriage work after he had time for his personal life. He respected his wife. Huang Bo looked dashing in a SWAT uniform.
2. Supporting characters - I really like FL's best friend as she was spunky. I was intrigued by ML's brother from very first moment he appeared. It's good to see that he had his own arc. FL's senior doctor colleague was memorable & a good rival to ML.
3. Romance - Sweet romance once the awkwardness was gone. A lot of caress and hand holding. It's also cool that there is secondary romance story in this drama. They were so adorable.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I wasn't fond of ML for leaving his bride for work immediately after wedding & no communication until 3 years had passed. He never apologised for this action.
2. FL characterisation - I found her too timid for my liking. Her character wasn't memorable. I only remember she attended to husband's wound in the middle of hospital hallway.
3. Antagonist - FL's rival was annoying and unbelievable. How could she become a medical intern / officer with that reckless behaviour? There was also another woman who thought she should be ML's wife.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie met ML's brother

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ML was starved of love but learn to love and be loved with FL

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was intrigued when I found out about the cast - I really liked Song Yu Jia's acting and Zuo Ming is fine in the 2 dramas of his that I've watched. This drama was unpredictable but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is uncomfortable to watch at times due to his early, toxic behaviour. As the story progressed, I saw the challenges that ML faced from childhood till present and I understood his behaviour. This is my first time watching Zuo Ming in a dramatic role and wow, he was believable. Well done to him!
2. Romance - He was starved of love and his methods of "love" were learned from observations of his parents' dysfunctional relationship. I liked that FL constantly reassured him and indirectly taught him about love. Their first intimacy was very hot - FL took initiative and once ML let go of his insecurity, the passion and lust flowed freely. They were an affectionate couple - physical touch is their love language.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both main characters. Song Yu Jia looked like a goddess while Zuo Ming was very handsome.
4. Vehicle - That pink jeep is so cool! It's great to see a vehicle other than black Mercedes/Maybach/Rolls Royce.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, what a complex arc. I was sympathetic with her because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of ML. However I hated her once I saw her true colours - she's the type who constantly craves attention from men. Devious and dangerous. That stakeholder meeting scene was ridiculous!
2. FL's back story - I felt that FL was underdeveloped. It was never stated whether ML was aware of FL's back story. If ML knew that FL existed for him, could his new beliefs on love remain steady?

Favourite scene
Their first intimate moment

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ML who never gave up on true love

This was one of the earliest vertical dramas I watched when I first discovered them back in December 2024. I found this drama through a playlist of Han Jia Hui's dramas. It took me awhile to track info for this drama to be submitted as New Title. Delighted this MDL page is live because this drama is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Pregnancy - In most vertical dramas, unplanned pregnancy happens after a one-night stand, be it sober or intoxicated. It's different in this drama - the child was actually a product of love.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that ML never gave up in his search to find his true love even after many years of no contact. He was smart and had good instincts.
3. FL characterisation - It's wonderful that FL fight back against office bully. She is without flaw but I understand her reason for leaving ML after his surgery.
4. Romance - I loved the love story between ML and FL. There was love, passion and desire from both sides.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by FL and her daughter. Beautiful and sensible clothes for leisure and for work.
6. Supporting character - FL's daughter is so adorable. She does resemble Li Zhuo Yao. FL's best friend is a great friend.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Green tea just obsessed at becoming Mrs Ji because of status. She's vicious for using FL's daughter to threat FL.
2. Secrets - I wish FL had just told ML about her identity and their kid sooner. The lack of honest communication and red herring made FL an easy target for the green tea.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL's daughter from being abducted

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There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama really focuses on the relationship between FL and ML. It is a slow burn but rich romance. They went into a marriage of convenience but I like how FL was open to affection and physical touch even though she was shy about kissing at first. I enjoy the chemistry (both acting & visual) between Guo Yu Xin and Chen Zheng Yang. There are at least 2 times that Guo Yu Xin’s ears turned red - was she cold or shy filming certain scenes with Chen Zheng Yang?
2. ML characterisation - I must say ML is the star of this drama. He is mature, emotionally stable and attentive to the needs of his partner. What I like most about him is his empathy. I was touched by his reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance. They both sought comfort in each other. Chen Zheng Yang truly excelled in this role.
3. FL characterisation - There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength. She understands her self-worth, that’s an attribute I like about her. She cares for people who are genuinely concerned about her and if people treat her badly, then she gives similar kind of treatment to that group of people. Guo Yu Xin was great in portraying an intricate character.
4. Supporting characters - I love FL’s grandpa because he genuinely cares for FL. The actor was very good. ML’s assistant was a delight to watch as well.
5. Styling - I love the clothes worn by FL especially the traditional wedding dress. Exquisite beadwork. In this drama, Chen Zheng Yang wore a lot of wide leg pants and clunky shoes. I love seeing him in white suit because his outfit matched Guo Yu Xin’s white qipao.
6. Cinematography - Just beautiful!

What I disliked
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL’s father is a scumbag for treating his daughters as commodities. He even drugged his daughters and suitors to increase chances of marriage deals. Song Ziyan was petulant while Jiang Fei, his ex girlfriend was despicable.
2. Extras - There is a scene in which cleaners gossip about FL and ML. One cleaner wore stilettos which led to my surprise. Maybe extras could wear any shoes they wanted.

Favourite scene
ML’s reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance

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Transactional relationship turned into love

I adored Liu Yi Fan in her drama with Wang Bing Xiang. I liked Wang Zilin in another drama in which he played a blind ML. Overall it was an enjoyable watch for me but I prefer other transactional relationahip-turned-love drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was attracted to FL from the first moment he saw her. Their relationship was transactional at the start but slowly progressed into love. However Liu Yi Fan seemed skittish during kissing scenes. I didn't get the natural chemistry between her and Wang Zi Lin.
2. Styling - I am fascinated by Wang Zi Lin's beautifully styled hair.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend the doctor even though he didn't stick to doctor-patient confidentiality.
4. Art - The embroidery and painting work done by FL were so adorable.
5. FL characterisation - It's great to see FL who wasn't intimidated by silly green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were many in this drama. (i) FL's ex was so nosy and clearly disrespectful to her, (ii) colleague was delusional despite being told off, (iii) former arranged fiancée of ML was shameless, and last but not least ML's mother.

Favourite scene
When they played spin the soup spoon game

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Good looking couple in underdeveloped romance

I watched this drama months ago and forgot about it until I checked Chen Gang's playlist. I watched it second time few days ago and submitted this drama as New Title so I can write a review. Have to say that this drama is forgettable.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Chu Xuan wore pretty outfits and I loved the biker look at the start of drama. I liked Chen Gang's paisley tie. Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Chen Gang are good looking.
2. Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan, Chen Gang and Wei Ruo Chen did good with the given script despite the horrible writing. However Zhang Chu Xuan's voice sounded different.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - Trigger warning: This drama has scenes of someone physically abusing elderly. Plenty of slapping too.
2. Antagonists - SFL looked like Wang Yun Yun / Cai Cai Yun. Anyway SFL is evil.
3. Romance - Severely underdeveloped. With less than 20 minutes to the end, I still didn't buy that FL had feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to help ML with change of bandage

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Wang Dao Tie as stud for hire just made me swoon!

I have been wanting to watch more Wang Dao Tie's dramas but kept forgetting about this drama until I stumbled upon the comment section of this page. So I watched last night and damn it was perfect for evening watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is independent and focused on personal and professional goals. I liked that she stopped believing ML's nonsense once served with divorce paper and did not go back to the ML. This is the first time I watched Zhao Jia's acting and she did well in this role.
2. ML characterisation - The quiet guy who had a crush on FL but never did anything about it until FL was divorced. ML started as a stud for FL to get pregnant but hey hey he has hidden agenda. I liked that the way he supported and comforted her and was always concerned about her mental wellbeing.
3. Romance - OMG the romance is freaking spicy! Damn, Wang Dao Tie's chest looked good. The kisses were hot and there were also plenty of sweet gestures between the couple.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's spy/employee very much because he was quick thinking. At first I wasn't a fan of FL's grandpa because of the request for great-grandchild but I liked him when he told SML that he respected FL's life choice post-divorce.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for all 3 leads. FL wears stilettos and Jin Jiayu still towers over her and Wang Dao Tie, wow!

What I disliked:
1. SML - I must say that FL's ex husband is a selfish and manipulative douchebag. I can't believe he never took responsibility for those fake charades he did prior to the divorce. Jin Jiayu was excellent in his role because I freaking hated him!
2. Secondary antagonists - The lady baddies were annoying as hell especially the white moonlight. I was shocked when she took advantage of FL's illness.

Favourite scene
When ML comforted FL when she was in pain

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Doctor-soldier romance with mature vibe

I remember watching this drama on the first weekend of April and poof the link was removed 1 or 2 days after. It's no fun because I usually rewatch some parts of drama when writing review and now I wrote based on memory. Anyway it was great watching these seasoned actors in a drama drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar plot - This drama reminded me a lot of So You Also Like Me, in which FL is doctor while ML is soldier. She even went to conflict zone where ML was stationed.
2. Romance - This drama has mature romance vibe to it. There are sweet & spicy scenes. That makeout session on dining table was hot!
3. Acting - Both Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were great in their roles. If I am not mistaken, Bai Yan said some English words in this drama. Was it 'Thank you'? Hhmmm
4. Action - I also liked the action scenes especially the military scenes. Good to see Wang Yi Ran in uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - One of my frustration with this drama is that FL & ML did not communicate at 1 point which led to assumptions.

Favourite scene
Action scenes of ML and his comrades

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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