emberzmars

Lighthearted princess and the bodyguard tale with good antagonist arc

I liked Dong Lan Xue a lot so I was delighted to know that Qi Xia Xia and Jin Chao have another collaboration. I literally just finished watching this drama and yes, I liked it but not as much as Dong Lan Xue.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - I liked that FL was sharp observer - she's not a spoilt princess. ML was good at his undercover mission.
2. Romance - Slow and steady. There was nice push & pull moment but it's missing emotional connection.
3. Styling - I liked the Turkish princess and her maid's outfits. Very pretty. Of course FL's outfits were beautiful too.
4. Antagonist arc - I enjoyed it despite it being predictable.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the other guard (ML's work rival) and the emperor.
6. Length - Fast-paced drama under 60 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Storytelling - Overall it's a fine story but I felt like it's missing intensity. So this story does not standout in a sea of microdramas set in historical China.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL from antagonist's attack

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Short & sweet body swap drama with good chemistry

I really liked Chen Xiao Yu's acting in a drama with Ma Shuo Qi so I decided to check this drama. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Main characters - Both are likeable but with contrasting personalities. They complement each other.
2. Romance - I liked the buildup and the actual kiss was hot and passionate. I wish they had talked more about their feelings for each other in the ending.
3. Styling - I don't know if it's real hair or a wig but damn Wu Yi Jia rocked that style. I loved that his character continued to keep the long hair.
4. Duration - Less than an hour so very fast-paced.
5. Superpowers - Reminded me of Korean drama My Demon but this drama was more entertaining.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's assistant & Uncle Lin.

What I disliked:
1. The past - I'd like to know why did ML look like another mortal man? I'd also liked to see his life as a demon.

Favourite scene
When they kissed for real

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Mermaid tale with underwhelming performance by lead actress

I was drawn to this drama because of the mermaid trope and it's short length. However I was left disappointed after watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Concept - I liked the idea of turning scales into sapphire. I also liked the tragedy in this drama because it reminded me of Brothers Grimm's The Little Mermaid.
2. Styling - I liked styling for FL, ML and FL's brother.
3. Character growth - I have to say I prefer ML's arc more than FL's arc. He was a scumbag that forgot the sacrifices of his wife. He was remorseful but it was too late.
4. Acting - The actor who played ML was good in his role and overall was the best actor in comparison to Bao Zhi Yue. I also liked the child actor.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I was underwhelmed by Bao Zhi Yue's acting. She managed to get my sympathy when I discovered her struggles with her marriage. However her acting in the second half of the drama was stiff.
2. FL characterisation - I didn't like that she left her kid just like that without explaining to the son why she's taking that step. I understand that she was hurt but my gosh her son was just an impressionable child. Who is going to advise the son when he comes of age?
3. ML characterisation - I disliked him for being gullible when it came to green tea. He didn't understand nor set boundaries.

Favourite scene
When FL plucked her scale

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Guo Yu Xin playing a scheming seductress and a justice seeker!

I am in the mood for Guo Yi Xin drama this week so today I picked this drama. I usually prefer modern to historical dramas but this one was engaging. It exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the first time I watched Guo Yu Xin playing a vengeful woman and I loved it! She was able to switch personas according to the people surrounding her. Lei Yi Hao / Hu Yong Tao was great in his role as a two-faced emperor. The actress who played Gu Qing Yan did spectacular job too.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination to seek justice. Scheming & resourceful. She only gave bad attitude / behaviour to those who were bad first.
3. Supporting characters - I loved Gu Qing Yan & Eunuch Jinzhong. Such impactful presence. FL's servant Lan 'Er was good character too.
4. Revenge - Carefully planned and laid out. I was never bored.
5. Romance - Damn the seduction scene was spicy. The bath scene ehem ehem. FL knew how to wrap ML around her fingers subtly.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits and I loved the different types of traditional costumes worn by people of different status.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Oh I disliked the empress and princess for framing Gu Qing Yan. They got punished, thank gawd. ML was antagonist too and wow, I almost pitied him.
2. Nails - This is my first time seeing Guo Yu Xin with fake nails and I hated it.

Favourite scene
The bath

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Delightful historical drama with inner thought trope. Loved the acting!

Someone on a subreddit recommended this title so I watched as I wanted to explore more inner thoughts trope. What a delight! I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Damn, she was unintentionally funny! I loved her for working towards a goal and wasn't easily infatuated by a handsome man (her husband).
2. Comedy - OMG I LOL-ed many times.
3. Acting - Shi Xiao Ye was spectacular in this role. She managed to add charm to her character. I also liked Zhan Xuan's acting.
4. Supporting characters - ML's family was likeable and entertaining.
5. Inner monologue trope - I don't know why only ML's family (including the father) could hear her thoughts but this provided opportunity for comedic moments.
6. Styling - I loved the outfits especially the mint green hanfu worn by FL. Zhan Xuan looked great in the army general's outfit.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked Yun Xi for her betrayal. She was power-hungry.
2. Romance - I would have liked more affectionate scenes between FL and ML.

Favourite scene
The first time second brother heard FL's inner thoughts

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Familiar plot & odd kissing scenes - my least favourite out of 4 versions

I wanted to watch more Aorigele's dramas because I really liked his acting in After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever. I watched the raw version (no English subs) of this drama because I was already familiar with the story having seen a few stories with "my husband wants me to be impregnated by another man" plot: i) Shi Tong, ii) Zhang Shan, iii) Wei Fan Shu. This is my least favourite version.

What I liked:
1. Main characters - They are like FL & ML in other versions of this plot but less lusty.
2. Aorigele - I liked watching him play a Mr Nice Guy who's devoted to his lady. He has a great body and I like the shot of his back.
3. Acting - Both Cui Shi Yi and Aorigele gave good performance and there was chemistry despite the odd kissing scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Kissing - Ok I know Aorigele does kissing scene so I had some expectation considering other versions of this plot are quite steamy. I was disappointed. Aorigele clearly kissed his hand / thumb. This is my first drama of Cui Shi Yi so I wonder if she opts for "no kissing" policy.
2. Antagonist - FL's husband was stupid to allow other man to touch his wife and then became jealous when she did in fact get pregnant.

Favourite scene
The first time FL & ML were intimate

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Tale of grieving mother, useless husband and his white moonlight

I liked Wang Lu's acting in Dark and White co-starring Si Jia Li. I decided to watch this drama because of the beautiful poster and short running time. It was a tough watch because of the topic but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Han Wei, Wang Lu & Yin Xin. I empathised with FL for losing a child and having a scumbag husband.
2. Styling - FL wore pretty clothes after the death of her daughter. I loved the bob too!
3. FL characterisation - She was a great mum who sought justice for her daughter and herself. She was smart by collecting evidence.
4. Duration - Drama is less than 1.5 hours.
5. Revenge - I liked revenge arc was carried out because those baddies got what they deserved.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, ML was the baddie. He was prejudiced against his wife but overly concerned for his "saviour" / white moonlight over his own family. I got it if he overlooked the tag on Xi Xi's wrist but to prioritise white moonlight's plea over an urgent surgical case? He deserved to be fired!
2. White moonlight - What a bitch! I was so gald that she got her comeuppance because she deserved to suffer.
3. ML's mother - Another character that I disliked. Stupidly sided on ML but no respect and grief for the granddaughter.
4. Slander - It's typical to put public shaming scenes in vertical dramas. I wish FL had taken legal action towards her husband for neglicence.

Favourite scene
When FL unveiled it all in front of reporters

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Lighthearted systems plot & jiejie romance drama

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit friend. Plus it has older woman-younger man romance. This drama uses the systems plot trope, in which a main character is given a mission and each accomplished task a reward will be given. Overall I liked this drama and one time viewing is enough.

What I liked:
1. Second chance - ML was given second chance in life and instead of continuing same path as previous life, he decided to make different decisions.
2. Tone - Lighthearted with many comedy bits.
3. Relationship - Writer is clever in the way of introducing ML to FL without her daughter's involvement and maintaining the conflict between ML and his ex. ML was a direct hire of FL. All 3 of them worked in the same company.
4. Rivalry - I enjoyed watching the business rival scenes.
5. Ending - Ha I liked what ML asked his ex to do on his special day.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's mission was to pursue FL romantically and he was rewarded after completing certain tasks. While FL completely fell for ML, I was not sure if he really developed feelings for FL. There was some kisses but overall the romance to me lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Wholesome comedy about no fraternising policy at workplace

I wrote a reddit post about workplace romance and someone shared this drama in the comments. I got curious because it uses boss - employee trope and the FL is the boss. It was a fun watch.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - The drama got me laughing & chuckling. The accidental love letter scene was funny! I like that drama is lighthearted.
2. Duration - This drama is just slightly over 100 minutes. Not draggy.
3. Supporting character - I actually liked SFL who is ML's original crush his supervisor. She was assertive & no-nonsense.
4. Role reversal - I liked that the bosses are female and the subordinate is male. I also liked that the CEO and supervisor had contrasting view on career and love.
5. No fraternising - This policy provided the conflict in this drama and I liked it. FL and ML were naughty for not disclosing their relationship.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was underdeveloped. I also didn't buy that ML really liked FL because he seemed like he was playing along the mistaken identity.

Favourite scene
When ML sent his love letter to his supervisor

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Underwhelming drama about damsel in distress with multiple suitors

I got to know about this drama from a subreddit. I was intrigued by the plot - multiple suitors in which FL got to kiss them all. Unfortunately the drama didn't meet my expectations. The ending was left open - I don't know if production team pland to do part 2 but I am not going to watch it.

What I liked:
1. Duration - It's very short drama - only 1 hour 6 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a typical damsel in distress. She got cheated by her boyfriend and while mending a broken heart, she overheard her adopted brothers conversation about her purpose of being adopted. Then the chase began and she was constantly confused.
2. Romance - There was no romantic feelings between FL and any of the brothers. The wooing was too aggressive especially by third brother.
3. Third brother - He came on too strong and forced. I found him creepy for kissing her when she was sleeping (no consent there). My interest in this dropped because of this scene.
4. Plot devices - There were common plot devices in this drama: jealous mistress, kidnapping. I got bored.
5. Ending - I am usually fine with open ending but this one didn't cut it. It was a cop out - FL didn't choose any of the suitors.

Favourite scene
When first brother kissed her

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No romance drama with great performances by Wang Lu and Si Jia Li

I came across the poster one day and got interested in the drama because of Si Jia Li. I enjoyed watching this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, I was captivated by Wang Lu's performance and aura in this drama. Si Jia Li was excellent in her role of ML's lawyer.
2. Writing - I liked how the story progressed. I was moved by the support ML got at the end of the case.
3. No romance - This is one of the few no-romance dramas that I watched and I enjoyed it. I'd like to see Wang Lu and Si Jia Li paired in a romance drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, they were despicable for accusing ML for a crime he did not commit. I found that the prosecutor and victim's father were too emotional in court. At times, the father got too involved in the case argument.
2. Court audience - They were loud for observers of a court case. Isn't that rude and offensive behaviour in court?

Favourite scene
When ML's daughter arrived in court as a witness

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Revenge, seduction and a kid were the essence of this drama

I saw the drama poster when the drama was a fresh release. I liked Shi Yue Yue's acting but never heard of Zhao Song Song. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Shi Yue Yue and the actress who played antagonist were excellent in their roles. Zhao Song Song was good too. He and Shi Yue Yue had good chemistry although I'd have liked more romantic scenes.
2. Romance - Their first encounter was hot even though I disliked scenarious of horny & intoxicated main character. There was good balance of push and pull dynamics between them. Great kisses.
3. FL characterisation - FL had a revenge plan and I loved that seducing ML was part of her plan. She was also cool.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML set firm boundaries with antagonist and never entertained her romantic moves just because she was "mother" of his son. I liked his calm personality.
5. Supporting characters - FL's parents were so loving that I was moved when watching them accompany FL to hospital. The kid was adorable. I also liked FL's friend & to some extent, antagonist's assistant.
6. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by Shi Yue Yue. She looked radiant when she wore a baby bump & maternity dress. I also liked her bestie's yellow mustard dress.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow she was a lunatic for doing all those things. It didn't make sense that she delivered FL's baby & then pushed FL into the river.
2. ML's parents - I disliked them for being gullible to antagonist's acts.

Favourite scene
When ML got into FL's trap & went to her place

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Good acting performances but I expected romance in this story of a mature couple

I was fascinated by Wang Lu in his drama with Si Jia Li so I went to check his list of dramas. I decided on this drama because it was a new release release and short.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances from the actress who played FL, Wang Lu, the actors who played FL's husband & son. The actor who played the son looked familiar to me.
2. The plot - It's interesting to watch a main character with adult child. In this case FL has adult son who unfortunately an accomplice to her ex husband's scheming.
3. Length - Short since it's only 44 episodes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - It was underdeveloped which saddened me because I wanted to see romance of a mature / middle aged couple.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex husband was a scumbag. Their son was horrible too.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her "dead" husband

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When FL visited ML's qipao shop

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

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

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

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

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

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