emberzmars

Best-written Jdrama that explores work and love in your 30s

I was interested in this series after watching a particular scene on Asian Crush's Youtube channel. I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1) Writing - I Don't Love You Yet is the best-written Jdrama I've watched. Poignant. I love this series tackles different concerns of life such as dating/companionship, friendship & work.
2) Acting - Rika Adachi & Jin Shirasu really embodied their characters. They had natural chemistry and seemed like real besties.
3) Shoes - love that she works for a women shoes company and there were glimpses of shoes sketches shown in the series.
4) Format - This series felt like a Kdrama with its longer running time (45 minutes) and no. of episodes (16 in total).
5) The ending - It was cute but realistic. Relatable because not every ending has to include a grand gesture / event.
6) Yo's brother - Despite his quirkiness and lack of screentime, I liked his character because he represented a different point of view. Wish he had not given in to family pressure & remained skeptical.

What I disliked:
1) Her boyfriend - I understand that sometimes people deserve second chance. However I am infuriated in episode 14 / 15. How can Yo put up with Ryusei after knowing him for so long? He belittled her capabilities! I also don't like that he scolded her for cutting her hair without first informing him.

Favourite scene:
When difficult customer returned to the store. I like how Yo served that customer.

Read More

Binge-worthy modern romance that has sizzling chemistry

Love is Sweet is one of the fastest cdrama binge I've done - 2.5 days.

What I liked:
1) Romance - Chemistry between Bai Lu & Luo Yunxi seemed effortless & fit their characters & banter. Their kisses are so damn hot and passionate especially that neck kiss.
2) Jiang Jun characterisation - Bai Lu really shined in this role. Jiang Jun is smart, capable and I love her go-getter attitude.
3) Love triangle - I liked Du Lei more than Yuan Shuai as a romantic interest. However writer never really gave him a chance and I don't know why writer tainted Du Lei after he became Jun's supervisor. Disappointed Du Lei became douchebag towards the end.
4) Visuals & fashion - I liked Gao Hanyu's visual more because he reminds me of Wi Hajoon. Bai Lu so pretty and wore beautiful clothes. I love Jun's tan coat!

What I disliked:
1) Second couple - I disliked 2nd lead couple very much. Xu Li is manipulative & childish. Xiao Chuan is bland.
2) Yuan Shuai at the start. He was a jerk for sabotaging Jiang Jun's job interview.
3) Cooking scene - It's unbelievable that a guy could wear a full suit & apron when cooking in kitchen. How could he stand the heat?

Favourite scene:
Jiang Jun and Yuan Shuai's kiss in his office. Hot then funny. I love how Jun rolled off the desk!

Read More

Good chemistry, coherent plot, enjoyable mini drama

This mini drama is the second drama that I watched starring Ke Ying (A Familiar Stranger) & Cavan Wen (Playing House). I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1) Writing - I find the plot coherent for a mini drama. Out of the republican era mini dramas that I have watched (Maid's Revenge, The Revenge of Begonia), this one is the best. I like that male lead discovered secret identity early on.
2) Female lead characterisation - She is smart throughout the series. I like that she realised her mistake and talked about it with the male lead. Ke Ying played her role well.
3) Male lead characterisation - He is smart and caring. Cavan Wen played this role well too. He portrayed different emotions from assertiveness to compassion and happiness.
4) Romance - I enjoy the progress from strangers to allies and lovers. I love it when male lead flirted with and smiled at female lead.
5) Supporting cast - This mini drama is one of the few dramas that we're good at fleshing out side characters. Almost every side characters (except the fourth mistress) had significant role in this drama.
6) I also like framing of certain scenes.
7) Good ending

What I disliked:
1) Fourth mistress was insignificant character. I think no need for her to appear.
2) I feel like one of the songs had off tune singing. The song that was played when male lead & female lead kissed while seated in a room with open windows.

Favourite scene
The confrontation between male and female leads about Qing Xia's tragedy. Nie Zhen felt the pain & hurt suffered by his wife.

Read More

Their love story was fascinating, their professional lives not so much

Found this drama while looking for Chinese dramas with mature love stories.

What I like
1) Elvis Han is very handsome. There is a scene where he wore a white tshirt and hung out with Tang Ying at the kitchen. He was hot!
2) 14 episodes only
3) Tang Ying and Xu Zi Quan's first encounter was cute. A proper meet-cute! I also like that they started out as friends then later progressed as lovers.
4) The camping trip

What I dislike
1) I struggled with pacing of the story. An episode in a typical Chinese drama lasts 45 minutes but in this series, each episode is up to 1 hour.
2) Their professional lives were interesting at first but halfway through the series, I feel like "work conflicts" were created to keep viewers engaged. I got bored and disinterested and I feel that their careers were not seriously threatened.
3) I find Lin Xin Zi's story especially when she was with the creepy boyfriend doesn't align with mature love story theme that this drama represents.
4) I feel disconnected from Tang Ying and Xu Zi Quan's love story. Often times, mature women in Chinese and Korean dramas are portrayed as serious and non-sensical all the time. Wish I could see Tang Ying's softer and playful side.

Favourite scene
When Tang Ying invited the girl who couldn't accept Xu Zi Quan's rejection, to come to their apartment and gave a stern warning about harassing her man.

Read More

Han So-Hee can kick ass!

My Name is violent, revenge-themed kdrama.

What I liked:
1) Han So-Hee was believable in her role. She looked like she is a real trained martial artist.
2) Park Hee Soon was amazing as a ruthless tycoon & looked good with moustache.
3) I like Pil-do as supporting character who doubted Ji-woo at first.

What I disliked:
1) Yoon Ji-woo characterisation - While it's great that she can kick ass, I wish she showed emotions other than wrath. I'd love to see confusion, grief, identity doubt after the revelation of her father's killer. Her character is almost a Mary Sue to me. I think perhaps producer, director and/or writer wanted a tough female character that is devoid of vulnerability to attract certain segment of audience or keep up with supposedly "dark" theme"
2) While the fight scenes are cool, I dislike the final fight scene when Ji-woo went against multiple attackers solo. She is not a mutant with super strength. Having seen Daredevil's corridor fight scene in season 1, how could she be standing strong after fighting armed attackers?
3) While the romance angle was no surprise to me, I feel that the sex scene was sterile and meaningless. It's as though she needed to satisfy her sexual desire. When romantic interest was killed, it seemed like Ji-woo felt nothing.

Favourite scene
Ji-woo training scenes.

Read More

I wish there was more to this time-travelling love story

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract is a light love story involving time travelling. I was drawn to this series because I love marriage of convenience trope. I'd say I wasn't satisfied with the series.

What I liked:
1) Feminist theme - It's great that writers could weave feminist theme in this series. Park Yeon-Woo is talented at embroidery work but in her original timeline, she couldn't operate a business openly due to her status. However this changed when she's transported to 21st century modern time. Same with Sa-Wol, her lady in waiting. In modern times, she was able to earn money through hairstyling services.
2) Fashion - Beautiful embroidery work by Park Yeon-Woo. I love when she applied it to modern dresses.
3) Comedic relief by Sa-wol & Seong pyo. Joo Hyun-Young & Jo Bok-Rae have great chemistry!
4) Kang Tae min - His scenes are fascinating to watch despite not having much screentime. I like how his character grew from a spoilt brat to a driven employer.
5) The first scene between Yeon-Woo and Mi-Dam was touching. She missed her mother so much!

What I disliked:
1) Kang Tae-ha characterisation - Somehow I feel like his character is least interesting.
2) The ending especially the rejection of 19th century Kang Tae Ha by Yeon-Woo. Wow, never thought she could be so cold. By the way, where is Kang grandpa in the last episode?
3) Villain arc is predictable
4) I feel it's odd that Yeon-Woo adapted to modern times very quickly. During her wedding to Tae-ha, she could wear off should wedding dress and high heels. Wedding was just a few days after she transported from 19th century.
5) Main leads' romance - I don't feel much chemistry between Bae In-Hyuk and Lee Se-young. As a result, I didn't root much for them. I do, however, like that Yeon-Woo was able to distinguish modern Tae-Ha from Tae-Ha from 19th century.

Favourite scene
Sa-wol providing hairstyling service to girls to earn money. Just shows that she is quick-thinker.

Read More

Amazing dynamics between 2 main leads elevated this crime/mystery & romance drama

Great execution of crime/mystery drama with romance. The dynamics between Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won's partnership elevated this drama.

What I like:
1) Romance - Palpable chemistry between Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won (a true partnership). Intimate scenes were hot. That first scene surprised me and I didn't expect a sexy but conflicted scene.
2) Acting - wow great acting by overall cast but Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won's acting impressed me a lot. The scene when he confided in his wife broke me down in tears,
3) Male lead characterisation characterisation - wow just wow I dislike him in first episode as I thought he was stiff but my views changed when he protected his wife and confided in his wife.
4) The ending - the separation and doubts saddened me.
5) Plot - Gosh, unpredictable from episode 1. I also like how the current police cases were written most of the time.
6) Kim Ji Hoon - not much screentime but memorable.

What I dslike:
1) Baek parents were something else,
2) I think at one point I was lost in the plot because of too many red herrings in the current cases.

Favourite scene
When he confided in his wife in episode 10 & 11. I cried so much!

Read More

Brilliant crime/mystery similar to "Broadchurch"

I watched this series after watching Flower of Evil. I thought Lee Joon-gi was superb in the series but was puzzled that he lost to Shin Ha Kyun. So I watched Beyond Evil to satisfy my curiosity.

Beyond Evil is highly recommended if you are looking for crime/mystery with brilliant writing and phenomenal acting. This drama is in my top 5 kdrama list.

What I like:
1) Sublime acting by Shin Ha Kyun. I was mesmerised by his performance (various facial expressions - he even once fooled me!) and and handsomeness. I sound silly but my gosh, he was very handsome in this series.
2) Brilliant writing - there were many twists & grey areas. It's hard not to side with Dong-sik despite some of his dubious decisions. This series reminds me of British drama series called "Broadchurch" because of the similar premise (murder in small town). Supporting characters were well-written too,
3) Han Joo-won's characterisation - I enjoy seeing his character development and conflicts that he faced,
4) The score - one of best scores for a drama series regardless of country of production. I love 'Who is Monster', 'Beyond Evil opening theme', '2000 Mayang' very much that they are in my music playlist.
5) I love the interrogation scenes. Interesting to see strategies deployed to get statements or info.
6) I learned about makgeolli from this series. When I travelled to Busan in 2023 and saw makgeolli, I thought of this series.

What I dislike:
1) I think at one point, I thought there were too many red herrings that I was slightly lost in the plot.

Favourite scene:
The arrest scene in the final episode remains my favourite scene. Emotional punch!

Read More

Heartfelt drama about marriage of convenience

Marry Me! is a warm Jdrama about marriage of convenience.

What I like
1) I watched many Jdrama about marriage of convenience. Expected fluff but I cried in episodes 3 & 4.
2) Rinka Kumada portrayed Himari's sweetness & naivety very well. Himari is childlike because she lacked opportunity to socialise with people her age. However she is not dumb and does not want to be treated with kid gloves.
3) I like that supporting characters play role in enriching Himari's life.
4) I like the male lead Shin. He was empathetic towards Himari. The actor Toshiki Seto resembles D.O & Lee Dong Wook.
5) Slow burn romance - I like how the relationship progressed from strangers who married for convenience, to confidant and true life partners. When Himari told Shin that she was to become dependable so Shin can rely to her more, wow I was touched by the growth of her character.

What I dislike
1) I dislike that the boss prioritise the experimentation more than male lead's welfare. He and Himari should be able to withdraw from the research without being threatened.

Favourite scene
When Himari had a heartfelt conversation with her in laws during their first visit to her house. I cried a lot!

Read More

Frustrating second half

I really like Lee Min Ki's performance in Because This is My First Life so I was curious to check out this drama.

What I like
1. Oh! Master was fun watch in the first half of the series. I really like the scene when he saved Jooin.
2. Bisoo & Jooin relationship development. Kissing & intimate scenes were hot
3. Heartwarming interactions between them & their mothers
4. Record store scenes - I would love to have dates in that store.
5. Dialogue about closing doors, death
6. Kang Min Hyuk's styling is impeccable. Surprised to know that he's a drummer.
7. Oh I like the score 'Running to You' so much!

What I dislike
1. Bisoo sabotaging their relationship
2. The second half of the series especially the Ending

Favourite scene
Dating in the record store

Read More

Exciting science-y non-romance Jdorama

Once upon a time, I considered a career in forensic science but didn't pursue. I find Jdrama Unnatural exciting watch!

What I like:
1. Writing - I love the cases that were presented in this series. My favourite episode is the death by drowning. I didn't expect the fiancee/boyfriend to go ahead with his intention. What a sad moment for him and humanity! The father-and-son arcs in death in burning building was awesome great. Tearjerker.
2. Love story - I like that romance was hinted at the start of the series but never explored. Instead the writers focused on the love between Mikoto and her mum and brother.
3. Acting - Fine acting by cast especially from Satomi Ishihara and Arata Iura.
4. Mystery - Three main characters have mysterious background (Mikoto, Kai & Rokuro) and I like how it's related to their work.

What I dislike:
1. I am unclear about Mr Kibayashi's connection to Nakado. Why is he so willing to help him out?
2. Shishido is a despicable man!
3. The arc of the serial killer. It feels rushed.

Favourite scene
When Mikoto informed parents of burnt victim about how their son died saving people from burning building.

Read More

Predictable but main leads' chemistry kept me interested

This series is featured in a top drama list on YouTube. I think it was about contract marriage oh well I was intrigued hence I watched it

What I like
1. Romance - Wang Zi Qi & Wang Yu Wen have beautiful partnership that their characters look like a real couple. They are affectionate with each other. The morning after scene was so sweet.
2. Si Chen's characterisation - mostly about his personal side not professional side. I like how he acknowledges his growing feelings for Xixi and tries to win her heart. He did not deny his feelings.
3. Handbag drama - This occurred during grandma's birthday party. I like this story because it demonstrated Xixi's resilience.
4. Wang Zi Qi - I like that he looks like a normal businessman not a movie star. I find him attractive once his character opens up to his wife. He looks like Kim Sungkyu from Infinite especially with fringe/hair down.
5. Chen Xun - arresting visual. He looks like he is part of Twilight's Cullen family. Pale skin contrasting with dark brown hair. Bloodshot eyes.

What I dislike
1. Over the top stories - some stories/scenes are too dramatic and unnecessary. For example, the attacker.
2. Fashion - for a fashion shopper/designer, Xixi has horrible fashion sense.
3. Xixi's characterisation - childish & klutz.

Favourite scene
Xixi's birthday celebration scene.

Read More

Rival secret agents with sizzling chemistry

This is the fourth mini drama directed by Zeng Qing Jie that I watched and I enjoyed it immensely.

What I like
1. Romance - Wow, Yang Ze and Smile Hu's chemistry translated well on screen. It's evident whenever they were kissing, having a playful banter or expressing their feelings for the other.
2. Yang Ze's acting - I've watched him in Destined to Meet You and I must say I love him in this role so much more because Yan Wu Ming is a better written character. Yang Ze played this character with depth and vulnerability. I like that he is a secret agent but with a kind/boyish face.
3. Smile Hu's acting - brilliantly cast. She looks tall and athletic therefore believable as a secret agent/assasin but with grace and poise. She also demonstrated vulnerability quite well.
4. Costumes - Lord Yan and Xiao Nian wore beautiful clothes. I love Lord Yan's black work outfit, tailored robe in final episodes, Xiao Nian's red work outfit and pink robe. The fox mask is also pretty.
5. Writing - Male and female main characters were well-written. I like the inject of humour at the start though at times seem too much (I think because of the music).
6. Directing - Beautifully shot especially fight sequences.
7. Duration and length - Perfect for bingeing.

What I dislike
1. Villain - I think the villain character was underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
The duel between Yan Wu Ming and Si Xiao Nian. Beautifully choreographed fighting scene that was perfectly captured on screen.

Read More

Wow, a lot of kisses!

Ok I watched this jdrama after watching clip on Asian Crush's Youtube channel & reading the synopsis.

What I like
1. The kisses - I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity & quality. Hase had insatiable appettite for Momo. The actors did these scenes well.
2. Female lead's characteristic - I enjoy seeing her growth. She was assertive at the end but still remains compassionate.
3. Pacing - Fast-paced and I had to binge!
4. Music - This is one of the few eastern dramas that I enjoyed the opening song. Dreaming night is so catchy.
5. Colleagues - I enjoyed watching camaraderie amongst Calico Cafe staff.

What I dislike
1. Plot - There isn't a proper plot for this drama. I was wondered a lot about the direction of the series throughout.
2. Supporting cast - I wish Fukami's relationship with Hase was elaborated further.

Favourite scene
Cafe lesson no. 3 because I never expected it!

Read More

Sweet love story

This series was recommended on reddit for its story & romance scene. I enjoy it & would say that it's one of the few good mini series.

What I like
1. Romance - I love it when male lead is attuned to female lead's needs and always prioritise her first. Love the scenes when he did housework. They are quite affectionate with each other. I also like second lead romance though I wish there were more scenes focusing on their growing romance.
2. Butterfly slave plot - Fascinating though I wish the writers had not gotten rid of it so viewers can see how characters accept the condition and become more empathetic.
3. Rain Lu - great acting. She conveyed various emotions well from innocence, delight to upset and disappointment.
4. Length & duration - I don't fancy historical drama but I like this series because it's short & concise.
5. Cameo - I like cameos from The Killer is also Romantic. Already have it in my watch list so I am going to watch that series next after completing this review.

What I dislike
1. The 3rd act - I feel it is too rushed especially the last 3 episodes. I'd like to know more about Lord Wu'an struggles.
2. Flashbacks - I know it's important as viewers got to learn about how Chengfeng & Qianyue's relationship developed but those episodes did not excite me.
3. Chemistry - There are many romantic scenes between 2 main leads but I don't feel much sexual chemistry coming from the actors.

Favourite scene
When Qianyue appeared as butterfly slave to Princess Baozhu. Beautifully shot & highly suspenseful.

Read More