emberzmars

Handsome ML but overall drama was underwhelming

I found this drama on Youtube and was pleasantly surprised when I saw Li Xue Dan getting credited as FL in this drama. I liked her acting in Wen Rou Ye Gu. I have never seen Jiao Rui's acting before. Overall the drama was underwhelming.

What I liked:
1. Jiao Rui - I must say that I was captivated by him whenever he appeared on screen. Good looking and he can act. He got swagger!
2. Supporting character - I find SFL the bestie was more interesting than FL. The actor who played ML's love rival was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I am frustrated by her passive behaviour at work and towards her husband. Where is the competitive spirit? FL too timid for my liking. Li Xue Dan gave underwhelming performance for a FL.
2. Romance - Lacklustre. They felt more like roommates than a married couple. Gosh if I had a handsome husband who was so into me, I would kiss him senseless. I wish they had open communication about their feelings because a lot of assumptions being made especially by FL.
3. Writing - I found the drama draggy. Wish there was more dance component.

Favourite scene
When FL was confronted by badass ML at the start of this drama

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Sweet reborn drama but I disliked ML's action in third act

This is the second time I watched Wu Tian Hao in a vertically shot drama. I love his performance in I Just Want You. I had never watched Yang Zhi Wen's work before this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - This FL is sensible and I liked it! She's wary of ML's intentions because of her past relationship and I think that's smart of her. I like Yang Zhi Wen's portrayal of this role because she managed to showcase different facets of her character. FL wasn't annoying.
2. Wu Tian Hao - It is great to see him playing an assertive, no-nonsense character. It contrasts with his pretty boy visuals.
3. Tone - It's light and fast-paced.
4. Reborn - I liked that when given second chance, FL focused on herself rather than sought revenge.
5. Romance - Sweet romance except the start felt off (see What I disliked section)
6. Styling - ML had impeccable styling. As for FL's styling, I prefer the mature look to the teenage look. The white dress she wore in third act was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. ML's deception - I disliked ML for deceiving FL to fix a situation that he's facing.
2. Pursuit - I felt that the wooing was aggressive and no wonder it took awhile for FL to accept ML's pursuit.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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Mindless, very short vertical drama about rich guy, poor girl

I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas when I watched this series few months ago. This is one of the vertical drama series that you should just leave your brain at the door.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite her circumstance, she was kind, genuine and likeable. She also had class in comparison to the green tea and her friend. This is a damsel in distress story that I enjoy watching.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father because he stood up for his daughter, which is quite rare in Chinese vertical dramas. I also liked ML's sister for recognising FL as nice person and immediately treating her well.
3. Duration - I think the duration for this story was good enough.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - The first intimate scene had dubious consent and I disliked ML's reaction the morning after.
2. Pregnancy - Just a small issue - why must she be pregnant with triplets? Huang Bo's swimmers that good huh?

Favourite scene
When FL's father slapped ML

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Gripping revenge mystery drama with great acting by 3 leads

I thought I had seen too many revenge vertically shot dramas but oh boy, I was wrong. This revenge tale has a fresh and captivating plot - I love it!

What I liked:
1. Han Yu Tong - Girl never fails to amaze me with her acting chops. She was truly excellent in this drama as she portrayed 2 different characters.
2. Revenge arc - I liked that FL was focused on revenge. Damn, clever twist in the third act.
3. Antagonist - This is the rare case of a main antagonist that I love to hate!
4. Diary - I love the scenes involving a diary.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL.

What I disliked:
1. Cliffhanger - OMG, I need a part 2!!!

Favourite scene
The variety show

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Drama confuses me but Wei Ruo Chen was handsome

Fangirl of Zhang Chu Xuan here. I have aslo watched Wei Ruo Chen's drama about jiejie romance 'Love is Imminent'. I had saved the link but it was removed by uploader. Then thanks to Jwells who found alternative link, I watched this drama last night. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar arcs - I was reminded of few movies & tv series while watching this drama e.g. Korean drama 'W', American movie 'Palm Springs'.
2. FL characterisation - FL is a writer who got dragged into the story but her character was a villain. I liked that she knew the plot and tried to change the outcomes.
3. ML characterisation - A very interesting backstory and I liked the mysterious allure that he exuded. Wei Ruo Chen was good in his role. Plus he was handsome.
4. Supporting characters - The SML was handsome. Both SFL & SML piqued my interest.

What I disliked:
1. Translation - Gosh the translation wasn't good so I got confused with the story & lost focus after certain point.
2. Antagonist - Interesting concept but I think it could be written better. What is the motivation of the antagonist to do those things to the main characters? Or did I miss them because I got lost in translation?
3. Romance - I didn't feel much romantic vibe from the two characters. I blamed it on the writing.

Favourite scene
When ML fell from the roof

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Sweet, slow burn romance with He Cong Rui as mild-mannered ML

I was in the mood to watch more Han Jia Hui's drama after completing "Utterly Submit". Found this drama on Youtube and since I also liked He Cong Rui, I gave it a go. Such a sweet romance!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking, smart & self-sufficient. She solved her own problems. I liked that she never forced herself to work in a toxic environment. Han Jia Hui was great in this role.
2. ML characterisation - It's wonderful that he is not a CEO. He is a heart disease researcher. Yes he came from an influential family but he never used his connections for FL's employment. I've always watched He Cong Rui playing a domineering character so it's great to see him as a mild mannered man.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a literal meet cute! Him in shorts & hair wrap made me chuckled! Sweet, slow burn romance. Longing glances. Quite believable because of the challenges they had gone through. There were some kisses and a brief intimate scene though I wish for more.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's best friend. She shared great observations and advice. ML's friend was great too. I liked how he handled the antagonist. I found FL's admirer was a good love rival to ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist, FL's business rival, is a well-developed character. It's refreshing in that sense however I disliked her for putting FL in a dangerous situation. For a hotel manager, I don't understand how she could spend a lot of time at a rival hotel.
2. Aesthetics - The colour gradient was dull making this drama to be seen as having a low production value. FL's clothes were ordinary but her work uniform was pretty.

Favourite scene
ML's love confession

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Jiejie romance at work that was a pleasant watch

Older woman-younger man romance, also known as jiejie romance, is my favourite trope. I didn't realise that this trope was present in this drama until 15 minutes of watching it. This is a simple jiejie romance that is set at workplace. I enjoyed this drama despite not knowing any of the leads.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart & mature. She showed her vulnerability throughout the drama and I liked that in FL. I enjoyed Liu Mei Yi's acting in this drama. She reminded me of Korean female singer, Hwasa.
2. Romance - Their first hookup, the morning after and the shower scene were sexy and I found them to be attractive. There were some nice kisses in this drama.
3. ML characterisation - Despite them working together as colleagues, I liked that ML was respectful of FL. He never abused his power to have a relationship with FL.
4. Work - I liked that they supported each other whenever one faced challenges at work together.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I dislike people who take credit for something they never work on and this happens with the green tea. FL's father was horrible too.

Favourite scene
When FL saw ML at work right after hook up and took him to the pantry

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Miscast FL & bad writing made this drama dull & boring

I saw Yin Yi Bo's new drama about countryside girl on reddit. Hhhhmm I had never watched his drama before so I was intrigued & decided to watch this drama instead of that new release. Hhhhhmmm I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Yin Yi Bo - I found him handsome with him in this styling. He had captivating presence that made me want to explore his other dramas.
2. FL characterisation - I liked it when she was flirty/coquettish with ML. I also enjoyed the scenes when she confronted green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - Gosh this drama was dull. Too many talking / arguing scenes that are typical of vertical cdramas, I just fast-forwarded. I don't even recall the story after completing it.
2. Feng Yi Xin - She didn't have much presence for a role like this. Based on the synopsis, Gu Ming Zhu was supposed to be bold & assertive but Feng Yi Xin wasn't able to show those traits.
3. Romance - I can tolerate bad script if there is good chemistry between the leads especially when they are enemies or rivals. Sadly there wasn't any chemistry between Yin Yi Bo & Feng Yi Xin.

Favourite scene
When FL took a bath

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I want to see Zhen Zi Qi do more comedic role!

I saw Zhen Zi Qi on thumbnail, I clicked 'play'. I didn't expect him to be this entertaining!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her reaction upon finding out her situation. She was cool, funny & flirty. This was my first time watching Mo Ning drama and I was highly entertained.
2. ML characterisation - Omigosh it was wonderful to see Zhen Zi Qi playing a role that is lighthearted. His character was suspicious, sarcastic but cheeky. Loved the way he rolled his eyes.
3. Romance - They formed alliance which gradually turned to a romantic relationship. I enjoyed the bantering & chemistry between the two. There was some sizzling kiss.
4. Comedy - Many laugh out loud moments! The wedding, the ending Omigosh hilarious!
5. Pacing - This story was tight & paced well and I appreciated it.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, the scheming in this drama was something else.
2. Real world - Whenever there was transmigration arc, I always wonder how the arc would be wrapped up. It'd be nice if the arc could be tied to FL's reality - she was a nurse so perhaps...

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Revenge best served cold indeed

I am a fan of Chen Zheng Yang & Song Yu Jia & found this drama through one of their playlist. I enjoyed this drama even though there was hardly romance.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing acting by Song Yu Jia & the actress who played her bitter rival. I wish I knew SFL's name.
2. FL characterisation - She was determined & focused in accomplishing her goal. I liked that she was kind to the kid.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed the twist involving Lawyer Yang. Revenge best served cold indeed.
4. Relationship - Romance between FL & ML were shown in flashbacks and there was no romance between them in present. I liked that FL was firm with her stance regarding ML.
5. Ending - Bittersweet which I found fitting for this story.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She was the most extreme antagonist I have seen in vertical drama land. The things she had done to accomplish her goal were insane.

Favourite scene
When FL visited her parents' graves

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Beautiful styling in otherwise forgettable drama

I totally forgot that I had watched this drama until I saw it appear on my YouTube dashboard a few weeks ago. On my second watch I recognised FL & ML. I had seen Yang Chuan Bei in mini drama Attacking Lady.

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's styling was impeccable from the hair to the glasses, dresses & business suits. The only thing I disliked is the dangling earrings.
2. FL characterisation - She was cool, sophisticated & goal getter.
3. Antagonist - I usually disliked antagonists but I was more sympathetic with this one. She was memorable because she committed a big crime & ooo had a cool wig.
4. Variety show - It added some humour & light vibe to this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Yang Chuan Bei's acting - I am not sure if cold, emotionally repressed guy was his signature approach to acting but for this drama, I couldn't warm up to him. At least in Attacking Lady, he had shown his character's vulnerability.
2. Romance - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhai Xin Ran & Yang Chuan Bei.

Favourite scene
When FL clashed with a male contestant from the variety show

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Trust and respect provided strong basis for FL-ML relationship

I have been watching a lot of vertical dramas on Youtube but also have paid subscription to iQiyi, Youku, wetv & Netflix. Came across this drama on iQiyi & went to read reviews on MDL. Sounded promising so I clicked 'Play' last weekend. 'Love and Strife' has a quiet vibe compared to other historical mini dramas but I enjoyed watching it.

What I liked:
1. Main characters' arcs - I appreciate the simplicity of both characters' arcs. FL's family was framed & murdered so she wanted to avenge. Whereas ML was trying to correct the wrongdoings done in the State.
2. Romance - I'd say their romance is more sweet & tender. The love they had for each other grew slowly. Trust and respect were built and provided strong basis for their relationship.
3. Third act - One of the most coherent & well written I've ever watched. The ending was satisfying.
4. Acting - I have watched Chen Si Che in modern vertical dramas. She did well in period mini drama. I've also watched Cai Zheng Jie in Shameless Lover though I don't recall his character there. He gave a solid performance as ML in this mini drama. the other cast did good too.

What I disliked:
1. Familiarity - Having watched too many historical mini dramas, I felt that there was nothing new in execution of the plot.
2. ML's secret identity - I wasn't sure the point of having ML to put on a mask since most of the investigations were done by his people. Was the purpose of the masked stranger to create sexual tension between him and FL?

Favourite scene
When FL & ML investigated the case of loan sharks

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Huang Jing Zhou was impressive as half demon

I had this drama in my playlist for half a year. I think I added it after watching Dong Lan Xue. Well last night I felt it was time to watch the drama. I have watched Huang Jing Zhou's dramas but this is my first time watching Yang Yi Mo's acting. Overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious at the start, more like an antagonist but turned out to be anti-hero. Huang Jing Zhou did well as the half-demon ML. I could see his character's internal struggle between his survival & FL's survival.
2. Writing - Very fascinating combo of drama, fantasy & romance. I liked that the drama centred around survival, slavery & ethics. The 2 twists surprised me. That line about humans being scariest than ghosts / witchcraft is true.
3. Supporting characters - Well written supporting characters in particular FL's family & friend.
4. VFX - I like the effects they did for blood shed.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I understand her hatred for ML but after awhile it stunted her character growth. She seemed helpless but not as pathetic. I was also underwhelmed by Yang Yi Mo's performance but perhaps this was tied to her character's development.
2. Romance - I don't sense much romance considering FL was always hostile towards ML. I could see ML's changing the way he treated FL halfway through the drama. It was definitely one-sided romance. Anyway I enjoyed his bloodsucking scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL revealed her supernatural powers in public

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Good transmigration tale marred by lack of romance

I am a fan of Zhu Mo Yan but has never watched her historical drama. This had been in my playlist for awhile so I thought why not watch it while I am on historical vertical drama phase. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Jiao Pei Kai / Bai Fang Wen - This is my first time watching his drama. He was quite endearing and comical as ML. I liked him enough to explore his other work.
2. Li Sheng Jie - I wasn't sure it was him at the start but once the drama hit halfway mark, his appearance confirmed my suspicious. It was good seeing him as a sinister SML as I've only watched him as kind ML.
3. Transmigration arc - It was fascinating to see ML being transmigrated because most transmigration dramas had FL experiencing it. I also liked the very last scene.
4. Zhu Mo Yan - This wasn't her best role but I liked her character during the ancient times. Her outfit looked great as she looked convincing as minister/right hand person to the majesty.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There was so much resistance from FL that there was barely any romantic scenes in the drama. The poster to me looked like a romcom but in the end gave me false hope.
2. Jealousy arc - With running time of almost 3 hours, I'd say this drama gave too much screen time to the antagonists. It was draggy that I was playing on my phone i.e. didn't pay attention to the subtitles.
3. Styling - I have issues with FL's shoes. They didn't match her dress. I am not sure if she was given flat shoes to maintain height difference with ML but c'mon, give her pretty sandals or ballet flats.

Favourite scene
The betrayal at the start of the drama

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Romance amidst violent attacks & family feuds

I enjoy Jia Yixuan's acting so I explored her work & noticed I haven't watched this drama. I have never seen Yu Peishan's drama before. I was excited given the high reviews.

What I liked:
1. Rescue - I liked that both had rescued each other and at multiple times. My favourite is when ML, who was bloody from a shootout, was rescued by FL from a group attack. Pleasant surprise!
2. Romance - There were some nice kisses hehehe ML liked attacking FL with kisses. Overall their romance was endearing - the hugs were cute. We were teased with sexy nightwear but director never gave us sexy bedroom scene.
3. Sister dynamics - It's quite rare for FL in vertical dramas to have more than 1 sibling. I enjoyed watching sister dynamics especially when second sister was introduced halfway through the series.

What I disliked:
1. Violence - This is one bloody vertical drama. I was surprised by how well ML recovered from his injuries, more than once.
2. Ending - It was abrupt.
3. Lifespan - ML was told he could only survived for another 2 months but there wasn't any scene of him informing FL. I wish they had more serious discussions considering the issues that they faced as individuals.

Favourite scene
ML, who was bloody from a shootout, was rescued by FL from a group attack.

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