emberzmars

Th romance is dead. Let down by this drama

This is the second Ma Shiyao & Si Jia Li collaboration I watched. I had high expectations because I loved their drama "Jiu Ye Qing Zi Zhong" because of their sizzling chemistry and affectionate scenes. Oh boy, I was let down by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Kids - Both child characters played important role in this drama. The child actor & child actress did well in their roles.
2. FL characterisation - She's strong willed and kind. I liked that she was not ashamed of being a cleaner.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & ML's mother.
4. Styling - Outfits worn by SFL were beautiful (I love the red gown) but impractical. Who wears cocktail dresses to work?

What I disliked:
1. Snobbery - Gosh the amount of snobs (SFL, her minions) in this drama is irritating. Even ML was snobbish at the start. I disliked him for mentioning his donations to the kindergarten when talking to principal about the kids' issue.
2. Romance - Sadly the romance here is dead. There was an intimate scene at the start but after that, there were hardly any romantic scene. Not even a peck or hand-holding.
3. SFL - She's among the cruelest I've ever seen in vertical dramaland. When you used your own kid to get a man's attention, it is just despicable.
4. Slaps - The amount of slaps in this drama is just unbelievable!

Favourite scene
When the boy was envious of her female schoolmate because her mum hugged her. Such a heartbreaking scene!

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❤️ reverse gender role, headhunting cases & acting

I tend to watch more Chinese dramas than Korean dramas but I was in the mood for kdrama after enjoying
'When the Phone Rings'. I watched this series at the recommendation of my dad.

What I liked:
1. Gender roles - I like the reverse gender roles portrayed in this drama. I watched the different lifestyles with FL being CEO while ML being her secretary
2. Parenting - ML is also a single dad. Love watching Eunho moments with his daughter Byeol. Heartwarming!
3. Acting - Overall solid performances by the cast including the child actress and actor.
4. Headhunting - I enjoyed watching headhunters in action. My favourite episode is the luxury good appraiser - what an insight!
5. Product placement - I actually enjoy watching scenes featuring sponsors, Subway & Kopiko. In fact I even bought Kopiko at local supermarket.
6. Guest star - I am a fan of Go Won Hee so I was delighted to see her in this drama. Her episode was touching.
7. Styling - Love the styling for FL, ML & Junghoon.
Lee Jun Hyuk was very handsome. He reminded me of Superman Christipher Reeves.

What I disliked:
1. Rivalry - It's wonderful to see 2 powerful CEOs being competitive with each other. The antagonist is sinister with her ways, which is great because it highlights the value of integrity. However I dislike how the conflict between 2 of them was resolved after so much build up.
2. Ending - The last episode had dull moments. Junghoon & Sohyeon's scenes were not exciting as I felt that there wasn't much build up between them in earlier episodes.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she liked him

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Strong start but falter past halfway mark

After two months of not utilising my Youku subscription, I decided to watch this minidrama because of the intriguing plot.

What I liked:
1. The start - This mini drama started off strong when FL, ML & FL's father were introduced.
2. Romance - I like this romance because FL is higher in power & authority compared to ML. There are some nice kisses.
3. Supporting characters - I like the in house doctor/ FL's advisor, FL's lady in waiting.

What I disliked:
1. Second half - I was surprised when FL revealed her secret to her father during halfway mark of the drama. However the drama became lacklustre after the reveal.
2. Antagonists - I think reason why it became lacklustre is the execution of antagonist arcs. The actor who main antagonist lacked conviction - perhaps he was miscast.
3. Dynamic - FL & ML dynamic wasn't as strong as I wanted / expected. There isn't emotional pull to this drama. I kept comparing this drama to The Killer is also Romantic, which pulled off 'opposites attract' dynamic really well.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML talking under cherry blossom tree

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Refreshing tale of a woman getting empowered

I an always excited to watch Zhen Zi Qi's drama because the characters he have played are always fascinating. I decided to watch this drama also because the FL was vision impaired.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama focuses more on FL becoming empowered and I love it. She's smart & quick thinker - I like how she managed crises.
2. Partnership - FL & ML have developed good relationship through their business partnership.
3. Supporting character - I really like the director and how director & FL relationship grew from strangers to friends/ally. ML's grandma was a nice person too.
4. Styling - I like Zhen Zi Qi's outfits & hair style. The green suit is my favourite. FL also wore a few pretty dresses.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I don't feel much romantic chemistry between FL & ML. The kissing scene at the start was hot but there wasn't much affection throughout the series. I also sensed that ML was more invested in their relationship than FL was in their relationship.

Favourite scene
The press conference of the movie

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Sizzling chemistry, awesome FL -an enjoyable mini drama

I've saved this drama in my Youtube playlist for so long but only decided to watch it a few days ago. It's been awhile since I last watched a mini drama and I must say this mini drama is worth my time. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is feisty and I love it! She knows her worth and even in her moments of vulnerability, I understand and like her character.
2. Romance - The intimate scene at the start was damn hot! Beautifully shot kisses. I like how their romance develop - there were plenty of playful banter. I wish there were more kisses.
3. Villain arc - I actually like how the villain arc was done. I am relieved that villain wasn't shamed and I think it's great how the writer treat a delicate subject.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I dislike ML for not protecting and reassuring FL during his scandal.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending. Is that arc good enough to cause an issue? Will there be season 2?

Favourite scene
That intimate scene at the start

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Sizzling chemistry with very cute child actor

I have watched Bai Yan's dramas and some Youtube users have mentioned her chemistry with Liu Qing. This is the first drama of them that I decided to watch.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Sizzling chemistry between Bai Yan and Liu Qing. Damn their kissing scenes were hot even though short.
2. Xiao Bai - OMG I love Xiao Bai. He is so adorable and his scenes with Liu Qing were fun to watch.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's assistant Song.

What I disliked:
1 Villain - Unlike other vertical dramas, the villain in this story used subtle approach. A person who made bad decisions. I dislike the decision made by the villain.
2. Romance - I wish the drama had spent more time on reconciliation & rebuilding of relationship between ML, FL & Xiao Bai.

Favourite scene
Xiao Bai's first scene

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Felt incomplete & disconnect

This was my 2nd vertical drama involving Zhang Chu Xuan and Lu Shan Dong. My expectations were not met.

What I liked:
1. Child actors - They were so cute. I think I have seen 1 boy in another vertical drama.
2. Zhang Chu Xuan - Good acting even though I dislike characterisation.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I don't think there was a romantic relationship between ML & FL. ML couldn't get over his ex so I felt FL was more of substitute rather than a girlfriend / lover.
2. ML characterisation - He was cold & distrustful till the end. Rough with FL. Seemed gullible as he took on SFL words literally. Unlikeable character for me.
3. FL characterisation - I couldn't understand her character. She should have come clean about the kids to the ML. I don't like the scheming.

Favourite scene:
The fire

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Simple story involving role reversal

I decided to watch this drama because 'female CEO' was tagged to it.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - The drama started off with FL being assistant to ML. After an incident, FL was given the chance to be boss to ML. I enjoyed watching FL being a CEO & tackling work issues. She was assertive & quick thinking.
2. Shen Hao Nan - Even though this drama was short & underdeveloped, I like his acting. I like his haircut too - kinda reminds me of Wang Anyu in Falling into You.
3. FL's ally - I like this character who could be a love rival.

What I disliked:
1. FL haircut - Her haircut in earlier scenes before she wore bucket hat, was hideous. Aged her - she looked like an aunty.
2. Writing - This story had potential but sadly underdeveloped. Would like to see the different dynamics between FL and ML before and after the incident.

Favourite scene
Business meeting when she outsmarted board members

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Wacky drama but with depth and great acting

I came across this drama on reddit and decided to watch after reading good reviews and knowing that Yan Zi Xian starred in this drama. I was highly entertained by this series.

What I liked:
1. Ye Zhao Nan / Guan San Mei characterisation - Wow, the character had so much depth & growth. I love the contrast between San Mei and Zhao Nan but there was at least one similar trait - intelligence. I love how she is quick thinking, likeable, funny and compassionate.
2. Romance - I love how romance developed between San Mei and Liu Xuan Ming. They were hostile towards each other at first but then slowly developed friendship and later love. I also enjoyed the secondary romance in particular the assassin Tan Rang and Princess Yun Luo. There are plenty of hot kisses in this drama and not just from main couple.
3. Acting - I was impressed by acting from Zhang Yue Nan, Yu Xuan Chen and Han Yu Tong. I am familiar with Han Yu Tong because of her work in vertical shot dramas but gosh it's so fun watching her played a scheming love rival.
4. Yi Yang Jun characterisation - What a rice development for this character. I find him compelling because Yu Xuan Chen had such presence and aura, sometimes he outshined Yan Zi Xian.
5. Comedy - This drama is one of the funniest Chinese dramas that I have watched & enjoyed.
6. Supporting characters - There were many characters that I enjoyed watching in this drama e.g. The Three Stooges, General Jin Fu (damn his body was hot!), Ke Qian Yue, Yao Hu.
7. Role reversal - I like how this was showcased in the drama because we see both sides. I also enjoyed female empowerment trope in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Princess Qi Meng / Qian Hui Rou - Great way to use Fan Wei's talent but I found the two separate individuals were very similar. I also couldn't figure out servant Bai Lu's loyalty toward Qian Hui Rou because Hui Rou's past.
2. Zhao Jin's love arc - I also didn't enjoy his love arc because it didn't seem natural.

Favourite scene
The start of the sisterhood and the kissing that follow suit

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Enjoyed it for the acting & location but FL performance was underwhelming

I am a fan of Wang Zu Yi after watching his performance in 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen', which I watched when I was on vacation in China in November 2024. After returning home, I decided to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Acting - It's wonderful to see Wang Zu Yi and Hou Dong acting together in a series for second time. Both gave great performances again. I also liked the acting from Han Yu Tong and Zheng Nan Xi.
2. Xian - I was surprised to see Xi'an Ancient City Wall featured in this series because I visited Chengdu & Xi'an just before watching this series. Love the scene when ML & FL went to their house rooftop and saw the City Wall.
3. The ending - I like it because I think it's fitting for ML & FL.

What I disliked:
1. Ji Shu Yi's acting - There wasn't much spark between Wang Zu Yi and Ji Shu Yi. I think Ji Shu Yi couldn't match the intensity of Wang Zu Yi's performance so their scenes together were lacklustre. I also didn't feel like rooting for FL and reconciliation because of the acting.

Favourite scene
ML & FL going to their house rooftop which overlooks Xi'an Ancient City Wall

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I like this drama because of kisses and Xiao Bai

I got to know about this series after reading a reddit post about C drama with many kisses. This drama reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' because both ML needed kisses from FL for survival and 'Night of Love With You' where ML is the antagonist,

What I liked:
1) Romance - I am surprised by the number of kisses as this story is a period drama. It's great that there were scenes of getting to know each other and falling in love. I also like how Female Lead Sheng Xian explained the mechanics of tv kisses.
2) Xiao Bai - My favourite character in this series! I think Wu Tian Hao should be billed third in the cast list.
3) Supporting characters - I also like Sheng Lian Hua, ML's right hand man and the fourth prince.
4) Style - I love the comic panels in this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I think the arc is too simple.
2) The ending - OMG, what was that ending? I wish they had gone with an ending similar to 'The Resilient Dr Ling'.

Favourite scene
The plot twist in episode 17

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Left hanging by that final episode

This series appeared on my Youku dashboard and I decided to watch because of the title. Despite the very short duration, don't waste your time watching this drama.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - I like FL's best friend, male colleague and grandma.
2) Visual - Yu Yi Fu is tall but baby face.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - I like marriage of convenience and this drama is alright. It had potential to become good one but fell short.
2) The ending - I was dissatisfied by the ending. I wish there were more episodes to elaborate on the plot twist.
3) Romance - It is definitely lacking.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML kissed.

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Simple & cute tale of merman - human in love

I was interested to watch another merman drama after completing My Merman Brother. So I clicked 'Play'.

What I liked:
1) Brothers - Despite characters being underdeveloped, I like that the 4 brothers have distinct personality. I was attracted to Gu Ze San from the get go because of he was mysterious.
2) Tone - It's simple and fluffly. This series feels very new adult aka protagonists in early 20s coming of age.
3) Bai Qing characterisation - I like how her character was written - I didn't expect the plot twist.

What I disliked:
1) Plot - I think certain arcs could be developed more.
2) Romance - They were sweet and that first kiss was kinda hot. However I wish their romance story had more substance i.e. we see more scenes of the main couple falling in love.

Favourite scene
When Bai Qing's life was threatened

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Sexy business rivalry drama that could use more kick

I am big fan of Wen Mo Yan because of her work in 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'. Oh boy, this drama is something alright.

What I liked:
1) Kisses - Damn the kissing scenes were very hot. Episode 1 was already spicy and episode 16 gave me a shock! Both Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan had great chemistry that they were able to portray lust and passion in their makeout scenes.
2) Han Qing characterisation - Kudos to Wen Mo Yan for taking this role. She's got the acting chops to play a sexy siren (her voice and legs are sexy). I like that Han Qing stuck to her principles - she's not into framing innocenet people.
3) Shen Hao Nan - Damn, he is handsome and kinda resemble Mark Tuan of kpop group GOT7 (go watch Crash & Burn or You Calling My Name video to see the resemblance). This is my first time watching his drama and he played the role well. I'm keen to check out his other work.
4) Styling - I like outfits and styling for female and male leads. Stylist must work hard on Shen Hao Nan's hair because the way it's coiffed seemed intricate.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - ML Feng Si Qian is trapped by stipulations made by his father in law but I don't "feel" that much suffocation from him. If the writer had made it clear that his selfworth is tied to the company then his character would be more compelling. I think the villain could be more complex too instead of a straight cut greedy character.
2) Certain scenes - I don't like the scene of Han Qing playing violin in episode 1. The camera angle wasn't good so she looked possessed. Plus that scene doesn't add value to the series.
3) Romance - I wish we were given more "at work" scenes because I think that's how Feng Si Qian fell for Han Qing. I'd like to see them slowly falling in love instead of being told that they were in love.

Favourite scene
Han Qing tended to Feng Si Qian wound then they made out.

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Well written, fast-paced romantic suspense series

I can't remember what led me to this series but glad I watched it. It covers many genres: romance, thriller, action, drama and a bit of science fiction. With 16 episode format, I think this series can be adapted into Korean drama.

What I liked:
1) The writing - This series was well-written and engaging, thanks to its tight running time (16 episodes with each episode lasting 25 to 45 minutes). Even though I figured out the doppelganger, I appreciate knowing the intent behind this doppelganger arc. I also like that 3 supporting characters (Ding Bei Fan, Tian Sui, Jiang Tian Cheng) had substance & played important roles in the storytelling.
2) An Yue & Xu Xi Xi's characterisation - It's wonderful to see contrasting personalities of these individuals but the evil twin wasn't evil all the time. I understood and sympathised her despite the mean demeanor.
3) The romance - For a romantic suspense series, there was good amount of romance between female and male leads. Makeout sessions were hot but my favourite is the first kiss - I was surprised. Yilia Yu and Tsao Yu Ning seemed very comfortable with each other, so the development of their love story seemed natural.
4) Acting - Good acting in particular Yilia Yu, Tsao Yu Ning and Wu Hao Ze. The latter was a standout because he was earnest at playing a newbie in entertainment industry who is attracted to a talent manager that already has a suitor. Tsao Yu Ning did well in expressing different feelings such as desire, concern, anger, love.
5) Action - Wow, the action scenes were impressive. The fights were well choreographed and even the 'blast from the past' scene was good.

What I disliked:
1) The music - I think there are 2 separate English songs used in this series. The lyrics are sound though I would tweak some words of the main song to make it more meaningful. The only thing I cannot stand is the voice. The song is too loud (sound mixing needs to be fixed) and singer's voice doesn't suit the song/moment.

Favourite scene
When the bomb was about to explode

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