emberzmars

Goofy, charming ML the reason I enjoyed this series

I watched Strong Woman Bong-soon in December 2023 after completing Strong Girl Nam-Soon in November 2023. Yes, I was late to the party.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Min Hyuk characterisation - I found him goofy & very charming. He had golden retriever persona. I like that he's cool with being labelled gay - seems like he is not homophobic. I also like that he wasn't intimidated by a physically strong woman. Role was played brilliantly by Park Hyung Sik.
2) The romance - I like how their relationship developed. They were boss-employee first then lovers. The Min Min scenes were excellent. Made me miss moments when I was flirting & giddy with excitement.
3) In Gook Doo - I also like his character and Kim Ji Soo. Serious cop who is oblivious to his best friend's crush on him.
4) Comedy - Comic relief mostly provided by Secretary Goo and the random gangster led by Kim Kwong Bok. I enjoyed those scenes though I found some scenes quite random.

What I disliked:
1) Childlike FL - In general, I don't like cute, childlike female leads especially when they are already past mid-20s. I don't like how Bong Soon was written as she didn't use her strength well as a bodyguard.
2) Too many in one series - This series cover various genres (thriller, fantasy, romance, comedy). While I enjoy romantic thriller, I found the slapstick comedy didn't gel well with the pverall storytelling.

Favourite scene
The Min Min scenes because it made me giddy!

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Refreshing twist on business rivalry and marriage of convenience

I noticed this series when browsing my iQiyi dashboard. I wasn't familiar with any of the cast. However I thought I should watch this series after reading MDL reviews. Glad I did it!

What I liked:
1) The romance - Because Female lead and Male lead had different personality (she was more serious, no-nonsense businesswoman while he was bright but confident architect), I expected a lot of "push" in the development of their relationship. Luckily the "push" factor wasn't too long as Female lead realised what a great man Male lead was. I love how natural and comfortable both were with each other. The hand holding, the affectionate gaze, the kisses, the playful banter...I felt like watching a real couple in love.
2) Ye Cheng Su characterisation - At first I was apprehensive about his character because he appeared childish. However he proved me wrong when he took business matters seriously. I like that he was patient and secure about his capability and his relationship with Gu Ling Se. His character has shown a lot of growth by the end of the series.
3) Supporting characters - Most of the supporting characters were well developed. I enjoyed watching Bei Chen (especially his random utterance of English words), Secretary Jin, Mu Qiu Hui, Uncle Zhao, Piao Piao. Even Gu Huai Heng, Gu Pei Ya and Jiang Han was a delight to watch
4) The plot - I find this series rather engaging as it has nice balance of personal and professional lives of the FL & ML. I also like the arcs of Jiang Han and Pei Ya.
5) Outfits - I love the outfits for Gu Ling Se. The leather jacket and tight pants for motorcycling made her hot while the dresses made her pretty.

What I disliked:
1) Business aspect - I was slightly lost after Gu Huai Heng made his big move. I didn't like how that affected the relationship between FL & ML. I also expected some explanation about Future Corporation's direction after the acquisition but nope, there as none.
2) Ye Cheng Su's hairstyle - I don't like his hairstyle except the one in the ending because that hairstyle made him looked much younger than Gu Ling Se and less serious about work.

Favourite scene
When Gu Ling Se surprised Ye Cheng Su with the lantern festival

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Light. fast-paced and unmemorable micro drama

I wanted a short length series that I can watch in one evening. I enjoyed First Kisses immensely even though it's a micro drama so I decided to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. The romance - For a series that last less than 2 hours, Just Fiancée has good amount of kisses. I like that both leads didn't play dumb after their first kiss and that their kisses were playful in nature.
2. Grandpa - He was nice even when knowing that he was fooled by his grandson. That scene of him reliving his past was adorable.
3. Lin Duo Duo - At first I thought he was going to act like his sister but he was more respectful. I was surprised by his action during the ending.

What I disliked:
1. The project - I feel that Su Yu should do more due diligence before deciding to continue the Xiaolin Bay project. He should have asked for status report because then he wouldn't get hurt.
2. Lin Shao Shao - She doesn't respect Su Yu. That harrassment could get her in trouble if reported.
3. Editing - Instead of 5 minute per episode, this series should be extended to 10 minute per episode so there would be more time to develop main characters and plot.

Favourite scene
When Su Yu apologised to Qiao Mai for neglecting her at the party

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Refreshing take on fake relationship and nerd/geek tropes

Whenever I am in the mood for mini dramas, I'd scroll my dashboard on WeTV. The title peaked my interest and I instantly click 'Play' after reading synopsis.

What I liked:
1. Xie Yu Fei characterisation - In this drama, the nerd/geek is the female lead Xie Yu Fei. I love her character - she's intelligent, self-assured, open to new experiences. I love it when she scolded Yao Zhen Zhen for overstepping the line but at the same time, acknowledges Yao Zhen Zhen's strengths. It was disheartening to see Yu Fei upset - those two scenes almost made me cry. Xu Jia Qi was amazing and very pretty as Yu Fei.
2. Writing - I enjoy watching fake relationship trope and gosh, this mini drama put a refreshing twist on it by ending the charade before halfway through the series. It's also great to see the growth of Ling Yang's character. He became less childish and more responsible for his future.
3. The romance - Gosh, I love that Yu Fei took initiative to kiss. Even though there aren't many kissing scenes, you see their love grows through their actions e.g. Ling Yang's cooking.
4. Supporting characters - I love the besties Qi Qing and Guan Pei as they are extremely loyal and protective of Yu Fei and Ling Yang.
5. Styling - I really like the styling for Yu Fei and Ling Yang. The leather jacket, white shirt, tie, jeans and combat boots on Zhang Zhi Yao - amazing. Don't mind the repeating combo. I like actresses with short bob but mature styling (i.e. no fringe). Xu Jia Qi looks pretty with every outfit even when she wears a plain tshirt at home.

What I disliked:
1. Factory sub-plot - Not a dislike but I wish this sub-plot was given more depth. It'd be nice to see how Ling Yang manages his family's legacy and how Yu Fei supports him through this path.
2. Yu Fei's parents - I don't like people looking down on others just because they have more formal education.
3. Wedding scene - I wish this scene had included the professor that asked Yu Fei to go on a blind date with Ling Yang. He was crucial to their love story, he should be at the wedding.

Favourite scene
When Yu Fei informed Ling Yang that she likes him

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Light & fluffy but with some spicy scenes

Watched this series after enjoying First Kisses starring Guan Jin Lin, who acts in this series.

What I liked:
1. Gender role reversal - I love that female lead Lin Wei Xu is state preceptor who is capable of martial arts, while the male lead Fu Su is a hostage/guest that subservient to the female lead.
2. The romance - The kisses and hand biting were hot. There were hugs too. That last scene was cute though wish the director had taken a spicier route. I also like that Lin Wei Xu is forward and frank about what she likes in Fu Su.
3. The plot - Straight-forward and engaging at the same time.
4. Merman make up - Even though merman has blue eyes, white/silver hair and fins near his ears, his physical appearance didn't throw me off.

What I disliked:
1. Master's murder - The motive for murdering the master seems silly.
2. Unresolved mysteries - How did Lin Wei Xu get her cold disease? What actually happened to Fu Su's mum?

Favourite scene
When Fu Su saved Lin Wei Xu from the cold attack

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Very likeable leads in a cute story with some depth

I must say that WeTV app is great at marketing their short length series. 'First Kisses' is one of short length series that was heavily promoted on my dashboard. Decided to watch after reading the synopsis.

What I liked:
1. Lu Pan Pan's characterisation - I love her character - rare to see a female athlete as main character. She's confident and self-assured and I like that she isn't obssessed about boys. She showed some vulnerability.
2. The romance - I noticed that some users criticised the kissing scenes in the comment section. I disagree - the kissing scenes were intentionally shot in those ways. The ones in the beginning were chaste because they were short term treatment (for the lack of better term) while the kisses at the end were genuine and passionate. I also appreciate the eye gazing, hugs.
3. The plot - This series reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' in which kissing treatmenet was a tool to bring female and male leads together. However this series has more depth - I like that 'First Kisses' elaborated on the amnesia trope.
4. Supporting characters - I like the guys (Luo Su, Yao Yi Fan and Wang Xiao Bing) but Yao Yi Fan is my favourite. What a supportive best friend.
5. Visuals - Guan Jin Lin is pretty while Song Pei Ze is handsome. I also find Zhou Zi Jie and Wang Chao Wen good looking.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - Some scenes felt like they were fast-forwarded even though their speed was 1.0x (I checked!). Blame the editing!
2. Directing - I wish the director had spent more time shooting the scene in which Pan Pan experienced a heartbreak & cried.

Favourite scene
When Lv You brought Pan Pan to meet his parents

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Tragic stories about love with great acting by 3 leads

Having seen Daisy Lu in The Fortune Writer, I decied to check out her work. 'Broken the Heart' captured my attention because I have also watched Cui Yi Liang's acting in False Face and True Feelings.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai's acting - Wow, he has a commanding presence and a menacing resting bitch face! Deng Kai was able to convey different emotions and demeanour when given a complex character.
2. Music - I am impressed by the score. I felt like I was watching a full length feature especially in the fight scenes.
3. Writing - I was engrossed in this series because the plot was different from other mini dramas that I've watched. I like that all 3 lead characters (Yu Wen Sheng, Yin Run Shui, Lin Cang Wu) were fully fleshed out.
4. Ending - I like it though I wish the last epilogue was made longer.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I wish they were more skinship in this series. Perhaps during flashbacks when Yin Run Shui tended to Yu Wen Sheng's wounds. I hate that Yu Wen Sheng was cavalier to Yin Run Shui's feelings by bringing another woman to their room.
2. Villain's arc - I feel that the villains were underdeveloped. Perhaps writers want viewers to focus more on complicated relationships between the three characters.

Favourite scene
When Yin Run Shui and Yu Wen Sheng talked about having children

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Nothing new but darn, the kisses made it a fun watch

I like watching short series on Mango TV Youtube channel. This morning decided to watch 'You are My Exclusive Surprise' because the first episode was intriguing.

What I liked:
1. The kisses - Gosh, this mini drama has a lot of kisses despite the short running time. Male lead Ji Ning Rui had insatiable appetite for female lead Su Su. So affectionate - I like!
2. Pacing - Each episode is less than 6 minutes and in total, there are 14 episodes. Very easy to finish in one sitting.
3. Bai Hao Yan - Ok, I'll be honest. I find actor Bai Hao Yan handsome - with that hair cut, he resembles Korean actor Park Bo Gum. That's why I continue with the series.
4. Ning Rui's assistant - Limited screentime but he's a delight to watch. Funny

What I disliked:
1. Plot - It's seriously underdeveloped. I still don't understand how Ji Ning Rui can develop intense feelings for Su Su.
2. Hao Ze - I'm not sure why this character was introduced half-way through the series.

Favourite scene
When Su Su looked at their marriage registration documents and what happened after that

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Too many people envious of FL but hey I like her character!

I kept seeing clips from this show on my YouTube dashboard. I'm a sucker for very tall guys and yes, I found Yang Chuan Bei attractive.

What I liked:
1. Bai Jin Se characterisation - I really like that she's self-reliant and hardworking. While I don't agree with some of her decisions, I totally understand her reasons - she was in touch with her feelings and needed space. I like that she's not a goody two shoes or naive girl.
2. Sun Zi Jun's acting - She's good at expressing different emotions. The heartbreaking scenes in episodes 9 and 15 were well done because of her acting.
3. Love story - I like that this series shows how Mo Si Nian fell in love with Bai Jin Se. I also like that this series shows them working out their relationship, the highs and lows. It wasn't a "happily ever after" after they got together as a real couple in the middle of the series.

What I disliked:
1. Envy - Why are there so many people envious of her? Pity her.
2. Mo Si Nian characterisation - At times I was frustrated with him because he didn't do much for her. I think this underdevelopment led to actor Yang Chuan Bei's restricted acting.
3. The romance - I wish they were more skinship. I want more kissing, hugging, displays of affection!

Favourite scene
At the end of episode 9 from the time Bai Jin Se and Mo Si Nian have dinner together to Bai Jin Se finding out Mo Si Nian's secret.

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Fast-paced & light second chance love story

I was drawn to this series because the female lead wanted to break free of familial expectations and pursue career in music.

What I liked:
1. Passion in music - I like that male lead's personality is different from female lead's personality but both do have a common interest that they figured out later. I like that this male lead is goofy and baby-faced.
2. Romance - It's sweet but episode 2 had a slightly spicy scene. The monologue, the attempts to resist - I like!
3. Supporting characters - Su Nan and Shen Yong are such a supportive best friend. I like that both of them help out Shen Liang Chuan. Those scenes provided comedic relief.
4. Pacing - Fast-paced & light. Easy to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - I didn't get much chemistry between Xiang Xin and Zhao Yi Bo especially towards the later episodes when their characters got back together.
2. Plot hole - I don't understand the appearance of Yun Jian Jian after divorce because I thought Yun Wan Wan never had strong feelings for Shen Liang Chuan during their marriage.

Favourite scene
When Yun Jian Jian seduced Shen Liang Chuan

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Engrossed in this angsty tale of free will vs. fate

I found out about this mini series through reddit. A user highly recommended "Fortune Writer" because of its storyline.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say that this is one well-written mini dramas. I was engrossed and as each episode unravelled, I was surprised by the unpredictable nature of this story. Episode 6 is my favourite episode - what a plot twist!
2. Daisy Li's acting - This is my first watching her work and I was captivated by her performance. She was able to convey different emotions from vengeful and wrath to sympathy and kindness.
3. Su Yun Qi characterisation - It's rare to see a complex female lead that is wonderfully written. Some of her actions baffled me but it's hard for me to hate her. I understand why she took those actions.
4. Jin Jiu - She's an awesome sidekick! Love her for being fierce yet compassionate.

What I disliked:
1. Fortune writer ending - [Spoiler ahead] Since LuoLuo and Lu Huai knew about the existence of fortune writer, I wish they rallied behind Yun Qi and together all three fought against their predetermined "fate". Let fortune writer suffer the unruly / unpredictable behaviours that were outside of fortune writer's control.
2. Ye Sheng Jia's acting - Lu Huai was always frowning so maybe I should blame the director or writer. Anyway I feel like Ye Sheng Jia could have done better in expressing conflicted emotions.

Favourite scene
From the auction until the heartbreaking conversation between Yun Qi and LuoLuo

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Wonderful character growth for ML + great acting by main 3

I am so in love with season 1 of The Only Girl You Haven't Seen so of course I went to watch the sequel.

What I liked:
1) He Lian Xuan's characterisation - Great character development, from a timid fifth prince to a wise and humble fighter who later awarded crown prince and eventually emperor.
2) Acting - Wow, I was impressed by outstanding performances by Wang Zu Yi, Wen Mo Yan and Hou Dong. Episodes 16 & 17 were the best episodes that captured their brilliant performances! It's amazing that both Wang Zu Yi and Wen Mo Yan's first drama was released in 2021. Despite being novice in the industry, their acting was top notch.
3) He Lian Chen's arc - This season had more focus on his arc and wow, what a compelling antagonist. I couldn't believe the actions he made but then again he was greedy for power. I did pity him towards the end - kudos to writer for making me invested in this character.
4) The romance - I love that they continued to grow as a couple even when each of them had individual pursuits. I love how much they respect their other half's wishes and do their best to understand and be supportive. Episode 17 is the most romantic episode of all as it has moments of playfulness, honesty, desire and heartbreak. Wang Zu Yi and Wen Mo Yan seemed to have tacit understanding and connection with each other that translated well on screen.
5) Leng Li's arc - It's great that this is fully explained to viewers and shared with He Lian Xuan.

What I disliked:p1) The audio - It's frustrating that the audio on YoYo Youtube channel was on & off. This issue made me paused the series for a week and affected my enjoyment.

Favourite scene
The romantic scene in episode 17

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Laughed out loud at the start but with more serious tone in last few episodes

I watched 'Follow My Dear General' after reading a user recommending this series on reddit. What a delight!

What I liked:
1. The humour - I started this series on a morning commute to work and couldn't contain my laughter. An Chen and Xiao Tong's antics were just hilarious! Feeding medicine scene was LOL too.
2. Sisterhood - I love the dynamics between An Chen and An Mei. They are more like sisters than rivals and their interactions were always fun to watch!
3. An Chen characterisation - I love how tenacious and fiercely independent she was. She was determined to accomplish her mission but changed her mind when she realised the consequences of her mission on other people. I also like that she was aware of her identity - as a woman, as a thief.
4. Supporting characters - An Mei and Xiao Tong were my favourites. Their interactions with An Chen and General Lie were fun to watch.
5. Acting - All five actors and actresses were excellent in their roles. The most excellent IMHO is Zhang Jia Lin - she looked earnest and endearing while playing boyish An Chen and ethereal but sassy while playing girlish An Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I lost interest in the series in last quarter of the series. It was great to watch General Lie and An Chen dating but I think some episodes could be tweaked so there was better storytelling in lesser number of episodes.
2. The ending - Why is there a cliffhanger? Are we getting season 2?

Favourite scene
The fight between An Chen and An Mei in episode 1

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Unhinged, toxic male lead played brilliantly by Cheng Yu Feng

I have to admit - I am a massive fan of Cheng Yu Feng. I have read few comments about this drama on reddit. I usually steer clear from dramas with toxic characters but Cheng Yu Feng convinced me to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Yin Ji characterisation - I am fascinated by how the writer developed this male lead. He started off in this series as an unhinged City Lord who seemed jilted by female lead's behaviour towards him. Toxic phase of Yin Ji is the best part of this series because I couldn't predict his line of thoughts. Oh I've never seen a sadomachoist in Chinese drama so wow, this series shocked me!
2. Cheng Yu Feng's acting - He was able to show many sides of Yin Ji: neanderthal Yin Ji, naive & younger Yin Ji, I'm-going-to-reclaim-my-City-Lordship Yin Ji.
3. Qi Yan - I like his character - trustworthy and kind. Actor Tian Guang Yu was handsome.
4. Xiao Bao Bao - I actually pity her character. Yes, she is annoying but then again she is the legal wife of Yin Ji so her actions are understandable. Teng Ze Wen did well as Xiao Bao Bao.

What I disliked:
1. Yin Ji decision - I understand that Yin Ji kept Xie Yun by his side to protect her but I don't like that he was mean towards her. The humiliation was too much.
2. Zizi Xu's acting - I understand that Xie Yun is a woman driven by vengence for her family but I couldn't connect with her. I think it's because of Zizi Xu's acting. It felt monotonous even when she forgave and accepted Yin Ji into her life.
3. Wang Xi Nu - This character doesn't have a purpose. There is already Xiao Bao Bao who is a stumbling block in Xie Yun & Yin Ji's relationship.

Favourite scene
The whorehouse in first episode.

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Funny & light-hearted mini series

I can't remember what drove me to watch this mini drama but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Most of the comedy come from the transformation scenes. I laughted out loud in some scenes. I think Vin Zheng, the actor who played male lead Shan Yi Fan, even tried his best to control his laughter in one scene.
2. Storyline - The plot does not make sense but it is fun and the writer was creative about the transformation and kissing scenes. I love the twist that involved the villain.
3. Supporting cast - I like Shan Chen Xing, Xiao Yan and Xia Luo Luo's mother.
4. Mother-daugther relationship - I love the healthy mother-daughter relationship shown by Xia Luo Luo and her mother. Her mum is cool and supportive of her decision.
5. An Qin Fu - It's great to see him in this mini drama. He was a delight in Destined to Meet You and A Familiar Stranger.
6. Pacing - I binged this mini drama in one sitting. Easy to digest because of its fast-pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - There is some awkwardness between Tan Yan Yan and Vin Zheng so I feel a lack of chemistry between them. As a result, I don't buy the love connection between their characters.

Favourite scene:
When Shan Yi Fan transformed into a woman. There's a nice surprise there!

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