emberzmars

The worst jiejie romance I watched - bad acting & writing

I was drawn to this drama because of two things: older woman-younger man romance & Dong Yi. I had never seen his dramas before but got excited to watch this drama. I must say I was greatly disappointed by this drama. Don't waste your time even if you are a fan of the lead(s).

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits were pretty. ML's outfits fit the persona or a young & hip CEO.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant Tong Tong.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Hardly any romantic scenes. There was no real kiss in this drama. No sexual tension except at the start.
2. Acting - Average. Liu Jia Xi wasn't charismatic enough to play a confident older woman enacting revenge and toying with younger man. Dong Yi's ML was more of a tool - no character development. Liu Jia Xi and Dong Yi didn't have chemistry.
3. Writing - I felt like there wasn't much hunger & sense of urgency in executing the revenge plan. That arc was unfocused. The main characters were bland. I increased speed to 2.0x just to see if anything exciting happened but nope, this drama was forgettable.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Romantic suspense that exceeded my expectations. Great acting, kisses and badassery

I knew of this drama when it was first released but never felt like watching it until today. I only recently watched & enjoyed Bai Xue Ru's acting. I was apprehensive with this drama at first because cop romantic suspense vertical dramas I watched were disappointing but not this one. Hunting Love exceeded my expectations.

Trigger warning: Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - I loved the performances by both Bai Xue Ru and Ma Xiao Yu because they matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Their emotional scenes had depth.
2. Writing - I was worried that this was going to be one of those "I can save a baddie / turn a baddie into a good person" but thankfully it wasn't. I really liked the plot twists.
3. Romance - Their kisses were passionate and fiery. Even though I knew FL shouldn't give into ML's taunts & charms, I still wanted them to kiss. There was good push & pull dynamics between them and later on, we could see that ML truly loved FL despite the betrayal.
4. Action - I had seen Ma Xiao Yu in fight scenes but damn Bai Xue Ru was fantastic in her action scenes. Definitely believable as an undercover agent. Both of them were badass!
5. Styling - I liked MXY's hairstyle & outfits for this drama. Good outfits were selected for BXR (loved the green dress) but that dress in the final scene wasn't nice.
6. Flashbacks - I usually questioned the use of many flashbacks but for this drama it was justifiable because I could see stark contrast between past and present and also felt FL's hatred for her parents' killer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 of them: ML's father and SML. I wish there were more scenes of ML's father and his atrocious crimes instead of being told he was an evil mastermind. I am still unclear about SML's motivation for his manipulation.
2. Aggression - I didn't like ML's aggressiveness towards FL. The chokehold seemed to be MXY's signature move.

Favourite scene
When FL was challenged to kiss a grumpy ML

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Campus drama with friends-to-lovers trope

I wasn't a fan of Ma Le Jie because of the roles she often played (damsels in distress). However I decided to watch this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Cheng Cheng. Overall, I liked this drama even though campus drama isn't my favourite trope.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's cool that she was a ghost singer. She got fed up of the ill treatment & decided to stand up for herself after being given a second chance.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was rational and supportive friend.
3. Romance - Friends to lovers trope. A lot of sweet moments. Unrequited love trope was also explored in this drama.
4. Styling - The stylist chose the right sets of clothes to distinguish campus life from adult life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The SML & SFL were self-absorbed.
2. Slander - Same old, same old.

Favourite scene
SML went to FL & promised that he'd pay her back

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Great acting but overall the drama wasn't remarkable as I expected

I unsubscribed my paid Youku account and to take advantage of the grace period, I decided to watch this drama on the app. I am fine with dark & gritty dramas but Tear Night didn't quite meet my expectations.

Trigger warning: Self-harm, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by both of them. The emotional scenes packed a punch.
2. Revenge - She wanted revenge for the ill-treatment she got from her family & boyfriend. I liked that she used available resources i.e. ML.
3. Romance - The kisses were good and the development of their relationship was done well. I liked their tender moments.
4. Styling - FL wore a lot of black and her outfits were beautiful. ML wore fabulous clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her father was truly evil. He was fine with killing his own daughter and first wife.
2. Storytelling - I was disengaged a few times throughout the drama. The execution of her revenge plans didn't excite me. I accidentally dozed off but didn't need to rewind because nothing big happened.
3. ML's actions - I disliked that he self-harmed when he felt insecure about his relationship with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered ML's secret

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Love story between emperor and concubine with great chemistry & outfits

I am Zhang Chu Xuan fangirl so I was excited to see this drama co-starring Wang Jia Mao. Gosh the last time I watched his drama was months ago. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her cunning tricks to win over ML's heart & body. Her smartness fit the ideals of women in historical era (sometimes writers overindulged by making revengeful FL too smart).
2. ML characterisation - I also liked his scheming and protectiveness. He doted on FL and tried his best to keep it hidden from other people to avoid accusation of unfairness. I liked that he was a one-woman man despite his circumstances. I loved Wang Jia Mao in this role - he was dreamy.
3. Romance - Intense attraction & lust which turned out to be genuine love. I liked that they were affectionate with each other.
4. Supporting characters - ML's advisor being his confidante - I loved it! I also liked FL's servant.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits for FL & ML especially their outfits at the start. The mesh top was so sexy on WJM and ZCX looked gorgeous in shoulder-baring dresses.
6. Tone - I enjoyed the comedic moments that appear a lot in the first & second acts. Nice transition to more dramatic third act.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was despicable. Glad FL kept her at a distance post-rebirth. Since FL was concubine, she had many rivals (Empress Dowager, Concubine Wen) who were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL disguised herself to see ML.

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Interesting story using twin trope but bland FL & lacklustre romance let me down

There is something about Ma Shi Yao that compels me to watch his dramas and update his MDL profile. I have always been intrigued by twin trope so I watched this drama. I didn't like it.

What I liked:
1. Twin trope - I liked how the trope was utilised in this story. It's not good vs evil twin like in most stories. Both made bad decisions.
2. Styling - I liked ML's outfits. Well lack of proper tops for Ma Shi Yao was good for me.
3. Opening scene - It was thrilling.
4. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant who happened to be woman.
5. Ma Shi Yao - I liked both characters that he played.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between Ma Shi Yao and the main actress. Her acting was underwhelming.
2. Romance - Lacklustre & underdeveloped. Scenes with supposed sexual tension lacked intensity to me.
3. FL characterisation - Bland. I couldn't connect to her so I didn't care much once second twin came into the picture. Her revenge plan was weak.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Sexy drama with good chemistry. My favourite Jin Jia Yu role!

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. My last drama of Jin Jia Yu was Go Where You Are so I was excited to watch this drama. Damn, he really delivered this time. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot passionate kisses and damn, JJY kissed her navel. I also enjoyed the sweet & tender moments too. Apart from hidden identity, this couple had a mature, healthy relationship.
2. FL characterisation - She was physically & mentally strong. I liked how she was not easily intimidated by threats.
3. ML characterisation - Loving & coquettish. I didn't expect him to be in that profession! My favourite role of JJY.
4. Gratitude - I liked that it ponder upon the concept of gratitude. If you do an act of kindness once, are you expecting the beneficiary to be forever indebted to you?
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by both FL & ML but I wanna talk about the apron. Whoever told JJY to wear apron without a shirt is a genius!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - Dangerous move during hostage takeover. She shouldn't barge in.
2. Antagonists - Wow, FL's arranged fiance is scumbag arrogant. His mistress was annoying too - brave of her to come to FL and unveil her pregnancy. ML's family was not good too.

Favourite scene
Shirtless apron

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Healthy relationship with lotsa spice & sweetness

I discovered this drama when I was updating Xue Zi Qi's list of dramas a few days ago. I liked her in two dramas in which she played dominant FLs. I also liked Fang Zheng Nan's acting. After watching many duds, I decided to watch this drama and yay, I enjoyed it immensely. This is my favourite role played by Xue Zi Qi.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is told from his perspective and it's refreshing. I liked that he worked hard to make FL happy. I also liked that he set boundaries with SFL and made her pay for the bad things she did in his past life.
2. FL characterisation - She was very cool. Despite the tomboyish nature, she did embrace femininity by through shoes, handbags & pedicure. I loved that she was a black belt holder in taekwondo.
3. Romance - They are a healthy couple who communicates regularly. It's wonderful to see that they love each other for who they are. The kisses are hot and ML had a foot fetish (don't blame him because Xue Zi Qi is tall for a FL)! There was a great balance of spicy and sweet.
4. Comedy - I wasn't expecting that many comedic moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents. Their friend Susan and her partner were good too.
6. Styling - I loved the matching couple's outfit. Xue Zi Qi looked gorgeous in shorts - she is leggy.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL who was ML's colleague was annoying. She saw ML as her cash cow but when ML rejected her, she claimed she didn't want him but was still interfering in his life.
2. Duration - The drama was close to 3 hours and I found certain parts were draggy. I didn't pay attention to those scenes.
3. Secret - I wish ML had told FL that he was terminally ill before rebirth. I also wondered if he managed to escape the terminal illness post-rebirth.

Favourite scene
Taekwondo sparring

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Sweet "uncle" romance with visually stunning leads

I watched this drama on a whim few months ago. I think it was my first time watching Chen Jing He and Xiong An Ni. I realised that this drama didn't have MDL page so I submitted and now we have it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro - The scene at the start was 🔥! The desire, the kisses.
2. Visuals - Xiong An Ni is so pretty and I loved her nose. Chen Jing He was handsome too. The supporting cast like FL's ex and rival were good looking too.
3. Romance - This is time travel drama so FL took the opportunity to avoid a mistake in her love life. I liked that she had a strategy to win the heart of ML. This is sweet "uncle" romance with a spicy intro scene.
4. Styling - Great styling for ML. FL's outfits were alright but her dress at the party when she first met ML was not pretty - I liked her rival's dress better.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - OMG they even bullied an elder who is same age of your mother. Horrible baddies.

Favourite scene
The intro

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When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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The rebirth of ML and his pursuit of revenge. Wish there were more romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit friend. I had watched Xue Zi Qi as SFL but this is my first drama with her as FL. Overall I liked this drama though I wish for more.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - I liked that ML was more nurturing, househusband type while FL was influential CEO.
2. Romance - Clearly FL was more into ML in the relationship. Overall sweet romance. XZQ is a good kisser though I wish there were more kissing scenes.
3. Reborn - This is my first ML reborn drama and I enjoyed it. It's interesting to see ML seeking revenge for bad treatment he got in past life.
4. Styling - I loved XZQ's hairstyle - the shorter above shoulder cut suits her! I also loved her dresses & hats.

What I disliked:
1 . Antagonists - Typical antagonist - jealous family members. I doubled the speed when their scenes took place because they were nothing new.
2. Revenge - I found the arc draggy because a lot of yapping. Wish there was more romance scenes.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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Sweet age-gap romance with wonderful chemistry

I always enjoy Zhao Guan Yu-Lin Zi Rong collab after watching 2 of their dramas, which I love. I enjoyed this drama. It is so sweet!

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a slow burn romance, which is fitting because FL is young university student who is 9 years younger than ML. There was assumption made by ML about FL but this misunderstanding was quickly rectified and then ML started to fall in love hard with FL. I liked that ML waited until FL consented. There were plenty of sweet moments in this drama!
2. FL characterisation - She was concerned about being a burden to her new family, it's disheartening. Regardless of her circumstances, she remains positive about life. Once again, I am impressed by Lin Zi Rong's acting.
3. ML characterisation - It's good to see a bigshot humbled by a kind, genuine individual. I liked how protective, caring and respectful he is of FL. Zhao Guan Yu did well in his role.
4. Supporting characters - ML's executive assistant felt more like a close confidant to ML with his responses to ML's behaviour. I also liked ML's grandma, cousin (he's cute), FL's bestie and the Gus. Gu Yun Bai, portrayed by Du En Yu, had a rather interesting haircut.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling as it followed the different phases of her life.
6. Hidden identity - I usually don't enjoy hidden identities being dragged too long but in this drama, I understood why the identities were kept longer than expected.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Green tea Gu Qingyao should be punished heavily after she tried to put FL in a shameful position. The Mus were despicable but the son redeemed himself in the end.
2. Scenarios - FL had such bad luck as she encountered many difficult scenarios from drugging to kidnapping.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared late night snack for FL. So sweet!!!

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Spicy & dark revenge tale that feels like a mini drama production

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and my last drama of hers is Everlasting Love, which I enjoyed. I was ecstatic to find out about her new drama yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Revenge theme - There are so many revenge-themed dramas in the world of vertical dramas and I enjoyed this drama despite the familiar plot device. For once, I am delighted that green tea didn't get much screen time.
2. Acting - Great performance by Wen Mo Yan & Chen Ming Hao. I've only enjoyed 1 or 2 of her vertical drama - this one is added to the list. This is my first drama of Chen Ming Hao and I am keen to explore more. I felt that actor playing second male lead (SML) gave a good performance too
3. Romance - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. Good mix of love and lust. I was even hoping for some action by SML.
4. Editing - This drama felt more like a mini drama production because of the directing/framing of shots & tone. I am also grateful that Wen Mo Yan's voice is not dubbed.
5. Visuals - Damn, both ML & SML are very handsome. Wen Mo Yan is pretty, as usual.
6. Length - Running time of 100 minutes. Just perfect to watch after dinner but before bed.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I kinda expect FL's action but ML's response baffled me. Why a cliffhanger?

Favourite scene
When FL remembered the most atrocious thing that happened to her in previous life - what an emotional punch to the heart!

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Who knew Li Ke Yi could do comedy. Refreshing storytelling!

I found this drama while perusing Zhao Zhen Dong's drama playlist on Youtube. I liked Li Ke Yi's recent dramas and based on youtube comments that I read, this drama had positive reviews. I watched this drama on flights to/from neighbouring country and I couldn't stop laughing especially the beginning part. I enjoyed this drama immensely because of its refreshing storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - This is one of the funniest dramas I have watched. Some scenes were absurd but damn there were hilarious!
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she's quick thinker. Very bright in her response to her love rival. She was smart to act like a damsel in distress but most important of all, FL was a genuine and kind person. I liked Li Ke Yi more after watching this drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary of FL's intentions but his actions contradicted with his earlier instructions to the family secretary.
4. Supporting character - I actually liked ML's family secretary. Fascinating arc & well done to the actress for great performance. I also liked ML's assistant, the orphans and FL's friend from orphanage.
5. Romance - The romance in this drama is sweet including the kisses. I enjoyed watching ML's changing feelings for FL.
6. Editing - Great shots especially the shower scene. Strategically placed items throughout that first theft scene. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Lin Ruorou was a typical green tea - annoying. I wish Xue Xin was given bigger arc than Lin Rourou.
2. Ending - It was cute but I wanted more from FL regarding her feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
The first time FL showed us her power

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Wang Dao Tie as stud for hire just made me swoon!

I have been wanting to watch more Wang Dao Tie's dramas but kept forgetting about this drama until I stumbled upon the comment section of this page. So I watched last night and damn it was perfect for evening watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is independent and focused on personal and professional goals. I liked that she stopped believing ML's nonsense once served with divorce paper and did not go back to the ML. This is the first time I watched Zhao Jia's acting and she did well in this role.
2. ML characterisation - The quiet guy who had a crush on FL but never did anything about it until FL was divorced. ML started as a stud for FL to get pregnant but hey hey he has hidden agenda. I liked that the way he supported and comforted her and was always concerned about her mental wellbeing.
3. Romance - OMG the romance is freaking spicy! Damn, Wang Dao Tie's chest looked good. The kisses were hot and there were also plenty of sweet gestures between the couple.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's spy/employee very much because he was quick thinking. At first I wasn't a fan of FL's grandpa because of the request for great-grandchild but I liked him when he told SML that he respected FL's life choice post-divorce.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for all 3 leads. FL wears stilettos and Jin Jiayu still towers over her and Wang Dao Tie, wow!

What I disliked:
1. SML - I must say that FL's ex husband is a selfish and manipulative douchebag. I can't believe he never took responsibility for those fake charades he did prior to the divorce. Jin Jiayu was excellent in his role because I freaking hated him!
2. Secondary antagonists - The lady baddies were annoying as hell especially the white moonlight. I was shocked when she took advantage of FL's illness.

Favourite scene
When ML comforted FL when she was in pain

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