emberzmars

Sexy FL, spellbound ML & sizzling romance in this light supernatural drama

I was browsing iQIYI shorts collection and saw this drama. I read the first two lines od the synopsis and found it interesting enough to watch. I loved this drama!

What I liked:
1. Romance - The sexual tension was high right from the first encounter. I enjoyed the push & pull dynamics between them and the way both of them yearned for love and affection. Their love language was definitely physical touch.
2. FL characterisation - FL could heal other people's illness. I liked her altruistic behaviour. I also found her sexy not the way she dressed but in her speech & attitude.
3. Revenge - I liked that FL got to take back her parents' wealth from her parasitic relatives. I liked that she didn't help her relatives when they faced challenges.
4. Acting - Amazing performances by Su Xi and Wu Yu Hang. They had palpable chemistry - I loved watching scenes with both of them together.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for helping her out whenever in need. ML's assistant was a good character too. I also liked ML's mother & housekeeper even though I didn't like their nosiness.
6. ML characterisation - He was skeptical of FL's healing capability but my gosh he was spellbound by her. I liked his protective behaviour which he showed during an ambush.
7. Styling - I loved FL's outfits from the moment she met ML in episode 1 until the last episode. She was elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were cruel. Kicked her out when she was a child.
2. Punishment - I didn't like that the two female baddies were not punished for harming FL & ML.

Favourite scene
Their second intimate encounter and the morning after

Read More

Great push & pull dynamics in this transactional relationship drama

This drama was in my watchlist for months. I added it because I liked the acting of both Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue. Last weekend I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I chose to watch this. I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as a transactional relationship but slowly true feelings came into the picture. Great push & pull dynamics that made me glued to the screen whenever the couple appeared on screen. Plenty of kisses and tender moments. I also liked that their relationship felt like a mature couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL, who was without resource at first, slowly grew independent and could come with solutions on her own.
3. ML characterisation - I liked seeing his change of behaviour from distant, calculative person to loving partner.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Zi Xuan, ML's assistant, ML's mother and FL's mother.
5. Acting - Great performances by Xie Yu Wang, Hou Cheng You and Wang Pei Yan. There was great chemistry between Xie Yu Wang and Hou Cheng Yue.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML.
7. Plot - Refreshing take on transactional relationship. I also liked how the characters, main and supporting, were mostly grey. There was no pure good guys.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father was a scumbag. I was dismayed by ML's grandfather's reaction towards FL in their first meeting together. I wish he wasn't close-minded. I also disliked FL's father's plea in the last meeting with FL.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings to FL

Read More

Despite the amazing chemistry, the lack of consent brought down this uncle romance drama

I am doing a homework on Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan and love this pairing. After enjoying their 2 dramas, I decided to watch this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances by Xie Yu Wang, Zhang Chu Xuan and Liang Si Wei. I liked the chemistry between XYW & ZCX & ZCX & LSW.
2. Supporting character - I liked Prof Mu & ML's assistant. Outfits for FL managed to convey the age and status of FL.
3. Styling - XYW looked handsome in military uniform.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her when she was away from ML because she showed capability in taking care of herself. No more damsel relying on others to save her.

What I disliked:
1. Consent - FL was poisoned and the cure was sex of course like many other vertical dramas. I didn't like that FL wasn't informed of her condition & treatment. So I considered ML's action was rape because she was unconscious while receiving "treatment".
2. Antagonists - Too many making this drama over the top dramatic. From FL's moeny hungry relatives to FL's so-called best friend who was part of date rape.
3. Scenarios - I blamed the writers for creating many dangerous scenarios for FL to go through.

Favourite scene
When FL and Prof Mu parted ways

Read More

Coherent storytelling and good acting but I didn't like ML nor the romance

There was a lot of talk about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas when it was fresh release. Mostly because of its screenplay and "vulgar" scene. I never watched The Prisoner of Beauty but I got curious and decided to watch it. Too bad I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Storytelling - Historical dramas in vertical format tend to be messy but to my surprise, the storytelling here was coherent and concise. I felt like watching a movie with good flow and without fillers.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting and Cesar Wu. FL is a standard character trapped in marriage alliance done to save her family. YYT managed to showcase FL's vulnerability without being cloying. Cesar managed to show different sides of his character: stern lord, confused husband, tender lover.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML & the rest of the cast.
4. Intimacy - Strong physical intimacy - that bath scene alone was provocative. Lust & desire were evident.

What I disliked:
1. Distrust - The amount of distrust in this drama was unbelievable. Even with 20 minutes to the end, FL & ML were at odds with each other.
2. ML characterisation - He was polarising! He loved her but still didn't believe in her. I'd say he is the main antagonist in this drama.
3. Romance - With trust being the main issue, I never believed their romance. There was no emotional intimacy between them.
4. Antagonists - ML's childhood friend, cousin and mother were horrible people.

Favourite scene
Bath scene

Read More

Drama released in 2023 but damn great writing. Glad my assumptions were wrong

I miss Huang Bo so decided to watch this drama 2 days ago. I saw it on iQIYI and with 100 episode count, I assumed it was going to be draggy and melodramatic. I was wrong! I enjoyed the drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL character - I thought she was going to wallow in self-pity post-divorce but nope, she was clear about what she wanted to achieve. She was a quick thinker and I loved her clapbacks whenever someone slandered her.
2. Plot - I must say I didn't expect a 2023 released vertical drama to be well-written. Great paced drama with coherent storytelling all done under 130 minutes. No fillers.
3. Romance - I really liked how the relationship progressed after their hook up. There wasn't dilly dally on right or wrong to start new relationship. Good amount of kisses and physical touch with both of them making initiatives.
4. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Never domineering with FL & his employees. He was understanding, caring & clear headed with his next steps.
5. Supporting characters - Ye Ting was the MVP. He is one of the best assistants in vertical dramas. I also liked the son a lot!
6. Acting - Chen Yun Xi and Huang Bo were at ease with their roles that their acting seemed natural (not over the top). I loved Huang Bo's soft facial expressions. I also liked their chemistry.
7. Styling - While the clothes were not as stylish as other vertical dramas, I'd say they suited the characters. Nice to see Huang Bo in a hoody because he always wear work suits. I really liked Chen Yun Xi's makeup because it wasn't overly done like in other dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qiao An An was dangerous & possessive. She was willing to harm FL to get ML even though she didn't love him.

Favourite scene
Father-son meeting at father's office

Read More

Both FL & ML out for revenge and later got into a partnership. Great performance by Liu Xiao Xu

I was in the mood for a short vertical drama (60 episodes or less) so I opened my iQIYI app and saw this title. Liu Xiao Xu has become popular in subreddit CShortDramas so I decided 'Let's watch this LXX drama'. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - It was fantastic to see both FL & ML enacting revenge for different reasons: FL witnessed her parents being killed by her father's colleague whereas ML believed that there was a conspiracy behind his sister's death. I liked that they knew of each others' targets around 60% mark of the drama and worked together to bring those perpetrators down.
2. FL characterisation - She was assigned to marry a family friend by her adoptive father. I liked her strategy of luring ML into her plans to get out of the marriage & use his resources for her revenge plans. She was guarded with her feelings, which was understandable since her parents were killed but I liked seeing the change in her expressions of feelings.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but once his revenge plan was unveiled to the audience, wow I became more fascinated in his character. Tactical but compassionate towards FL.
4. Romance - Their first intimate encounter seemed coerced so I didn't like it. They got into a marriage of convenience but it was easy to see that ML was genuinely interested in a romantic relationship with his wife. There were some kisses, not steamy but plenty of affectionate moments.
5. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome. I loved that she secretly rooted for FL - ML romantic relationship. FL's sister had an interesting character development - she was unlikeable at the start but I liked her at the end of the drama.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL & ML. FL got the sexy, mature woman vibe. I chuckled when I saw ML in an ensemble of black pleather jacket + white shirt + black tie + black pants. I wrote a reddit post about this ensemble 5 days before I watched this drama.
7. Acting - Liu Xiao Xu was fantastic in his role. Hu Dong Qing was alright although I wished she had expressed more emotions when her true intentions were unveiled to ML and when FL had real affections for ML (her facial expressions at the start and the end of her game plan were the same).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn Lin Jiayao was malicious! He even threatened FL with a poisonous drug that required maintenance to avoid withdrawal / harm. Chen Guo Ming was another evil b@st@rd. Both were driven by greed for power and money.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie made eye contact with ML then left their house

Read More

Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama

There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.

Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment

Read More

Letdown by writing & Yang Shu Yu's acting

I was intrigued by this title after seeing a review on subreddit CShortDramas a few days ago. I didn't read the review in order to avoid spoilers. Last night I decided to watch the drama on iQIYI and hhhhmmm it was so-so. Intriguing start but second act onwards was boring for me.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Liu Yu Hang was excellent as he got to play two distinct characters. It was fun to watch the contrasting personalities.
2. Secret - I liked that both FL & ML knew about the twin switch by episode 11. I also liked that FL caught her boyfriend cheating on her in episode 20.
3. Lu Jingran - Silly, spoilt brat. He provided the comic relief.
4. Romance - There were good kisses & sweet and tender moments.
5. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the yellow canary dress. Her very high heels were pretty too. I also liked the contrasting styles for the twins.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song Qing An was a sick bastard & FL's mother was an accomplice. ML's father was an abusive & controlling father. I also disliked the betrothed fiancee to ML - she was delusional.
2. FL characterisation - I found her bland & at times infuriating. It was nice that writer gave her a career which she kept a secret from her family but she was backed up by secret investor (ML) so I don't think her success was attributed to her own capabilities. I disliked her for leaving ML without a proper discussion on their relationship.
3. Yang Shu Yu - Her dramatic acting was one-note. She should be in agony after finding out the truth about her father's death.
4. Chemistry - No chemistry between Yang Shu Yu & Liu Yu Hang.

Favourite scene
When Lu Jing Ran discovered FL & ML's relationship

Read More

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

Read More

Marriage of convenience with great amount of spice, sweetness & emotional connection!

I came across this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. A member there wrote a glowing review of it so my interest was piqued. I wasn't familiar with the leads but upon checking I realised I had seen He Yi Ting before, in Zhang Shan - Cao Tian Kai first collab drama. I liked her in that drama. Anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, their first intimate encounter was 🔥 and the morning after was even hotter. It was obvious that ML was into FL from that scene. I enjoyed watching their multilayered relationship: boss-employee, husband-wife, secret couple. I was moved when FL admitted to liking ML - I wish ML had openly confessed to FL about his love for her.
2. Acting - Great performances by both leads and the actresses who played ML's grandma and FL's mother. I could see hands of ML's grandma trembled when she got the shocking news. I almost shed a tear. Also well done to actress who FL's mother for having a "meek" exterior but selfish and nasty personality.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits for FL and ML. Thank you for not giving the conventional CEO outfits.
4. Main characters - Both of them were likeable. I liked FL because she stood up for herself when bullied. I understood her reason for wanting their marriage to be kept a secret. I liked ML too because he was exuded a cool, calm personality. His sulking moments cracked me up - it was endearing.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's grandma because she was wise & empathetic. I also liked FL's two close colleagues and ML's assistant. I didn't like Zhou Chen's persistence because it was harassment but he grew on me.
6. Storytelling - This drama covers tropes such as marriage of convenience, secret relationship, office romance. Plot wise nothing new but I enjoyed how the story progressed and concluded.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I must say the biggest antagonist to me is FL's mother. She gave birth to her but was too gullible and stupid to listen to her husband and stepdaughter. Both of them were nasty. Bai Xin Xin is another typical antagonist - a delusional character who couldn't accept No.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she had started to like him

Read More

I expected gritty revenge tale from ML's pov but FL got too much screentime

This drama had been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I don't know why I didn't feel like watching it immediately but today I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I must say I was disappointed by this drama - I expected more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that this drama is about ML seeking revenge for the death of his parents. He was smart, calculative and resourceful. However I don’t quite understand how he could have money & influence to blackmail and eventually own Zhou Group?
2. Supporting characters - FL's father was smart and I liked him a lot more than FL. Shu Qing, the other Zhou Group employee was likeable too.
3. Intimacy - Abundance of physical intimacy in this drama from fiery kisses to shower scene and bold dialogue. Even SML got a hot kissing scene. Anyway Wang Yi Lei excelled in onscreen kissing.
4. Styling - I liked that Wang Yi Lei looked rugged in this drama. I liked the asymmetrical jacket that he wore but oversized shirt & pants drowned him as he was very lean.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yi Lei and Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zhou father and son were evil.
2. Screentime - Typically in vertical dramas with FL seeking revenge, most of the screentime goes to FL planning & executing her revenge. Unfortunately this doesn't happen with this drama. I was dismayed that FL got a lot of screentime. I would have liked to see how ML come out with his revenge plan and why those people were targeted instead of FL's arc.
3. Wu Chun Yi - I understood that she was a Daddy's Little Princess but I didn't like her acting. Her facial expressions were not good so her acting was underwhelming.
4. Romance - There wasn't any chemistry between Wang Yi Lei & Wu Chun Yi. I didn't buy that ML really fell in love with FL because their relationshipnl was purely physical (well at least what was shown to us).
5. Repeat - I watched on iQIYI and scenes at the start of drama were repeated in the third act. Editing could be better by only giving glimpse of what transpired at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
Makeout session on the sofa

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

Wholesome romance with no green tea

This drama was hotly requested in a subreddit. Luckily the drama is available on iQIYI app - so I watched it there to make my subscription worthwhile. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ma Qian Qian was excellent in her role as a down-to-earth struggling everyday people. I emphathise with her character. This is my second Ji Jun Liang drama and gosh both times he played a cocky guy who got humbled by a circumstance. Good actong chemistry between the two.
2. FL characterisation - She was earnest, too nice and not worldly and I liked that about her. I understood why she helped her fiancé with money matters - she wanted to have her own home & family and that moved me.
3. Supporting characters - I loved FL's boss Sister Lin & her husband, ML's cousin Lu Xu & ML's bodyguard. They all have good intentions for the couple.
4. Styling - OMG 😍 Ji Jun Liang in biker outfit! He was 🔥!
5. Romance - I'm 50-50 about their romance because ML wasn't truthful until after the marriage certificate was obtained. However their dates were cute even though orchestrated. There were some kisses wish there were steamy ones but I think director wanted a wholesome drama.
6. Antagonist arc - Yes for once we don't have green tea in this drama. The main antagonist is ML's jealous uncle and boy there was a good arc for him. I really liked the scene when he was honest with his family.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked the scheming. I could see he was slowly falling for her but wish he had come clean before they got marriage certificate.
2. ML's grandmother - Wow what an insecure woman. I can't believe she was consumed by wealth.

Favourite scene
The first time ML & FL met. What a meet cute!

Read More