emberzmars

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

Read More

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

Read More

Writer trying to do too much. End result is a mess

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was excited to see Cao Tian Kai and Wu Tian Hao together in one drama. Overall, the drama was alright though I wish there was better writing.

What I liked:
1. Cao Tian Kai - OMG any scenes of Cao Tian Kai in bedroom were must see. He did alright in this role.
2. Wu Tian Hao - Wow, I appreciate him for taking a different role. In this drama, his character is a submissive. I found him endearing despite his ill intentions.
3. FL's past - To be honest, I find flashbacks to FL's mean attitude were more exciting than her current state.
4. Styling - I was fond of styling for Biscuit Nana, Cao Tian Kai & Wu Tian Hao. The black leather-like jacket that CTK wore with white shirt & black slacks elevated his hotness.

What I disliked:
1. Buscuit Nana - She gave an underwhelming performance for a woman who was pursued by 4 men. She was too cute for my liking. Even scenes between her and Cao Tian Kai lacked spark.
2. Romance - Now I see similarity between this drama and My Mermaid Husband. There were many suitors but the screentime was unequal. There were only 2 suitors worth rooting because the other two didn't evoke any strong romantic feelings between FL and the gut. The romance didn't work for me as I didn't find any chemistry between Biscuit Nana and all her male co-stars.
3. Mystery guy - I just find this arc confusing and badly written.
4. Ending - What a cop out!

Favourite scene
When FL received a video call from Cao Tian Kai

Read More

Blazing chemistry between Sheng Yi Jie & Zhao Zhen Dong made me swoon

I watched this drama because of Sheng Yi Jie. This is the first drama of Zhao Zhen Dong that I watched. I enjoyed this melodrama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG this drama has great mix of sweet and spicy. The intimate scenes were hot! It's adorable that they both liked each other from high school but never dated until much later when they've established their careers. Zhao Zhen Dong & Sheng Yi Jie made a lovely couple, it wish it was real.
2. FL characterisation - She was ambitious and smart I liked it. After watching 5 of her dramas, this is my favourite role of hers.
3. ML characterisation - ML was sweet & protective. I liked his cheeky side. I became an instant fan of Zhao Zhen Dong.
4. Styling - Both FL & ML styling were top notch. I liked ML's hair in the first scene when he was a high schooler than his hair when he was an adult. The wedding dress was gorgeous.
5. Supporting characters - Parents on both sides were great. I also liked FL's uni rival turned friend and ML's female colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Obstacles - The writer put in too many obstacles for FL to tackle. So many people were envious of her and it seemed like she needed rescue from ML though it was not her fault. Wish writer had given ML an obstacle to tackle so we could see his character grow.
2. Antagonist - The green tea at FL's first company was incompetent but somehow managed to stay employed. I was irritated.

Favourite scene
When ML went to help FL with her wedding dress

Read More

Well written story about vengeance, kickass FL & shy ML

My story starts with Cao Tian Kai. I didn't enjoy the first drama of his that I watched but I was intrigued by his acting & visual. I watched this drama on 28 December 2024. I enjoyed this drama immensely and watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, scheming & witty. She was not easily intimidated. What's not to love about her! Excellently portrayed by Luo Yaxi.
2. ML characterisation - I was giddy watching Cao Tian Kai playing a shy guy who pretended to be sick to get out of family dispute. His shirtless scene was glorious! I also liked the pop idol hairstyle as it makes Cao Tian Kai more youthful.
3. Romance - I enjoyed watching their relationship progress from married strangers to allies / friends then lovers. Their first make out session was hot! The morning after was surprisingly sweet & witty! The marks on his face... *giggles*
4. Vengeance arc - Strategically planned & well executed.
5. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was cool! His assistant was great too for being in cahoots with grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Dislike them for being greedy.

Favourite scene
When FL coaxed ML after being rough on him earlier

Read More

The type of romance dramas I love - love, lust & frequent communication

I was drawn to this drama because of the title 'Seductive Kiss of The Rose'. A quick glance at the comments confirmed my gut feeling - this drama was worth watching. I enjoyed it very much that I occasionally watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I was delighted to see 2 mature adults experiencing romance even though their marriage was arranged. It was a great mix of love, lust & frequent communication. Many steamy kisses & innuendo. ML's use of term of endearment was very sweet - I found Zhang Yi Hong's nasally voice soothing.
2. FL characterisation - She was a smart, capable CEO managing family business. She was also a kind & loving person as seen through her relationship with ML & her family. This is my first time watching Zhou Fei. I really liked her acting.
3. ML characterisation - He had this mysterious and dangerous aura surrounding him. I liked that he was loving & protective of his wife. Zhang Yi Hong was excellent in his role.
4. Sibling dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her brothers. Her brothers trusted her.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling. She had a dark but kind vibe that reminds me of Morticia Addams.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, antagonist in this drama was something else. He must have felt emasculated by FL's capability as CEO.
2. Death - Why must that person die? I was very sad.

Favourite scene
The golf course

Read More

A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

Read More

Plenty of physical intimacy but no emotional depth

Jiejie/older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope. I appreciate that there are plenty of vertical dramas that cover this trope. Both Meng Na and Ye Hao Ran have acted in jiejie romance before so I had high expectations. However I was disappointed by the time I completed this drama.

If you want to watch better jiejie romance by these leads, look for either "Define Your Style" starring Meng Na & Liang Si Wei or "Wei Nian Ci Sheng" starring Ye Hao Ran & Sheng Yi Jie. Alternatively search for "Fake Love" starring Bai Yan & Feng Xiang Kun. That's my personal favourite jiejie romance from vertical dramaland.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother as I thought his protectiveness was realistic. Grandpa was likeable.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's styling from hair & accessories to clothes and shoes. He looked very hip for someone in top management.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Plenty of kissing and they got along well sexually but there was no emotional depth between ML & FL. It is frustrating that they never voiced out their feelings until the last 10 minutes of this drama. This drama is 2.5 hours long! I also disliked that FL was the one doing the most heavy lifting in the relationship.
2. ML characterisation - Feng Ling was insecure IMHO. I disliked his inner monologue about his feelings for his wife.
3. FL characterisation - There was a glimpse of FL at work but overall I was disappointed that most scenes of FL were related to her relationship with ML. It was as though her existence in this drama is to support ML's journey of romantic love.
4. Duration - This drama was too long for a simple, lack of communication romance. I fast-forwarded once I reached 1 hour 45 minute mark.

Favourite scene
FL took initiative on their first night as husband and wife

Read More

Plenty kisses, strong visuals but story played it safe

Someone wrote about this drama on reddit. Apparently there were 4 versions of this plot and this version was their favourite version. I was intrigued because I had never seen Shi Tong's work before. So last night I watched before going to sleep.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Shi Tong & Wang Ying Jie had a combustible chemistry. There were many kissing & intimate scenes I thought their clothes were going to set on fire. Some sweet moments were present too, courtesy of ML. However I wish there were more discussions between them about their relationship.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Shi Tong's acting. Will definitely watch her other dramas. Wang Ying Jie & Zhang Chi were also good in their roles. Both actors were handsome.
3. Styling - Great styling for FL, ML & SML enhanced their good looks.

What I disliked:
1. FL's arc - Her boxing story was fascinating but sadly wasn't elaborated. I wish director & writer used different approach to tell story of her past because her reason for sticking to her ex hubby was only unveiled in the third act.
2. Antagonists - SML's mistress was irritating & disrespectful. FL's cousin was annoying too.
3. ML's arc - ML's arc was also underdeveloped. I'd like to know more about him as individual. Why was he in fights?

Favourite scene
Makeout session before the auction

Read More

Great acting & dialogue on relationship won me over!

There are plenty of vertical dramas with many remakes and adaptations. I have decided to watch this type of dramas - at least 3 different versions so I can make comparison. For this set of 'Selling eggs' drama, I have watched 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze' starring Du Ya Fei & Yang Shu Yu. I enjoyed that version and got excited to watch this version. I was pleasantly surprised by this version!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin was very different from Du Ya Fei's Dr Shi Lin. The ML here was patient, respectful & sensitive. I loved Huang Bo's portrayal of the character because of his soft facial expressions.
2. FL characterisation - Lin Mian was not a damsel in distress as she made a lot of effort to solve her problems. While there were instances that I disagree with her decision making, those decisions was part of her build. She was young & poor. This is my first drama of Fan Di Yu & I was impressed by her acting. She's got range!
3. Romance - I liked how FL-ML relationship progressed from debtor-creditor to a romantic couple. Unlike the other drama, I could sense this FL's growing attraction towards ML. Even though ML was more expressive with his feelings, both of them had clear communications about their relationship. There were some nice kisses (kisses could be hotter if director filmed the scenes longer or changed the angle).
4. Supporting characters - Now the SML & SFL in this version had more substantial back story compared to 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze'. Both were sinister and I was shocked!

What I disliked:
1. Poster - Damn the poster was misleading. Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin gave me a serial killer vibe that I immediately watched the theme song of American tv show Dexter prior to watching this drama.
2. Colour grading - I think the production value (especially the set design & props) was good enough. However I wish the drama was colour corrected because the current setting was dull & might deter people from viewing.

Favourite scene
When FL asked from ML for a loan equivalent to FL's assumed worth

Read More

Fascinating forensic medical examiner FL in a well-written romance drama

I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's occupation - a forensic medical examiner. I hadn't watched Zhang Ruo Chen's drama before but am familiar with Wang Bo. I enjoyed this drama immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Song Wei Wei was intelligent and self-efficient. She didn't need her husband to solve her problem. I loved how she dealt with the white moonlight, the award and donation. I was impressed by Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. I'll definitely check out her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero but with a flaw, which should be the way so the character can grow. His flaw is his assumptions about his wife but he learned his lessons. Oh I really liked that he's proud of her wife being a forensic medical examiner, unlike her ex. I liked Wang Bo's acting here because his drama with Wang Ge Ge left me disappointed.
3. Romance - Slow burn. Mostly sweet with slight spice. I really liked that ML trusted FL right from the start of their flash marriage. There was great chemistry between Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Bo.
4. Forensic - Thank you to the director for showcasing FL at work. I appreciate the forensic work scenes even though there were just a handful.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's close colleague, grandmothers from both FL & ML.
6. Antagonists - I think the main antagonist arc was done well. Bitter ex who also had issues related to inheritance.

What I disliked:
1. Luxury goods - I wish the scene where ML's grandma gifted a designer bag to FL was written better. It gave a little haughty vibe but I know ML's grandma meant well.
2. Wedding scene - I wish FL's grandma was there because it was a very special event. Anyway I didn't like FL's wedding dress as it looked too 80s to me.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her dean & his niece about the award and donation

Read More

CP's charms & visuals couldn't save me from being bored. Draggy!

I watched this drama right after completing Shi Yi Hou He Si Dui Tou Shan Hun Le. I was intrigued by Wang Yan Xin's good looks but had never seen him until this drama. Plus, this drama had more than 3 million views. I had some expectations, which unfortunately were not met.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There romance is sweet. There were some kisses and skinship. However ML gave more to the relationship than FL.
2. ML characterisation - He was overprotective hubby and overall Mr Nice Guy.
3. Styling - I liked most of the clothes worn by FL. Wang Yan Xin was handsome in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Envy - Wash. Rinse. Repeat. It's the same old story about various groups of people being envious of FL and ML rescuing her from the situations. For a series that last approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, this was a tiring watch.
2. Nepotism - Sadly FL benefitted from nepotism. Super rich ML would just rescue FL by using his money and/or power.
3. FL characterisation - She was spoilt by ML though it wasn't her fault. I disliked her when she was insecure about her relationship with ML and was easily intimidated by other people.

Favourite scene
When FL had a fight with ex-boyfriend at the start of the story

Read More

Of course ML was besotted by FL - she was smart & cool!

This is the first drama of Zheng Feng and Zhi Chun He that I watched. I rarely watched period drama and this one is micro drama format. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I was intrigued by this drama because of FL's expertise as a weapons designer. I like that she is smart & fiercely independent.
2. Academy - I enjoyed the scenes of her learning with a Master.
3. Romance - There was a lot more push than pull in FL-ML relationship. ML was besotted by FL. However when they got together, they were really sweet.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the bond between FL & her maid. I also enjoyed the dynamics between FL & SML / her fellow schoolmate. Delighted to see a platonic relationship between them.
5. Acting - Zheng Feng was captivating. I love the silver hair look - he was ethereal. Zhi Chun He was great as FL too.

What I disliked:
1. Resistance - I felt that FL resisted ML too much that I don't sense much chemistry between Zheng Feng & Zhi Chun He.
2. Confusion - The actor who played prime minister looked similar to Zheng Feng. I don't quite understand prime minister's role in this micro drama... perhaps due to inaccurate subtitling.

Favourite scene
The competition between FL & SML

Read More

Match made by grandpa but identities kept hidden

I became a fan of Li Zi Jie when I watched his drama with Zhang Jinyi. The high views for this drama prompted me to watch it. Oh nice to see Jadie Jia as his leading lady.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Li Zi Jie & Jadie Jia were great in their roles. Li Zi Jie so damn handsome in this drama, thanks to the stylist.
2. Romance - Damn, the first scene was 🔥! They got off poorly the morning after & it turned out FL was ML's new employee. I enjoyed their romance development. Their kisses are steamy and there were sweet moments too.
3. FL characterisation - She was smart as she never felt intimidated by ML nor SFL.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's chief assistant, ML's grandpa & his assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - SFL & her colleagues gang up on FL. SFL was also condescending.

Favourite scene
When ML took FL to hospital

Read More

Familiar plot, way different execution & misleading title

I watched this drama for Qiao Jia Le because I liked his acting & visual in a drama about a husband who was going to divorce but changed his mind after a car accident. I have also watched many Zhang Shan dramas lately. This drama's plot was familiar as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the third version of the plot as I have watched versions with Wang Xin and Wang Nan as ML. Unfortunately 'Intoxicating kiss' was mediocre for me.

What I liked:
1. FL's brothers - In this version, FL had 2 brothers. I liked both brothers even though they didn't appear a lot on screen. Their role was important towards the end of the drama. It was nice to see dynamic between the brothers and ML.
2. Qiao Jia Le - I appreciate his visuals especially his eyes. One of the few actors that can give soft look with his eyes. Acting wise he was ok in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I find the romance in this version of the plot to be light. This drama felt more like FL's journey in discovering herself & her family. ML felt more like a tool to accomplish that journey. I also don't sense much chemistry between Zhang Shan and Qiao Jia Le. They didn't have many kissing scenes so I find the title misleading.
2. Zhang Shan - Having watched 4 Zhang Shan dramas in a week made me realised that her acting skills aren't wide range. Her expressions were same despite playing different and exciting roles. I have not been moved by her acting.
3. Variety show - In the other 2 versions, FL & ML joined a variety show and this move made them grow closer to each other. Since variety show participation was not done in this drama, that's why I don't buy in their romance.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL's brothers joined forces to save FL

Read More