emberzmars

Short & crisp vertical drama with great acting!

I was intrigued by He Cong Rui as I had seen his name attached to some dramas with some of my favourite vertical drama actress. Decided to watch Huang Jin Tai as my first He Cong Rui drama and my first no-romance drama. I was impressed!

What I liked:
1. Acting - He Cong Rui & Zhou Heng Yu were mesmerising on screen. Both shiwed good micro expressions.
Praises should also be given to the actor who portrayed pre-betrayal Chu Qin as he managed to showcase Chu Qin as a general and as a brother / friend to Fourth Prince Yan Li.
2. Writing - Well executed story of brotherhood & betrayal. Even antagonists were written well.
3. Supporting characters - I like Wu Ming's right hand man, Chu Qin's female soldier.
4. Directing - At 1 hour 46 min, this drama is short and crisp. Director & screenwriter were able to showcase different arcs without being too draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually liked the cliffhanger. I just disliked not knowing if there is season 2 or not. If there is, season 2 better be good!

Favourite scene:
When Yan Li confirmed his suspicion of Wu Ming's identity

Read More

Sassy FL, sweet ML, smart kid...what's not to like about this drama?!

Found this drama while perusing Youtube channel. I was intrigued by ML being a gangster boss so I watched this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Zhu Xin was sassy, smart & funny. I liked how she bonded quickly with the kid. Song Yu Jia excelled in this role. I liked her reaction upon finding out the truth about the daughter & I also liked her decision to be apart while figuring things out.
2. Romance - Their kissing scenes were hot but what I enjoyed most was the progress of their relationship from strangers to co-parents then lovers.
3. Outfits - ML looked damn fine and handsome in all his outfits. I especially loved the all black ensemble he wore when his love rival treated them to lunch.
4. ML characterisation - Despite his background, he was a sweet man. It's refreshing to see a loving single dad with full custody of his child on vertical drama. I really liked that he was respecful of FL and didn't coerce or threaten her to forgive him. Cheng Cheng was great in this role as he was able to portray different sides (tough boss, caring father, sweet lover) of his character. His voice & physicality reminded me of Korean idol-actor Ok Taecyeon.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the daughter and ML's right hand man. They were such delight to watch!
6. Prejudice - It's great that writer demonstrated different types of prejudice e.g. poor person, kid brought up by single parent, former gangster.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Another drama with bad family members. The arc was short but that restaurant scene was entertaining.

Favourite scene
The first restaurant scene in which FL was introduced to ML & his daughter

Read More

Sports meets noona romance

I love Zhou Yu Tong's acting in Begin Again. I had never watched Wu Lei's acting so I watched this cdrama for both of them.

What I like:
1) Wu Lei's acting - wow, I was blown away by his commitment to the role. He really looked like a top-tier athlete and his good looks is a bonus.
2) Tennis - I must have overlooked the synopsis because I didn't expect plot to focus on tennis coaching. As tennis fan in 2000s, I enjoyed the tennis scenes immensely. I love watching Wu Lei & Xia Hao Ran playing tennis & their physicality. Great to also see community from coaches to nutritionist.
3) Supporting characters - My favourites are Coach Zhang Yan, Jiao Jiao & Luo Nian.

What dislike:
1) Liang You An's characterisation - her character started off great in the first few episodes when she was at Y Space. Then I didn't like her character when she acted more like a manager than a girlfriend. I dislike when she made decisions for Sang Chuan without discussing with him.
2) Y space involvement - too much interference & I think the later parts were unnecessary because the club was already financially independent.
3) Second leads' romance - I wanted to see more Coach Yan - Luo Nian's romance because of the emotional baggage they have is intriguing.

Favourite scene:
Song San Chuan first match that he won. What a thrill!

Read More

Hot, hot, hot kisses but the length & amount of antagonists affected my enjoyement

I enjoy Zuo Yi's dramas but Zhang Bei Xi's dramas can be hit or miss with me. I decided to give this a chance and did not regret it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL character - Sneaky & smart.
2. Acting - Zuo Yi brought her charm and Zhang Bei Yi was surprisingly charming / less cold in this drama. Great chemistry between them.
3. Romance - Hot, hot, hot kisses. They were affectionate couple. Physical touch is their love language. I liked that there were warmth moments between them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Xu.
5. Styling - Great clothes for ML. I liked his plain white shirt & navy trousers combo. Zuo Yi's outfits fit her petite frame and she wore pretty shoes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Xing Mo, Bai Qing Qing & Zhao Shan were vicious and annoying. I also disliked ML's grandfather because he was selfish. Shen Yan Zhiu was a petulant nepo baby.
2. Length - At 3 hours 5 min, this drama was too long for me. I think some antagonist arcs could be eliminated because they didn't add much value to the story.

Favourite scene
When FL celebrated ML's birthday with a cake

Read More

Boring revenge and love triangle drama. The acting was awful!

I am a big fan of Huang Bo and have seen & enjoyed 2 of Zhao Fei's dramas. I was curious to see how they would fare in a drama together. To my dismay, this drama wasn't good.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I really liked the pastel green and lilac jacket and trousers combo worn by Huang Bo. I also liked Li Ren Zhi's outfits.
2. Visuals - Damn, Li Ren Zhi was hot! Such an eye candy.
3. Duration - Drama only lasts for 90 minutes. Thank gawd!

What I disliked:
1. Casting - Zhao Fei was terribly miscast. Her character is a younger sister with big sister being manipulated by Huang Bo's ML. Zhao Fei has mature look and doesn't suit playing a young damsel.
2. Acting - My gosh, terrible acting especially by Zhao Fei. I didn't believe her FL's helplessness. No chemistry between her and Li Ren Zhi. Huang Bo gave a pedestrian performance.
3. FL characterisation - Polarised. She came with a plan but she was still played by the younger brother.
4. Romance - I didn't buy it. How could she fall in love with the younger brother?
5. Writing - Bland. Nothing interesting in this revenge and love triangle drama.

Favourite scene
When Song Zhao Ye was in the pool

Read More

W wasn't great and this one wasn't good. FL passive & uninteresting

Li Meng Ran is one of vertical drama actors that I can instantly recognised but never interested in his dramas. This drama appeared on iQIYI few weeks ago. I was intrigued by the premise so I watched it. It didn't quite meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Opening - The first few episodes reminded me of Korean drama W. I was compelled to watch the series till completion.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that the story is from ML's perspective. I liked seeing his emotional struggles from hatred to love. I also enjoyed his sneaky ways.
3. Tone - It had a lighthearted feel. The comic book feel also one of the reasons I liked this drama.
4. Ending - I liked it because it matched the state of FL during that time.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was passive and bland. Her arc developed too slow. The memory lapse arc was simplified.
2. Romance - There were good kisses but their romance was underdeveloped. I didn't buy the fact that FL really loved ML especially when she was hung up on her boyfriend most of the time.
3. Antagonists - Female antagonist arc was underdeveloped. FL's ex was a typical scumbag with a snobbish mother.

Favourite scene
The tennis / squash match

Read More

Fiery chemistry in this jiejie romance drama set in the art world

I was browsing drama catalogue and this drama's pister caught my attention. It had been awhile since I last watched Zhao Xi Xi's work. Glad I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy intimate scenes. I felt like they were going to combust everytime they made out. This is a jiejie romance with ML devoting himself to FL's cause.
2. FL characterisation - She was desperate, she put her mother’s need first. I liked the fact that she's knowledgeable in art.
3. ML characterisation - Hidden identity out to investigate SML. ML was devoted, talented & sneaky.
4. Acting - Great performances by Zhao Xi Xi and Su You Cai. Damn, the chemistry was fiery.
5. Visuals - Stunning leads + beautiful paintings.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes from the paintings to the intimate scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was a jerk for taking advantagr of vulnerable woman. I also disliked SML's sister for her rude beahviour.

Favourite scene
When FL kissed ML at his house

Read More

No chemistry, unlikeable main characters & nonsensical romance

I watched this drama on iQIYI last night because I enjoyed Fan Chu Qi drama with Yang Yu Bin, in which she played a blind FL. I also liked Zhan Zhuo's visuals. However this drama did not meet my expectation.

What I liked:
1. Opening - Wow, that was spicy!
2. Visuals - Both Fan Chu Qi & Zhan Zhuo are gorgeous! Their outfits were beautiful too.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie for being the only concerned for her wellbeing.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There was no chemistry between FCQ & ZZ despite numerous kissing scenes. I also found ZZ's performance underwhelming in this drama. His ML supposed to be conflicted but ZZ's facial expressions remained one-note.
2. Romance - I also didn't buy the romance because of how it was written. A lot of assumptions from both sides.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. She forgave him easily after all that bet whilr ML was a scum for having personal collection of her racy photos.

Favourite scene
Opening

Read More

Don't mind the product placements. The acting and plot were engaging and chemistry sizzling!

I was in the mood for something short that I could watch on my commute to a doctor's appointment. I was intrigued when this drama was released because of the leads (Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu) and the episode count. The youtube comments mentioned product placement. I must say I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Plot - Compact storytelling about FL enacting revenge on her vicious family. Even though the episode count was small (only 18) and the drama was backed by product placement, I found the story was simple, easily digestible and enjoyable.
2. Acting - Great performances by Zhang Chu Xuan, Wang Kai Mu and the actress who played FL's sister. There was also great chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Kai Mu. They made me feel warm in some scenes.
3. Main characters - They were flawed but likeable. I understood the feelings experienced by FL. I also liked how perceptive ML was.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension from the get go. FL went to ML to make use of his connections but later felt in love with him. There were sweet moment and spicy kisses (to my delight). I could sense passion and love in their kisses.
5. Product placement - I'd say they were ok because most made sense in this story.
6. Styling - Wonderful clothes worn by FL and ML.
7. Duration - 62 minutes is just wonderful.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious especially the sister. FL's father was so gullible.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML "Why was he nice to her?"

Read More

Zhao Ting Yi as mob boss - yes, sir I liked it a lot!

I am a fan of Zhao Ting Yi. He is one of those actors who demonstrated vulnerability of his characters very well that I feel moved by his performances. I remembered the date this drama was released - I watched it immediately. This is one of the dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline - I had Yu Shang Xu's version in my watchlist but I watched this drama first. Overall I liked the drama but expected more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wow, Zhao Ting Yi and Liu Yu Tong made the most handsome father-son combo in the history of vertical dramas. FL had pretty clothes and we can confirm that Deng Ling Shu looks fabulous in red. I liked the burgundy suit worn by ML and the burgundy jacket worn by FL.
2. Mob boss - I loved the mob boss vibe exuded by Zhao Ting Yi. The scenes that have the gang were exciting.
3. Supporting characters - Ah Xiu was perceptive - such a great henchman. I liked the scene where brothers paid respect.
4. Ending - Loved that sweet ending.
5. Language - It was cool to hear Cantonese dialogues.
6. Framing - Beautifully shot scenes. Wonderful production value.
7. Acting - I really liked Zhao Ting Yi's acting. Deng Ling Shu, the actress who played her bestie and the actor who played Ah Xiu gave good performances too.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - At times I found the drama boring & draggy.
2. Romance - No cultivation of feelings. Only two kisses with hardly any couple time / affectionate moments.
3. Antagonists - SML was a pathetic nepo baby. FL's bestie was a traitor. FL's uncle was a pervert.
4. Casting - I felt Deng Ling Shu was miscast in this drama. She didn't fit the look of FL (inexperienced, naive woman in early 20s). At times I got the vibe of The Wife with An Agenda because of the way Deng Ling Shu played the character.

Favourite scene
Ending

Read More

Gothic fantasy about blood, magic elixir and true love

I discovered this drama when I was doing a reddit assignment on Xie Yu Wang. Darn, both Xie Yu Wang and Han Jia Hui are my favourites so I was excited about this drama. I watched it last night and wow, I was surprised.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I never thought this could be a fantasy drama - I liked the fantasy element a lot. Magic blood and its healing properties. Experimentation for an elixir.
2. Romance - Yes, finally a ML having a spring dream. That dream was spicy and it made sense why he had that dream. They had a rocky relationship with their circumstance going against them but I enjoyed their love story.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML got curious about FL and figured out her secret in the first act. Then he offered a partnership deal to FL. He too had a mission to accomplish.
4. FL characterisation - She's a complex character. She had to put on a mask to save herself from being exploited. In third act, she was conflicted between revenge and love. Good character growth.
5. Acting - It's good to see Han Jia Hui in a dramatic role - she challenged herself. Xie Yu Wang played his role well too. I liked the chemistry between them - there was a tacit understanding and strong sexual tension between them.
6. Styling - Great outfits worn by ML. I liked most outfits worn by FL except the first dress. The red stains looked like blood and the colour tone - hhhhmm it wasn't a pretty dress to me.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - I pitied FL for the abuse she had to endure. I hated that the kids were part of the experiment.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was evil. Her half-sis and stepmother were horrible people as well.

Favourite scene
ML's dream

Read More

Mellow jiejie drama about ML who has crush on his guardian the FL

I was intrigued by this drama because it is a jiejie romance drama. I watched it within 24 hours of its release. I liked it even though it was mellow.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking. Despite claiming that she took on guardianship of ML because of the money, she was a kind soul.
2. ML characterisation - In the opening scene, he was in pitiful state but overall he was smart & forward-thinking. He chose FL over his biological relative as his guardian, he chose to become an actor.
3. Romance - He fell in love first but was too young to pursue FL. I liked that there was a time jump in this story.
4. Acting - Great performances by Jin Zi & Zhang Hong Ming. Good synergy.
5. Styling - I liked the clear differences between adolescent ML and adult ML even with Zhang Hong Ming playing ML in both stages of his life.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - I felt that thks drama could be shorter by 15 minutes. I also felt that the drama was too mellow for me at times.
2. Smoking - I could close my eye when FL smoked right after her cancer diagnosis but I didn't understand why she smoked years after she recovered from cancer.

Favourite scene
Kiss by the wall

Read More

Chinese vertical drama with the best VFX, action sequences & the most Kdrama vibe

I am a fan of fantasy / supernatural tv series. When a reddit friend told me that this drama is similar to Korean drama My Demon, my interest was piqued. To be honest, I dropped My Demon because the poor writing did not meet my expectation. However for Along with the Gods / Bound to the God, I had little expectations. I was extremely impressed by the quality of this drama and enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I instantly liked FL Shen Yu Zhen right from the beginning because she acted like a shrewd businesswoman and negotiated terms & conditions of the partnership with ML, unlike the FL in My Demon (she just accepted ML’s terms & conditions blindly).
2. ML characterisation - I liked ML a lot! He enjoyed his role as god but wasn’t cocky (unlike the ML in My Demon - he seemed to loathe his work). He was nice and honest with FL.
3. Writing - Along with the Gods is a Chinese vertical drama with the most Kdrama vibe. Kudos to the writer of Along with the Gods for making this drama an improved version of My Demon. Along with the Gods has depth and maturity that My Demon lacks.
4. VFX - I was impressed by the visual effects - I must say it has one of the best VFX and action sequences in the world of vertical dramas.
5. Romance - I liked the romance arc - slow burn with good push-and-pull dynamics. There was even a little twist in the third act - past lives & reincarnation, which pays homage to My Demon but wasn’t draggy.
6. Acting - Great performances by both Sun Qian Xun & Li Bo Yan. SQX is known more for her comedic roles - Shen Yu Zhen is one of the few serious characters that SQX has portrayed and she nailed the role. Along with the Gods really showcased Li Bo Yan’s acting prowess - his character has a big role in this drama. It was cool to see Li Bo Yan fight baddies! We already know that there is great chemistry between SQX and LBY so I was convinced by the romance arc.
7. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. FL is adopted granddaughter of a rich lady and I liked that the grandmother did not chose her biological granddaughter as the heir - she chose based on merit.
8. Styling - Wonderful wardrobe for FL & ML. I wrote a reddit post about this combo of black pleather jacket - white shirt - black tie - black trousers before watching this drama. So I chuckled when I saw Li Bo Yan wearing this ensemble. He looked very handsome of course!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was greedy and evil with her husband being her Mr Yes Man / follower. Fang Hang Xing was alos evil and manipulative. Good thing all three got their retribution.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for a kiss from FL

Read More

Tan Zhen Hao's very kissy in this drama about revenge against abusive family

I was intrigued by the poster and Tan Zhen Hao when I checked new releases on that day. I was unfamiliar with the main actress but decided to watch it anyway. I was surprised by a few things - I liked this drama a lot!

Trigger warning: violence.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart to go into a partnership with ML to enact revenge.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was compassionate and kind.
3. Romance - I was surprised by how kissy Tan Zhen Hao was in this drama because the other dramas I watched was sweet not spicy. I liked that there were affections & emotional intimacy in their relationship.
4. Alliance - I liked that partnership was formed to defeat the antagonists.
5. Acting - Both leads gave good performances. There was good chemistry between them so the romantic scenes were believable. I was moved when FL was surprised by ML's action.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL. Some people on youtube commented on the thick makeup on Tan Zhen Hao but he has always been pasty to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Abusive family. I couldn't believe they imprisoned her. Her ex fiance was nasty too. I also disliked Lu Si Yao a delusional &possessive woman who acted like a spoilt toddler.
2. FL's action - I didn't understand why would she return home knowing that she would be locked in the room.

Favourite scene
When FL was moved by ML's action

Read More

Damn, ML was handsome and manly! Enjoyable 'I Marry My Ex's Father' drama

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I have already watched 3 versions of this plot with Huai Wen, Tao Si Yuan and Fan Xiao Dong as male leads. So I decided to watch this version. Despite being familiar with the plot, I enjoyed this version too.

What I liked:
1. Ning Hao Ran - Damn, he was handsome & manly. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. His MDL profile photo doesn't do him justice.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character development. She started off powerless when she lived with her family but learned to be assertive.
3. Scolding - Damn, I loved her when she scolded her husband’s ex for being treating him as an ATM.
4. Romance - Sweet romance. I liked it when ML caressed FL's face & patted her head. Too bad there was only 1 brief kissing scene because I wanted to see his kisses.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Ah Cheng, FL's bodyguard.
6. The ending - Bookend style.
7. Styling - I really liked her clothes after she got married. They were elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry - parents condoned their other daughter's affair with FL's boyfriend. SML Fun Chengyu was a spoilt brat & playful.
2. ML's ex - Another rotten character. I felt she had the biggest arc amongst the four adaptations I have seen.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded her husband’s ex-wife for being financially dependent on him

Read More