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Sombre tale with captivating ML
I don't remember what made me to check out this drama but I save this drama to my Youtube playlist after few minutes of watching.What I liked:
1. He Jian Qi - He is handsome but what made me drawn to him is his gripping performance. He was expressive with his character's feelings from indifference to anguish and sincerity. The styling (hair & outfits) for his character suits him so much.
2. Plot - I like how the story progressed and scenes with villain were not draggy.
3. Supporting characters - The actor playing FL's friend & senior gave good performance and was handsome. Has potential to become ML in other dramas. Too bad I don't know his name.
What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't much time dedicated to romantic scenes as ML & FL were more in indifference & anger stages. However the kiss between ML & FL was hot and passionate.
2. Length - This drama is just slightly more than an hour if I am not mistaken. Wish for extended scenes for example the reconciliation.
3. FL characterisation - Underdeveloped and distant. Hard for me to root for her.
Favourite scene:
Whenever ML felt anguish.
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Refreshing tale on classism, second chance at life & revenge
I was keen to explore the work of Zhu Yi Wei and Bai Xin Yi and found this drama on Youtube. Finally watched it last night.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I've only seen 2 dramas including Western drama which has FL working as cleaner and it's great that this drama highlights this profession. FL is hardworking, determined & self-assured - all traits that I like. I punched the air when found out about her new business venture - yes, she should use her skills & experiences.
2. Villains - In many vertical dramas, the villains tend to be FL's love rivals. However for this drama the main villain is ML's sister which I find quite refreshing. I also think writer assigned the right supporting characters as secondary villains.
3. FL's sister - She is the catalyst to FL's fight for justice. It's heartwarming to see FL & her sister's love for each other.
4. Classism - Most vertical drama touch on classism at superficial level but not this drama. I like how classism is written & demonstrated in this drama because I saw it from the victims and the bully.
What I disliked:
1. Romance - While the kisses are hot, the romance tale between the two main characters is underdeveloped. I feel like ML not making enough effort to love An for the person she is now - he seemed stuck on his childhood saviour.
2. Hidden identity - I dislike FL for not being truthful when confronted by ML about her sister the first time. She only revealed the truth the second time she was asked by ML.
Favourite scene
SFL serving coffee to FL and later faced the consequences.
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Action-packed mini drama with great chemistry
This mini drama was recommended to me when I was looking for action romance. I was engrossed in the story that I could finish it in one sitting.What I liked:
1) Acting - It's rare to get well-acted male and female leads in a mini drama. Leo Yang fits this agent-gone-rogue personnel. I didn't find his visuals outstanding but there is something about his gaze and smirk that captivated me. That scene at the hospital impressed me. I also like Han Le Yao's acting. She matched the intensity of Leo's acting.
2) Romance - I like watching the relationship between A Sen and Ling Yi progressed from strangers to fake relationship to real lovers. There aren't many kisses but when they kissed, they were really into each other. I like the back hugs, the hand holding.
3) Ling Yi's characterisation - One of the best female leads in action-thriller mini dramas. Her character isn't coy nor dumb. She knew her place in each setting even though at times she did act impulsively.
4) Shooting locations - Some locations were exotic and very pretty like the riviera, desert and flat roof house.
5) Action scenes - Well choreographed and shot scenes. The fighting, gun shooting, bombing - they looked real.
What I disliked:
1) Elena - I knew she was the culprit way back when she complained about her passive role within the organisation. Her decisions baffled me and dislike her seducing A Sen.
2) Ending - Feel like there is loose end with Elena and Tai. I understand the time jump but would have liked more scenes between A Sen and Ling Yi.
Favourite scene
When Ling Yi was sulking then bickered with A Sen in episode 16. I like seeing A Sen's smirk and smile.
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She was unethical, he was unhinged & toxic romance was romanticised
I was informed of this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. I had saved the link to watch the next day but drama was removed. Fortunately another member shared an alternative link (thank you TxPep) so I quickly watched it this morning. This drama raised a lot of questions - overall it was a good watch.What I liked:
1. Zhang Chi - This is my third drama of his and it's great that he chose to play distinctive characters. He was great at playing a lunatic desperate for love and sense of belonging.
2. Shots - I loved how the shots were framed and edited. Beautiful cinematography that reminded me of vertical dramas I Just Want You and The Love of A Fool.
3. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL & ML. I liked some over-the-top pieces worn by ML. Some outfits made ML to look "innocent".
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's nurse friend, Su Mu (the actor was handsome & had presence), ML's mother and ML's cousin / business rival.
5. Plot - Even though I disliked both characters and their romance, the storytelling was well executed. I enjoyed ML's family dispute arc but sadly the conflicts were not given enough punch because writer wants us to side with ML.
What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was unethical - she already knew how problematic ML was but crossed the line she shouldn't cross. Therefore I couldn't emphatise with her when she wanted to run away from ML. Thank gawd she lost her license to practice psychiatry.
2. ML characterisation - Unhinged, cunning & dangerous. I still couldn't understand his motive for weaponising FL's past.
3. Romance - Toxic but this drama had ways to romanticise this abusive relationship. I disliked their relationship and the ending baffled me.
Favourite scene
FL's wedding
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Thrilling revenge drama set in the world of fine art. Great chemistry & acting
I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Yu Long so I was delighted to see both of them together in a drama. I watched this drama on the day of its release.What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull - it was thrilling. The kisses were good. I also felt that they were emotionally connected.
2. Revenge - Satisfying! I liked how FL executed her revenge against the cheating husband. Then another revenge on behalf of her mother.
3. Acting - Great performances by the cast. There was visually and acting chemistry between Yu Long and Sheng Yi Jie. They looked like a mature, power couple.
4. Plot - It was refreshing! This drama was set in the world of art / painting. How FL, SML & ML were invovled in that industry.
5. FL characterisation - I liked seeing her at work because it's something I don't know much about.
6. Styling - I loved the emerald green qipao. The scene was brilliant! I basically loved anything worn by Sheng Yi Jie.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama's running time was under 2 hours. It was well-paced.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband the SML was an asshole for betraying FL 2 ways (love & career). ML's wife and grandfather were atrocious. ML's father was another vicious person.
Favourite scene
When FL let her hair down & kissed ML
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Riveting revenge drama with tight screenplay & spectacular acting all under 90 minutes
I was recommended this drama by a reddit user. Thank gawd I watched this drama because this is a great quality production. I have a weekly column on subreddit, in which I write about my favourite item from vertical dramas. This drama fits well in my posts about my favourite dramas under 90 minutes & my favourite revenge dramas without rebirth trope.What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - The MOST brutal revenge plan ever. Best part is that ML got someone else's hands dirty.
2. Acting - Spectacular acting by Ye Ting & Tian Yu. This is my first time watching Ye Ting's acting. Wow he was believable as cold & calculative husband who had been massively betrayed. It had been awhile since I last watched Tian Yu's dramas and she excelled as antagonist. Someone on youtube said that Tian Yu doesn't have a cunning face to play a villain but I think being a villain / antagonist doesn't require a cunning face. Sometimes villain / antagonist hides in plain sight aka they look like everyday, normal people.
3. ML characterisation - I loved that ML was morally ambiguous. He was an anti-hero. I didn't agree with his course of action but I understand the hurt & humiliation that he was going through.
4. FL characterisation - I pitied FL for awhile when she was pressured by her husband but let's face it, she didn't take any accountability. She rather saved her sorry self than faced the consequences of her affair. She was definitely a villain because of the continuous, unforgivable bad decisions that she made. She deserved the comeuppance and this is one of the rarest antagonists I love to hate.
5. Supporting characters - Clever use of SFL even though her role in the set up was minor because she represents us, the audience. ML told her (indirectly us) about his revenge plans. Now FL's family was Insufferable. They were more concerned about saving face & materialism than the welfare of FL.
6. Editing - Riveting storytelling done in 90 minutes.
What I disliked:
1. Ending - Endings don't need to be neat but this open ending made me want more! What really happened there?
Favourite scene
When FL threatened ML who then responded with a chilling counterattack
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Heartwarming & hilarious tale about raising an instant family
I am a fan of He Cong Rui and Xu Meng Yuan's acting. This drama has been in my plan to watch list for 2 months. I decided to watch today on my iQiyi app because I am preparing a reddit post for the upcoming Father's day.What I liked:
1. The kids - OMG the kids caused such a ruckus. The boy Pei Wuyou is a smartass. The girl Pei Wulv is less talkative but when the two are up to no good, they are too much to handle.
2. Writing - There are so many laugh out loud moments. There are many warm, tender, tearjerker moments too. My favourite is when the boy stated the differences in how he was treated by his "biological" mother vs how he was treated by FL.
3. Acting - Wonderful performances by the cast as this series has both comedic and dramatic moments.
4. FL characterisation - It's great to see hardworking FL who cares for the family she raised.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's & FL's best friends for dispensing sound advice to both of them. His parents were a fun bunch.
6. Romance - Even though there are only 2 kissing scenes, their romantic journey was a delight to watch. They started of as married strangers then became co-parents and then partners for life. I think their love language is acts of service.
7. Pacing - 99 episodes went by so fast. Good pacing but the last 4 episodes were too fast.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's ex wife wasn't punished for her threats & false claims. There is season 2 of this series so I hope she got comeuppance.
Favourite scene
When FL was heartbroken to find out that the Peis lied to her.
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Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the brilliant writing and heartfelt acting.
I discovered this drama on Dramazone YouTube channel - the title caught my attention. I had not seen work of Liu Yi Fan and Wang Bing Xiang so I had little expectations. Gosh, I enjoyed this drama tremendously that I submitted this drama as New Title and submitted Liu Yi Fan as New Actress. I watch this drama on repeat till this day.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's kind-hearted and I love it that she was concerned about the impact of her "past" actions onto ML. I also liked that she never gave her ex another chance once he betrayed her. Liu Yi Fan gave a perfect performance for this role.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he's rational and willing to accept and adapt to his new circumstance. He also has empathy. I was also impressed by Wang Bing Xiang's performance.
3. Romance - Slow burn but so rewarding. I loved when ML comforted FL about her past action that could not be changed. I loved that main couple talked about their feelings. I'd say ML's love language is act of service.
4. Styling - Loved the styling for both ML & FL. I loved the all black ensemble worn by both FL & ML.
5. Writing - Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the writing / script. It had depth for a fast-pace made-for-phones drama. I cried at least twice.
6. The ending - OMG, I cried! It was so heartfelt.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL's ex was a douchebag who did not want to be accountable for his actions. The SFL is annoying with her scheming.
Favourite scene
When FL treated ML's wound
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Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance
I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.
What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.
Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days
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Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely
I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.
Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL
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Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!
I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty
What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!
Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!
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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
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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
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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
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A tale of rebirth with martial art lessons, comic relief and romantic twists
I was preparing for a reddit post on Xie Yu Wang's dramas and this drama was one of the new releases. I decided to watch for the assignment and wow, I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I even included in my list of Top 5 Xie Yu Wang dramas.What I liked:
1. Tone - Reborn tale with comedic twist. FL was always in scenarios that provided comic relief. There were dramatic / serious scenes in the second half of the drama and they were done well.
2. Setup - The drama showed differences between traditionalist vs modern / Western mindset and I enjoyed those scenes.
3. FL characterisation - She was repented of her past behaviour towards ML. I liked that she was feisty and charming.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with frosty dynamic between the leads. After rebirth, FL tried to win over ML's heart. I liked that FL initiated dates with him. There were several tender & romantic moments and a few spicy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - . ML was a Mr Nice Guy who wanted to believe in the best of FL but past bad deeds made him doubt her.
6. Martial arts - ML was a martial art practitioner and I loved those scenes in the dojo. The lessons were entertaining and somewhat romantic. The use of English was amusing.
7. Styling - Loved ML's outfits. I favoured FL's traditional outfits.
What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's Western gowns felt out of place, I find. Some dresses were unflattering.
2. Antagonists - FL's former paramour was pathetic and disrespectful. The maid's daughter was delusional & rude. Their scheming was unbelievable.
Favourite scene
When FL & ML made love for the first time
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