emberzmars

Zhang Chu Xuan's talent wasted in this badly written drama

I am a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan after watching her in 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss' and 'After Flash Marriage, CEO Gu's Secret Identity Revealed'. I picked up this series because it appeared on my dashboard and watched it without reading synopsis. Oh boy, what a disappointment. I pushed myself to finish this vertical drama because of its short running time.

What I liked:
1) Jiang Nuan Nuan's smart move - It's good that she knows her worth in her family's company. I like that she negotiated her terms with her father when applying for a role there then asked ML for advice on legal agreement.

What I disliked:
1) Mu Ting Xiao characterisation - One of the worst ML in Cdrama. I know he has trust issues but I hate the way he treated FL Jiang Nuan Nuan by posing as his cousin. In the last conflict scene, he didn't help to untie the ropes binding Nuan Nuan's hands. Instead he confronted the villain - that's quite selfish.
2) Jiang Nuan Nuan characterisation - She's not a goody two shoes based on her rivalry with her sister but damn she's a doormat. She allowed ML to order her around.
3) The romance - There was too "push" in their relationship even when the series had reached 1 hour 45 minute mark (total running time is 2 hours 15 minute). I don't understand how they could fall in love with each other when they barely communicated. I couldn't sense any warmth or desire when they finally got together so their kissing scene felt awkward.
4) Acting - Quite bad and soulless especially Li Hao and the actress who played his father's current wife / girlfriend. Even Zhang Chu Xuan's acting was subpar.
5) Subtitling - I watched this on youtube and gosh the subtitling was bad. Nuan Nuan claimed that she killed somebody but there was no follow up on that so was the attacker killed or stabbed / injured only?

Favourite scene:
When Jiang Nuan Nuan asked for help from Mu Ting Xiao regarding legal agreement

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Coherent storytelling that is as good as a well-produced mini drama

This is my second vertical shot drama, after 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. I came across this series in the comment section and I was curious.

What I liked:
1) Sang Nan Feng characterisation - What a stark contrast between the Male Lead in 'You've Been Tricked' and the Male Lead in 'Captive Love from the Mob Boss'. Nan Feng is a green flag ML. He was kind, patient, respectful.
2) Shen Yue Xi characterisation - I like that she was humble about her family background. She also never played the victim card.
3) The romance - I like how the romance between Male Lead and Female Lead developed. It was slow burn and sweet.
4) Supporting characters - I like both ML and FL families, FL friends and villain's mother. Despite not much screentime, most of the family members were quite memorable. Good acting even from the villain.
5) Writing - Coherent story that I enjoyed. The quality is as good as a well produced mini drama.

What I disliked:
1) Subtitling - I watched this drama on Youtube and subtitle must be AI/machine translated.
2) Acting - I would rate this drama higher if Liu Lan Bo gave a better performance. Most of the times he seemed aloof and distant. Perhaps Nan Feng in public could show those traits but in private with his wife, I expected Liu Lan Bo to give more warmth to his role. I also wish there was more chemistry between Liu Lan Bo and Yao Yu Chen.

Favourite scene
When Sang Nan Feng returned home with sliced cake

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Kickass FL who has great chemistry with ML

I was in the mood for reversed gender roles so I searched for dramas on MDL with this tag and found 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'.

What I liked:
1) Leng Li characterisation - I love her character! She's tough and feisty but lovable. She goes for what she wants and that includes her feelings for male lead He Lian Xuan. I also like that she's brainy - she knows about herbs and uses the knowledge to help people. Wen Mo Yan was brilliant in this role. She kinda looks like Kim Sejeong, a Korean actress and pop idol.
2) He Lian Xuan characterisation - I enjoyed his character too. He is protective of Leng Li but at the same time, couldn't show his full self to avoid trouble with others. His other persona Qing Ru is cool. Wang Zu Yi was brilliant in this role.
3) Romance - I could feel He Lian Xuan's feelings for Leng Li - so genuine & pure of love & admiration. Damn I love it when a woman makes the first move and gosh that scene of Leng Li making the first move is HOT! I also like that Leng Li never resisted He Lian Xuan's feelings - she too never doubted her feelings for him.
4) The comedy - Never expected comedy scenes to be laughed out loud. Leng Li getting back at He Lian Chen and 6th prince was a gold moment!

What I disliked:
1) Transmigration arc - I feel like this plot wasn't well explained.
2) The ending - I understand why the series ended that way but why make it a sad one?

Favourite scene
When Leng Li told He Lian Xuan to "be a man" in episode 5.

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Finally a Yao Guan Yu performance that I love. Great chemistry & fabulous wardrobe

I like Yao Guan Yu's face card but his dramas can be hit or miss for me. I could never find a drama that I truly enjoy both his acting & chemistry with leading lady. Now Undercover Affair is one of my favourite mini dramas so I was pleasantly surprised that Han Le Yao has started vertical dramas. Oh, it's funny that when I started watching vertical dramas I thought Yao Guan Yu gave the same vibe as Leo Yang. Anyway I watched She's Fiercer than Gunfire last weekend and wow, I enjoyed it immensely. I finally found a Yao Guan Yu drama that I enjoy!

What I liked:
1. Styling - Yao Guan Yu looked utterly fabulous in floral, bright outfits. Great wardrobe too for FL and ML's right hand man.
2. Romance - Great push & pull dynamics and done in various scenes. I loved their kisses - fiery!
3. FL character - One of the characters with most growth I've seen in vertical dramas. She went from a desperate nobody to confident queen.
4. ML character - Cool, calm & collected. Confident leader.
5. Acting - My favourite Yao Guan Yu performance. Delighted to hear his real voice. Han Le Yao gave a superb performance too as she was able to portray 2 different people.
6. Training - It was fun to watch FL going for various training to impersonate ML's stepmother. I enjoyed the weapons training and the stakeholder meeting preparation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's rival was shameless. I also disliked ML's stepmother.

Favourite scene
When FL joined the stakeholder meeting chaired by ML

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Romantic version of 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot with great acting

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I already watched Zhao Ting Yi - Deng Ling Shu - Li Yu Tong version whch I had mixed feelings. I was curious how this version would fare and surprisingly I liked this version so much more than the other version.

What I Liked:
1. Romance - Spicy opening scene. I liked that there are scenes of relationship cultivation with kisses, hand holding, face caress.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the performances by the three leads. They had great chemistry - I believed FL had romantic relationship with SML then with a romantic relationship with his father ML.
3. ML characterisation - He was smart in his pursuit for FL - I am referring to breakup between FL & SML. I liked that he was protective & nurturing.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her character growth. She was naive when it came to her relationship but quickly learned that her self-worth was more important.
5. Supporting characters - I giggled whenever ML's assistant had inner thoughts about his boss.
6. Talk about other women - Former work acquaintance of ML tried to sow discord between FL and ML by implying she was too close with ML in the past. FL was sassy in her response to her and her chat with ML and I liked it!
7. The ties - That final conversation between ML, SML and FL was thrilling. SML was arrogant and unapologetic about the crime he committed but when ML disowned him & threatened to return him to his biological family, SML became a coward & apologised profusely. What a power move! I loved that scene.
8. Styling - I liked the changed in style for FL. She looked gorgeous in traditional wedding dress & graceful in her missus clothes. ML looked handsome in his suits.

What I Disliked
1. Antagonists - SML was delusional for thinking FL could forgive and accept him as boyfriend. He was vile for harming his father and stepmother. FL's ex bestie was manipulative - seeing SML as her meal ticket.
2. FL's family - Her aunt & cousin were horrendous. FL's uncle was ok but he got an agenda and I couldn't blame him for wanting a good relationship with his married niece.

Favourite scene
Tea ceremony before the wedding reception

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Handsome men amidst an underwhelming republican drama

I underutilised my wetv subscription so I browsed the catalogue and found this drama. Deng Kai is one of the actors that fascinates me even when he portrays anti-heroes and scumbags.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai - I really liked his acting in this drama especially the vulnerable moments. Episode 17 is my favourite episode. Oh, I was delighted to see him without wig. As Taylor Swift says in her lyrics, "He is tall and handsome as hell".
2. Kisses - Many hot kisses. My favourite is when ML pulled FL towards him so she was on top of him and they kissed passionately.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Liang Xiao, Li Tian and Gao Qi. Zhao De Biao was a surprise - quite a memorable character.
4. Visual - Wow, many handsome actors in this drama: Deng Kai, Ryan Kuo, Liu Bo.

What I disliked:
1. Investigation - I feel that this main plot was not focused enough. This drama is about ML investigating the impostor but all that I remembered is the love triangle.
2. FL characterisation - FL started strong at the start but then became wishy washy once the second act started. She seemed unfocused with her mission and her love life. I found Tan Yan Yan's acting underwhelming.
3. Romance - Apart from the kisses, romance was lacklustre. I felt like she was stringing along both men.
4 Ending - After all the sacrifices SML made, the couple just became like that?

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings and asked FL if she had feelings for him

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Fresh storyline with compelling characters and brilliant acting by Yang Qi Ru and Zhen Zi Qi

I miss Zhen Zi Qi and to my delight, found out about his new drama at reddit. I was ecstatic! This drama uses a time loop trope, which means a main character gets to reset and start a specific day again.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I was impressed by the plot twist and surprises. I couldn't predict where this drama was heading. Oh I also loved one line said by ML - it was about fashion trend. Very clever! I also liked the dialogue about how the choices we make. It's great that writers tried their best in giving arcs to most supporting characters.
2. FL characterisation - This drama is told from her perspective, which is fantastic. We got to see her made rash decisions and learned from them during the first few time loops. OMG, I didn't recognise Yang Qi Ru until I checked her MDL profile. I love My Lady General! She impressed me with her portrayal of a character who got life bombs dropped one after another.
3. ML characterisation - ML is out to seek justice for his parents. I enjoyed seeing the character growth and there were moments of vulnerability. It's great to see Zhen Zi Qi in this role because he's excellent in playing a man plagued by his family's past.
4. Romance - We already know that romance was bound to happen at the start because of Nannan. I liked how FL - ML romance developed - great pacing and believable considering ML's back story. They fell in love because of each other, not because they were following fate. Their intimate scene was beautifully shot as they exuded desire and passion.
5. Supporting characters - I love Nannan. The child actress who played it did a good job. I also liked FL's stepmom. I enjoyed antagonists' arcs as they were well fleshed out.
6. Styling - OMG, Zhen Zi Qi looked really fine with that long hair and rocker outfits. He gave me 'Sungjin of Korean band DAY6' vibe. Yang Qi Ru looked amazing in her outfits too. Her wedding dress is beautiful.

What I disliked:
1. Time loop - I didn't get the part in which the antagonist had & took advantage of the technology. I also thought the prison break scene did not make sense.
2. Ending - It is fine but I wish there were 2 or 3 additional episodes focusing on FL and ML's relationship as a couple.

Favourite scene
When ML taught FL a self-defense move

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Wonderfully written FL, ML and their romance story

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery, back on 17 December 2024. I totally forgot about this drama until I watched Wang Kaimu's drama that co-starred Guo Yuxin. I decided to submit this drama as MLD New Title so MDL users can find and enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro scene - One of the best because it set the tone and vibe of the drama. I liked ML's response to his assistant regarding the rumour.
2. ML's characterisation - He was mysterious at first but protective of his wife. Liked that he trusted her without any doubts. It's great to see ML that sets clear boundaries with other women.
3. FL's characterisation - Smart and resilient, thanks to her upbringing. She's also protective of her husband. I liked that she knew how to stand up to bullies.
4. Romance - They treated each other with respect even though their relationship was not a love match. They talked about consent! I like their sweet and cute playful banter. He even made breakfast for his wife.

What I disliked:
1. FL's adoptive family - Manipulative.
2. Green tea - Devious and just annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of drunk FL

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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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My favourite vertical drama: tight screenplay, great acting and many steamy kisses!

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was antagonistic towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version first then looked for and watched versions 1 & 2 after completing this drama. This Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version is the best and my favourite version! "Wen Rou Ye Gu" / "Gentle Wild Bones" is the best written vertical drama I have ever watched! I watch this drama on repeat ever since my first watch on 6 February 2025. Oh, damn the poster is hot and unique!

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG the start of the drama was blazing hot with sweet and playful moments! They were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama and the best part is that FL also enjoyed and iniated some kisses. ML really loved FL as he always looked for opportunities to kiss her. There were many sweet and tender moments too. My favourite tender moment is when ML comforted FL who was having her period.
2. ML characterisation - ML Jian Yu Chen is an investor at FL Wen Ni's company. Overall he is a greenflag ML with playful side. He is devoted towards Wen Ni and his moments of jealousy was cute to watch. His love language is physical touch and acts of service. This drama is the first time I watched Wang Chen Peng's acting and gosh I was very impressed. He is a great kisser.
3. FL characterisation - FL Wen Ni is a designer or an architect. Out of the 3 versions that I watched, I like this version of Wen Ni the most. She is confident, smart, self-assured and playful during certain private moments with ML unlike the other two versions. She didn't realise that ML had a crush on her until much later in the drama and Wen Ni appreciated Jian Yu Chen's love and vowed to learn to love him (this element was missing in the other 2 versions). This is my third drama of Zhai Xin Ran and this is my favourite as she had more moments to show her acting skills and had sizzling chemistry with Wang Chen Peng.
4. Supporting characters - I love Mr Ning and this drama had the best version (the actor who played Mr Ning is handsome too). I also like Shirley, FL's close colleague. She and another female colleague were always intrigued by FL-ML dynamics. This version also has better arc for FL's parents. Overall this drama utilised the supporting characters very well and this is very rare in micro and mini dramaland.
5. Antagonists - Surprisingly this drama doesn't have conventional antagonists. FL & ML's supposed exes wanted to "get back" with FL and ML but they were not hostile / aggressive.
6. Music - I enjoyed the music featured in this drama. The song for the last scene was very fitting.

What I disliked:
1. Safety - There was a scene in which FL & ML went to a construction site. They held safety helmets instead of wearing them on their heads. Then an accident happened, which is silly because that's avoidable.

Favourite scene
When Mr Ning discovered that Wen Ni and Jian Yu Chen were a real couple. I loved that both of them were cool with the discovery i.e. didn't stand further and gave lame excuses to cover up

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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

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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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Although FL was barely an adult, I enjoyed this older man-younger female romance

I enjoy Zhang Yi Lun's acting so when this drama appeared on my YouTube dashboard, I was intrigued. This is my first drama of Liu Lan Ge. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a young university student that is not annoying, thank gawd! She is sensible for her age and despite being infatuated with ML and pressured by family, she is focused on her studies and career.
2. ML characterisation - ML is smitten with FL once she saved him from being hunted. I like the contrast between tough boss and sweet lover. I like that he is respectful and doesn't coerce FL into being physically intimate with him. It is wonderful to see Zhang Yi Lun playing an edgier character.
3. Romance - Considering FL is 19 at the start of the drama and is 7 years younger than ML, I like the pacing of their love story. There is enough push and pull between them. The zipper scene is a good ignition to their blossoming romance although it does seem random. It's cute that the ears of both leads were red during a scene in which FL was drunk.
4. The ending - I liked the graduation scene. The very last scene was sweet.
5. Styling - Styling for both FL & ML were on point. I loved ML's jacket with embroidered birds. The qipao would have looked prettier without the strings. Oh I found FL's swimsuit unflattering.

What I disliked:
1. The auction - I am tired of auctions with ridiculously high bids.
2. Antagonists - I dislike FL's mother and FL's school rival who is envious of her.

Favourite scene
The zipper scene

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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

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Green flag ML & many kisses but bland FL

I have watched Yao Yu Chen's dramas before but this is my first drama of Chen Jing He. I decided to watch this drama because I was curious about his acting & I was sold by the high rating.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Green flag hero. He is smart & resourceful.
2. Romance - ML has had crush on FL since their first meet. There was more push (by FL) than pull but when they got together, they were sweet with each other. Many kisses.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is bland and meek. I was disappointed because I enjoyed Yao Yu Chen's past characters which always have spark.
2. FL's adopted father - Despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL remembered that she left her bra in the bathroom and went to retrieve it

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