emberzmars

Action-packed crime drama not for the faint-hearted

I am a Zhen Zi Qi fangirl so I was excited when There is No Turning Back dropped on 8 September - after being postponed twice! My reddit & MDL friend sbranflake & I watched this drama and wrote a joint review in subreddit CShortDramas. This drama is different from the usual vertically shot dramas. I enjoyed There is No Turning Back.

Trigger warning: Rape, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb acting by the cast led by Zhen Zi Qi. I was impressed by the actors who portrayed ML's two right hand men: Zhao Si Hai (the muscle man) and Huang Tie Xin (the one who looked dorky).
2. Main character - Wu Xiao was an anti-hero - a ruthless gangster who upheld a certain set of principles. I liked him because he was protective of his family and he knew what’s right and what’s wrong (every single decision was carefully thought out).
3. Brotherhood - It was wonderful that the viewers got to see how this brotherhood was formed. The set of principles that they follow led them to be gangsters with conscience.
4. Writing - Supporting characters were fleshed out. I must say that the antagonist had one of the best villain arcs in vertical dramaland. The plot twist just blew my mind.
5. Styling - The drama took place in 1998. I liked outfits for ZZQ as they added edge & ruggedness to his character. I really liked Feng Xiang's outfits although I found them very 80s looking.
6. Action - Plenty of fighting scenes. So satisfying to see ZZQ fighting those thugs.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Damn, he was vicious!
2. Duration - The drama is 3 hours long. It was a challenge for me to watch in one sitting because of its duration and dark / heavy themes.

Favourite scene
There was a fight between ML and his two righthand men and their brotherhood was tested.

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Love story between emperor and concubine with great chemistry & outfits

I am Zhang Chu Xuan fangirl so I was excited to see this drama co-starring Wang Jia Mao. Gosh the last time I watched his drama was months ago. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her cunning tricks to win over ML's heart & body. Her smartness fit the ideals of women in historical era (sometimes writers overindulged by making revengeful FL too smart).
2. ML characterisation - I also liked his scheming and protectiveness. He doted on FL and tried his best to keep it hidden from other people to avoid accusation of unfairness. I liked that he was a one-woman man despite his circumstances. I loved Wang Jia Mao in this role - he was dreamy.
3. Romance - Intense attraction & lust which turned out to be genuine love. I liked that they were affectionate with each other.
4. Supporting characters - ML's advisor being his confidante - I loved it! I also liked FL's servant.
5. Styling - I loved the outfits for FL & ML especially their outfits at the start. The mesh top was so sexy on WJM and ZCX looked gorgeous in shoulder-baring dresses.
6. Tone - I enjoyed the comedic moments that appear a lot in the first & second acts. Nice transition to more dramatic third act.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was despicable. Glad FL kept her at a distance post-rebirth. Since FL was concubine, she had many rivals (Empress Dowager, Concubine Wen) who were horrible.

Favourite scene
When FL disguised herself to see ML.

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Sexy drama with good chemistry. My favourite Jin Jia Yu role!

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. My last drama of Jin Jia Yu was Go Where You Are so I was excited to watch this drama. Damn, he really delivered this time. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot passionate kisses and damn, JJY kissed her navel. I also enjoyed the sweet & tender moments too. Apart from hidden identity, this couple had a mature, healthy relationship.
2. FL characterisation - She was physically & mentally strong. I liked how she was not easily intimidated by threats.
3. ML characterisation - Loving & coquettish. I didn't expect him to be in that profession! My favourite role of JJY.
4. Gratitude - I liked that it ponder upon the concept of gratitude. If you do an act of kindness once, are you expecting the beneficiary to be forever indebted to you?
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by both FL & ML but I wanna talk about the apron. Whoever told JJY to wear apron without a shirt is a genius!

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - Dangerous move during hostage takeover. She shouldn't barge in.
2. Antagonists - Wow, FL's arranged fiance is scumbag arrogant. His mistress was annoying too - brave of her to come to FL and unveil her pregnancy. ML's family was not good too.

Favourite scene
Shirtless apron

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Underwhelmed by Wang Xiao Yi's performance but Xue Bin Hong was fantastic in his role

I noticed this drama when it was a new release. There were many members of r/CShortDramas interested in this series. I decided to watch it today and hhhhhmmmm it was ok. I expected something different.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was funny goofball and I liked him a lot! His interactions with his father was comical. I don't recall if I had seen Xue Bin Hong before but he was fantastic in this role.
2. FL's sister - She was adopted by FL's family and I really enjoyed her arc. So glad it didn't go the typical route.
3. FL characterisation - She literally kicked ass and I liked it. She was also smart & capable leader.
4. Tone - I was surprised by its light tone because I expected this drama to be dark & violent.
5. Styling - I liked ML's outfits and FL's assassin outfits.

Disliked:
1. Wang Xiao Yi - I felt she didn't have enough charisma and acting skills to portray an assassin disguising as an heiress. She didn't convey right facial expressions to show two different personas so I couldn't connect to her character. She also didn't put any effort in her character’s dynamics with ML.
2. Storytelling - While I appreciated that drama mixes different tropes (assassin, real vs fake heiress, wealth dispute), the mini arcs were all over the place. I couldn't care less & got bored.
3. Supporting characters - Too many underutilised characters. For example, did writer need to have 3 Lu brothers in this story? Why did another uncle (younger looking) appear close to the ending?
4. Styling - FL's clothes as heiress made her looked like a silly high schooler. Too hard to be cute.

Favourite scene
When FL rescued her sister

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Outrageous plot, underdeveloped story but Ma Qian Huan made me plough through

This drama dropped last weekend and I watched on the same day as its release. I am a new fan of Ma Qian Huan and this drama's short length fueled my excitement. I was entertained despite the flaw.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Lust, lust, lust - their relationship was very physical because of an itch that FL needed to scratch. There were 2 memorable spicy scenes.
2. Plot - Outrageous but I liked it. It's a story that requires viewers to turn their brains off because some parts did not make sense.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the assistants of both FL & ML. They were loyal & amusing.
4. Styling - Whoever thought of putting MQH in a maid's outfit should get a bonus. He also looked damn handsome in black tanktop & a bathrobe with a chunky necklace.
5. Length - Drama is only 100 minutes and easy to follow.

Disliked:
1. Main characters - Underdeveloped. I found FL bland and ML too accommodating like his only purpose was just to be a plaything and FL's lifesaver.
2. Romance - I felt their romance lacked substance. ML did a lot for FL and their relationship. I understand if FL felt undeserving due to her upbringing but she could have said it instead of being wishy-washy.
3. Antagonists - Evil father & stepmother. ML's uncle arc was quite weak.

Favourite scene
When ML had to be FL's antidote while they were on an uninhabited island.

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Healthy relationship with lotsa spice & sweetness

I discovered this drama when I was updating Xue Zi Qi's list of dramas a few days ago. I liked her in two dramas in which she played dominant FLs. I also liked Fang Zheng Nan's acting. After watching many duds, I decided to watch this drama and yay, I enjoyed it immensely. This is my favourite role played by Xue Zi Qi.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is told from his perspective and it's refreshing. I liked that he worked hard to make FL happy. I also liked that he set boundaries with SFL and made her pay for the bad things she did in his past life.
2. FL characterisation - She was very cool. Despite the tomboyish nature, she did embrace femininity by through shoes, handbags & pedicure. I loved that she was a black belt holder in taekwondo.
3. Romance - They are a healthy couple who communicates regularly. It's wonderful to see that they love each other for who they are. The kisses are hot and ML had a foot fetish (don't blame him because Xue Zi Qi is tall for a FL)! There was a great balance of spicy and sweet.
4. Comedy - I wasn't expecting that many comedic moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's parents. Their friend Susan and her partner were good too.
6. Styling - I loved the matching couple's outfit. Xue Zi Qi looked gorgeous in shorts - she is leggy.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL who was ML's colleague was annoying. She saw ML as her cash cow but when ML rejected her, she claimed she didn't want him but was still interfering in his life.
2. Duration - The drama was close to 3 hours and I found certain parts were draggy. I didn't pay attention to those scenes.
3. Secret - I wish ML had told FL that he was terminally ill before rebirth. I also wondered if he managed to escape the terminal illness post-rebirth.

Favourite scene
Taekwondo sparring

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Wholesome romance with no green tea

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

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

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

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

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Captivated by their relationship and individual growth. Plenty of heavy kissing!

I was in the mood for Chen Si Che drama after a repeat watch of Secretary An Secretly Went on a Business Trip and Made President Gu Cry. I noticed this drama when it was a fresh release and realised I hadn't watched any Ma Qian Huan drama. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Spice - Most vertical dramas have a steamy start but as dramas progress, the romance scenes are mild. Not this drama - there are plenty of kissing scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She worked as perfumer and I loved the scenes of her at work. She was flawed character - she had a hidden agenda and used ML to achieve her goal. Her character was fascinating.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's close friend.
4. Romance - At the start of the drama, I saw their relationship as toxic because ML insisted on his ways. However my view changed when FL and ML spent time apart. He began to change his ways and care for FL as friend instead of as an "owner".
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and Ma Qian Huan gave amazing performances as both managed to demonstrate the intricacies of their characters. They had sizzling chemistry too.
6. Styling - Impeccable styling for both leads. Ma Qian Huan was very handsome and Chen Si Che looked elegant and beautiful. She is always radiant in red dresses.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him at the start because he was domineering lover who viewed FL as canary and didn't want to listen to FL.

Favourite scene
When ML searched for FL and found her at the park

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Sweet "uncle" romance with visually stunning leads

I watched this drama on a whim few months ago. I think it was my first time watching Chen Jing He and Xiong An Ni. I realised that this drama didn't have MDL page so I submitted and now we have it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro - The scene at the start was 🔥! The desire, the kisses.
2. Visuals - Xiong An Ni is so pretty and I loved her nose. Chen Jing He was handsome too. The supporting cast like FL's ex and rival were good looking too.
3. Romance - This is time travel drama so FL took the opportunity to avoid a mistake in her love life. I liked that she had a strategy to win the heart of ML. This is sweet "uncle" romance with a spicy intro scene.
4. Styling - Great styling for ML. FL's outfits were alright but her dress at the party when she first met ML was not pretty - I liked her rival's dress better.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - OMG they even bullied an elder who is same age of your mother. Horrible baddies.

Favourite scene
The intro

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When sunshine meets midnight: A love story between bubbly girl and a man of few words

I watched this drama after finding out that it stars Liu Nian & He Cong Rui. I actually have not watched Please Come Into My Heart even though it's been in my watch list for months. Anyway I decided to watch this drama first because of my preference for modern romance and its popularity on reddit. I enjoyed this drama though one scene left a bad impression on me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I have only watched her in Yue Ran Ai Ren - gosh she was different here. She was bubbly, loud and at times childlike. Hahaha I don't usually fancy this type of FL but she's alright because she showed maturity in her actions.
2. Romance - They were married strangers and FL was resentful but another person transmigrated into her character so her attitude changed. One youtube users referred to their contrasting personality as "sunshine and midnight" which I think is fittng. Their interactions were mostly cute and there were a few good kisses (tha nk gawd). Their love language is act of service.
3. ML characterisation - He was the typical brooding CEO ML but in this version he was a man of few words because of selective mutism. His icy heart started to thaw once he spent time with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for deciphering love signals for our inexperienced ML. I felt like the assistant was ML's first wife who had amicable split from him. I liked FL's parents - their arc was written well despite the short screentime. The idol / FL's former school mate was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Bed scene - I was alarmed when FL deliberately jumped on top of ML when they were sleeping. If the role was reverse i.e. ML deliberately jumped on top of FL, that would be considered sexual assault. FL & ML were practically strangers at this point so this scene left a bad impression on me.
2. Styling - FL was like a primary school student with the amount of soft toys around her and her bedroom decoration. Very kiddish for a married grown woman and I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted her jealous relatives at the hot spring hotel

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The rebirth of ML and his pursuit of revenge. Wish there were more romance

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit friend. I had watched Xue Zi Qi as SFL but this is my first drama with her as FL. Overall I liked this drama though I wish for more.

What I liked:
1. Role reversal - I liked that ML was more nurturing, househusband type while FL was influential CEO.
2. Romance - Clearly FL was more into ML in the relationship. Overall sweet romance. XZQ is a good kisser though I wish there were more kissing scenes.
3. Reborn - This is my first ML reborn drama and I enjoyed it. It's interesting to see ML seeking revenge for bad treatment he got in past life.
4. Styling - I loved XZQ's hairstyle - the shorter above shoulder cut suits her! I also loved her dresses & hats.

What I disliked:
1 . Antagonists - Typical antagonist - jealous family members. I doubled the speed when their scenes took place because they were nothing new.
2. Revenge - I found the arc draggy because a lot of yapping. Wish there was more romance scenes.

Favourite scene
The morning after

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Reborn but no revenge and this time FL is young 18 year old student

I only discovered Yang Yu Bin 2 werks ago so I was keen to explore his work. This drama caught my eye as I scrolled down his drama playlist. I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. This drama was sweet and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. Reborn trope - I enjoyed this drama because FL was reborn to a few years earlier than her death - she was 18 years during this second chance at life. I liked that there is no revenge plot in this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & proactive at living her life for the second time.
3. ML characterisation - He had low self-esteem because his father's family never acknowledged his existence. With FL's encouragement, ML stopped downplaying his intelligence and started to be confident with his worth. I liked that he was written this way because most ML are written as cocky & domineering alpha males.
4. Romance - Very sweet romance. Their first intimate scene was mildly spicy but overly sweet that made me smile. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
5. Supoorting characters - I like Teacher Ren and ML's buddies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was possessive and disrespectful.
2. FL's bestie - Wow, I was surprised by her action in the third act.

Favourite scene
When ML was being cheeky with FL during a study group

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I loved the dynamics between ML & his sisters

I was in the mood for Qian Zhe drama and unplanned pregnancy is one of my favourite tropes so I clicked Play. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is smart & hardworking and I understand why she was hesitant to accept ML's pursuit. Wang Yi Yang was wonderful in this role.
2. Siblings - One thing that stands out in this drama is the sibling dynamics. There are plenty of vertical dramas which main character has brothers. So it's refreshing to see sisters and as family members to ML. The oldest was the smart leader, middle sister was tough chick while youngest was playful entertainer. I enjoyed watching their support for FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was nice.
4. Rivalry - I enjoyed watching the sales competition between FL and antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Unfortunately the romance in this drama is lacking. Even though ML liked FL for who she is and not because of the baby, he was too cool & distant. FL seemed inhibited too so I found it awkward because Qian Zhe & Wang Yi Yang have great chemistry.
2. Antagonist - She was envious of FL and always felt the need to compete. The public shaming was a step too far.

Favourite scene
When ML's sisters came to back up FL

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Sweet age-gap romance with wonderful chemistry

I always enjoy Zhao Guan Yu-Lin Zi Rong collab after watching 2 of their dramas, which I love. I enjoyed this drama. It is so sweet!

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a slow burn romance, which is fitting because FL is young university student who is 9 years younger than ML. There was assumption made by ML about FL but this misunderstanding was quickly rectified and then ML started to fall in love hard with FL. I liked that ML waited until FL consented. There were plenty of sweet moments in this drama!
2. FL characterisation - She was concerned about being a burden to her new family, it's disheartening. Regardless of her circumstances, she remains positive about life. Once again, I am impressed by Lin Zi Rong's acting.
3. ML characterisation - It's good to see a bigshot humbled by a kind, genuine individual. I liked how protective, caring and respectful he is of FL. Zhao Guan Yu did well in his role.
4. Supporting characters - ML's executive assistant felt more like a close confidant to ML with his responses to ML's behaviour. I also liked ML's grandma, cousin (he's cute), FL's bestie and the Gus. Gu Yun Bai, portrayed by Du En Yu, had a rather interesting haircut.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling as it followed the different phases of her life.
6. Hidden identity - I usually don't enjoy hidden identities being dragged too long but in this drama, I understood why the identities were kept longer than expected.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Green tea Gu Qingyao should be punished heavily after she tried to put FL in a shameful position. The Mus were despicable but the son redeemed himself in the end.
2. Scenarios - FL had such bad luck as she encountered many difficult scenarios from drugging to kidnapping.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared late night snack for FL. So sweet!!!

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Spicy & dark revenge tale that feels like a mini drama production

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and my last drama of hers is Everlasting Love, which I enjoyed. I was ecstatic to find out about her new drama yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Revenge theme - There are so many revenge-themed dramas in the world of vertical dramas and I enjoyed this drama despite the familiar plot device. For once, I am delighted that green tea didn't get much screen time.
2. Acting - Great performance by Wen Mo Yan & Chen Ming Hao. I've only enjoyed 1 or 2 of her vertical drama - this one is added to the list. This is my first drama of Chen Ming Hao and I am keen to explore more. I felt that actor playing second male lead (SML) gave a good performance too
3. Romance - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. Good mix of love and lust. I was even hoping for some action by SML.
4. Editing - This drama felt more like a mini drama production because of the directing/framing of shots & tone. I am also grateful that Wen Mo Yan's voice is not dubbed.
5. Visuals - Damn, both ML & SML are very handsome. Wen Mo Yan is pretty, as usual.
6. Length - Running time of 100 minutes. Just perfect to watch after dinner but before bed.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I kinda expect FL's action but ML's response baffled me. Why a cliffhanger?

Favourite scene
When FL remembered the most atrocious thing that happened to her in previous life - what an emotional punch to the heart!

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