emberzmars

Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama

There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.

Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment

Read More

FL escaping from mother's clutches and bumped into ML. A sweet, slow burn romance ensues.

I was in the mood for pregnant FL dramas so I chose this drama assuming it would cover it. Nope, I was wrong but good thing I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was courageous to go against her controlling mother. I liked her resilience, compassion and desire to live her own life.
2. ML characterisation - He was sweet, protective and respectful. I liked that he was genuine about helping FL. He never set any conditions e.g. contract girlfriend / relationship.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying because of the emotional intimacy between FL and ML. There were good kisses with a few initiated by FL.
4. Qipao design - I loved this plot device because traditional clothes fascinate me.
5. Supporting characters - Huan Huan was a great friend. She was perceptive and smart to help her uncle indirectly to win FL's heart. I really liked Butler Xu.
6. Wedding - Gorgeous wedding with a special 'kiss under a veil' moment.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's mother was overbearing and controlling. She treated FL as commodity and I hated her for forcing FL to do things her way. FL's rival at university was another horrible person. She was a snob.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be ML's girlfriend

Read More

Letdown by writing & Yang Shu Yu's acting

I was intrigued by this title after seeing a review on subreddit CShortDramas a few days ago. I didn't read the review in order to avoid spoilers. Last night I decided to watch the drama on iQIYI and hhhhmmm it was so-so. Intriguing start but second act onwards was boring for me.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Liu Yu Hang was excellent as he got to play two distinct characters. It was fun to watch the contrasting personalities.
2. Secret - I liked that both FL & ML knew about the twin switch by episode 11. I also liked that FL caught her boyfriend cheating on her in episode 20.
3. Lu Jingran - Silly, spoilt brat. He provided the comic relief.
4. Romance - There were good kisses & sweet and tender moments.
5. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the yellow canary dress. Her very high heels were pretty too. I also liked the contrasting styles for the twins.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song Qing An was a sick bastard & FL's mother was an accomplice. ML's father was an abusive & controlling father. I also disliked the betrothed fiancee to ML - she was delusional.
2. FL characterisation - I found her bland & at times infuriating. It was nice that writer gave her a career which she kept a secret from her family but she was backed up by secret investor (ML) so I don't think her success was attributed to her own capabilities. I disliked her for leaving ML without a proper discussion on their relationship.
3. Yang Shu Yu - Her dramatic acting was one-note. She should be in agony after finding out the truth about her father's death.
4. Chemistry - No chemistry between Yang Shu Yu & Liu Yu Hang.

Favourite scene
When Lu Jing Ran discovered FL & ML's relationship

Read More

Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

Read More

Romantic suspense that exceeded my expectations. Great acting, kisses and badassery

I knew of this drama when it was first released but never felt like watching it until today. I only recently watched & enjoyed Bai Xue Ru's acting. I was apprehensive with this drama at first because cop romantic suspense vertical dramas I watched were disappointing but not this one. Hunting Love exceeded my expectations.

Trigger warning: Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - I loved the performances by both Bai Xue Ru and Ma Xiao Yu because they matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Their emotional scenes had depth.
2. Writing - I was worried that this was going to be one of those "I can save a baddie / turn a baddie into a good person" but thankfully it wasn't. I really liked the plot twists.
3. Romance - Their kisses were passionate and fiery. Even though I knew FL shouldn't give into ML's taunts & charms, I still wanted them to kiss. There was good push & pull dynamics between them and later on, we could see that ML truly loved FL despite the betrayal.
4. Action - I had seen Ma Xiao Yu in fight scenes but damn Bai Xue Ru was fantastic in her action scenes. Definitely believable as an undercover agent. Both of them were badass!
5. Styling - I liked MXY's hairstyle & outfits for this drama. Good outfits were selected for BXR (loved the green dress) but that dress in the final scene wasn't nice.
6. Flashbacks - I usually questioned the use of many flashbacks but for this drama it was justifiable because I could see stark contrast between past and present and also felt FL's hatred for her parents' killer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 of them: ML's father and SML. I wish there were more scenes of ML's father and his atrocious crimes instead of being told he was an evil mastermind. I am still unclear about SML's motivation for his manipulation.
2. Aggression - I didn't like ML's aggressiveness towards FL. The chokehold seemed to be MXY's signature move.

Favourite scene
When FL was challenged to kiss a grumpy ML

Read More

I expected gritty revenge tale from ML's pov but FL got too much screentime

This drama had been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I don't know why I didn't feel like watching it immediately but today I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I must say I was disappointed by this drama - I expected more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that this drama is about ML seeking revenge for the death of his parents. He was smart, calculative and resourceful. However I don’t quite understand how he could have money & influence to blackmail and eventually own Zhou Group?
2. Supporting characters - FL's father was smart and I liked him a lot more than FL. Shu Qing, the other Zhou Group employee was likeable too.
3. Intimacy - Abundance of physical intimacy in this drama from fiery kisses to shower scene and bold dialogue. Even SML got a hot kissing scene. Anyway Wang Yi Lei excelled in onscreen kissing.
4. Styling - I liked that Wang Yi Lei looked rugged in this drama. I liked the asymmetrical jacket that he wore but oversized shirt & pants drowned him as he was very lean.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yi Lei and Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zhou father and son were evil.
2. Screentime - Typically in vertical dramas with FL seeking revenge, most of the screentime goes to FL planning & executing her revenge. Unfortunately this doesn't happen with this drama. I was dismayed that FL got a lot of screentime. I would have liked to see how ML come out with his revenge plan and why those people were targeted instead of FL's arc.
3. Wu Chun Yi - I understood that she was a Daddy's Little Princess but I didn't like her acting. Her facial expressions were not good so her acting was underwhelming.
4. Romance - There wasn't any chemistry between Wang Yi Lei & Wu Chun Yi. I didn't buy that ML really fell in love with FL because their relationshipnl was purely physical (well at least what was shown to us).
5. Repeat - I watched on iQIYI and scenes at the start of drama were repeated in the third act. Editing could be better by only giving glimpse of what transpired at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
Makeout session on the sofa

Read More

Great acting but overall the drama wasn't remarkable as I expected

I unsubscribed my paid Youku account and to take advantage of the grace period, I decided to watch this drama on the app. I am fine with dark & gritty dramas but Tear Night didn't quite meet my expectations.

Trigger warning: Self-harm, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by both of them. The emotional scenes packed a punch.
2. Revenge - She wanted revenge for the ill-treatment she got from her family & boyfriend. I liked that she used available resources i.e. ML.
3. Romance - The kisses were good and the development of their relationship was done well. I liked their tender moments.
4. Styling - FL wore a lot of black and her outfits were beautiful. ML wore fabulous clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her father was truly evil. He was fine with killing his own daughter and first wife.
2. Storytelling - I was disengaged a few times throughout the drama. The execution of her revenge plans didn't excite me. I accidentally dozed off but didn't need to rewind because nothing big happened.
3. ML's actions - I disliked that he self-harmed when he felt insecure about his relationship with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered ML's secret

Read More

Interesting story using twin trope but bland FL & lacklustre romance let me down

There is something about Ma Shi Yao that compels me to watch his dramas and update his MDL profile. I have always been intrigued by twin trope so I watched this drama. I didn't like it.

What I liked:
1. Twin trope - I liked how the trope was utilised in this story. It's not good vs evil twin like in most stories. Both made bad decisions.
2. Styling - I liked ML's outfits. Well lack of proper tops for Ma Shi Yao was good for me.
3. Opening scene - It was thrilling.
4. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant who happened to be woman.
5. Ma Shi Yao - I liked both characters that he played.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between Ma Shi Yao and the main actress. Her acting was underwhelming.
2. Romance - Lacklustre & underdeveloped. Scenes with supposed sexual tension lacked intensity to me.
3. FL characterisation - Bland. I couldn't connect to her so I didn't care much once second twin came into the picture. Her revenge plan was weak.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

Read More

Great styling, acting & first half. Second half was draggy for me

I came across this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. Members there raved about the new Wang Hao Zhen's drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lu Lu Lu as his leading lady. I think the last time I watched her drama was Zephyr Wafts and that was months ago. Overall I enjoyed this drama despite its long duration.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was tactical & persistent. Declaring FL as his girlfriend in front of his colleagues and showering them with gifts - bold move.
2. Romance - This drama combines two romance tropes: workplace romance & second chance romance. The first official encounter reminds me of American TV show Grey's Anatomy. Their romance was hot & fiery but shortlived when ML's ex made an appearance. ML tried his best to win her heart again and finally she relented.
3. Styling - I really liked the styling for Wang Hao Zheng in this drama. His hairstyle made him youthful and stylish looking. Lu Lu Lu looked chic & cool in her casual clothes. I noticed the kitten heels that she wore - guess she is tall & there isn't big height difference between her and WHZ.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her in the first city that she worked in. I liked that she dumped her ex immediately after finding out that he cheated on her. I also enjoyed watching the fun / light side of her.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the nurses at the first hospital.

What I disliked:
1. The breakup - I think at least one hour of the drama was on their break up & ML's reconciliation attempt. This arc was draggy and tiring with FL resisting ML's attempt for a second chance.
2. Second half - 3 hours was too much time for this romance-focused drama with no antagonist. The baddie in the drama is the couple themselves - ML for not being upfront about his past relationship & FL for resisting & resentment.
3. ML's ex - Her presence annoyed me. ML repeatedly told her that he wasn't interested in her anymore but she was self-absorbed & delusional.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene

Read More

Revenge tale with bad romance, paper-thin characters & plot

I was excited when I found out about this drama because I am a fan of both Chen Si Che and Yang Yu Bin. I was dismayed by this story as it did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Physical touch - Plenty of kisses in this drama although most seemed coerced.
2. Yang Yu Bin - Damn, he looked hot & very sexy shirtless. He could portray a character with tormented soul very well.
3. Styling - Perfect outfits for our leads. The disguise worn by FL was funny because there were unbelievable .
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Du Yu, ML's assistant & FL's two good friends.

Disliked:
1. Romance - It lacked development & mutuality. There was no genuine emotional connection between FL and ML. I wish they were honest with each other before halfway mark & had gone for partnership / alliance.
2. Revenge - FL's revenge plan wasn't clear. At times I forgot that she was seeking revenge for her sister.
3. ML's characterisation - He was mad, distrustful & unlikeable. I hated that he tortured FL.

Favourite scene
When FL went undercover by wearing a disguise

Read More

Sweet campus life drama that made me giggle & giddy

It's been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei drama. I like both his and Yao Yu Chen's acting so was delighted to see them paired up. I enjoyed this drama - giggled most of the time while watching.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sweet and kind girl. She sensed that ML was going through tough times so she cheered him up in secret - I really liked that!

2. ML characterisation - Cool, rich guy who was nice. I liked that he did go neanderthal when he started to develop crush on FL.
3. Romance - FL had crush on ML for years and huhu she even had spring dream about him. I liked how ML openly declared that he was pursuing FL as his girl. Their romance involved a lot of teasing & sweet gestures. There were some spicy moments.
4. Supporting characters - Their group of friends were awesome. They teased them a lot of times and it's amusing.
5. Acting - This is my first time watching Yao Yu Chen & Loang Si Wei playing cute roles and I liked it immensely. The supporting cast did well in their roles too.
6. Tone - Lighthearted, stress free drama. I liked that there was no "Ge Ge" cooing in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Parents - FL's parents neglected her and her mom seemed selfish. ML's father put too much pressure on him & was abusive.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL's feelings for him

Read More

A 'robot as companion' drama with good balance of comedy & drama & well-written character arcs

This is my third collab drama by married couple Bai Xin Yi & Zhu Yi Wei. I have always been fascinated by dramas with sci-fi elements so this drama caught my attention when it was talked about in a sub-reddit that I join. I did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this drama and this is my favourite drama by the couple.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - What an amazing arc! She was vulnerable but willing to face her challenges by accepting her friend's gift. She's kind but not a pushover.
2. ML characterisation - It's a weird idea but luckily ML wasn't a weirdo. He is Mr Nice Guy who had longtime crush on FL but didn't openly pursue FL because of her mental health issue.
3. Acting - Top notch acting by both Bai Xin Yi, Zhu Yi Wei and the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Zhu Yi Wei's robot expressions though there were times he was clearly not a robot but FL was oblivious.
4. Styling - Zhu Yi Wei always wore glasses in the dramas that I watched so it's nice to see him without glasses. Impeccable styling for him. I loved the packaging of the robot - the white suit was 👌🏼.
5. Writing - This drama had the perfect balance of comedy & drama. Thank you to the writer for not including clichés such as drugging, kidnapping, slapfest. I also liked that FL's love rival was given an arc.
6. Supporting cast - OMG I loved them all from FL's grandma & ML's parents to ML's assistant, FL's love rival and the Fangs.

What I disliked:
1. Spice - The drama was almost perfect except it lacked spicy scenes. I understand that some couples prefer not to have intimate scenes in their dramas.
2. Styling - I wish Bai Xin Yi was given better outfits for her everyday wear. She looked too homely against better styled Zhu Yi Wei.

Favourite scene
When FL disclosed to her love rival that ML was a robot

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More