emberzmars

Sports meets noona romance

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

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

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

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

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I ❤️ this republican era revenge tale because of leads' performance & chemistry

I have been a fan of Wang Zi Jia ever since I watched her in a mini drama titled First Choice. So I remember adding this drama to my playlist upon its release. I don't know why I didn't watch it immediately but yesterday I allocated time to watch this after reading comments by my reddit friends. I ❤️ it, more than the modern era version "Tear Night". I want to see more of Xu Yue in ML roles.

Trigger warning: Self-harm.

What I liked:
1. Acting - "Zhuo Mu" or its English title "Stupid Admiration" was excellent because of the leads. Wang Zi Jia showcased good amount of pity, mischief & reassurance through her character. Xu Yue blew my mind with his performance - his eyes were so expressive I could sense his love for her. The chemistry between Wang Zi Jia & Xu Yue was sizzling.
2. Romance - Possessive love that was masked with sweet love and ha I could accept it! Both were crazy for each other. Abundance of spicy & tender moments. The kisses, hugs, eye contact gave me the feels.
3. Setup - It felt like a typical republican era mini drama especially with forced love trope at the start. Those shackles at the start of the drama especially. Good production values.
4. FL characterisation - She was betrayed by her loved ones and when given second chance at life, she went ahead with revenge. I liked the punishment she concocted.
5. ML characterisation - He was protective and yearning for her love. Insecure but I found him more tolerable than Yao Guan Yu's ML in Tear Night (he made me distressed).
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's righthand man & butler / caretaker. That wedding scene was touching.
7. Duration - This drama was under 2.5 hours. Well-paced with right balance of romance and revenge.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family and ex-fiance were atrocious. Great that they got retribution.

Favourite scene
Bathtub

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Yowza, spicy drama but a lot of family mess

This drama made it to my watchlist when it was released but I kept forgetting to watch it until it appeared on IQIYI. I decided to watch it few days ago and I must say what a wacky drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Zhang Yu Tian was gorgeous and the outfits she wore were fantastic. I loved the red dress she wore at the start. Her black and white dress also matched with Zhang Bei Xi's outfits. He got great clothes too.
2. Romance - Steamy with gazillion kisses. They were hot for each other. That shower scene yowza!
3. Acting - I enjoyed performances by both leads and Wen Zhi Cheng. Combustible chemistry between Zhang Yu Tian and Zhang Bei Xi. Damn, I wonder what Lin Rui Xue thought of this drama. Anyway I think there is implicit trust between ZYT & ZBX since this isn't their first collaboration.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant for his loyalty. FL's friend was good too.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she didn't give a rat's ass about wealth especially during the search for long-lost heiress. I loved that she called the police for the donation fraud.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Too many baddies including family members. FL's family was horrible for abandoning FL after DNA test while ML's family was controlling. Xiao Xiao was insecure woman always jealous of FL. Jin Ming Yue was possessive.
2. Third arc - The split personality arc was introduced in the last 12 episodes. I wished it was introduced in second arc to give some breather.

Favourite scene
Shower scene and morning after

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Sizzling chemistry & good acting in this other version of My Little Lover

It was a Sunday afternoon and I was deciding wbich vertical drama to watch when I came across this title on YouTube. I enjoyed it a lot and good thing this already has MDL page. I am surprised that this drama is another version of My Little Lover, which is one of my favourites.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, she transmigrated but I liked that she was self-assured and confident. She stood on equal footing as ML in terms of social status - she was an heiress not a poor, helpless woman.
2. ML characterisation - This drama gave more time to ML's arc. He was smitten by FL from the first sight and I liked his cunning ways to get FL to stay by his side.
3. Romance - It started with a one-night stand that later progressed into boss-employee relationship then lovers. I loved how affectionate and tender they were with each other. In most dramas, FLs tend to be more dependent on ML but here I sensed co-dependence.
4. Acting - It was great to see Li He Yuan in a ML role and he nailed it. Sheng Chen was convincing in her role and together they had sizzling chemistry.
5. Styling - Kudos to styling for choosing those outfits for ML. He was handsome and less stuffy looking. FL's outfits were ok but the short dress she wore to a wedding was too casual.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brothers and ML's assistant.
7. Writing - I never realised that this is another version of My Little Lover until I discovered this MDL page. I didn't make the connection so kudos to the writer for giving a different twist to my favourite story. I never felt bored while watching this version.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The guy FL had a crush on & FL's cousin were horrible. So were FL's parents.

Favourite scene
When FL complained about being at work 24 hours

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Great kissing scenes but bland acting by supporting cast

My friend thehepburn notified me of this vertical drama and the different versions back in December. I got bored on Chinese New Year so I looked up iQIYI and found this drama. I liked it but I love version 1 with Wang Chen Peng & Lin Zi Xuan.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were plenty of intimate scenes in this drama. FL often got pushed to the bed but my favourite scene is when she took charge. I loved it when they were at ease with each other. Hand holding was adorable.
2. Acting - Xia Ning Jun & Yu Yu Tong gave a good performance. They were a gorgeous couple & had sizzling chemistry. I also liked He Lian Fei's performance - his aura was as strong as the main leads
3. FL characterisation - This version of FL teased ML a lot, great to see her flirt with hubby. She was also cool & collected.
4. ML characterisation - I liked his protectiveness over ML. He was smart & observant - his reactions towards FL's quips were adorable.
5. Styling - Both of them were elegant. Their outfits really elevated them to look like a power couple.
6. Supporting characters - It was great to see Wen ge ge given airtime. That scene when he met FL after the debacle was touching. I also liked Lu Jing Huai in this version. He seemed level-headed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yan Zhao was pathetic for playing victim.
2. Acting - The supporting cast gave rather bland performances. In the first version, I felt strong emotions when FL's biological mother and Yan Zhao appeared on screen. In this drama, they felt insignificant.

Favourite scene
Bathtub scene

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Slow burn but good kisses. Felt the pairing was missing spark

I watched this drama because I like both Du Ya Fei & Liu Xi Yu acting. I watched it within 1 or 2 days of its release. I thought this drama was just ok - I felt like Du Ya Fei and Liu Xi Yu pairing was missing spark.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slow burn but full of affection. They were not shy about kissing once married.
2. Acting - I liked the performance by DYF and LXY. I liked his expression during the ending. They had good enough chemistry for their role.
3. ML characterisation - I knew she had a crush on her right fro'm the start. He was protective, nurturing & respectful.
4. FL characterisation - Sweet & nice even though she was young.
5. Ending - It was so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. SML - He was a scumbag for cheating on FL then wanting to get back with FL. Thankfully his character grew up.
2. Mixed signal - I liked FL's adopted brother but his arc felt a little like a potential love rival.
3. Antagonist - Supposedly betrothed ML fiancee was annoying. The mistress was annoying too.

Favourite scene
When ML made an excuse to stay over at FL's childhood home

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Too many antagonists made me lost interest in this drama

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to write a reddit post on my favourite dramas by Zhao Mu Yan. I love her drama with Feng Xiang Kun so I was on a mission to find the best collab. Unfortunately this wasn't my favourite collab drama between the two.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In the first 20 minutes of the drama, she gave off Harley Quinn vibe with the styling and demeanor. She kicked butt and saved the boy. I liked her very much.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked the boy and ML's assistant.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary, cautious and cunning,
4. Romance - I could feel the tension even though romance scene wasn't heavy nor intense.
5. Styling - I really liked FL's styling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were too many of them: ML's envious relatives (sadly this included the grandparent), FL's family (typical father favouring new wife & daughter), possessive family friend & her mother. I lost interest in this drama once the green tea claimed ML was hers.
2. Grandmother - I disliked her for forcing ML to marry someone whose family she "owned" her life to. She should settle her own debt.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML first kissed & ML wanted more

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When Song Zhao Ye was in the pool

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The tennis / squash match

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When FL kissed ML at his house

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Sweet & protective "mob boss" with hardworking & humble FL

I saw the teaser trailer on reddit and was intrigued. I had not seen many Zhou Ling Feng's drama so I decided to watch this drama a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & protective. They started off with good vibes and held hands a lot. I liked very much!
2. FL characterisation - She was smart, hardworking & humble.
3. ML characterisation - He was supportive of his wife. Loving & protective.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man (he looked intimidating but turned out to be a nice dude). I also liked ML's grandmother, mother and their nosy but kind neighbour. I also liked the mob squad.
5. Ending - Nice twist.
6. Styling - I liked the clothes picked for both FL & ML. They made both baby-faced leads more attractive.
7. Identity - I liked how hidden identity was presented as a conflict and later solved.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex and his mistress were nasty. She was envious of FL. No integrity. I also disliked the snobbish heiress who liked ML.

Favourite scene
When ML was admitted to ER at hospital

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No chemistry, unlikeable main characters & nonsensical romance

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

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

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

Favourite scene
Opening

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Outgoing reporter FL meets icy police officer ML in an engaging drama about police work

I was perusing new releases when this drama poster caught my attention. The names of the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I felt compelled to watch and thank gosh I did because this drama was refreshing. I enjoyed it immensely. I wish there was another adaptation of this story because the plot was wonderfully written.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shameless flirt but she got depth. She worked as a reporter and I enjoyed those scenes revolving her work.
2. ML characterisation - Icy cold team captain at the police station. Mr No nonsense.
3. Romance - FL chases ML with ML rejecting her advances until one day he realised he liked her. After that moment, ML made a lot of effort to win FL's heart.
4. Writing - One of the best written vertical dramas. Both characters had depth in their personal and professional lives.
5. Acting - Good performances but I think Chen Zhen Ni could add more emotional expressions when her character was conflicted. Good chemistry between her and Xiang Yang.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The self-proclaimed fiancee of ML. She was a doctor who was jealous of FL and wouldn't mind harming FL because she was possessive of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML passed out after looking for FL

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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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