emberzmars

Electric chemistry between the leads led to my enjoyment of angst-filled melodrama

I watched this drama a few weeks ago when I was in vertical drama slump. Saw that Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were the leads so I clicked Play on my iQIYI app. Wow, what a rollercoaster ride. I certainly experienced different emotions but overall I like this drama. I have watched Bai Yan & Wang Yi Ran's other collaboration but I like this one more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I had never seen Wang Yi Ran cried so much until I watched this drama. Brilliant performances by both him and Bai Yan. Amazing chemistry and I think they brought out the best out of each other.
2. Angst - I don't usually enjoy angst-filled melodrama but this one is an exception because of the acting.
3. FL characterisation - I didn't like that she staged a cheating scene to break up with ML in order to protect him. However her character grew on me once we learned about her struggles. I liked that she was adamant about clearing her father's name.
4. ML characterisation - Pitiful lover who later became vengeful but mellowed down once he calibrated the situation.
5. Romance - Tumultuous post divorce. The tension was high once FL reappeared in ML's life and what a love journey. I could sense love and passion between them two.
6. Supporting characters - I liked their child and FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's family friend / supposedly fiancee was annoying jealous b. Daddy's princess who thought she could get away with bad things. Her father / ML's benefactor was cunning too. I disliked him for being selfish.
2. ML's action - I thought it was silly that he never knew about the downfall of FL's family much earlier.

Favourite scene
When ML learned the truth about FL's situation

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Han Dong & He Zi Yi were believable as a couple

I was in the mood for Han Dong dramas after writing about his venture into vertical drama space. This drama is my second vertical drama starring Han Dong. Wow, i enjoyed this very much. It was great to see Han Dong as ML with romance arc because he still got the sex appeal at 45 years old.

Trigger warning: Rape, Suicide, Violence

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was assertive & confident - I like those traits in FL. She was also a great friend.
2. Romance - At the start of drama, their relationship was tumultuous with FL breaking up with ML & going abroad. Their reconciliation started off rocky (blamed it on ML's approach) but once they were on the same page, they were affectionate and had better communication. Great kisses, wow!
3. ML characterisation - I thought he was a scumbag for his remarks & rough approach but he turned out to be ok.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Lin Jing Xuan but gosh pity her for the obstacles she faced. At first I liked ML's friend who was a tattletale but later disliked him for not pursuing his true love.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performance and the chemistry was very good. There was a big real-life age difference (21 years) but I did not notice because He Zi Yi portrayed FL with such maturity.
6. Styling - I likee the outfits worn by FL & ML. He Zi Yi has legs for days!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zheng Zhen Yu l, ML's fiancee arranged by their families, was a maniac & spoilt heiress. She needed psychiatric treatment. I also hated Lin Yi Ran for his treatment towards Lin Jing Xuan. FL's mother was horrible but later on mellowed.
2. Wrap up - I didn't like how Lin Yi Ran was wrapped up because I thought he took the easiest way out.

Favourite scene
ML was cuddling FL then his father entered the hospital room

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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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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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Earnest & heartfelt performance won me over

I gravitate towards Chinese vertical dramas since last year and with iQIYI expanding their catalogue, I discovered this title there. I only watched a handful of K verticals and most of them were meh despite handsome leading men. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG I loved that FL is an heiress too so she had equal status to ML in terms of social standing. She was down-to-earth & hardworking. I liked that she worked at another company instead of at family business.
2. ML characterisation - Sweet & nice guy. I liked that he was genuinely concerned about FL.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a meetcute. I liked that they made a deal and then remained respectful of each other. I also liked the progress of their relationship. Their first intimate scene was hot.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and FL's butler.
5. Acting - Earnest & heartfelt performances. I really liked their chemistry.
6. Plot - Nothing new because I have seen too many C verticals but the plot of this drama was executed well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Stealing credit isn't cool.

Favourite scene
When they realised their feelings for each other

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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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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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Surprised by how much I liked this drama and the pairing between Ma Le Jie and Xie Yu Wang

I watched this drama as part of a reddit assignment about Xie Yu Wang's dramas. I have to be honest - I didn't like Ma Le Jie's acting at first because she often portrayed damsels but I liked two or three that I watched recently. So I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Surprisingly funny & lighthearted.
2. FL characterisation - She wasn't forgiving nor easy to be bullied. I liked her protective nature.
3. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Protective too.
4. Romance - He fell for her first but she didn't resist his charms like other FLs - I liked! Their first intimate encounter was great moment. I also enjoyed their tender moments.
5. Length - Less than 100 minutes.
6. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was amusing & helpful.
7. Acting - Good performances by both MLJ & XYW. They had very good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family especially half-sister whom I found pathetic. ML's bai yue guang was delusional together with her father.

Favourite scene
When FL was upset & uncertain about ML's true feelings for her

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Cute unplanned pregnancy drama with likeable main characters

The trailer caught my attention - I saw it in subreddit CShortDramas. When I saw that this drama was in iQIYI catalogue, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I am a fan of unplanned pregnancy trope so I enjoyed this drama. There were sweet & spicy moments even during pregnancy which I enjoyed.
2. Tone - Lighthearted.
3. Main characters - Likeable and cute. I liked watching FL grew stronger. I also liked the fact that ML experienced morning sickness.
4. Supporting character - I liked Shen Yue. The Labubu cameo was adorable!
5. Styling - FL got cute wardrobe.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - So many bullies from former high school mate, colleagues to mother and ML's family friend.
2. Retribution - ML's family friend was only given light punishment.
3. Ending - It was abrupt.

Favourite scene
When FL saw beautiful painting in living room

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