emberzmars

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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Steamy start but FL didn't put much effort in her relationship with ML & the kids

I got to know this drama from my reddit friend the week of Halloween. The last time I watched short dramas that feature a mermaid / merman was back in May so I was excited. Unfortunately I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I enjoyed the fantasy elements like the appearance of ML's scales, tail and gills.
2. Kisses - Good kissing scenes. That opening scene was hot.
3. Styling - I liked the matching outfits they wore - the black business casual when ML showed dowry for FL and the white casual outfits when ML offered shoulder massage.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the twins. They always planned dates for their parents. I also liked ML's butler / subordinate.
5. Styling - I liked the merman outfit + VFX for merman scenes. I also liked FL's businesswear.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - They didn't spend a lot of time together and they always bickered & had misunderstandings. I felt FL didn't make much effort in their marriage.
2. FL characterisation - She was too focused on her career and her stepmother - I found her unlikeable.
3. Antagonists - SML was interested in the study of mermaids. I hated him for abducting the kids to lure ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Great first & second acts but third act ruined by unnecessary drama

I am a massive Huang Bo fan so I was excited to watch this drama when it was released. The drama started off with a bang with exciting first and second acts but seemed to run out of steam in the third act. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bubbly & flirty. Smart to approach ML for a safe space.
2. Romance - I liked the pacing from the start because of the banter between the leads. Good kisses with sexy intimate scenes. Hand-holding was sweet.
3. ML characterisation - He was prickly and sickly but warmed up to FL after her countless attempts to be nice to him. I liked that he strived to improve his leg condition. He also knew his boundaries with other women.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Qin secretary and ML's mother.
5. Styling - I wrote a reddit article about ML wearing black pleather jacket, white shirt, black tie & black trousers before this drama was released. Turned out Huang Bo too had worn this ensemble. I also liked FL's beautiful clothes.
6. Acting - I enjoyed Mai Tong & Huang Bo performances. They had good chemistry even though it wasn't fiery nor sizzling.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father & half-bro were the worst people in this drama. FL's family was horrible too. ML's ex girlfriend was pathetic.
2. ML's mother's action - Apparently the green tea saved ML mother's life. Asking ML to check on green tea's wellbeing crossed the line. She shouldn't feel obligated to fulfill green tea's request.
3. Third act - It became messy after Qin announcement. How I wish the writer had focused on Qin heir situation than on emotional cheating (FL hung out with a man at a club which I considered emotional cheating). Why ruined the good, stable relationship between FL and ML with this scenario???

Favourite scene
When ML worked hard on his leg treatment

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I loved ML's hairstyle in this time travel drama

I have to be honest - I am not a fan of Peng Yao's acting. I usually skip her dramas but this one caught my attention for two reasons: an unfamiliar actor in blonde / silver wig and a short running time. I decided to watch this drama and to my surprise, I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - What a great but a sad start. It definitely made me want to continue watching this drama.
2. Romance - This is a slowburn romance. I liked that FL didn't explicitly mentioned to ML that she came from the future. Since ML was young and a stranger to FL at this time, FL tried her best to earn his trust. Good kissing scenes.
3. Styling - I really really liked Wang Nian Jiang Cheng's hair - the silver / platinum blonde looked great on him!
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandmother.
5. Duration - The running time is less than 2 hours.
6. Confession - A good scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - At times the pacing was slow so I increased the speed during those scenes.

Favourite scene
When ML went to FL and kissed her

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Many entanglements but I liked the chemistry between leads and dynamic between FL and her brother

I was preparing a reddit post on Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. I liked her chemistry with Feng Xiang Kun in another drama so I chose this drama. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Good performances and insane chemistry between Zhao Mu Yan and Feng Xiang Kun. It was also a pleasure to see Wei Ruo Chen and Biscuit Lala acting in supporting roles.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother who was on her side the whole time.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL.
4. Plot - Interesting twist. I pity FL for the betrayal she faced.
5. Romance - Subtle and slow but I could sense the attraction growing between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's entanglement was horrible. ML's pursuer was nasty & possessive. FL's stepsis was insecure and pathetic.
2. Tone - At times I felt the drama moved slow and another time drama was melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother reassured her that he's on her side

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Better acting and romance element in this version of "assassin disguising as weak heiress" drama

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched Heiress of the Underworld aka Accidental Favourite before I watched this drama so I sort of knew what to expect. I must say I enjoyed this drama so much more than Heiress of the Underworld.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart and cunning. I liked her duality.
2. Romance - This drama has a stronger romance element. I liked the complicated relationship between FL and ML. Their first encounter was fascinating because FL outsmarted ML and their first kiss was hot.
3. Acting - I really liked Cui Xiao Xuan's acting because she managed to convey the two different personas of her character. She gave a better performance than Wang Xiao Yi. I also liked Song Yu Bo's acting. Good chemistry between the two of them.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's family especially the third brother. Always love a protective older brother.
5. Styling - I loved the contrasting style for FL's dual identity. The anime look was great on CXX.
6. Wedding - The surrender of weapons was funny moment! I also liked seeing the wedding as a gathering of FL's eccentric friends / allies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The Han family was horrible.
2. Screentime - I wish FL's brothers were given more screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL first appeared in her gangster persona and taught the baddie a lesson

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Tan Zhen Hao's very kissy in this drama about revenge against abusive family

I was intrigued by the poster and Tan Zhen Hao when I checked new releases on that day. I was unfamiliar with the main actress but decided to watch it anyway. I was surprised by a few things - I liked this drama a lot!

Trigger warning: violence.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart to go into a partnership with ML to enact revenge.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was compassionate and kind.
3. Romance - I was surprised by how kissy Tan Zhen Hao was in this drama because the other dramas I watched was sweet not spicy. I liked that there were affections & emotional intimacy in their relationship.
4. Alliance - I liked that partnership was formed to defeat the antagonists.
5. Acting - Both leads gave good performances. There was good chemistry between them so the romantic scenes were believable. I was moved when FL was surprised by ML's action.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL. Some people on youtube commented on the thick makeup on Tan Zhen Hao but he has always been pasty to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Abusive family. I couldn't believe they imprisoned her. Her ex fiance was nasty too. I also disliked Lu Si Yao a delusional &possessive woman who acted like a spoilt toddler.
2. FL's action - I didn't understand why would she return home knowing that she would be locked in the room.

Favourite scene
When FL was moved by ML's action

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Damn, ML was handsome and manly! Enjoyable 'I Marry My Ex's Father' drama

I am preparing a reddit post on vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I have already watched 3 versions of this plot with Huai Wen, Tao Si Yuan and Fan Xiao Dong as male leads. So I decided to watch this version. Despite being familiar with the plot, I enjoyed this version too.

What I liked:
1. Ning Hao Ran - Damn, he was handsome & manly. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. His MDL profile photo doesn't do him justice.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her character development. She started off powerless when she lived with her family but learned to be assertive.
3. Scolding - Damn, I loved her when she scolded her husband’s ex for being treating him as an ATM.
4. Romance - Sweet romance. I liked it when ML caressed FL's face & patted her head. Too bad there was only 1 brief kissing scene because I wanted to see his kisses.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Ah Cheng, FL's bodyguard.
6. The ending - Bookend style.
7. Styling - I really liked her clothes after she got married. They were elegant.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry - parents condoned their other daughter's affair with FL's boyfriend. SML Fun Chengyu was a spoilt brat & playful.
2. ML's ex - Another rotten character. I felt she had the biggest arc amongst the four adaptations I have seen.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded her husband’s ex-wife for being financially dependent on him

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Ridiculous contract relationship plot that I enjoyed a lot thanks to the good acting

I enjoy dramas about contract relationship so I got curious when a link to this drama was requested on subreddit CShortDramas. I noticed that it's available on iQIYI so I decided to watch it there. It's ridiculous but I loved it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sensible & charming. She understood the terms of her contract and abide by it. I loved her.
2. Romance - Damn, the kisses at the start of their relationship were hot even though ML claimed that he wasn't happy with the arrangement made by his mother. I liked that both did the chasing at different stages of their relationship.
3. ML characterisation - He was grouchy but most of the time a nice guy.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Wang, ML's mother, FL's brother.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performances and had good chemistry. They were able to express different emotions of their characters. I was moved during some scenes.
6. Plot - Ridiculous from having gazillion siblings to ML being tied to wheelchair during their marriage registration. However I enjoyed this sillyness.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's childhood friend was pathetic. I wish ML's mother hadn't feel obliged to allow her to stay with them.
2. Bullying - Gosh, she was bullied twice at the workplace. Thank gawd she fought back.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene and the morning after

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This zombie drama has heart & good performances

I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. A member there stated that this drama has Warm Bodies vibe. I love that zombie movie so I proceeded to watch. Love it!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - It was a funny drama with FL providing comic relief.
2. FL characterisation - She had empathy as shown during the bus attack scene, the kindness she showed towards ML. I also enjoyed seeing the different sides of FL: bubbly, scaredy cat, serious.
3. ML characterisation - He was an alpha. I liked that he could think despite having the zombie virus. That last four minutes of the drama caught me by surprise.
4. Zombies - Hahaha it was cool to see community of zombies that still have a functioning supermarket. The plot twist surprised me.
5. Confrontation - The final confrontation between ML and antagonist in a crowd of people was a touching scene.
6. Romance - Slow but satisfying. Good kisses. I was even surprise that there was a safe sex reminder.
7. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's parents for being progressive. I also liked ML's zombie buddies - they were amusing.
8. Acting - Superb acting by Ming Xin Huan. He gave a restraint performance in his facial expression & body movements but his eyes were expressive.
9. Labubu - A Labubu figurine hangs from her backpack, echoing the drama’s eerie-but-adorable tone — equal parts horror and youthful hope.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's schoolmates were nasty for abadoning her twice. That vapid girl was self-absorbed too.
2. Ending - I didn't like that final minute of the drama.

Favourite scene
When antagonist tried to reveal ML's identity in front of a crowd of people

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Inspired by When the Phone Rings but my gosh the writing & acting were poor

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang dramas so I picked this one because it was short. It turns out that this drama was inspired by kdrama When the Phone Rings. That's my favourite drama from last year so I had some expectations for this drama. This drama is literally fated to sink - I was utterly disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Great kissing scenes courtesy of Xie Yu Wang.
2. Actor's set - FL was an actress who got a role in a movie / tv drama. I actually enjoyed the filming scenes. She deserved to be scolded by director in the first shoot for not taking her wedding ring off.
3. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant.
4. Length - Thank gosh this drama was less than 100 minutes. I did increase speed to finish it quickly.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I knew she was young but my gosh I found her childish and silly. She was unhappy with ML's tracking her moves (rightfully so) therefore retaliated by pranking him. She
deliberately sought a phone & technology to do so.
2. Romance - I didn't buy it at all with FL's immature behaviour. There were a lot of assumptions made by both side - they hardly communicated.
3. Plot - Some elements were borrowed from the kdrama e.g. forced marriage, special phone, pranking, threats via intimate photos / info. While I appreciated that this drama isn't a carbon copy of WTPR, the writing itself is poor. I was disengaged the moment FL staged a kidnapping.
4. Acting - The main actress's performance was bad. She played an actress who got leading role but my gosh she was not charismatic nor outstanding. There wasn't chemistry with Xie Yu Wang.
5. Antagonists - FL's mother was despicable for selling FL to settle her debt. I also disliked the lady who seduced ML.

Favourite scene
When FL was scolded by the director for not taking off her wedding ring

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Entertaining romcom about sisters and their husbands

I enjoy The Canaries Are Escaping Again so when I saw this poster on release day, I had high hopes. I didn't know any of the cast but that was fine. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Main couple - Wow, there were plenty of kissing & playful banter between the main couple. They got along well and genuinely liked each other.
2. Acting - Wu Yi Qiao, Hou Peng Yan and Niu Jing Jie were great in their roles. There was chemistry between Wu Yi Qiao and Hou Peng Yan.
3. FL characterisation - She was bubbly and charming. I liked that she couls get out of the kidnapping.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was patient and nice. He knew his wife so well that he pursued her for explanation after she left.
5. Lunch - That lunch with the girl who disliked the sisters was funny. Serves her right for wanting to sabotage the sisters.
6. Livestream - Those scenes were entertaining. I laughed out loud during the kidnapping.
7. Styling - That black pleather-white shirt-black tie-black trousers combo looked good on Hou Peng Yan. Funny because I had seen that combo worn by Qian Zhe, Cao Tian Kai, He Cong Rui. I also liked the clothes worn by SFL.

What I disliked:
1. Secondary couple - I liked that both were career-focused and had serious personality. However I was dismayed that there wasn't affection between them even in their converations.
2. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between SFL & SML. SML is the least developed character so pity that the actor didn't have much to do with his character.
3. Antagonist - Sh2 was jealous of FL. Glad she got her comeuppance.
4. FL's action - I was irritated when she decided to separate from her husband just because her older sister was doing it first. Such a kid!

Favourite scene
Lunch at the restaurant with the antagonist

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