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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Bitterness, partnership & empowered female are the best words to describe this drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and was recommend this drama by a member of subreddit CShortDramas. This is my first drama of Qiao Yao Na & Zhang Chi so no expectations. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool & intelligent. Never intimidated by bullies and always fight for those unable to protect themselves. I enjoyed her arc.
2. ML characterisation - There was a mystery to the character. I liked that he idolised FL because of past interaction. A promising young person who had a good moral compass.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits worn by FL because they exuded confidence.
4. Antagonist - This drama has a formidable antagonist - her ex. I liked the arc given to the antagonist.
5. Acting - Great performances by Qiao Yao Na, Zhang Chi & the actor who played FL's ex.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Why??? I want part 2.
2. Romance - There was a magnetic pull between ML and FL but romance wasn't in the cards for them this time. If there is a second part, I hope there is fully fledge romance story for them.

Favourite scene
The car park scene

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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

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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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Cool & intelligent Rong Yu and her good-looking great grandsons

I watched part 1 a few days ago and was blown away by the quality of production (writing, acting & directing). I decided to watch this drama as part of my preparation for a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas. I enjoyed part 2 very much!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top notch acting by the cast, which had 2 new additions: Wu Tian Hao & Wang Dao Tie. My favourite is Wang Pei Yan - he was amazing at portraying a rascal and that heartwarming lesson of humility.
2. Jinchuan's arc - My favourite arc. I liked how Rong Yu's instincts were right and she was quick to investigate.
3. Styling - My favourite is Wu Tian Hao's outfits. They managed to give different looks for his character's before and after. I also liked Wang Dao Tie's outfits though I don't quite understand why must he be punished while being shirtless huhuhu.
4. Supporting characters - Great to see Butler Yu , Duoduo and Mr Ji's childhood rival again.
5. Visuals - Attractive cast. Rong Yu has attractive great-grandsons.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I felt tired by the mother-daughter duo. Daughter was a spoilt brat who didn't appreciate hard-earned money. Hope season 3's antagonist is a new character.
2. Zeng Hui - He had a cameo but his face is in the poster. I wish they had Qu Gang in the poster too. Anyway his character was too small to bear any significance.

Favourite scene
When Rong Yu introduced the Jis to Jinchuan

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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

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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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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

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Plenty of kisses, affections and likeable leads in this story of longtime crush

I decided to watch this drama after reading positive review on sub-reddit CShortDramas. Both Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin were unfamiliar to me. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this story - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In most vertical dramas, FL is shy or skittish with ML for a long time. I liked that Jin Wu was quick to accept ML's feelings for her and then reciprocated his love. Awesome doctor as well.
2. Romance - This is a romance-heavy drama and I love it! Plenty of kisses and affections between the couple. I liked that their relationship was harmonious right from the start - no misunderstanding / assumptions, no fighting / no playing hard to get.
3. ML characterisation - Duan Shi Yan was a total green flag character. A devoted partner who isn't intimidated by a career-focused woman. He pined over FL for many years but never aggressive in his wooing. He respected her by giving her the power to decide when they should have sex.
4. Acting - First time watching Cao Qian Yi and Li You Lin's acting and I liked it very much. They had great chemistry too.
5. Styling - I loved FL's red dress!
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's family (grandma, parents) for being so welcoming towards FL. ML's friends were a good bunch too. I also liked patient An An and ML's dog

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex who is the SML was despicable - expecting a child with his mistress whilst on romantic relationship with FL. Another person I disliked is FL's mother. She was selfish, insecure & status hungry she was willing to sacrifice FL's happiness.

Favourite scene
When ML was coquettish with FL acting drunk & dizzy in front of his friends

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Earnest performances and great chemistry by the leads made this drama an enjoyable watch!

I was intrigued with this drama because of MDL user Raiana's positive review. I think I didn't notice this drama when it was a new release because the main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. Glad Raiana's review caught my attention because I really enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow their first intimate encounter was hot though I didn't like that it was drug-induced. I liked that FL acknowledged her growing feelings for ML when they were intimate the second time. There were many passionate kisses. I also loved their normal couple interactions such as texting, having conversation about work.
2. Acting - For unknown leads, Wang Yan Yang & Gao Rui Ting did a great job portraying their characters. They were able to demonstrate characters' insecurities and concerns. They also had great chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that ML was earnest & kind. He was never about favours when wanting to help FL. It's also great to see ML who had his own challenges to overcome as it provided depth to his character.
4. FL characterisation - She had trust issues and I understood her actions especially when it came to her love life. I liked that she was clear about separating personal stuff from work.
5. Supporting characters - SML is a scumbag but gosh he was surrounded by sensible people. I really liked his assistant & well-dressed, handsome best friend who were truthful to him about the changing dynamics between ML and FL. I also liked Tian Hao, ML's assistant. Pudding was so adorable!

Disliked:
1. Antagonists - This drama has the most antagonists in a vertical drama: FL's parents, FL's adopted sister, FL's love rival / SML's white moonlight, ML's grandmother, ML's white moonlight. The ones that I hated the most are FL's father & ML's grandmother. Both were money- and power-hungry and always scheming. I can't believe FL's father for treating his daughter like a chest piece. FL's adopted sister was petulant and like a kid trying to be grown up.
2. Styling - ML needs better hairstyling. OMG why was his fringe uneven? Tian Hao ML's assistant had better hairstyle than him.

Favourite scene
The morning after when FL realised her growing feelings for ML

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Amnesia, reconciliation and ML's character growth are the essence of this drama

I watched this drama during the early months of vertical drama exploration. I think I chose this drama because of the amnesia trope.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked him at first because he was cold, distant & aggressive towards his wife. Then his personality changed after the car accident. He became charming & serious about his marriage. I also liked that he set boundaries against the green tea.
2. Romance - Mostly sweet & tender moments with ML trying to win over FL's heart. I liked their dynamics since they worked together to punish ML's brother.
3. Acting - I enjoyed the acting of Qiao Jia Le & Zhang Xing Yao. Both of them had great chemistry and I hope to watch them collab again the future.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for being on FL's side.
5. Tone - I enjoyed this lighthearted drama. I also liked that this drama was under 1 hour 45 minutes.
6. Styling - I loved FL's makeup because it looked natural. I am big fan of peter pan collar so that blue '80s inspired blazer was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents & brother were horrible people. Green tea was narcissist & delusional - ML clearly stated that he's married. Office bullying is not cool.
2. Threat - I hate it when ML of vertical drama threatens a character to be sent to Africa as punishment.

Favourite scene
When ML tried to be intimate after drinking soup

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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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Well balanced romance mystery drama with combustible chemisty & amazing acting

I chose to watch this drama because of Raiana's positive review and my mood for something steamy. This is my first drama that has both Chen Jing He and Cui Shi Yi together. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I have watched drama starring real couple but the chemistry just didn't translate well on screen. Not this one - damn what a sizzling chemistry! The first intimate encounter was damn spicy. Their kisses 🔥. I liked how affectionate they were with each other.
2. Ethics - I liked how ethics was a core theme in this drama from the time FL's decision to support the disadvantaged clients to SFL's decision to do what's right by law.
3. Dynamics - I loved the dynamics between ML and his subordinate / friend - they provided much needed comic relief. I also liked the secondary romance.
4. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate is the MVP of thos drama!
5. Language - There is a significant amount of dialogue in Cantonese and I found it wonderful to hear. However I was surprised by the use of certain English words in the drama.
6. Antagonists - I really enjoyed their arc.
7. Styling - Girl, Cui Shi Yi was freaking hot especially in those shorts! Most of the cast wore wonderful outfits.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - What is that supposed to mean???

Favourite scene
When FL took ML to her house for the first time

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