emberzmars

Lighthearted comedy about couple afraid of communicating their true feelings

I watched this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. I had never seen Yu Lun Hao dramas before so I was curious about the pairing. Overall, I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Light hearted comedy.
2. Acting - This drama allowed Han Jia Hui to shine because of the comedic moments. Yu Lun Hao also gave good performance. I like their chemistry.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was a surprise - she was skeptical of FL but once she met her, she liked her instantly. I also liked her bestie (the actress looked like same actresswho played HJH's bestie in Midsummer Love Story), assistant Lin, ML's father.
4. Romance - A lot of kisses although at times they felt a way for ML to avoid confrontations. ML loved to carry FL princess style. There were also tender moments for example FL cooking for ML, office antics.
5. Styling - I loved FL's outfits because they suited her skintone. However her bestie kept wearing the same mustard dress.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Lu Ming was a snob.
2. Communication - Their bodies were more honest about their feelings than their mouths / hearts. The lack of frank conversations frustrated me.
3. ML's action - I found ML to be controlling and it was off-putting.

Favourite scene
When FL first met ML's mother

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Lighthearted rom-com vertical drama inspired by My Demon

After so many duds this week, I decided to watch a drama with my favourite trope: supernatural / fantasy. I had not watched Zhang Jian Yi dramas in a while and to my surprise, I hadn't watched Yang Peng Cheng dramas even though I could recognise his face in a line up of vertical drama actors. I watched this drama on iQIYI - I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I really liked the fantasy element used in this drama, which is heavily inspired by Kdrama My Demon. The visual effects were mostly good.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted with many comedic moments. Thankfully it didn't go the slapstick humour route like My Demon.
3. Romance - Slow and subtle. They got into a marriage of convenience to help each other with their personal quest. There were sweet moments with some kisses although I wish they had gone stronger with their co-dependency / alliance. I liked the fact that ML fell for FL first.
4. Antagonists - This is a story of inheritance dispute so evil relatives are a must. There were 3 - 4 antagonists and I felt each antagonist was given good arc to keep viewers vested in the family drama.
5. Styling - I really liked the clothes worn by Yang Peng Cheng in this drama. Like a cool, deity version of Netflix animated movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
6. Supporting characters - Butler Wu was awesome! He was not just his employee, he was ML's confidant.
7. Ending - I really liked the final episode - that dialogue between ML and Butler Wu was powerful. And of course the final scene.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - The pacing seemed a bit off after the evil ladies were killed off from the story. I think that happened around episode 50 something. There were romantic scenes before the final twist was unveiled. It just felt off for me.
2. Acting - I think both Zhang Jin Yi and Yang Peng Cheng did fine in their roles but they lacked romantic chemistry. They felt more like buddies.

Favourite scene
When FL was extremely sad thinking about her grandfather and then hugged ML

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I disliked the weird plot but must say Jiang Song was the best part of this drama

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama because the poster was quite striking & the drama was quite popular when it was fresh release. I didn't know what to expect when I clicked play and when the drama ended, I felt disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Jiang Song - He was the most fascinating character in this drama. Wonderfully portrayed by Li Xing Lin - he was charismatic and had strong screen presence.
2. Suitors - I am always disappointed with vertical dramas that have multiple suitors because of the lack of character development. Not this drama - Li Ming Lan & Jiang Song had strong arcs with the other two was ok despite shorter screentime. The ensemble worked well together and I loved watching their dynamics.
3. Production - High production value. Drama looked sleek & expensive.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's Assistant Wang. I also liked the youngest suitor.
5. Visuals - The suitors & Li Yuan were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Charade - Such a complicated charade concocted by Li Ming Lan and agreed by FL to make Li Ming Lan's white moon light jealous. From the fake marriage to fake pregnancy, I found both Li Ming Lan & FL were dumb.
2. Banquet - ML's grandfather's birthday banquet was a mess! From the silly buddhist beads debate to the swimming pool incident - gosh it was ridiculous.
3. Main characters - I didn't like both FL & ML. As said earlier FL was dumb & ML was too bland.
4. Romance - Longtime crush made complicated. Their romance was rooted in nostalgia.
5. Shen Zhi Zhi - She did so much mess but was not punished. I also didn't get the need to fundraise for her lab - why must it involved Li Ming Lan's friends.

Favourite scene
When FL returned to her family home after "breaking up" with Li Ming Lan

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Great start to this drama about dog curse but the writing & execution lacked finesse

I am always fascinated with fantasy / supernatural genre in vertical dramas and the word 'dog' is in the title. So this drama definitely caught my attention when it was a fresh release. After reading positive comments on youtube and reddit, I decided to watch it. It was enjoyable despite the plot hole.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Great push and pull dynamic. It was cheeky of writer to add "leash". "petting" and "dog in heat" into its screenplay because that definitely created heat for this drama. First time I saw this real life couple in steamy scenes.
2. Dog plot device - I loved every single scene with dogs from glass-wearing golden retriever to bring-your-dog-to-work policy. It was also touching that this drama was about FL's dog.
3. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man, a fiercely loyal employee of the Yan family. Henry the business rival was not bad too. Last but not least, I loved the golden retriever and the dobermann.
4. Antagonist - Thank gawd the antagonist was not bai yue guang with non-stop "Ge Ge". This drama had a good antagonist arc - he wanted to take over as the company's CEO. Even secondary antagonist's arc was satisfying.
5. Tone - Lighthearted and some comedic moments.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - I don't know why Bai Xin Yi often wear unflattering clothes in her dramas. In this drama, she looked like plain jane when in work clothes. I hated her shoes - wearing mary jane with socks is no no for me.
2. Kidnapping - This scene lacked tension and was poorly shot.
3. Ending - Abrupt. I was bummed that there was no reference to ML's father.

Favourite scene
When the dog curse was first introduced to the audience

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Sweet romance between go getter FL and fox ML (he's a magical creature)

I was drawn to this drama because the translated title implies fox husband. I enjoy fantasy dramas so I watched it. I liked this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the fox arc. The appearance of his tail and his powers were delight to watch, especially that opening scene.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that he wanted to cook & do housekeeping. He was loyal, protective and loving towards FL.
3. FL characterisation - Smart & go-getter. I also liked that she was kind - that's what attracted ML.
4. Romance - I liked how their relationship progressed. There was a good balance of sweet, tender and spicy moments.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's secretary Fu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Sister was incompetent, greedy with nasty personality. I couldn't believe she wouldn't mind harming her sister just to accomplish her goal. She had too much screentime. I also disliked FL's grandfather for his biased judgement. The fox princess was another annoying character.
2. Hidden identity - I wish ML had come clean about his fox identity sooner. I also wished that they had formed partnership to bring down Rou Xue.

Favourite scene
The opening scene

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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

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Well-written & acted crime thriller drama with a huge dose of bromance

I have to admit that it’s been months since I last watched a Shen Hao Nan drama. I have never seen Cai Xin Yang’s work before plus the fact that this drama is tagged as Thriller and Mystery got me excited. It was hard to get links to drama with English subtitles, I almost gave up. Thankfully Jwells shared links to this drama. I loved it!

What I liked:
1. Cai Xin Yang - I have to be honest - I was captivated by Cai Xin Yang’s performance and looks. Oh, I found Cai Xin Yang sexy! I don’t remember seeing a vertical actor looking mighty FINE in jeans paired with white shirt or black shirt. Those arms! It was also great to see Cai Xin Yang doing action scenes.
2. Chen Ye characterisation - He got the grittiness, pessimism and quick-to-take-action qualities I expect in a police character. I also liked that he wasn’t a perfect cop. There were moments when he was not thinking objectively. That’s normal because cops are humans too.
3. Jiang Yan Bai characterisation - His character fascinated me: i) his personality was a contrast to Chen Ye’s personality, ii) his relationship with Chen Ye and Chen Ye's brother. Given his profession, Jiang Yan Bai analysed the situation first before providing insights but he never pushed the police to accept his views just because he had academic qualifications (you know how stuffy professors can be). He had the quiet confidence which complemented Detective Chen Ye’s more commanding presence.
4. Acting - I mentioned earlier about enjoying Cai Xin Yang's performance. He is lesser known in the world of vertical drama but he had charisma to be the first lead! I really enjoyed Shen Hao Nan’s performance - this is my favourite role of his. The supporting cast especially the three police officers did well in their roles too.
5. Writing - I was engrossed in this drama. Brilliant crime thriller story told in two hours. I liked the very subtle hint of the perpetrator - I knew the creepy florist wasn’t the main culprit! I also liked the science explanation for the meds and crime procedure although I was not sure how accurate the facts were.
6. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits worn by both leads. Chen Ye's outfits had an edgy look whereas Jiang Yan Bai wore more softer colours. My favourite outfit worn by Chen Ye is the outfit he wore for shooting practice while my favourite outfit worn by Jiang Yan Bai is the long beige coat paired with white shirt and black trousers.
7. Bromance - Ok there were too many bromance moments that I thought are disguising the love they had for each other. I found it funny that one moment even make it to my 'ML in bathtube' MDL list.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I did not like the ending though. What’s with the epilogue? Is it a hint for season 2 or something else???
2. Assault - Chen Ye saved Jiang Yan Bai from being stabbed. I was puzzled by his way of saving him. Why didn’t Chen Ye kick the assailant or use his gun?

Favourite scene
The refrigerated truck scene

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Heartwarming tale about FL hearing thoughts of half-dragon ML

I came across this inner thought drama on subreddit CShortDramas. The title implied that FL could hear ML's thoughts so I became interested and watched. I loved it a lot! I did a buddy watch of this drama with MDL user Fae.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I love this drama because ML is a sensitive soul despite the tough persona. I think he maintained that façade but slowly lowered his guard when FL showed kindness to him. I also liked his curiosity and protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - They were affectionate and sweet. Well FL cheated because of her superpower hahaha but it's a great setup for couple's communication.
3. Inner thought trope - I usually watch dramas in which FL's thought could be heard by ML but this is the other way around. It's refreshing to see/hear ML's inner thoughts.
4. Fantasy element - I loved the dragon arc even though there was only a few scenes. ML in dragon form is ker ai!
5. Styling - The makeup and props for dragon form was done well. The scales on his face & arm were beautifully done. Even the claws looked like a proper prop and not flimsy gloves. I couldn't believe he even had a tail LMAO. The walkie-talkie horns were
adorable!
6. The ending - I liked that there was a discussion on labour and the form of their child - as an egg or a human with dragon
features. My guess was wrong - I wish the child was born in half-breed form.
7. Antagonist - The antagonist here isn't that bad. He didn't overshadow the couple in terms of storytelling.
8. Supporting characters - I loved ML's mother. The relief on her face when FL knew his secret identity. She's such a wonderful lady to have raised an orphan who turned out to be different from other people.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - There was no kissing scenes. I want to see lust & real kisses since their relationship was healthy.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother knew that FL was aware of ML's secret.

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The worst jiejie romance I watched - bad acting & writing

I was drawn to this drama because of two things: older woman-younger man romance & Dong Yi. I had never seen his dramas before but got excited to watch this drama. I must say I was greatly disappointed by this drama. Don't waste your time even if you are a fan of the lead(s).

What I liked:
1. Styling - FL's outfits were pretty. ML's outfits fit the persona or a young & hip CEO.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant Tong Tong.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Hardly any romantic scenes. There was no real kiss in this drama. No sexual tension except at the start.
2. Acting - Average. Liu Jia Xi wasn't charismatic enough to play a confident older woman enacting revenge and toying with younger man. Dong Yi's ML was more of a tool - no character development. Liu Jia Xi and Dong Yi didn't have chemistry.
3. Writing - I felt like there wasn't much hunger & sense of urgency in executing the revenge plan. That arc was unfocused. The main characters were bland. I increased speed to 2.0x just to see if anything exciting happened but nope, this drama was forgettable.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic in this fake brother-sister romantic tale

I added this drama to my watchlist months ago but only got the mood to watch it today. A reddit friend highly recommended this drama and now I understand why she enjoys this drama a lot. I like it very much too!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cunning & cute at the same time. She dug her own grave when she lied to ML and for a long period of time. Zhao Mu Yan gave a fabulous performance!
2. ML characterisation - He was stuffy & unintentionally funny. I liked that his character grew - he loosened up as he spent more time with FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's grandma was awesome for catching FL's BS right from the start. I also like ML's assistant who quietly supported ML and FL's entanglement. I appreciated FL's brother for pointing out FL's lies & the implications. FL's friend brought in comedic relief.
4. Romance - Slow burn with a lot of sexual tension. The forbidden brother-sister entanglement was done well. There were 2 passionate kisses - ML was hot for FL both times.
5. Comic book - What a great plot device! I loved that it was featured in the drama from start until the ending. Those moments were funny.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's niece stole FL's boyfriend and both of them were jerks. Wan Xin Yue was a delusional woman pining for ML. Regardless of their bad behaviour, I was happy that their arc were not draggy.
2. Voice - Does Wang Yi Ran sound like that? I felt ML's voice was dubbed by voice actor. Well the voice made ML seemee older.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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Action-packed revenge tale with FL boss - ML employee romance

I came across this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. Both main actor and main actress were unfamiliar to me. I didn't know what to expect but glad I watched it. It was very good.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a street fighter picked up by FL for a revenge plan. I loved watching his character grew over the span of 3 to 5 years. He was also a love-brain. On top of that, FL was a love brain.
2. Romance - Slow building considering boss-employee relationship with FL being the boss. Push & pull dynamics done well and when they kissed, sparks flew. I wish there were more kisses!
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she was physically strong in addition to being smart.
4. Supporting character - Lin Huai was such a fun character. Sweet & smart. ML's sister was such a sweetie.
5. Action - The action scenes were thrilling to watch.
6. Plot twist - Oh wow, I didn't expect that. I also liked that this drama has a refreshing storyline not seen in other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Horrible person but he had a compelling arc.

Favourite scene
When FL scouted ML in an underground fight

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Started off great but the romance never really kicked off

I was trying to clear as many dramas in my youtibe watchlist by watching dramas with MDL pages. This evening I chose this drama because I hadn't seen any of Zhao Hui Nan's dramas. This drama started off great but faltered halfway through.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool. I loved that she was physically strong and also knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Comedy - I didn't expect the comedic moments in the first act considering the dark opening scene.
3. Supporting characters - I liked both kids, ML's mother and grandfather. It was great to see change of perception from the mother.
4. Acting - I liked Zhao Hui Nan's acting in this drama. Her action scenes were done well and she exuded this cool & confident woman vibe.
5. Styling - I liked most of FL's outfits especially the black short dress she wore when she first went to ML's house. She looked like a punk princess!

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I was dismayed that they didn't get along until we reached 60% of the drama. I wish they were warm & amicable from the start because the emotional attachment between FL and ML in the third act was unconvincing. I didn't sense any spark between ZZD & ZHN.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was horrendous for framing FL . ML's cousin was incompetent but power hungry. He did the most scheming in this drama. I also disliked Suisui's supposed birth mother for being selfish & immature.
3. Paternity test - Sometimes I wonder why ML never did DNA testing on FL and the other woman.
4. Storytelling - I wasn't excited about the challenges faced by both FL & ML.

Favourite scene
The opening

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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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