emberzmars

FL's infatuation with ML overshadows the main story. Wasted potential

I watched this drama within the first 3 days of its release. I am a fan of Li Ke Yi and still warming up to Yao Guan Yu. As usual, I go into newly released vertical dramas blindly without knowing synopsis. Started off great but halfway through I started to lose interest. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - It's wonderful to see revenge drama from the perspective of ML. He has an interesting back story.
2. Romance - There was a good sexual tension between FL and ML although because of FL's infatuation, I couldn't see their relationship going serious and for long term.
3. Antagonist - I like male antagonist's arc because it has substance.
4. Duration - I liked that drama is less than 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. FL's characterisation - Her infatuation with ML is a hindrance to ML's investigation and overall affects the effectiveness of its storytelling. I could barely remember ML's arc because of the FL-ML dynamic. I wish writer had made her an assertive character who didn't behave like a high school girl.
2. Special ability - Oh how I wished writer had focused more on FL's special ability. This could have been a mystery sci-fi drama.
3. Intimacy - That final intimacy scene felt like a coercion. Is that the best way to jog one's memory?
4. Styling - What's up with the wig? Did Li Ke Yi have different hairstyle for another drama?

Favourite scene
When antagonist discovered FL's special ability

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Second chance romance with sexy ML & wise daughter

I watched this drama because a reddit user requested for a link to the drama. I thought Wei Fan Shu resembled Gina Jin in the poster. I had watched her drama with Huang Bo just a few days ago and enjoyed her acting. I had not seen any Nie Bo Xuan drama so I got curious. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a sweetheart. He was dumped by FL but his love ran deep. Instead of enacting revenge, he supported FL by the sideline. I liked that he listened to her and was respectful of her decisions even though he didn't necessarily agree with them.
2 FL characterisation - Overall I liked FL despite her not being truthful. It was a defense mechanism. Anyway my favourite moment of her character is when she questioned Vice President's announcement of best employee award winner. In other dramas, someone else raised concern, never FL.
3. Romance - This is a second chance romance and the reconciliation did take time. I liked ML's subtle moves especially when they stayed over at his grandma's house. I loved that ML wanted to talk about their relationship. That scene of them playing pool was emotional and sensual.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Nie Bo Xuan's acting & aura in this drama. The child actress who played their daughter was awesome.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by the cast. Wei Fan Shu was very pretty in this drama.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked the daughter, ML's assistant (his inner monologues were too funny) and ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was manipulative and envious. Hated her for wanting to harm a child.
2. FL's action - I didn't like that she kept her daughter's identity from ML for too long especially after ML had proven that he's on her side.

Favourite scene
When ML spoke French to FL and then FL responded to the crowd

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A story about a female pilot: her career struggles and romantic relationships

I watched this drama on 3 June after dropping another drama of Han Jia Hui, which had too much negativity in the first 40 minutes. Love at 30,000 feet was an enjoyable watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It is sad that she never sought promotion because of then boyfriend but I was delighted that she pursued her dream of becoming the first female pilot for that specific aircraft. I liked her confidence and determination. It's wonderful to see Han Jia Hui in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He's such a sweetheart. It was my first time watching Zhang Xuan. I'll definitely watch his other dramas.
3. Romance - Overall sweet and slow burn. ML knew when he could be playful with FL but without going over the boundary.
4. PSA - There was a great scene involving the police. I loved it when the officer stated "whether you've broken up or not, forcing a woman to have sex is rape." Such a powerful line.
5. Supporting characters - It's wonderful to see FL getting recognition from her colleagues especially after she was promoted to captain. I like her first officer. Oh I liked ML's family too - they were supportive of him and his relationship.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I hated FL's ex for stopping her from promotion request and for cheating on her but then claimed that he had always loved her. Despite that, he was remorseful of his action towards the end of the drama. I was impressed by the performance from the actor playing second male lead. Back to antagonists, SFL was extremely irritating and dangerous. Wouldn't she be considered a terrorist for that action she made in the third act?
2. Fat suit - That was the most horrible fat suit I have seen on short dramas. Maybe there was a budget constraint but my gosh, his face makeup was too obvious even on 360p video quality.
3. Aviation errors - I love aviation so certain parts were too illogical. How could former staff have easy access to aircraft servicing & ATC tower?

Favourite scene
The assault and police arrival

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Simple Republican-era love story with sizzling chemistry

I stumbled upon this drama as I was searching for Chinese Republican era vertical dramas. Love Too Much grabbed my attention because I hadn't watched Duan Mei Yang's dramas since Mermaid Husband. I enjoyed this simple love story.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow there was a great balance of push and pull. In the beginning, ML was aggressive in his pursuit but later on he toned down and demonstrated his love through acts of service. I also saw FL lowering her guard and falling in love with ML. Their kisses were hot!
2. Acting - Duan Mei Yang and Ma Xin Yu were great in their roles and had sizzling chemistry. SML was good too as he didn't make his role a caricature (often times antagonists in Republican-era vertical dramas tend to overact).
3. Styling - Duan Mei Yuan was gorgeous in military uniform & that hairstyle. Beautiful outfits worn by FL. I liked her cotton candy dress.
4. Duration - It was great that this drama took less than 90 minutes. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Grandma - I'm sorry but I don't like a character who is unreasonable. That threat & punishment were too much.
2. SML's father - It felt like an afterthought.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML that she loves him

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Love amidst zombies, superpower and jealous green tea

I checked out new releases 2 days ago and was intrigued by this drama's poster, the one with only Wang Hao Zhen & Hou Cheng Yue holding pistol. I saw 30 seconds of the drama and immediately suggested to MDL friend for a buddy watch. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, the FL literally kicks ass! I loved her speech about being empowered without relying on men. Hou Cheng Yue was perfect in this role. She demonstrated smart, cool, badassery traits and her weapon handling seemed believable.
2. ML characterisation - He demonstrated good leadership capabilities. He's smart, sensible & loving. I have only seen 2 Wang Hao Zhen's dramas before this - wow his take on this role impressed me. He gave me Ren Jia Lun vibes throughout the drama - the subtle facial expressions, hair styling & that bathtub scene.
3. Fantasy & sci-fi genre - I loved that different tropes within these genre were explored in the drama e.g. zombie, antidote, superpower, dystopia / isolated communities. Great production value. This drama reminds me of US tv show The Last of Us.
4. Styling - Impeccable styling. Very cyberpunk. FL wore fabulous outfits except the black sequin top worn for excursion to an island. Loved outfits worn by ML & SML Shen Yi Chen.
5. Romance - Slow burn with mostly sweet gestures and 2 nice kisses. ML was devoted to FL from the start of this drama. What did ML mean during the ending?
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's subordinates. Their relationship with ML was more than just a boss-employee relationship. I also liked Shen Yi Chen. I recognised the actor when I saw his face & birthmark on his ear. He was in Wen Rou Ye Gu starring Wang Chen Peng & Zhai Xin Ran.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 main types of antagonists in this drama: the green tea who is envious of FL and the military government. There was too much screen time given to the green tea that I lost interest in her third attempt to harm FL. I don't understand why she had such power over a group of military officers when she was a mere civilian. That final standoff was just silly but I was delighted with how her character was wrapped up. Now the military government arc had so much potential but was underdeveloped. A pity!
2. Length - The running time is close to 3.5 hours and for me, some parts were draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed & certain sub-plot were further developed.
3. Spice - I am complaining about the lack of spice. There were too many near-kiss moments that I got frustrated. With that extra long running time, they could have had 1 or 2 spicy scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL fought a group of zombies at the start of the drama

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Longtime crush rewarded with heavy kisses once they got together

I watched this drama at the recommendation of reddit member who says that this drama has FL chasing ML first. I have mixed feelings about this drama.but overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama is heavy on kisses - good quantity & quality. FL & ML went all out with passion & desire felt in their makeout session. There were also sweet gestures done by both FL & ML.
2. Styling - I really liked clothes worn by FL who was 22 years old because they reflected her youthfulness.
3. Acting - This is first time watching drama of both Li Jia Chen & Li Ya Ya. They were good in their roles as they seemed very comfortable with the close contact.

What I disliked:
1. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long that I felt bored halfway through so I doubled the speed. I wish the pre-confession phase was shortened and antagonists' screentime were reduced.
2. Antagonists - There were 2 of them and both got a lot of screentime. One should be jailed for his crime.
3. FL's characterisation - In general, I am not a fan of childlike FL. She is one of them but her act is tolerable because it's just her playful nature.

Favourite scene
Their first intimate encounter

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ML who never gave up on true love

This was one of the earliest vertical dramas I watched when I first discovered them back in December 2024. I found this drama through a playlist of Han Jia Hui's dramas. It took me awhile to track info for this drama to be submitted as New Title. Delighted this MDL page is live because this drama is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Pregnancy - In most vertical dramas, unplanned pregnancy happens after a one-night stand, be it sober or intoxicated. It's different in this drama - the child was actually a product of love.
2. ML characterisation - I loved that ML never gave up in his search to find his true love even after many years of no contact. He was smart and had good instincts.
3. FL characterisation - It's wonderful that FL fight back against office bully. She is without flaw but I understand her reason for leaving ML after his surgery.
4. Romance - I loved the love story between ML and FL. There was love, passion and desire from both sides.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by FL and her daughter. Beautiful and sensible clothes for leisure and for work.
6. Supporting character - FL's daughter is so adorable. She does resemble Li Zhuo Yao. FL's best friend is a great friend.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Green tea just obsessed at becoming Mrs Ji because of status. She's vicious for using FL's daughter to threat FL.
2. Secrets - I wish FL had just told ML about her identity and their kid sooner. The lack of honest communication and red herring made FL an easy target for the green tea.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL's daughter from being abducted

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The couple's playful banters were fun to watch

I am going to write a post on Zhang Chu Xuan's dramas so I watched this drama as part of my homework. I am always curious about Yao Guan Yu even though I haven't found his drama enjoyable enough for me to watch repeatedly. Overall I liked this drama but won't watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their banters were so entertaining and that's their love language. Yao Guan Hu excels in smirking once more. There were some nice kisses though I wish we had gotten steamy scenes and more time dedicated to their romance.
2. Empowerment - Zhang Chu Xuan has taken many women empowerment roles and I like it a lot even though in reality these milestones did not happen back in early 20th century. In this drama, she succeeded in getting a divorce and being appointed as a strategist in the army.
3. Acting - Solid acting by Zhang Chu Xuan, Yao Guan Yu, SFL & SML.
4. Antagonist's first arc - I actually liked SFL's character arc in the first act. She was a formidable nemesis to FL and I think the points about arranged marriage vs love match were valid.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's second in command & FL's maid. Even FL's mother was adorable despite short screentime.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists' second & third act - Ok writer went crazy (pun intended) with SFL's character arc once the 4 leads were in military. I liked SML when he realised that SFL had gone overboard. He was able to distinguish right and wrong. However he & his family were very cruel at the end.

Favourite scene
When ML woke up after a surgery

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Transactional relationship turned into love

I adored Liu Yi Fan in her drama with Wang Bing Xiang. I liked Wang Zilin in another drama in which he played a blind ML. Overall it was an enjoyable watch for me but I prefer other transactional relationahip-turned-love drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was attracted to FL from the first moment he saw her. Their relationship was transactional at the start but slowly progressed into love. However Liu Yi Fan seemed skittish during kissing scenes. I didn't get the natural chemistry between her and Wang Zi Lin.
2. Styling - I am fascinated by Wang Zi Lin's beautifully styled hair.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend the doctor even though he didn't stick to doctor-patient confidentiality.
4. Art - The embroidery and painting work done by FL were so adorable.
5. FL characterisation - It's great to see FL who wasn't intimidated by silly green tea.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were many in this drama. (i) FL's ex was so nosy and clearly disrespectful to her, (ii) colleague was delusional despite being told off, (iii) former arranged fiancée of ML was shameless, and last but not least ML's mother.

Favourite scene
When they played spin the soup spoon game

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Great chemistry, well-written plot and beautiful aesthetics

I enjoy Cheng Cheng and Shi Tong's acting and to my surprise, they acted together in this drama. Apparently this drama is a remake of '52 lovers in 4 years' plot. I believe the first version starred Du Ya Fei and Zhang Jin Yi, the fourth version starred Zhang Bei Xi and Liu Ying, and this Cheng Cheng- Shi Tong drama is the fifth version. I watched the fourth and fifth versions and I like this drama way more than the fourth version.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's smart and self-reliant. I loved that FL is a Chinese Opera Singer who uses a public persona when she works. Shi Tong knows how to choose roles and so far I have enjoyed most of her dramas.
2. Romance - Spicy and sweet. That first intimate scene was hot and I liked how FL acted the morning after. I also loved that they shared a passion in Chinese Opera. I also liked that ML confessed his feelings to FL at 70% mark of the drama.
3. ML characterisation - Oh dear, Cheng Cheng played another mob boss. Good thing this character is different from the other mob bosses that he has played. This one is the most violent. Anyway I liked that ML is supportive of FL's decisions.
4. Styling - This drama was set in Chinese Republican era and the styling was so fabulous! I loved the outfits worn by both FL & ML. My favourite of FL's outfit is the black dress with scallop neckline paired. The hats were beautiful.
5. Supporting character - Loved ML's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's arranged fiancé and his mother are just despicable. However I enjoyed their arc because there was emotional connection between ML and the antagonists.

Favourite scene
When ML saved FL from being attacked by her arranged fiancé

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Huang Bo acting coquettish had me swoon throughout the drama

I am a huge Huang Bo fan and thanks to reddit and thehepburn, I found out about this drama. So this drama is apparently an remake of Utterly Submit co-starring Han Jia Hui and Zhao Zhen Dong. Some things are retained in this drama but overall The Moonlight Never Falls is a totally different drama from Utterly Submit. Enjoyable nevertheless.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He is overprotective but flirty with FL. A green flag ML. Great to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's colleague. She had more sass & screen presence compared to Han Jia Hui's colleague. It's also wonderful to see a plus sized actress playing an important role in a vertical drama.
3. Romance - Great balance of push and pull. I enjoyed watching Huang Bo acting coquettish. I also liked that ML believed in their relationship despite the obstacles faced by each of them.
4. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL, ML and the green tea Ranran.

What I disliked:
1. Dubbing - I feel like Huang Bo's voice is dubbed by someone else. He sounded different from the other drama he starred with Xu Si Qi, which was released around same time as this drama.
2. Antagonists - This version allocated more screen time for the antagonists (Ranran & ML's family) that it overshadowed the couple's relationship. It sucks that Ranran got away with her scheming and was only punished towards the end of the drama. Despite that, the actress who played green tea was very hot and beautiful!
3. FL's action - I disliked FL for turning ML's proposal into a PR stunt for her movie. I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML was flirty with FL in his office

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Nice & breezy romance about long time crush and contract marriage

I thought Fei Se Qi Yue was my first drama of Shi Tong but I was wrong. This is my first drama of hers. I remembered last night when someone on reddit asked about Wang Hui Long and I looked up his work. It was a nice & light romance.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wang Hui Long and Shi Tong were likeable in this drama. I also liked Wang Hui Long's eyes because they too told a story even when his nose and mouth were covered.
2. Romance - A cute & sweet romance between childhood friends who got into a contract marriage. I liked that ML always negotiated with FL on their contract.
3. Styling - I liked that the outfits complement Wang Hui Long's buzz cut.

What I disliked:
1. Backstabbing - That very first scene set the tone of this drama
2. Antagonist - The antagonist worked alongside FL. Her scheming was too much.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted to kiss ML but vomited instead

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The type of romance dramas I love - love, lust & frequent communication

I was drawn to this drama because of the title 'Seductive Kiss of The Rose'. A quick glance at the comments confirmed my gut feeling - this drama was worth watching. I enjoyed it very much that I occasionally watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I was delighted to see 2 mature adults experiencing romance even though their marriage was arranged. It was a great mix of love, lust & frequent communication. Many steamy kisses & innuendo. ML's use of term of endearment was very sweet - I found Zhang Yi Hong's nasally voice soothing.
2. FL characterisation - She was a smart, capable CEO managing family business. She was also a kind & loving person as seen through her relationship with ML & her family. This is my first time watching Zhou Fei. I really liked her acting.
3. ML characterisation - He had this mysterious and dangerous aura surrounding him. I liked that he was loving & protective of his wife. Zhang Yi Hong was excellent in his role.
4. Sibling dynamics - I enjoyed watching the interactions between FL and her brothers. Her brothers trusted her.
5. Styling - I liked FL's styling. She had a dark but kind vibe that reminds me of Morticia Addams.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, antagonist in this drama was something else. He must have felt emasculated by FL's capability as CEO.
2. Death - Why must that person die? I was very sad.

Favourite scene
The golf course

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Plenty of physical intimacy but no emotional depth

Jiejie/older woman-younger man romance is my favourite trope. I appreciate that there are plenty of vertical dramas that cover this trope. Both Meng Na and Ye Hao Ran have acted in jiejie romance before so I had high expectations. However I was disappointed by the time I completed this drama.

If you want to watch better jiejie romance by these leads, look for either "Define Your Style" starring Meng Na & Liang Si Wei or "Wei Nian Ci Sheng" starring Ye Hao Ran & Sheng Yi Jie. Alternatively search for "Fake Love" starring Bai Yan & Feng Xiang Kun. That's my personal favourite jiejie romance from vertical dramaland.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother as I thought his protectiveness was realistic. Grandpa was likeable.
2. Styling - I really liked ML's styling from hair & accessories to clothes and shoes. He looked very hip for someone in top management.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Plenty of kissing and they got along well sexually but there was no emotional depth between ML & FL. It is frustrating that they never voiced out their feelings until the last 10 minutes of this drama. This drama is 2.5 hours long! I also disliked that FL was the one doing the most heavy lifting in the relationship.
2. ML characterisation - Feng Ling was insecure IMHO. I disliked his inner monologue about his feelings for his wife.
3. FL characterisation - There was a glimpse of FL at work but overall I was disappointed that most scenes of FL were related to her relationship with ML. It was as though her existence in this drama is to support ML's journey of romantic love.
4. Duration - This drama was too long for a simple, lack of communication romance. I fast-forwarded once I reached 1 hour 45 minute mark.

Favourite scene
FL took initiative on their first night as husband and wife

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Dramedy with a heart!

This drama was recommended to me by MDL friend or reddit user. I was not familiar with the main actor & the main actress but the YouTube comments were generally positive. I watched this drama on a road trip (sis was driver) & was highly entertained throughout the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bad at being bad person hehehe. Bright, smart & funny. I enjoyed her naughty thoughts & flirty behaviour. Wei Lin impressed me with her acting. I will definitely watch her other dramas.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed her inner monologues. Laughed & chuckled.
3. Romance - Slow burn romance. ML was apprehensive with FL's actions at first but gradually fell in love with FL. Wish there were more kisses.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits.
5. Transmigration arc - I liked that this was addressed at the end of the drama.
6. Supporting characters - ML's family was great! I liked Gu Yanying even though he had ulterior motives at times.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - Despite being able to hear FL's thoughts, I wish ML was forthcoming and had shared his thoughts with her.

Favourite scene
The confession at the train station

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