emberzmars

Fresh-faced yet mature portrayal of college romance

I am very delighted that this page has been created. I watched 'Fall in Love with Him' on 17 February 2025. Main actor was unfamiliar to me. I had seen main actress before but didn't know her name. Since I rarely watch new adult/college student drama and the thumbnail was intriguing ehem, I thought why not "Give this a go!". To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely. I felt warm and fuzzy after completing 'Fall in Love with Him'.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fresh-faced yet mature. I liked that she was the assertive one between the two of them. Her concerns about dating her bestie's younger brother were valid so I understood her cautious behaviour. Xia Jing Ran did well in her role. I enjoyed her acting enough to explore her other dramas.
2. ML characterisation - He was soft-hearted but he knew what he wanted from FL. I liked coquettish ML so of course I liked this character. Duan Ping impressed me with his earnest portrayal of the character. I'm keen to explore his dramas in the future.
3. Romance - I loved that this drama is jiejie romance albeit the age gap isn't big. Most college romance dramas are sweet but this one has some spicy intimate scenes. The kisses were hot and satisfying. What surprised me was the conflict that they faced in the third act. I liked that they talked about it and gosh I felt his pain.
4. Supporting characters - I was only 17 min in and I already started to love this drama because of a child actor. I had seen him before when he acted as Liu Qing & Bai Yan's son. ML's sister was a great addition to the cast too. I liked the chat she had with FL when talking about FL's relationship with her brother.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - I disliked him at first but he matured at the end of the drama. He wasn't a bad person after all.

Favourite scene
When ML and FL talked about why FL hadn't contacted him in days

Read More

Desire, devotion & delusional - 3 words I'd use for this drama that I enjoyed immensely

I love Si Jia Li's acting in 'Thirst for You' (you can find in Dramazone Youtube channel). I also enjoyed Ma Shi Yao's acting in 'So You Also Like Me' (you can find in Dailymotion). I was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama last night after immediately completing a less-than-satisfying vertical drama. I was extremely glad I did so.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Both ML & FL looked like a power couple with their stature and styling. I love watching main couple that desire each other, which was demonstrated in this drama. They kissed, hugged and cooked for each other. FL never played coy / innocent when it came to their intimate moments and I liked that.
2. ML characterisation - ML was invested in their relationship from the get go and he would do anything for FL. He only revealed that he was CEO much later but good thing it never caused misunderstanding between him & FL. I like a coequettish/flirty ML. Damn, Ma Shi Yao was adorable and hot at the same time.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL relied on her talent & brains rather than her status when it came to work. Si Jia Li excelled in this role.
4. Supporting role - I really like ML's bestie who was supportive of ML & FL relationship. He's handsome too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - OMG, she was delusional & nasty. There were many instances that ML was implied as CEO of the company but she never registered that fact until almost at the end of the drama.
2. Co-workers - OMG, those two brown nosers should be fired!
3. FL's past - I'd like to know more about the connection between ML and FL's mother because I didn't quite catch ML's explanation. I also want to know why was FL hospitalised and how did she get married to ML.

Favourite scene
When ML asked for reward after cooking for FL

Read More

Overhyped, overrated waste of talents!

I had high hopes on 'King the Land' as I only became a fan of 2PM in 2023. I was disappointed by the quality of this series.

What I like
1. The flight attendant -Pyunghwa's struggle and love life kept me watching this series.
2. Jeju island - so pretty

What I dislike
1. Poor writing - Aigo, King the Land has no proper plot. The showrunner is banking so much on Junho-Yoona chemistry.
2. Gu Won's characterisation - My number #1 issue with his character is that he lacks motivation/drive to run family business. I don't mind so much about him being rich, pampered/spoiled brat but if you don't want to run family business then why so greedy? I can't deal with mediocre employee who knows nothing but kissing boss's ass. That's my view of his character.
3. Sa-rang's characterisation - started off as ambitious & driven woman who now gets distracted by her boss's charms. Why is a hardworking female lead's romantic interest a nice nepo baby?
4. Visit Thailand ad - what a filler episode!


Favourite scene
Da-eul's re-enactment of RoWoon's deep voice & coolness during a sleepover. That's hilarious!

Read More

Qiu Che Fu's first ML role - steamy romance but lacked chemistry

I watched this drama last year because I am a fan of Zhai Xin Ran + this is a jiejie romance. I immediately recognised ML the moment he appeared on screen - he played Ma Xiao Yu's assistant in that drama with Guo Yu Xin. He was a looker alright and good that he got a ML role. However, this drama left me with mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Devoted & patient. I saw him as green flag but some may see him as a simp.
2. FL characterisation - Emotionally strong & not easily intimidated by bullies.
3. Romance - Stramy with plenty of kisses. Well she wanted a baby and he definitely was the giver in their relationship.
4. Acting - I thought Qiu Che Fu did fine for his first ML role. It was also good to see Zhai Xin Ran as FL with dominant personality. I liked the actor who portrayed SML, which turned out to be Wen Zhi Cheng (I didn't know his name when I watched this drama).

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - There was lack of chemistry between QCF & ZXR despite the onslaught of kisses. Such a shame given that Zhai Xin ran excelled playing FL against Wang Chen Peng.
2. Antagonist - Another father-daughter combo that was envious of FL. I also disliked SML.
3. Ending - It was rushed. I wish we got glimpse of their relationship after every secret of ML was out.

Favourite scene
When FL wanted SML to buy a house for her

Read More

Second story based on a webnovel - steamy, sweet and good chemistry between leads

I am a big fan of the other version of this story, Love Quietly Arrives starring Ma Qian Qian and Sun Yue. thehepburn mentioned this version last year but only felt compelled to watch it recently as I have a reddit column comparing two dramas based on same source. I enjoyed this drama but prefer the other version immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was love and lust and I loved it. I liked that she didn't not resist ML's advance even from the start. I felt like ML liked to attack FL with kisses.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was a qipao designer proud of her work.
3. Acting - I liked the leads' performances. Shi Tong's FL was humble and hardworking without showing off her inheritance. Zhong Zheng added some mystery to his character. Both had good chemistry and I bought their romance.
4. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome. I liked FL's grandmother even though she only appeared at the start of the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I didn't like FL's siblings. ML was silly to think he's deserving of their grandma's inheritance.
2. Smoking - ML smoked a lot throughout the drama. It was a turn off for me.

Favourite scene
When FL found out ML's feelings towards her

Read More

Likeable lead characters, sizzling chemistry & well-written antagonist. I was entertained!

I watched Xu Zhen's mermaid drama a few days ago and enjoyed her acting a lot there. I decided to check out her other work and since this drama is available on iQIYI, I clicked play. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her train of thoughts - smart thinking & some unintentionally funny. I also liked her kindness.
2. ML characterisation - He was that ML who wasn't interested in women until he met FL but I liked that he wasn't aloof. He grew fond of FL as time progressed. I liked that scene about the knee mole and his expectations.
3. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. Marriage of convenience that had partnership angle right from the get go. There was warmth right from the start and when they finally kissed, there was heat in those kisses.
4. Acting - Both Xu Zhen & Li Zi Jie were good in their roles with Xu Zhen portraying two different personas. There was sizzling chemistry between the two - I bought their characters' romance journey.
5. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was entertaining - he even got to perform action scene. I liked ML's mother & FL's adopted family. FL's adopted bro was sweet towards her.
6. Twist - I enjoyed that twist in the third act. Smart way to catch the antagonist in the act.
7. Pacing - 69 episodes went by fast. Never a draggy moment. Good mix of comedy & drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - She betrayed FL! What an opportunist! Needless to say, the antagonist was smart and not as pathetic as the usual female antagonists in other vertical dramas.

Favourite scene
When they were intimate for the first time

Read More

Li Ai Xiao was the star of this forgettable rich guy, poor girl drama

I watched this drama because a Discord member mentioned He Lian Fei's dimples and it occurred to me that I had not seen him playing MLs before. I decided to watch this one because I had seen another version of this plot which stars Wang Zi Yi. I have a reddit column comparing 2 dramas from same source so why not cover this drama, right? Unfortunately this drama wasn't good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I liked Li Ai Xiao's performance in this drama. It's believable that she had 2 men chasing after her (the other version's FL was bland in terms of personality & attractiveness.
2. FL characterisation- She was a damsel but an affable & attractive one.
3. Break up - I liked this scene because it showed that she was not spineless and could stand for herself against the obnoxious ML.
4. Supporting character - Her boss seemed dodgy to me at first but he turned out to be a nice guy. I liked how she encouraged her to grow her skills. I also liked ML's mother.
5. Ending - The ending was sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I consider acting as a subset of acting and I didn't sense any heat between Li Ai Xiao & He Lian Fei.
2. ML characterisation - I didn't like how he treated FL at the beginning of their relationship.
3. Romance - Transactional then slowly turned to love but I didn't buy the romance at all. ML was possessive & distrustful.
4. Styling - OMG, why did she go out wearing a nightie and slippers while dragging her luggage?

Favourite scene
When FL asked for her freedom & requested a break up

Read More

Zhang Si Fan and less antagonist screntime made me enjoy this more than the version 1

I recently discovered Zhang Si Fan through vertical drama The Clouds and wanted to explore his work. I chose this drama because I could write a review for a reddit column comparing two dramas from the same source. I prefer this version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The couple in this version had good banters before they kissed. I liked that. The kissing scenes were hot thanks to ML (he's so into her).
2. FL characterisation - Her FL was cool, smart & poise. However it was silly that she had way too many identities e.g healer, expert violin player, hacker.
3. Acting - I liked Zhang Si Fan's performance in this drama. In terms of chemistry, it was ok.
4. Styling - The outfits chosen for FL were good. Thank gosh she didn't wear a uniform to attend classes at university. I liked the black suit & crimped hair.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandfather & parents. I also liked ML's assistant.
6. ML characterisation - He was curious and observant. I liked that he helped FL in ways that were not imposing to FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song family was manipulative. Song Bao Yi was pathetic.
2. Acting - I found Xiong Yu Ting quite stiff.
3. First act - Similar to the other version, the first hour offered nothing so I was bored.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were hot for each other at breakfast

Read More

Great performance by all four leads + better written FL made this version my favourite out of 3

I had watched 2 versions of this plot because I like the actors & actresses or curious about one of them: (1) Xue Zi Qi, Wang Nian Jiang Cheng (2) Han Jia Hui, Chen Zheng Yang & Duan Mei Yang. I wasn't planning to watch other versions but I was preparing a reddit post about the Xia Xuan Zi so decided to watch this drama. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this version. The best out of 3 versions that I've seen mostly because of their acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that all 4 leads did very well in their roles. There was also good chemistry between the couples, the sisters, the brothers & the four of them.
2. Romance - There were good romantic scenes for both couples. In terms of pairing, I liked Su Qing & Fu Yang more because of jiejie-didi & alpha FL vibes. The main couple went through a hurdle and I liked that because it showed growth.
3. FL characterisation - Wow, this FL was better written compared to the other versions' Su Wan. She was girlish but not childish. She stood her ground when ML put unrealistic expectations on her.
4. SFL characterisation - She was career-focused and no-nonsense. I liked that she made effort in her relationship with SML.
5. SML characterisation - Young & slightly immature but I liked that he too tried his best in making his marriage work. I liked that nugget of wisdom he imparted to ML about marriage and expectations.
6. Styling - I really liked SFL's burgundy work attire. I also liked FL's quirky outfits. The pale yellow was good choice of colour. Gosh I was surprised to see Zhang Hao Yang in a mullet. He was handsome and toned.
7. Supporting characters - I liked Mrs Fu. Her screentime was short but impactful. I also liked the female colleagues who comforted Su Wan when she was feeling down.
8. Family - I liked the contrast between two families: old money vs new money, parents still alive vs parents passed away.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - There wasn't any antagonist in this drama but ML was an arsehole for a moment. I disliked that he put high expectations on his wife then punished her for lack of progress.
2. Mr Fu - He was too focused on other people's expectations.

Favourite scene
When SML advised ML about marriage & expectations

Read More

Simple rebirth no revenge story but romance was underdeveloped

I was recommended this drama by a reddit friend. I felt like I had seen Ma Ying Lu drama before but I am not sure. The FL and another ML were unfamiliar to me. Overall it was an ok watch - drama was missing a few things.

What I liked:
1. Eavesdrop - I liked this scene as FL managed to evoke sympathy within that first episode. It reminded me of Penelope-Colin Bridgerton story at the start of the book (she deserved better).
2. Acting - The actress who played FL and Ma Ying Lu's performannce caught my attention. Her acting was natural. MYL's aura overshadowed the other ML.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by the cast. Even that servant who was scapegoat for bratty Prince An Yi.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML (Ninth Uncle)'s guard / servant. Hid naivety was endearing. I also liked the emperor for being fair.
5. ML characterisation - I liked that he stood up against those who bullied FL. I didn't expect him to alert the emperor immediately.
6. Length - Less than 2 hours.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Crown Prince was pathetic for harassing FL when he didn't even like her as a person. He was given too much screentime. His sister was bratty and their childhood friend who could be his fiancee was annoying.
2. Romance - With ML being comatose most of the drama, the romance was severely underdeveloped. I wish there were more scenes post-confession. Even though they were respectful and nice towards each other, sadly there was no kiss.

Favourite scene
The restaurant close to the ending

Read More

Familiar but fast-paced concubine drama with sizzling chemistry

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting dramas last month so I picked this one because of its running time. Yue Yu Ting and Chen Tian Xiang have collaborated many times so I knew what to expect in terms of chemistry. They delivered and I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Execution - It uses a familiar plot (woman fighting for survival in the palace by becoming favourable to the emperor) so I have seen many. This one was well-executed because of the tight screenplay. Conflicts were not dragged out.
2. Acting - Both leads and Zhang Si Qi were great in their roles. Gosh, I hated Shen Shu Rong.
3. Length - 1 hour 17 minutes. Good for one sitting.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart with her moves to survive in the tough world.
5. Romance - There was intense attraction between the leads. ML certainly was enamored by her. I loved the intimate scenes even some were orchestrated. I liked the confession scene.
6. Styling - Love their outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Shu Rong was atrocious for her scheming. I also disliked the empress and other concubine / aspiring concubine & servants. I also disliked FL's father for the favouritism.
2. ML's action - I wasn't convinced that ML was truly in love with FL. I felt like he didn't do much to protect FL from vicious attacks.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

Read More

The only thing that stood out: Fighting, motorcycle riding & washboard abs. FL was unlikeable

Ok Ok I admit it - I have a small crush on Zhao Guan Yu. I pay attention whenever new releases include his dramas. I watched this drama at the recommendation of a friend. I was also into bodyguard trope during the time of viewing. Hhhhm I got mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - There were shots of Zhao Guan Yu's washboard abs. Hahaha anyway I really liked ML's biker look. Dangerous and hot! FL's outfits were pretty especially the mint green dress.
2. Action - There were fighting scenes which involved ZGY fighting the bad guys. I also appreciated the boxing scene.
3. Kisses - Plenty & passionate.
4. Supporting characters - Loved the bestie. The parts where she teased FL were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Not a fan of her. She was cold and guarded. Stubborn.
2. Hidden identity - His identity remained hidden until 1 hour 30 minutes, which is about 75% of the drama.
3. Antagonists - FL's father & brother were money-hungry.

Favourite scene
Fighting sequence

Read More

A couple transmigrated and started over in a different time period

I was missing Shen Hao Nan so I went on iQIYI and found this drama. Watched it on a night I needed something lighthearted. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Oooooo this drama had two romance arcs: 1) between the leads, 2) between FL's brother and ML's sister. Both were very enjoyable. They had communication problems before but that was rectified quickly.
2. Acting - That starting episode with leads' marriage reaching the lowest point and impeding divorce moved me. The cast gave good performances. I liked the chemistry between Shen Hao Nan and Sun Yi Ran. Would love to see them in a modern romance. It was also a surprise to see Shao Wei in this drama. No, he didn't show his abs in this drama but he was likeable as FL's brother.
3. Transmigration - What a delight to see this plot device as mechanism for reconciliation. Did they do separate ways or did they partner up?
4. FL characterisation - I liked that she saw this new setting as opportunity to start over in life. She worked on her goal that she didn't achieve in previous life.
5. ML characterisation - His flaw was his inability to express his thoughts and feelings with FL. However he was a nice guy and clearly in love with FL.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother and ML's sister. I also liked FL's parents for having her back.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked that green tea who always stirred trouble.
2. Hair & makeup - Shen Hao Nan's makeup and hair looked horrible when they were in historical period. The wig was ugly. I prefer his looks during modern period scenes.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught in bed with...

Read More

I enjoyed this snappy drama about cheating and moving past divorce

I was in the mood for a Song Chen drama so I chose this one because of the short running time and positive comments on YouTube. It was worth watching!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was reasonable - She already noticed potential threat to her marriage and warned ML. She was decisive and confident. Once trust was broken, she never gave him a chance for reconciliation - way to go, girl. I also liked that she didn't feel the need to conform to societal pressure.
2. Length - I loved that this drama was under 1 hour. The pacing was great!
3. Acting - This is my second time watching Zhang Zhang in this type of role (scorned FL) and she nailed it. Loved her icy stare and assertiveness. ML was infuriating so well done to Song Chen for getting on my nerves. Well done to the actress playing junior secretary because she was cloying.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's first secretary who knew what is right and what is wrong and reported to FL. I also liked ML's parents for being sensible and immediately condemned ML's behaviour.
5. Romance - There were two arcs in this drama: one with ML before things went downhill and another one with new love interest. Enjoyed both although the actor who SML wasn't attractive to me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML was certainly the main antagonist in this drama. He humiliated FL by being away from home for months and bringing intern-turned-junior secretary to events that should be attended by his wife, the FL. Emotional cheating is still cheating and he did that. That junior secretary was pathetic.

Favourite scene
The confrontation at ML's mother's birthday

Read More

Great writing & good chemistry made this fake relationship drama fun

I had never seen any of Merxat Yalkun's dramas before I watched this drama. Decided to give this a go because I was writing a reddit post about mainstream drama actors who have acted in vertical dramas. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In many fake relationship dramas, FL are meek or easily intimidated by other. Not this FL. Yes she rented a guy to appease her mother but she was self-assured and knew how to protect her own interest.
2. Writing - Wow, I was impressed by the script. I found the scenario relatable - the pressure to settle down when meeting relatives. In addition, FL was always given the best lines whenever she & ML were in crisis. The hospital scene was funny.
3. Acting - I was also impressed by the performances by both leads. Their interactions were fun to watch because Merxat Yalkun and Han Lu Jin played off each other's energy well. The cast gave good performances too including the actresses playing antagonists.
4. Pacing - Done well for a drama focusing on Chinese New Year holidays. I didn't find any scene draggy.
5. Dynamics - I liked the partnership they had for the charade.
6. Supporting characters - I liked both mothers despite their flaws. It was amusing that ML's assistant wasn't on his side but more on his mother's side.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's cousin & aunt. They were jealous and felt the need to compete with FL.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. The decision to be in a real relationship was rushed because I felt FL just went with the flow and not given time to process and think.
3. Flashback - Mistake spotted. It was 6 years ago but the traitor held the latest iPhone (looking at the camera on the back of phone). I wish she hadn't held her phone during this scene.

Favourite scene
The hospital

Read More