emberzmars

The first vertical drama that made me cry

I watched this drama when I was in my early phase of vertical drama exploration. At that time, I selected vertical dramas to watch only from one Youtube channel, Dramazone. My perception of vertical dramas changed after completing this drama. 'No More Pretense: Mr. Huo's Daily Desire for Reconciliation' was so heartbreaking that it made me cry.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Wang Yun Yun aka Cai Cai Yun and Wang Hao Zhen. Subtle (because there were not emotional outbursts) but expressive in their eyes. They really embodied their characters well that I was moved by their emotional challenges. My heart ached throughout this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was mentally strong. Gosh I couldn't imagine living with a spouse that hates you. I understand her conflict with regards to ML's family who was nice to her.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother and sister and FL's male doctor friend.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - Inaction is also an action and he being indifferent throughout their 5 years of marriage is not acceptable. He said to FL that he liked her but was it really like or guilt? Oh and I couldn't take it that his wife had to settle his scandals.
2. Romance - This came much later when ML realised his mistake and wanted a reconciliation. I personally felt that ML did not deserve a second chance. FL should end up with the doctor instead of ML.

Favourite scene
When ML realised what a huge mistake he made

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Well written, solid acting & ML is a feast!

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard last week. I recognised the guy in the thumbnail - Cao Tian Kai. I liked his performance as sickly CEO (he was so endearing) & even though I didn't like his drama about blind girl & her fiancé's uncle, he was extremely hot in that drama. The YT comments for this drama were generally positive. So I clicked 'Play' and I must say that this drama is one of the best written vertical dramas I've watched!

What I liked:
1. Romance - I love romance heavy drama and this is one of the few ones in vertical dramaland. When I say romance heavy, I mean PLENTY of kisses, flirting/teasing, hugging. I love watching them being supportive of each other and constantly communicating with each other. Thank you director for including ML's shirtless shots!
2. ML characterisation - Green flag ML. He understood how much FL values her career and never undermined her efforts to succeed on her own.
3. Acting - Cao Tian Kai's best performance thus far. This was my first drama of Zhang Shan. Her performance is alright. The actor who played FL's adopted brother gave great performance. I also like the actress who played FL's adopted mother - she always portrayed evil stepmother in other vertical dramas so it's nice to see her as a kind adopted mum.
4. Supporting characters - One of the reasons I highly rated this drama is the supporting characters. They were well-written e.g FL's adopted brother, ML's close friend, ML's cousin (who also became FL's love rival), FL's adopted parents.
5. Friendship - I enjoy the interactions amongst old friends (ML and his friends) and new friends (FL & ML's cousin).
6. Ending - I like how they wrap up FL's brother character.

What I disliked:
1. Kidnap - A common trope in vertical drama. I wish there wasn't any in this drama.
2. FL's feelings - I didn't sense the sincerity of FL's feelings for ML until the confrontation. Not sure if this is director's instruction or Zhang Shan's approach to the character.
3. Unnecessary arc - There was a guy who wanted FL for lust or revenge. I find this arc not significant and can be omitted since there are more substantial villain arcs.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's secret relationship was discovered by FL's adopted brother

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Jiejie romance with substance & great acting

I was intrigued by the title when I saw this drama appear on my Youtube dashboard. The ML seemed familiar & thankfully this MDL page has existed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wu Tian Hao as the ML because I enjoyed his performances in Supervisor Husband & My Lady General.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wu Tian Hao and the main actress portrayed their complex characters brilliantly. Their facial expressions and demeanor were on point.
2. Romance - Sizzling hot intimate scenes. Heavy kissing and cute coquettish act by ML at the start.
3. ML characterisation - I like that Shi Jie put out naive act but is actually smart & scheming.
4. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see intelligent, confident & go getter female character. I also liked that Jiangnan was professionally involved in ML's life.
5. Family saga - It was gripping.
6. Production value - This drama felt more like a mini drama shot vertically because the directing style is different from other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. The age gap - There is 10 years of age difference between FL & ML. I usually don't mind this big gap but ML is set to be 19 years old. It'd have been better to set him as 22 or 23 year old assuming he had finished university studies by 22 years old.
2. Pacing - Certain scenes progressed too fast for me to read subtitles & understand the context. I had to rewind.
3. FL's ex partner - Ungrateful.

Favourite scene
The second intimate scene was unexpected & intoxicating.

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Slow burn & sweet romance

I am a fan of Chen Si and Zhu Mo Yan so I was delighted to know that they collaborate in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance started slow because FL just got out from a bad relationship. Oh I love when FL jumped on him & when they made out in ML's office. I also love it whenever FL initiated kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero! I ❤️ ML for being attentive to FL's likes & needs.
3. FL characterisation - Great to see a main character as a doctor. FL is smart & compassionate. I like that she never took advantage of her status as ML's wife.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's bestie, ML's bestie & his family members. FL's mum was smart in tricking SFL when they were shopping. The outfit had me LMAO.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - Silly man. He had no right to ask for reconciliation when he never treated FL well.

Favourite scene:
When FL's bestie asked FL to check her wedding gift

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Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

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Enjoyable revenge-themed modern mini drama

I love mini dramas because of its pacing. I was excited to watch this because of Hong Xiao (You Complete Me being my favourite work of hers because her acting in one particular scene made me cry and love her outfits in that mini drama) and Dai Gao Zheng (curious to see his work after Maid's Revenge, which I disliked). After completing this mini drama, I'd say I enjoy this series more than Maid's Revenge and Revenge of Begonia.

What I liked:
1) Romance - I liked the chemistry between Hong Xiao & Dai Gao Zheng - there were enough tension between them and once they got together, I was still interested in their dynamics. It's great to see different types of romance scenes e.g. soul-baring on bed, happy & playful rain in the afternoon scene. Their kisses are steamy too.
2) Acting - I like Hong Xiao and Dai Gao Zheng's acting. They showed enough vulnerability (I loved that both actors cried for the soul-baring confession on bed scene). It's great to see Dai Gao Zheng playing a boss that kicks ass but is a softie when it comes to his woman.
3) Action scenes - I like the action scenes. Dai Gao Zheng did a lot of fights in this drama.
4) Production value - Looks like a high production value because the set design, stunts and outfits were well done.

What I disliked:
1) Ji Lin Jiang - It was quite obvious that he was the villain but gosh his character was over-the-top / caricature.
2) Grandpa Ji - I don't understand why he gave a harsh punishment to Song Si Pu! Perhaps it's a scene created so Dai Gao Zheng could go topless.
3) Styling for Ji Chan / Min Jing Shu - I know Hong Xiao is petite so she wore really high heels for most of her scenes. Some dresses, especially in the first few episodes, didn't look great on her. However there is one outfit that stands out for the right reason - the all white ensemble she wore when she & Song Si Pu were baring their souls.

Favourite scene:
The soul-baring confession on bed

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I ❤️ a good jiejie romance & this is one of them!

Dramazone is one of my favourite accounts on Youtube because of the selection of vertical dramas there & impeccable subtitling. I had watched Meng Na's dramas before and thought her acting was so-so until I watched this.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What started off as a kept man relationship soon became a real loving relationship. There were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama but I like that the couple was affectionate with each other behind closed doors. I love the contrast between cool, calm & collected FL and coquettish & warm ML. Did I mention I love older woman-younger man romance??? This drama did the trope justice!
2. Huo Lan Chuan characterisation - He's younger than FL but confident & self-assured. I love that he's supportive & very flirty. Liang Si Wei was excellent in this role. Thank you director for the topless scenes.
3. Nan Wan characterisation - Another drama with FL as jewellery designer and I enjoyed this one. I like that she is strong & go-getter. Meng Na was well cast in this role because she totally embodied this character.
4. Rivalry - I love how the writer uses competitions to demonstrate rivalry between FL & villain. Both competitions were exciting to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - What a scheming individual! She didn't even mind hurting her body as long as she got what she wanted.

Favourite scene
Making out at car park scene 🔥

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Tragic love story with great acting by both leads

I enjoyed Ma Xiao Yu's acting in Captive Love from the Mob Boss despite his asinine character. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. I also recently became a fan of Guo Yuxin. I watched this drama on Dailymotion since at the time of this review, there isn't a complete version of this drama in YT. This drama has similar plot to another antidote drama starring Huang Bo.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Ma Xiao Yu & Guo Yuxin's performances were intense and well-matched. Their dramatic scenes were heartfelt.
2. Romance - I know Guo Yu Xin does kissing scenes well based on her dramas with Zuo Ming, Ke Chun, Liang Si Wei. Damn the kissing scenes were really hot.
3. The daughter - It is so touching to see a young daughter caring for sickly mother. The child actress had meatier role in this drama and she did well.
4. ML's assistant - What is the name of actor who played ML's assistant? He is very handsome. I like his character.
5. Styling - I notice styling for Ma Xiao Yu in this drama is same as styling for Captive Love from the Mob Boss. That's great because he looks extremely handsome. FL styling was good too considering there is a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. Romance development - I wish there were more dating/bonding scenes because the romance between FL & ML were underdeveloped.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending because of the presence of the daughter.
3. Villain - I felt the the villain arc was incomplete. Did she face any punishment for her actions?

Favourite scene
When the daughter looked for ways to pay for FL's hospital bill

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Guo Yu Xin kicked ass + plenty of hot kisses

I miss watching Guo Yu Xin dramas. I had watched Yan Zhi Xian in mini dramas but not vertical dramas. After watching a teaser on reddit, I was intrigued and watched this drama within 24 hours of its release. I liked it but didn't love it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There were plenty of kisses in this drama and they were full of fervour. I liked that ML was protective of FL.
2. Acting - It was wonderful to see Guo Yu Xin kicking ass & performing stunts. I also liked Yan Zhi Xian's performance. Both of them are excellent kissers. Their chemistry was sizzling.
3. Action - Loved the fight scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the tanghulu-eating guy. He added fun to the drama. FL's soldiers were entertaining as well.
5. Supernatural - I loved the fantasy element from gu worm to the child.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - Good physical intimacy but the emotional pull between FL & ML was not enough.
2. Antagonist - Crown prince.
3. Plot - I lost interest during the middle of the drama because ML's arc did not flow smoothly.

Favourite scene
When FL had spring dream

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Zhao Ting Yi as mob boss - yes, sir I liked it a lot!

I am a fan of Zhao Ting Yi. He is one of those actors who demonstrated vulnerability of his characters very well that I feel moved by his performances. I remembered the date this drama was released - I watched it immediately. This is one of the dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline - I had Yu Shang Xu's version in my watchlist but I watched this drama first. Overall I liked the drama but expected more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wow, Zhao Ting Yi and Liu Yu Tong made the most handsome father-son combo in the history of vertical dramas. FL had pretty clothes and we can confirm that Deng Ling Shu looks fabulous in red. I liked the burgundy suit worn by ML and the burgundy jacket worn by FL.
2. Mob boss - I loved the mob boss vibe exuded by Zhao Ting Yi. The scenes that have the gang were exciting.
3. Supporting characters - Ah Xiu was perceptive - such a great henchman. I liked the scene where brothers paid respect.
4. Ending - Loved that sweet ending.
5. Language - It was cool to hear Cantonese dialogues.
6. Framing - Beautifully shot scenes. Wonderful production value.
7. Acting - I really liked Zhao Ting Yi's acting. Deng Ling Shu, the actress who played her bestie and the actor who played Ah Xiu gave good performances too.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - At times I found the drama boring & draggy.
2. Romance - No cultivation of feelings. Only two kisses with hardly any couple time / affectionate moments.
3. Antagonists - SML was a pathetic nepo baby. FL's bestie was a traitor. FL's uncle was a pervert.
4. Casting - I felt Deng Ling Shu was miscast in this drama. She didn't fit the look of FL (inexperienced, naive woman in early 20s). At times I got the vibe of The Wife with An Agenda because of the way Deng Ling Shu played the character.

Favourite scene
Ending

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I loved this drama for the chemistry, career-focused and communication between the leads

I am a massive fangirl of Wen Mo Yan. I was delighted to find out that she has collaborated with Wang Dao Tie again as I enjoyed the drama in which she played a hotel employee. I watched this drama almost immediately upon its release. I was not disappointed - I love it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she severed ties with her families. She was smart and thought ahead of everyone else.
2. ML characterisation - He was calm & collected but when things were not right, he called them out. I liked that he told off his son at internal meeting for the rude behaviour and told off Wen family for their daughter's rude remarks about FL.
3. Romance - At first, the relationship seemed like a game to FL. Slow with a lot of flirting and teasing. I liked the build up because I felt their relationship was truly built on love and not just lust. I liked that they communicated a lot - they didn't keep their different views to themselves. I also liked that they had each other's back.
4. Career - This drama leaned heavily towards FL and ML's professional lives. I liked it because it reduced the power distance between ML (the boss) and FL (the employee). FL proved her worth at the company.
5. Supporting characters - FL's housemate, ML's sister and Assistant Jing were wonderful characters.
6. Acting - Wen Mo Yan and Wang Dao Tie continued to demonstrate palpable chemistry in this drama. Wen Mo Yan is always great at playing smart, mature woman and it's evident here. Wang Dao Tie gave a more restrained performance here because of the ML character but it was suitable and complementary to Wen Mo Yan's FL character.
7. Styling - I loved the wardrobe worn by the leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was evil. I also disliked Su family for favouring foster daughter over FL the biological daughter. Both Su & Wen families were nasty. FL's ex boyfriend was pathetic for two-timing FL and for being a spoilt brat at work.
2. Dubbing - I think Wen Mo Yan's voice was dubbed because her original voice is distinctive. I wish they had used her original voice.

Favourite scene
When ML gave in and kissed FL for the first time.

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Great VFX, romance & character development led to my enjoyment of this supernatural drama

I was drawn to this drama when it was a fresh release but somehow I didn't have the urgency to watch it until the first week of October. I was in the mood for supernatural themed vertical dramas so I chose to watch this drama. It went over my expectations - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

Edit: I forgot to add trigger warning - abuse, attempted rape, suicide.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - Great VFX. I loved it when ML went to FL's patisserie to save her from baddies. I also liked the abandoned building scene.
2. Romance - Their blind date was cute. I liked that they were sweet & affectionate right from the start. Wow, I was surprised by the kisses. Full of passion and desire (I knew Zhang Bei Xi can kiss but hadn't seen Jin Yanna doing steamy kisses).
3. FL characterisation - She had a traumatic past but was compassionate and mentally strong. She could also stand up to bullies. Qualities that I like in a female character. Jin Yanna gave a great performance here.
4. ML characterisation - I was surprised by how ML was written. I had assumed that he would be domineering & cocky since he was the devil but no, he was actually sweet and compassionate. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing. Great acting by Zhang Bei Xi - this is my favourite role of his.
5. Supporting characters - The cat / ML's subordinate was entertaining especially when he interacted with ML and the little girl! I also liked the little girl.
6. Secrets - I liked the fact that both FL & ML had secrets that they were ashamed to share with each other. This added a layer to their characteristics.
7. Styling - ML wore great outfits - Zhang Bei Xi was devilishly handsome. FL's outfits were appropriate for her character too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's school mate was vicious for bringing down FL because of a stupid grudge. I did, however, like the arcs for the antagonists.
2. FL's mother - I disliked her for asking FL to return the little girl to her adoptive parents. She should have supported FL's decision.

Favourite scene
When ML asked his subordinate to sleep in another room

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Familiar plot but gorgeous visuals (shots + cast) and charismatic leads made this fun watch!

This drama came to my radar through subreddit CShortDramas. I was intrigued by the first minute and after seeing a positive review, I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Wow I must say that the shots were beautiful. This drama looked like a traditional long-form Chinese dramas with the colour gradation and set-up.
2. Acting - This is my first time watching Zhan Ni and I really liked her acting. She gave this elegant, understated but punchy performance. Wang Yan Xin was good in his role too. Zhan Ni and Wang Yan Xin had good chemistry too.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was quick thinker and able to protect herself from bullies. The last scene with her family was bittersweet and I understood her conflict.
4. Styling - Gorgeous outfits from hotel employee uniforms to FL's casual work and night gown. ML looked dashing in his work clothes and even pyjamas but I wish he hadn't worn the glasses. Made him look like an uncle. SML's outfits were gorgeous and I also liked Xiao Xiao's styling a lot!
5. Romance - The romance was slow but there were good kisses and sweet moments, mostly initiated by ML. I wish there were more scenes of them bonding as a couple.
6. Supporting characters - I ❤️ Xiao Xiao! Her honest remarks about FL's relationship cracked me up. I also liked Shen Yu despite his attempts to woo FL.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lin Yao Yao was annoying and incompetent. Gosh I loved it when she was demoted from ML's secretary to hotel staff - she was too nosy in other people's work. FL's mother was a surprise to me - I thought she was FL's stepmother but no she was her biological mother who treated FL badly. Glad they got retribution.
2. FL's action - It was frustrating when FL kept mentioning that they were in fake marriage numerous times. For someone who is great at anticipating customer's needs, she wasn't good at reading her husband's actions. Honey, you got a fine looking with good characteristics man whom you knew from school and why not take advantage of the situation since both agreed to that arrangement.

Favourite scene
When FL hung washed sheets on the rooftop

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Good police drama with a touch of romance

I was drawn to this drama because of the plot. This is my third time watching drama of Wang Kai Mu and Cui Yi Liang. I was surprised to see that she has crossed over to vertical from mini dramas.

What I liked:
1. Editing - This drama felt like a 2 hour movie. The tension in the police case, the tension between ML & FL were translated to audience well.
2. Wang Kai Mu - I was impressed by Wang Kai Mu's performance. I have seen him in Beautiful Handsome & the drama with Guo Yu Xin. He has grown so much in terms of acting skill & physical build.
3. Cui Yi Liang - She did well in a dramatic role I must say. However I didn't like her cries.
4. Supporting characters - I like ML's team mates in the police force.
5. Romance - Slow burn which is expected. ML was pining for FL for a long time but was respectful of her. Sweet kisses.

What I disliked:
1. Mellow - I found some moments to be too mellow, I was easily distracted.
2. Antagonist - Good one but I wish his arc was given slightly more screen time so audience are more invested in the connection between him and the former team leader.

Favourite scene
When FL realised she was ambushed

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Love watching Guo Yu Xin as a fashion designer in the 80s!

I was ecstatic to find Guo Yu Xin's new drama so soon after Spring Day. I watched this drama on the day of its release.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - There are several FLs who are fashion designers in the world of vertical dramas but I liked this one even more because I got to see her as a business owner as well. I loved that she talked about intellectual property. Guo Yu Xin was well cast in this role.
2. Reborn arc - I enjoyed the arc because it questioned me about the choices that we made. If we have knowledge about the future, should we use it to our advantage or do we just wait for things to happen?
3. Romance - Sweet romance and good kisses. I could sense their love for and dependence on each other. Guo Yu Xin and Su Jun He have great chemistry.
4. Styling - I love the bright clothes worn in the drama. Guo Yu Xin's cherry blouse was quick memorable but my favourite is the blue and orange business suit combo. So pretty! SFL wore nice clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL chose to take control of her fate after being reborn (yes, she was reborn too) but she was never accountable for her actions. She kept blaming FL whenever things didn't go according to her expectations. She was vicious in her means to bring down FL but I must say good job to the writer for writing such arc.
2. Genetic testing - I think that genetic testing that was done the second time was too advanced for that time. DNA testing was very new in the late 1980s and it was focused on crime solving. So I think DNA testing couldn't be use for parental dispute in 1989 yet especially outside of the UK/US/Germany.

Favourite scene
When FL introduced a new fashion trend outside of her store

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