emberzmars

This I Marry Your Father Instead of You drama was ok but lengthy

I was in the mood for 'I marry your father instead of you' dramas so I chose this drama. I was curious to see the performances by the leads since I had never seen their work. I am familiar with the plot because I watched Be Your Kiss starring Huai Wen & Lu Jia Xi. This version is ok but I still prefer Be Your Kiss.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She started off as a naive 20 year old but grew up once she got married to ML. I likeed that she had flaws.
2. ML characterisation - He was patient & loving husband. He was aware of his son's stupidity before he knew about his son-FL relationship.
3. Romance - Their first intimate scene was sexy because FL made the initiative. There were some kisses but not many. I liked sweet gestures done by ML such as cooking, leg massage. FL even seduced ML into having sex during second trimester but ML was overly cautious.
4. Supporting characters - I liked the housekeeper Li Ma.
5. Casting - Tao Si Yuan is close to his character's age and I liked that. He looked hot shirtless and without glasses.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML & FL as they were right for their age & personality. Her wedding dress was pretty. I also liked clothes worn by FL's mother & sister.
7. Plot twist - I appreciated the plot twist regarding SML / ML's son. It's different from Be Your Kiss.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible to FL. In addition to being a bitch, FL's sister was a snob thinking her relatioship with Fu Cheng Yu had secured her for life.
2. Acting - The two leads' performances were alright. I wish there was chemistry between them. The supporting cast's acting was not great but the actress who played FL's sister was pretty.
3. Duration - This drama is slightly over 3 hours. I was disengaged a few times but because of the familiar plot, I was able to let the drama play while I wrote reviews on MDL using my phone.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML into having sex during her second trimester

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Light but sexy drama about faceblind ML & his secretary

I was browsing new releases and randomly picked this drama. I hadn't seen the work of Nie Zi Xuan nor Li Nuo so I was curious. Wow, what an opening scene! I decided to watch the drama in full and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - The first minute was damn hot. Their intimate scenes were hot because I could sense desire mixed in with slight playfulness.
2. Nie Zi Xuan - Well, hello gorgeous. He was Adonis - a manly man with sharp jawline. I loved his voice.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend.
4. Main characters - Both were likeable. I liked that ML knew about the deception early on and just played along with FL's ruse.
5. Tone - This drama was lighthearted.
6. Acting - Both Li Nuo and Nie Zi Xuan gave good performances individually and as a pair. They had believable chemistry and I assumed good rapport because the intimate scenes were damn hot.

What I disliked:
1. Fake identity - FL's ruse went on too long. I wish she had come clean after the second time they were intimate.
2. Romance - They had sex and they worked together. However I wish there was more time spent on their romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
The morning after their second intimate encounter

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Well-written jiejie romance drama that felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I'd like to thank MDL user Fae for sharing link to this drama. I was not familiar with the main actor and main actress so not much expectation. I enjoyed this drama immensely and was impressed by the production quality.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Hot intimate scenes such as passionate kissing and a cosplay. I also liked that there were tender and vulnerable moments by both characters. One of my favourite scenes is when ML felt undervalued and broke up with FL. I liked how ML stood up for his rights in the relationship because usually in jiejie romance, ML closed one eye when he was mistreated by FL.
2. ML characterisation - As expected, he had cute puppy vibe when he was playful with FL but there were serious moments. I liked that his character grew.
3. FL characterisation - FL was sensible and likeable. I also liked that FL had some character growth as well. She realised her mistake and fought for her relationship.
4. Writing - I liked how this story was told because it felt like a condensed version of 45-minute-per-episode drama without filler scenes. There was one scene I enjoyed a lot - FL had a chat with her close colleague about dating a younger man. I liked how these tropes were explored in this story: Older woman-younger man romance, office romance, hidden identity, longtime crush.
5. Supporting characters - I loved FL's close colleague Annie for being wise and funny. I also liked ML's assistant - he gave good advice.
6. Acting - Wonderful performances by Wang Xiao Shi, Yu Yi Fu, the actor who played FL's ex and the actress who played FL's mother. Great chemistry between Wang Xiao Shi and Yu Yi Fu.
7. Styling - Amazing outfits chosen for FL because in reality Yu Yi Fu is older than Wang Xiao Shi.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - A substantial antagonist with a good arc. FL’s ex was cunning and despicable for going to FL’s mother to get FL to marry him. I also disliked FL's mother at one point for not backing her own daughter. She was too concerned about face saving than her daughter's happiness.

Favourite scene
The cosplay

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Steamy kisses & affectionate moments in this drama about understanding love & gratitude

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the main actor and main actress. A reviewer said there were many steamy kisses so I got curious. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Plenty of steamy kisses with ML being insatiable - he devoured her. However what I enjoyed more is the affections between them. There were warm & sweet moments.
2. ML characterisation - He was cunning - the scheming he did to get FL to like him was brilliant. He was also protective, tender lover. I liked that he respected FL's wish about no kids for timebeing.
3. FL characterisation - Good character development from a girl who yearned for her adopted brother's affection to a woman understanding the differences between love and gratitude and prioritising her wants & needs.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's subordinate & FL's servant.
5. Styling - I liked the traditional clothes worn by FL & ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Xiao Ji claimed the credit for saving FL which I found disrespectful towards her. He was also selfish & delusional.

Favourite scene
ML sulked when FL wasn't jealous

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ML-driven revenge drama with electric chemistry and many baddies

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's drama. I selected this drama because I like Zhao Mu Yan's acting but the running time scared me. I was relieved that I could finish this drama over the weekend because I had mixed feelings throughout the whole viewing experience.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Their relationship was tumultuous with earlier part of the relationship being about revenge / punishment. Their kisses were hot & intense. I liked whenever ML hugged FL from her behind. However I could see the conflict and growing feelings experienced by ML.
2. Acting - Great acting by Xie Yu Wang, Zhao Mu Yan and the actress who portrayed Pei Jia Ning. Electric chemistry between XYW & ZMY - I was glued to the screen whenever they appeared in the same frame on screen.
3. Styling - Great outifts worn by FL. I liked her work clothes and the brown ensemble looked fab on her. I also liked her high heels - ZMY petite standing next to XYW barefooted.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant / driver for his loyalty. I also liked FL's bestie for always being concern of FL's welfare.
5. Revelation - One of my favourite scenes was when ML told FL the truth about his mother's killer. Beautifully shot snowy day with the main characters holding umbrellas.
6. Ending - I liked the ending even though ML was undeserving.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Pei Jia Ning was bat s#it crazy. She was willing to hurt people so she could marry ML. ML's father and half brother were conniving. Zhou Qing Lin was boastful. I also disliked FL's brother for burdening his sister but good thing he repented.
2. ML characterisation - As someone who's watched too many FL-focused revenge vertical dramas, I understand the concept of taking advantage of ML.as part of revenge plan. So in this drama, roles are reversed - ML enact revenge by keeping FL as his canary. What I disliked about ML are his engagement to Ms Pei and him being ok with Ms Pei bullying FL.
3. FL's action - She was silly for taking her mother, who was still recuperating from a surgery, out of hospital room because she wanted to break free from ML. Honey, let your mother recover first then take her out.
4. Duration - This drama's running time is 3 hours+. With the amount of bad stuff and negativity, it was a tough watch.

Favourite scene
The revelation on a snowy day with both of main characters holding umbrellas

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Abuse was tough watch but great acting by Li Ya Ya & Yu Ke Ran

I was impressed by Yu Ke Ran'a acting in The Heartbreak Alliance which made me want to explore his dramas. I decided to watch this drama because I was already familiar with Li Ya Ya and this drama was popular request in subreddit CShortDramas when ot was released. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Ya Ya gave a great performance in showcasing different sides of her character. I also liked Yu Ke Ran's performance as CEO. Their chemistry was wonderful.
2. FL characterisation - I pitied her for her tough upbringing but great that she overcame the block and regained her memories.
3. ML characterisation - He was tough CEO but kind and compassionate with FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother for being compassionate.
5. Romance - Now it was tough to see their first intimate encounter because she had mental block then. However once FL had chosen to leave her relatives and stay with him, it was good to see their relationship grew . ML was very supportive of FL. Their playful banter when she regained her memory was fun to watch.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours, thank gawd.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious. Good thing they were punished.
2. Abuse - It was tough to watch FL being treated like a dog. It was shocking to see FL being humiliated at an event with many onlookers but no one stepped in to intervene.

Favourite scene
When ML told the crowd the identity of his wife

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Sweet drama about clingy ML & FL with many skills

I had this drama in my watchlist for months and today I was in the mood for clingy ML drama so I chose to watch this. I am a familiar with both Tian Tian Yi & Tan Zhen Hao so I was curious about their dynamic. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - They were sweet and affectionate. Plenty of kisses, hugs & handholding. I liked that their relationship was sweet and harmonious from the start.
2. Main characters - Both were likeable although I found FL lost her shine after getting married to ML because there wasn't much focus on her vocation.
3. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Shen Dong was the MVP. I also liked the ML's friend who wore glasses.
4. Acting - Great performances by Tian Tian Yi and Tan Zhen Hao. His portrayal of smitten ML was spot on.
5. Interactions - The interactions between ML and his grandma were amusing in particular that surprise gift.
6. Race car - I liked that FL were able to show her skills in two different scenes.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I was surprised by ML's change in behaviour when he saw FL at his office. While I welcomed the warm reception, I wish he had told her about the time he saved her earlier in their relationship.
2. Antagonist - Bai Lian was annoying but good that FL was aware of her right from the start and knew how to handle her.

Favourite scene
When ML teased his grandmother

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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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Sun Qian Xun's most dramatic performance and Kong Qi Li impressed me with his facial expressions

After a staple of Sun Qian Xun's romcoms, I decided to watch this more dramatic drama to see if she got the chops. While I struggled with the pacing at times, overall I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the first time I watched Kong Qi Li's performance and wow I was blown away. His facial expressions when his character was moved by FL's words almost made me cry. SQX gave a good dramatic performance as well.
2. FL characterisation - She was compassionate especially when it came to matters related to ML & Xiao Hui. I also liked that she stood up to bullies.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but kind and soft-hearted. I liked that he had a personal battle to overcome because it showed character growth & maturity.
4. Supporting characters - Xiao Hui was a sweetheart. I also liked ML's close friend and FL's two friends / neighbours who always had FL's back.
5. Rural life - I enjoyed scenes of rural life from the agriculture / farming to community helping out each other.
6. Romance - Slow burn with more emphasis on growing feelings & acts of service. I likes that FL was bold enough to kiss ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's relatives were atrocious. Always thinking about money. The girl from same town as FL was horrible too as she was envious of FL's “good fortune”. Zhang Fan was another character I disliked.
2. Duration - This slice of life drama is 3 hours 10 minutes long. The middle section was too slow for me but the last 30 minutes was thrilling.
3. Ending - I don't mind dramas with bleak ending but this drama's ending was rather haphazard. I doubt there will be part 2.

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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Final 11 minutes of the story was a mess and no chemistry between the leads

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this one because I also enjoy Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I had some expectations about this drama. Unfortunately this drama felt short to me.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She transmigrated into a novel she had written and instead of predetermined supporting character, she became main character. I liked her thoughts of completing her mission. Very entertaining but she clearly didn't know how to outwit the system.
2. ML characterisation - We knew he transmigrated too but I was surprised that he had been given mission. I too enjoyed watching his antics. ZZD playing a charming, mischievous guy is always fun to watch.
3. Plot twist - The plot twist at ML's office marked the start of third act and damn, I liked it.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Dr Zhuang as he was an abstute observer and mostly nice person. His character had depth. Played brilliantly by Ji Jun Liang.
5. Relationship - Interesting to see different dynamics between FL and ML at different stages of their relationship. There were some good kisses between them.
6. Styling - I liked the different styling given to FL before and after transmigration. The men's formal wear for the banquet was good. Both ZZD & JJL looked very handsome.

What I disliked:
1. ML's actions - I disliked him for being harsh to FL before transmigration.
2. Final 11 minutes - WHY??? 180 degree character change was a disappointment.
3. Acting - SQX's acting was one note and stiff - she lacked charm in most of her scenes. I also didn't sense any chemistry between her and ZZD. Their relationship lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The plot twist

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Pleasantly surprised by its storytelling. The revenge, romance and rivalry kept me engaged.

I wasn't familiar with the main actor and main actress but I was in the mood for reborn ML stories so I picked this drama to watch. I went into the drama “blind” and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Revenge trope - ML was betrayed by his loved ones in his past life so when he was given a second chance at life, he made different decisions. I liked that his revenge plans were not violent. He used his brains to seek justice instead. I hadn't watched many ML reborn & revenge stories so this one was a nice surprise!
2. ML characterisation - He was nice and gentle. I also liked that he wasn't intimidated by the more dominant FL. I must say I was charmed by Tan Yan Ping. He brought some depth to his character's Mr Nice Guy.
3. Romance - In most ML reborn & revenge dramas that I watched, romance was kept to the minimal. So I was surprised with the romance scenes because they were warm and affectionate with each other. I saw love and lust and the kisses were good! Even the antagonistic SML had good kissing scenes with SFL.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her dominant personality and her softness when alone with ML. She was a successful businesswoman - rich woman. So it was great gender reversal.
5. Rivalry - The rivalry between ML and his adopted family kept me engaged. I liked how FL was supportive of ML's initiatives.
6. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as seen in (i) ML's relationship with his adopted family, (ii) ML's relationship with FL, (iii) FL's relationship with her brother, (iv) relationship within ML's adopted family, and (v) glimpse of ML's biological family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's adopted family was horrible for mistreating him and favoring the long lost son. I also disliked ML's former wife who betrayed him in the past life.
2. Yapping - The confrontation at the banquet was interesting at first but then yapping happened.

Favourite scene
Home-cooked dinner and the make out session

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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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A couple at the verge of divorce...a well-written drama with an emotional punch & great acting

I was intrigued by the drama when it was heavily mentioned in subreddit CShortDramas during its release. I have seen dramas by Tian Yuan and Ji Jun Liang. I like Tian Yuan's acting but as much as I like JJL's visuals, I found his dramas lack uummpphh mostly because the lack of chemistry with his leading ladies. So today I decided to watch Chasing Routine. I literally just completed this drama and wow, so many thoughts going through my head.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say this is one of the best written vertical dramas from this year. The three acts had a clear concept and were executed well. I cried because was moved by a few scenes in act two. Kudos to the writers.
2. Main characters - I liked that both characters were flawed. There was character development in both FL & ML and I appreciated that they work their hardest to be better versions of themselves.
3. Acting - Wow, great performances by both Tian Yuan & Ji Jun Liang. They matched each other's skills and intensity. The hotel room scene was the highlight of their performances.
4. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama as I saw different examples of family units: i) FL & ML, ii) FL's mother & brother, iii) ML's parents.
5. Forgiveness - It is hard to move on when there are resentment, nitpicking or lingering feelings. Best way to move forward is to forgive, which was demonstrated in the scene at the hospital.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL, ML & ML's assistant / admirer. The lime green dress looked good on FL while my favourite outfit for ML is the ensemble he wore for dinner with his brother in law & annoying guy.
6. Supporting characters - Usually in my culture, mother in law can be harsh towards their daughter in law but I really liked ML's parents for being supportive of FL. It was nice to add that conversation between ML and ML's mother about having kids.
7. Romance - There were ups and downs in their relationship that we got to see. A very emotional ride. Their love language is act of service and there was one kiss I think.
8. Ending - I was hoping it would be that news and I was right. They deserved it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, FL's mother & brother were atrocious and ungrateful. Lived off well but never appreciated ML. I couldn't believe the brother for still befriending the attacker of his sister. That guy with horrible centre-parting hair was an ass who wouldn't take no for an answer.
2. SFL - I disliked ML's assistant / admirer for the GeGe / cooing and for taking credit for FL's work. However she redeemed herself at the end, which was a nice surprise.

Favourite scene
The hotel room - a lot of feelings involved.

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Hilarious transmigration, systems drama with great romance arc

I came across this drama on youtube a few days ago and after reading positive comments, I saved it into my playlist. Yesterday I was in the mood for something warm with good kisses so I watched this drama. I was not disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Plot - This drama uses transmigration and systems trope and I enjoyed it. I liked that FL was given two options i) return to original world, ii) remain in the same world, because many systems drama that I watched do not offer them to main characters making me feel like they had no choice but to stay and make the best of the current world.
2. FL characterisation - She gave mixed signals to characters closed to her but I found her charming & likeable.
3. Acting - Guo Xin Rui was awesome in this role with great comedic performance. She made FL self-deprecatingly funny. This is my second Ma Shuo Qi drama and I liked his performance as well. GXR & MSQ had great chemistry here.
4. Romance - Slow burn romance with FL trying to follow the plot but couldn't and ML trying to resist FL's charm but failed to do so. Even when there were at odds with each other, I could sense the sexual pull between them. Their kisses were good. There was even a cosplay scene which was adorable & funny.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's sister - she was sensible, strong & had a no-nonsense mindset. She was the opposite of scatterbrained FL. I also liked ML's friend who ovserved ML's behaviour and kept teasing him for being a love brain.
6. Comedy - So many hilarious scenes. My favourite is when ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back.
7. Kidnapping scene - Damn, what a refreshing take!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked ML's childhood friend who overstepped the boundaries because of her "love" for ML. She was disrespectful towards him. I also disliked ML's adopted sister who was possessive of ML because of her love for him. It was wonderful to hear FL telling her the reality of the situation betwen adopted sister and ML. I also disliked ML's mother for favouring childhood friend over her own daughter-in-law. They already married so move on!

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to scratch his "itchy" back

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Similar to US tv show Jane the Virgin, FL was artificially inseminated

I was in the mood for Aorigele dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I had low expectation but wow I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved her because there was character growth. At the start, she was mousy and insecure but she slowly learned to trust her judgements & convictions.
2. ML characterisation - He was so sweet. I liked that he was a nice boss and didn't easily cave into family pressure.
3. Romance - Very sweet. I loved it when ML directly told FL that he was pursuing her.
4. Styling - Wonderful pieces selected for FL as you can see outfits that match varying stages of transformation. ML's outfits were great too. Plain white t-shirt was the highlight for me.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was a delusional b!tch who think ML was her possession. There was also another entitled ass who was condescending towards FL. I was delighted when both were punished. I disliked FL's father who was money-hungry scumbag. He too got punished.
2. Nails - OMG, so many raptor nails in the drama: delusional b!tch, entitled b!tch and even a gynaecologist. Having long fingernails for work at hospital just did not make sense.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL that he's pursuing her

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