emberzmars

The sexiest Ex's father character - one of Sa Gang Yun's best work!

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with "I Marry My Ex's Father" storyline when I found this drama. I am a fan of Sa Gang Yun but his dramas can be a mixed bag. I was happy after watching this drama. It was an enjoyable one!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sa Gang Yun is the sexiest Ex's father character I have seen! I also liked this character because he was sincere in wanting FL as his life partner.
2. Romance - There were many kisses but the one in FL's childhood home was damn hot! FL was apprehensive at first but later opened up her heart to ML. I liked that they were affectionate.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked the "ex-wife". She was assertive but turned out to be nice. I also liked FL's parents.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart and ambitious about child rearing. It was endearing and understandable.
5. Tone - I liked the light & comedic tone of this drama.
6. Dynamics - The interactions between ML and FL's father were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I disliked FL at first for not wanting her relationship with ML to be known to people. I also didn't understand why she ran away from her home with ML.
2. Antagonists - Her ex was a horrible spoilt brat. Narcissist.

Favourite scene
When ML sneaked into FL's room

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A tale of rebirth with martial art lessons, comic relief and romantic twists

I was preparing for a reddit post on Xie Yu Wang's dramas and this drama was one of the new releases. I decided to watch for the assignment and wow, I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I even included in my list of Top 5 Xie Yu Wang dramas.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Reborn tale with comedic twist. FL was always in scenarios that provided comic relief. There were dramatic / serious scenes in the second half of the drama and they were done well.
2. Setup - The drama showed differences between traditionalist vs modern / Western mindset and I enjoyed those scenes.
3. FL characterisation - She was repented of her past behaviour towards ML. I liked that she was feisty and charming.
4. Romance - Arranged marriage with frosty dynamic between the leads. After rebirth, FL tried to win over ML's heart. I liked that FL initiated dates with him. There were several tender & romantic moments and a few spicy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - . ML was a Mr Nice Guy who wanted to believe in the best of FL but past bad deeds made him doubt her.
6. Martial arts - ML was a martial art practitioner and I loved those scenes in the dojo. The lessons were entertaining and somewhat romantic. The use of English was amusing.
7. Styling - Loved ML's outfits. I favoured FL's traditional outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Styling - FL's Western gowns felt out of place, I find. Some dresses were unflattering.
2. Antagonists - FL's former paramour was pathetic and disrespectful. The maid's daughter was delusional & rude. Their scheming was unbelievable.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made love for the first time

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Opportunistic FL who felt guilty after duping ML. The drama moved me to tears!

I was preparing for a reddit post on Zhang Ruo Chen's dramas so I looked in her drama playlist on youtube and found this drama. I liked Zhang Yi Lun's acting so I decided to watch. Wow oh wow, I was so moved by the performance that I cried. I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Comedic start which I found refreshing. As drama progressed, the series became dramatic but overall I felt warm throughout the drama.
2. FL characterisation - OMG, she was smart & opportunistic but so likeable. She felt guilty and conflicted for duping ML and that's why I liked the character. There was growth.
3. ML characterisation - OMG, he figured out early. I liked that he was smart, kind & forgiving. I loved that he confronted FL's best friend for her selfish action.
4. Romance - So warm even when the relationship was fake. Their kisses were hot - I could sense desire, love & mutual attraction from both leads. I
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant & the kids.
6. Retribution - OMG I loved how they thought ML's mother a lesson on humility.
7. Styling - Great styling. I loved the opening scene which had FL giving styling tips.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Secretary was nosy, snobbish & condescending. I also disliked her for crossing the boss-employee line just because of her status. I also disliked ML's mother for her snobbery.
2. ML's action - I wish he had fired his secretary immediately after the interview fiasco.
3. FL's best friend - She was nice but an opportunist. She took advantage of FL and ML's kindness.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed her dupe to ML

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Jiejie romance meets legal case. Unfamiliar leads but good performance & storytelling

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope and I dead positive reviews about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so I was excited to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling - I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Tropes - Jiejie romance meets legal case. There are a few vertical dramas that use these tropes but everytime it has a different storyline. Good amount of screentime & storytelling for those arcs.
2. Romance - I liked romance development even though it started with a one-night stand. Fun to watch the playful banters.
3. Dynamics - It was great to see interactions between ML and his uncle. I also enjoyed watching the dynamics between the uncle and FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's uncle Inspector Fu (Du Yao was fantastic in this role). FL's younger brother & FL's bestie were great addition to the drama.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits especially that lime green business suit.
6. FL characterisation - I enjoyed the part where she told ML about her journey to become a lawyer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - There was only a minor baddie in this drama which was FL's boss. He was handsy with FL and constantly harrassed FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother found out that ML was dating his sister

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This drama frustrated me because FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud

This drama received a lot of love in sub-reddit CShortDramas so I watched it out of curiosity. I must say that I did not enjoy this drama as much as others. I think the intimate scenes covered the flaws of this drama. I had watched Xu Zhen Zhen in mini dramas but never found her acting that impressive and same case here. There are plenty vertical drama actresses who can outperformed Xu Zhen Zhen if any of them were given this role but then again, the acting wasn't the only problem.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good steamy scenes (which is why this drama was talked about so much on reddit). ML's love language is act of service.
2. Supporting characters - Wan Wan was a good friend for dispensing advice to clueless FL. I also liked that FL's parents were astute observers. I liked Ji Jun Liang's scenes even though there were only a few.
3. Editing - Beautifully shot intimate scenes.
4. Ending - She was finally honest with her feelings for ML in the final 3 minutes.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by the leads and supporting cast.

What I disliked:
1. Pacing - I increased speed in most parts of the drama because the pacing was too slow.
2. Communication - The first act started off good with scenes that show the problem between couple - two emotionally distant people married to each other and did not communicate unless in bed. Then I became disinterested because the push dynamics were too much with genuine pull dynamics (excluding intimate scenes) coming in at halfway mark after the icy barrier slowly thawed. FL had many thoughts about her husband but never said them out loud - it was frustrating.
3. Jealousy - FL's cousin was horrible for judging FL & trying to get to ML's company through connections rather than through merit.
4. Main characters - I couldn't relate to any of the two because I found them unlikeable. FL was too accommodating for my liking. She had many thoughts but just gave in to her husband's demands without having a dialogue with him.

Favourite scene
When FL told a doctor friend that ML knew her better than him

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Offbeat comedy with wonderful performances but no romance

I added this drama to my playlist a few months ago when I was perusing the work of Zhao Mu Yan. I had only watched a handful of Zuo Ming dramas and I liked his acting. I finally decided to watch this drama today and I enjoyed myself.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Offbeat. I was entertained even though slapstick isn't my type of comedy.
2. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was fantastic as transmigrated Wang Ma who wanted to investigate her death. Good comedic timing. I also found ML hilarious thanks to Zuo Ming's good performance.
3. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the dynamics between FL and ML. They were in an arranged marriage but ML slowly developed feelings for FL.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart but flawed which is acceptable. Her thoughts and comments were funny.
5. ML characterisation - Earnest himbo. Non-threatening CEO.
6. Final 15 minutes - The best part of the drama was when FL worked with her dad to catch the perpetrator.
7. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan was so adorable in maid uniform. The multiple leggings scene was hilarious.
8. Duration - I also liked that this drama is only 90 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There wasn't romance but there was a hint in the final 2 minutes. It is a shame because Zhao Mu Yan & Zuo Ming looked good together.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist found out that he had been framed by FL

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FL disguised as a man + suspicious ML + infatuated SFL = a fun watch!

I was in the mood for Zhao Mu Yan's dramas and while perusing her list of work on this website, I was intrigued by the synopsis and comments. I decided to watch it on a weeknight and my gosh I enjoyed the drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan was excellent playing a woman disguising as a man. She nailed those comedic moments. She could pass as a pretty boy but her manicured nails were kinda obvious (albeit fabulous). Wang Jia Mao was great in his role as the intimidating Prime Minister. Chen Mu Ye was fantastic as the SFL too.
2. Dynamics - I loved watching the interactions between ML and disguised FL. I also enjoyed watching the Princess's infatuation with FL-incognito. These moments provided the comic relief.
3. FL characterisation - The reason why FL disguised herself as a man was explained and I thought it was plausible. She was smart and a quick thinker.
4. Romance - There was strong sexual tension between FL and ML. When they did get together, wow the tension was fueled by fire and heat. I also felt like FL and ML had a strong bond and understanding without spending too much time together. Their relationship was healthy.
5. Styling - Great outfits worn by FL, ML and SFL. The stylist was great at picking outfits that hid Zhao Mu Yan's femininity and gave more androgynous look. The makeup looked good too - not overly done on FL & SFL.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the Princess. She was adorable, confused but kind. I also liked ML's subordinate.
7. Duration - I loved that this drama is only 1 hour 46 minutes long.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist arc wasn't fleshed out much. It felt forced because it was only given a spotlight in the last 20 minutes of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL was trying to hide from the Princess but at the same time, hide her secret from ML

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Great performances by the leads but the constant push was tiresome after awhile

I was in the mood for Ji Jun Liang drama after being reminded of his campus drama with Liu Xi Yu & Li Sheng Jie. I decided on this drama because it was said to have steamy kisses. I liked the drama although Chasing Routine is a more superior drama to this one.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ji Jun Liang & Tan Qi Qi were great in their roles, individually and as a couple. There were a lot of push dynamics here because FL was letdown by ML but JJL was great at bringing pull dynamics. There were scenes that almost made me cry.
2. Romance - There were ups and downs in their marriage. Even though FL was utterly disappointed by ML's inaction at the start, I think her love for him never extinguished.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's bestie, older sister-in-law, ML's bestie, friend and FL's housekeeper.
4. ML characterisation - He was flawed but I liked his character. He wasn't a bad guy, he just made a bad decision that cost him his marriage. He looked remorseful when he found out about FL's feeling of being letdown. I also liked him for removing himself from a toxic environment.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that FL stood up for herself and told ML she wanted to put her needs first. I also liked that she didn't give in to ML easily. Definitely loved her when she fought against bullies.
6. Styling - JJL looked handsome with and without shirts.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jin Mei Mei was pathetic for wanting ML despite being married to another man. ML's grandparents were atrocious.
2. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 40 minutes long. I found some of the quarrelling too draggy. I wish FL had been frank & just told ML about her real feelings.
3. Ending - It ended abruptly. I wanted a proper reconciliation with dates & grovelling.

Favourite scene
When ML finally learned the truth about the kidnapping

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Pleasantly surprised by the tone, main characters (Huang Bo played green flag ML) and the romance

I am a massive fan of Huang Bo and he has collaborated with Liu Mei Na at least twice. I have watched their drama and liked their chemistry. So I decided to watch this drama a few days ago. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Tone - I didn't expect comedy at all looking at the long running time. There were plenty of comedic moments. I particularly enjoyed the inner thoughts of ML's assistant whenever ML requested for something that was against his usual behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - Multi-hyphenated FL: acupuncturist / healer, hacker, accomplished pianist. I liked her personality - sensible, smart & not easily bullied.
3. ML characterisation - He was relaxed. I liked it that he never intervene was FL was bullied - he knew FL could handle those problems on her own. I also liked that he encouraged FL to make her own decisions and never exerted his own opinions unless asked by her.
4. Romance - He fell first. I found it cute that ML asked FL to call him Gege. I liked that he longed for FL's love and affection but never forced her to do so. There was trust and a lot of communication and sweetness in their relationship.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant for always having concern for FL. He never wanted FL to be bullied. I also liked ML's buddies.
6. Acting - Great performances by Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. I enjoyed seeing Huang Bo in green flag characters.
7. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both Li Mei Na and Huang Bo. The dress worn by both FL and SFL at the piano competition were pretty too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was horrible especially the mother-daughter combo. Si Qian Qian's scheming got tiresome.
2. Casting - I felt that FL's stepmother was miscast. The actress who played the stepmother looked like a woman in late 20s / early 30s - too young to be someone with an adult child.
3. Duration - Drama is 2 hours 45 minutes. Delighted that there were good arcs of FL, ML and their romance but the scheming could be cut short.

Favourite scene
When FL woke up from sleepwalking

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Part 3 of The Great Grandmother Reborn at 18 continues to excel!

I am a fan of this series because of the ensemble cast, refreshing storyline and the core theme (which is family). I was delighted to know that Chen Tian Xiang had joined the cast because I liked him a lot in She Is Only Three Points Well-Behaved. I watched this drama about two weeks ago when I was in the mood for no-romance vertical drama. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Part 3 had more funny scenes. I laughed out loud thanks to Chen Tian Xiang & Wang Pei Yan's antics. The parody scenes were also amusing. Doudou I never knew she had active imagination.
2. Acting - Superb performances by the cast. Wang Pei Yan had impeccable comedic timing. I also appreciated that Wu Tian Hao had more significant scenes in this round.
3. Styling - I liked San Ge's boyish outfits. Haha I was surprised to see Labubu figurine attached to his shorts / belt loop (I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearance in vertical dramas). Overall I must say that the Ji brothers were really stylish.
4. Family - Core theme that continues to touch our hearts. It was great to see this theme being explored in Zeng Hui's character and his family.
5. Ending - I CANNOT WAIT FOR PART 4!
6. Supporting characters - I enjoyed the cameo of Ji grandpa's childhood rival. Their bickering was always entertaining. I also liked Meng Na's role in this drama.
7. Plagiarism - I liked this scene of big corporate plagiarism. It just shows that some companies / nations are insecure that they would resort to intelligence theft / plagiarism.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There wasn't a big antagonist arc that covers the whole length of the drama. Instead, there were smaller antagonist arcs such as the scheming couple, money-hungry descendant of Tang & campus belle. That campus belle was mean & insecure.
2. Mini arcs - While I think it's great that several mini arcs were explored amongst the big arc (San Ge), I found Ji grandpa's love story out of place because Tang family didn't have significant connection with the Ji. I also wished Wang Pei Yan's character arc especially related to his personal growth (not related to his family) was given more screentime.
3. Teasing - As much as I loved the Fifth brother, I felt the teasing & hitting were too much.

Favourite scene
When great grandmother did acupuncture treatment to Ji Mo Han

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Trust and interdependence were pivotal in this slow burn romance. Wonderful acting & chemistry

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas so I decided to watch this drama because I wanted something recent that already has MDL page. Chen Jie Yi was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see her performance and chemistry with XYW. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Superb performances by both leads. I could sense that both challenged each other's capability especially during the emotional scenes. There were great chemistry and synergy between XYW and CJY.
2. FL characterisation - I empathised with her because she never had anyone else to rely on except for her father. When she had to become self-reliant, she grew more mature as time progressed.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked his character despite the mystery vibe. I also sensed growth in his character as time progressed.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant who witnessed good changes in his boss. FL's bestie was a good character too.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. Trust and interdependence were pivotal in the growth of their relationship.
6. Cameo - I wrote a reddit post about Labubu appearances in Chinese vertical dramas but I missed this drama. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Labubu plushie on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's foster sister was an opportunist, pathetic & insensitive. Her boyfriend was horrible too.
2. Communication - It was frustrating to watch their misunderstanding & lack of frank conversations. However ML noticed this weakness and acknowledged it, which surprised me in a good way.
3. Duration - The drama is close to 2.5 hours. At times the pacing was slow and I was almost distracted.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings

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Enjoyable drama about FL's transmigration to 1980s world

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to produce a reddit post on my favourite Sun Qian Xun's dramas. Wang Chao Yang was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see the chemistry. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bold than average girl in the 1980s because of her modern world experiences. I liked her feistiness. Her ability as a translator was cool.
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Smitten by FL from the first sight of her.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with good kisses and intimate scenes.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the pink & green top & skirt combo.
5. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate was funny. Gu Sen was nice.
6. Ending - That final moment was cheeky!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiang Tang was malicious. She stole FL's boyfriend then when things didn't work out, she turned her sights to ML. FL's uncle and aunt were horrible too. Zhang Zi Jie was another terrible character but he redeemed himself.
2. Ignorance - It was silly for FL & ML to brush off a tip off when she was heavily pregnant.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk & ML came to pick her up

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Enjoyable drama about wolves, love and family legacy

I was in the mood for supernatural / fantasy dramas leading up to Halloween. I saw this drama poster on reelxia so I clicked play. I enjoyed this drama a lot. This is my first time watching Cao Jing Hao and An Xiao Jie.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn spicy opening with lust & desire blatantly expressed by ML & FL. Their romance had a slow build-up when they reunited but overall they were sweet to each other. They were baby-faced couple.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her tenacity. She was smart to protect her mother's legacy from her horrible father and his new family.
3. ML characterisation - He was kind & compassionate. I liked that he tried to make sense of FL situation even though there were some assumptions made.
4. Wolf arc - I liked the wolf community especially ML's close relatives. They were happy to accept FL & her kids into the community. The wolf training for cubs was adorable.
5. Supporting characters - The twins were adorable. I also liked ML's assistant and ML's close relatives.
6. Plot twist - Oh, I didn't expect that plot twist. I liked it a lot because then this drama has separate storyline from the other wolf dramas.
7. Styling - I appreciated the wolf styling for this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - Shame on FL's father for abusing his grandchildren. I was also shocked that no one at the banquet said anything when the children were openly abused.
2. Antagonists - FL's relatives were atrocious - her father was a freeloader. There was also jealous she-wolf in the community who always took opportunities to bring down FL. The three stooges at the Jones Group were stupid. It was silly that HR Head of Department did not recognise FL.
3. FL's action - She wasn't honest with ML when he asked about her kids the first time. I was also frustrated with FL when she jumped into conclusion based on hearsay / a few observations.

Favourite scene
FL & ML's first intimate encounter

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Hidden identity kept too long but sexy chemistry made up for drama flaws

I like Hou Cheng Yue & Zhang Ji Jun's acting and know that they have collaborated before. I was excited for this drama especially after seeing positive comments on r/CShortDramas. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow, that blindfold scene was sexy. Desire & lust were evident in both characters. I liked the dynamics between FL & ML with ML being slightly submissive to FL.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & physically strong. I loved that she never wavered from bullies.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his puppy energy. The running around was funny. He had his serious moments, which I enjoyed as well.
4. Styling - I liked FL's outfits. Also the contrast between FL & ML.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the middleman.
6. Duration - Drama running time is 2 hours 7 minutes - I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's stepmother was evil. Her son was horrible. Can't blamed solely on him because he had an enabler.
2. Hidden identity - Only unveiled at 75% mark of the drama. I wish ML had come clean earlier when confronted by FL.

Favourite scene
When ML picked up FL from a line-up of blindfolded men

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Determind FL, sizzling chemistry & ML with fabulous abs - what's not to like?

I had seen a short behind the scene clip of Qian Zhe and Meng Na but I wasn't sure if it was from the earlier collab drama that they did. It turned out to be for this drama. I am a fan of Qian Zhe's acting and must say I like this collab between him and Meng Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was allure in their first encounter. The tango was sexy even though less fluid movements. There were great spicy and sweet moments between FL and ML. I loved their second dance, which they did in private.
2. FL characterisation - I liked her determination in ensuring her father's patent not going to the wrong hands. She was smart to seek alliance.
3. ML characterisation - Tactical & resourceful. I liked that he genuinely wanted to help FL.
4. Styling - FL's engagement dress had a gothic feel. I liked! I also liked ML's outfits.
5. Rival arc - Riveting! I like the rivalry in business, sibling & love.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's mother, FL's father.
7. Duration - This drama is less than 2 hours. A plus point for me as I struggle with dramas longer than 2.5 hours.
8. Acting - I finally found a Meng Na drama that I liked! Enjoyed her performance here and she had great chemistry with Qian Zhe, I enjoyed his performance here too as there was a moment of vulnerability shown there.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I found ML's assistant a bit handsy. She went over the boundary. ML's brother was power hungry. FL's cousin was envious. ML's ex fiancée was annoying.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML who was pretending to be vegetative

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