emberzmars

Started great but lost its spark somewhere in the middle

I was in the mood for dramas about unplanned pregnancy so I chose this drama because of Zhao Zhen Dong. I was unfamiliar with Joey Chua - turns out she's from my country. Anyway the drama started out great and somewhere in the middle it lost its spark for me.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance was slowburn & sweet with ML iniated efforts most of the time. They are a couple that gave off quiet confidence & serene vibes.
2. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm demeanour. He was also caring & protective.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend for being a great friend. FL's parents & younger brother often provided comic relief.
4. Medical field - I liked scenes related to their anatomy class and Chinese traditional medicine.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by ML, FL and her bestie.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that he made decision to send FL abroad after "a scandal". He treated her like a kid not like a partner. I thought their new family of three would travel together but no. That decision just didn't sit well with me.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex (actor looks like Wu Yu Hang) was typical scumbag but Jiang Xin was a jealous b!tch who wanted to compete with FL at personal & professional level. Her antics were tiresome.
3. FL actions - I felt FL was stringing along her ex and husband. She should tell the ex to bugger off and move on but instead she payed along ML's game. I thought she had her own revenge plans but no. Pity husband being caught in this stupid game.

Favourite scene
When ML massaged FL's legs

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Mob boss took a career change & became a teacher. It was a fun watch!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I decided to watch on a day which I wanted something with no romance. I enjoyed this drama immensely. It reminds me of American movies Sister Act 2 and Dangerous Minds where a new teacher had to deal with rebellious students who actually had potential to shine with the right direction. Anyway I am thrilled that there will be part 2.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I knew he took up teaching to fulfill his mother's wishes but he seemed to enjoy teaching and motivating young people with no clear direction in life. I liked that he maintained the boundaries of teacher-student relationship. He never disclosed his personal matters to them.
2. Acting - Gao Hao Jun was brilliant in this role - he was cool, calm & composed. I also liked the actor who played the most intimidating student, Wang Zion. He could show the different sides of his character.
3. Lessons - His lessons were fun. My favourite was chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Wang Zion, Lance & musician girl were my favourite students. FL teacher & principal were good too. I also liked Lance's parents who were cute supporters of their kid.
5. Townhall - I actually liked how it turned out. ML got the backing from parents of his students.
6. Ending - I liked that he took up a new challenge.

What I disliked:
1. Confrontation - It was anti-climatic. Because of his past "work experience" as a mob boss, I expected some violence to happen.

Favourite scene
Chemistry lesson

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Sweet story about age gap / class difference romance with likeable leads

I was in the mood for vertical dramas about unplanned pregnancies so I chose this drama. I enjoy the acting of Zhao Zhen Dong & Zhang Ruo Chen. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was kind, resilient & self-reliant. She knew she had to stand on her two feet that's she couldn't easily accept ML's allowance. Zhang Ruo Chen was good in this role.
2. ML characterisation - He was skeptical but mystified by his attraction to her. I liked that he was caring & protective of her.
3. Romance - Slow burn & sweet. There were a few affectionate moments & some kisses though I wish there were more cultivation of relationship scenes.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant Han Lin was the MVP. His presence brightened the drama. I also liked the Huo elders - I liked when 3 elders as a collective scolded ML. Wow 4 generations living togather. FL's new classmate who was protective of her was cool too. The maids were nice too especially the lead.
5. Styling - I liked FL's outfits because they were age-appropriate and fit her quiet personality. ML looked handsome in his work clothes.
6. Tone - Despite the bullying, the drama was lighearted & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family took advantage of her kindness. I didn't like that they were abusive, physically & mentally. The jealous factory workers and high school / uni friends were insufferable too.
2. Screentime - The drama is 1 hour 35 minutes, which is the length I like. However antagonists got too much screentime. I would have liked more time for cultivation of relationship.

Favourite scene
When ML & his assistant eavesdropped on FL's conversation with her uni friend

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Intriguing opening scene but once cover was blown, drama became bland

Ok I have to admit - I really really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals that I recently developed a habit of watching his new releases. As expected, I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Opening scene - The paparazzo scene at the start was exciting because it was something I had not seen in Chinese dramas.
2. Styling - The disguise was awesome. The pink wig looked gorgeous on the main actress.
3. Ji Jun Liang - Wow, he got to show us his body. His face card is top notch as expected.
4. Kisses - Good kissing scenes thanks to JJL. His character always initiated it.

What I disliked;
1. Romance - Lacklustre.
2. FL characterisation - She was silly like always fumbling. She was also cowardly - always scared of someone. I couldn't believe the things she did to ML.
3. Acting - The main actress was so inexperienced because her acting was very underwhelming. The only thing I liked about her was when she wore the pink wig - that persona was confident & self-assured.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Heartwarming tale about FL hearing thoughts of half-dragon ML

I came across this inner thought drama on subreddit CShortDramas. The title implied that FL could hear ML's thoughts so I became interested and watched. I loved it a lot! I did a buddy watch of this drama with MDL user Fae.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I love this drama because ML is a sensitive soul despite the tough persona. I think he maintained that façade but slowly lowered his guard when FL showed kindness to him. I also liked his curiosity and protectiveness over FL.
2. Romance - They were affectionate and sweet. Well FL cheated because of her superpower hahaha but it's a great setup for couple's communication.
3. Inner thought trope - I usually watch dramas in which FL's thought could be heard by ML but this is the other way around. It's refreshing to see/hear ML's inner thoughts.
4. Fantasy element - I loved the dragon arc even though there was only a few scenes. ML in dragon form is ker ai!
5. Styling - The makeup and props for dragon form was done well. The scales on his face & arm were beautifully done. Even the claws looked like a proper prop and not flimsy gloves. I couldn't believe he even had a tail LMAO. The walkie-talkie horns were
adorable!
6. The ending - I liked that there was a discussion on labour and the form of their child - as an egg or a human with dragon
features. My guess was wrong - I wish the child was born in half-breed form.
7. Antagonist - The antagonist here isn't that bad. He didn't overshadow the couple in terms of storytelling.
8. Supporting characters - I loved ML's mother. The relief on her face when FL knew his secret identity. She's such a wonderful lady to have raised an orphan who turned out to be different from other people.

What I disliked:
1. Kisses - There was no kissing scenes. I want to see lust & real kisses since their relationship was healthy.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother knew that FL was aware of ML's secret.

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Genuinely surprised by the warmth of this fake relationship story

I was searching fake relationship vertical dramas and this drama was in the search results. I had watched Meng Jia Hui dramas before but I wasn't familiar with Zhang Yu Tian. This drama exceeded my expectations - I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Writing - A well-written vertical drama. I liked that it took time to establish a contract relationship but the drama didn't drag secret part. The fake identity was out by halfway mark.
2. Comedy - This drama was hilarious & lighthearted.
3. Romance - Slow burn but satisfying. I liked that ML was upfront about pursuing FL after secret was out. I could sense their growing feelings despite the difficult situations they were facing.
4. FL characterisation - Despite the deception, I liked her because she was nice, smart & endearing. She was also a great friend. Zhang Yu Tian was great in this role.
5. ML characterisation - Overall he was sweet & straightforward. I liked that he didn't deny his feelings for FL despite the deception.
6. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome! I also liked ML's grandma & FL's mother - the former was funny while the latter gave food for thought.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Thankfully there were no evil people in this drama. FL's friend Lin Feng was conniving and I was delighted FL immediately realised his bad behaviour. Director Hu was disgruntled employee who was angry for getting caught at receiving kickbacks.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother talked to ML

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Great acting in this BDSM tale of two people with complicated lives

I watched this drama as I was preparing for a reddit post on my favourite dark and dangerous female leads. I knew BDSM is an element of this drama so I wasn't shocked. I must say I enjoyed this drama a lot.

Trigger warning: BDSM, Mental health issue, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Romance - One of the steamiest dramas with BDSM element to boot. I enjoyed watching dominant female & submissive male dynamics as they both consented to this dynamic.
2. FL characterisation - She had mental health issues but I liked her character because she wanted to be in a better place for herself and others that cared for her after being given a second chance.
3. ML characterisation - His motives confused me at times because the past version of him was vengeful. However I liked watching his struggles and character growth. It seemed to me that he knew the difference between love and gratitude.
4. Acting - Wonderful acting by Yue Yu Ting & Zhang Chi. They played off each other's energy & intensity.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and ML.
6. Duration - Less than 2 hours which was perfect for me. Not draggy.

Disliked:
1. Confusion - Her life before rebirth & the sabotage confused me. I didn't quite understand the supporting character's insistence on pulling FL & ML apart. I knew the success would benefit the culprit but so what?

Favourite scene
When ML consoled FL who had harmed herself

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Exciting first act but after that comes a typical jealous love rival arc

I was in the mood for flash marriage trope so I looked up my iQIYI app and found this title. Bai Xue Ru is fast becoming my favourite actress and Wang Yan Xin is so damn handsome and tall. The first act of the drama was exciting but when second act came, it had the typical jealous love rival arc which didn't offer anything new. I wish they had stayed with the master-servant arc.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Bai Xue Ru was awesome in her role. She conveyed different emotions very well. While I liked Wang Yan Xin in this role, I wish he pushed himself more during emotional moments.
2. First act - Damn, the master-servant arc was fascinating. I wish it was explored further especially when she was pregnant because I didn't think this special dynamic was just related to sex.
3. Dynamics - I liked FL-ML dynamic from boss-employee then to master-servant & husband-wife. I also enjoyed watching the son interactions with his dad.
4. Supporting characters - Their kid was so adorable. I also liked FL's grandma & ML's grandpa.
5. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by ML, FL and their kid.
6. Tone - This is a lighthearted story with some spicy moments (love them!). FL certainly made an impression on ML.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Even though I could sense them falling for each other, I wish there were many scenes of their romantic entanglement. They married for convenience. So what made them realise that their relationship was more than just master-servant?
2. Antagonists - There was the usual delusional love rival, Yanyin who couldn't accept ML's rejection of her. I also disliked ML's uncle & aunt who each had their own plans to inherit Xie family wealth.

Favourite scene
When ML was aroused after FL scolded him

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Touching drama about flash marriage, partnership and sense of belonging

This drama was recommended to me by reddit friend. I am a fan of Han Jia Hui dramas and Li Zi Jie has his charms. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Slowburn with great emphasis on growing feelings and sense of belonging. They communicated on regular basis and while there was slight awkwardness between them, I could feel that they liked each other.
2. FL characterisation - She was neglected by her biological family but decided to cut ties once the condition became unbearable. I liked that she protected the people she cared the most and that included ML.
3. ML characterisation - ML had his own personal struggles to battle. I liked that he was protective of FL and was honest to FL about his growing attraction to her.
4. Supporting characters - It's great that ML had uncle, aunt & cousin who loved him.
5. Board meeting - I was delighted when a director openly challenged ML's father's capability as President because of the scandals.
6. Acting - Li Zi Jie nailed his role. I was moved by his performance especially in the last 20 minutes or so. Han Jia Hui was given more comedic bits and she did well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's father and grandmother were the worst offenders for the ill treatment towards ML. Other baddies in this drama included ML's stepmother, FL's father, stepmother and half sister.
2. Duration - At 2 hours 40 minutes, I felt the drama was too long given that a lot of screentime given to antagonists.

Favourite scene
Dialogue between ML and his father.

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Strong FL left scumbag husband. No reconciliation - thank gawd!

I found out about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I didn't recognise the main actor & main actress but was willing to give this a shot considering its short running time. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a devoted partner (in lofe & at professional level) to ML but once her trust was betrayed by ML, she decided to leave ML, took her half and move on. I really liked her determination to rebuild her life.
2. Acting - I really liked Wu Yue's acting. Li Si Yang was overshadowed by her but he gave a good performance too.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's assistant because he put some sense into ML. I liked the man who pursued FL post-divorce because he appreciated her wisdom and success and never felt intimidated.
4. Romance - I was surprised by this arc. Older woman-younger man dynamics. There were not many romantic scenes between them but their kiss was hot.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not prioritising FL during their marriage. He wanted to reconcile with FL very badly but fate was not on his side. He got his retribution.
2. Casting - The actor who played ML's assistant was handsome. I wish he had swapped roles with the actor who played FL's new love.

Favourite scene
When FL's new love tended to her wounds

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Mature & introspective drama of character growth and second chance romance

I was finalising a reddit post on my 5 favourite Cheng Cheng's dramas when this drama was released. I decided to watch it before I published the post, just in case I could feature it in the post. I didn't include Get Married in my post but I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was rebuilding her career after a scandal. She was vulnerable but there was a quiet strength about her and I liked seeing her journey. There was a healing aspect to this drama.
2. Romance - This is a story of a second chance drama. Reconciliation was a slow process because FL wanted to rely on herself rather than being dependent on others in the restart of her career. I also liked that writer didn't harp on too much on childhood romance because their romance should not rely on nostalgia.
3. ML characterisation - ML still loved FL even post-divorce and I liked that he wasn't domineering. He was jealous when FL got attention from other men but he was never threatened her. I also liked that ML was flawed - too many MLs in vertical dramas were depicted as "perfect".
4. Tone - There were comedic moments that made this drama lighthearted.
5. Styling - I must say I loved ML's outfits. ML was a director of a variety show so his outfits were mostly outdoorsy and comfortable yet stylish.
6. Third party - There was no green tea in this drama and I loved it! Their relationship broke down because of their own insecurities.
7. Supporting characters - I loved FL's agent & the assistant director.

Disliked:
1. Reconciliation - I wish there were more time / episodes after they really talked about their failed marriage. I would like to see them rebuilding their romantic relationship.
2. Variety show - I understand that it was a catalyst for reconnection between FL and ML but I felt the variety show content wasn't relatable. Ideally the show could have been nore focused on communication so it would be parallel to FL-ML's past problem.

Favourite scene
When FL told her agent about the problems in her marriage that eventually led to her divorce

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Good acting, kisses and action scenes but so much misery faced by the leads

I thought I had written a review for this drama but somehow I was wrong. Good thing I have my notes written down.

This drama has been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I only got the mood to watch it a few days ago when I was looking for dramas with assassin. I liked certain aspects of this drama even though I was feeling miserable most of the time.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she was trained as assassin but possessed a kind soul. Even when given an "order", she could think the pros and cons of the "order".
2. Acting - Great acting by Song Yu Jia and Fang Zheng Nan. They had great chemistry and were able to demonstrate killer sexual tension.
3. Action scenes - Song Yu Jia looked so cool during the fighting scenes. I'd like to see her in more action dramas.
4. Outfits - FL's outfits were pretty. I liked her wedding dress - a pretty, modern piece (most wedding dresses in vertical dramas have 80s look). I also liked the pink dress worn by ML's supposed fiancée.
5. Kisses - When consensual, the kisses were hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I hated him for not being honest with his feelings for FL. He didn't do enough to get FL's forgiveness - he needed to grovel. I disliked the ending.
2. Romance - Toxic. ML constantly doubting FL's actions & thoughts and he kept on blaming FL for a crime she did not commit.
3. Tone - So much misery and misunderstandings. Both leads were teary eyed and unhappy most of the time.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML's supposed fiancee fell into the pool.

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Draggy but good version of reformed gangster girl with doctor husband & son

I watched this drama at the recommendation of a reddit member. This is the second time I watched FL Liu Can's drama but ML Li Ye Chen was unfamiliar to me. Overall the drama was a good watch but some parts were draggy.
There is the first version of this 'reformed gangster girl with doctor husband and son' plot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she turned her life around. She was mean in her previous life but had learnt her lessons and worked very hard to earn a living so her family of three wouldn't suffer from poverty.
2. Redemption - She was sincere about wanting to change and those moments made me teary eyed.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was so cute. ML's parents were suspicious of FL because ML was secretive about his marriage but they accepted FL after getting to know her.
4. Styling - Loved FL's outfits. The wide leg trousers & black jacket. Thr purple too & purple skirt combo.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - Too long. I got bored in the second half that I increased speed to 2.0x.
2. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. With that length of drama, I thought we could get more romantic scenes but nope. Director & writer focused on her career instead. I also didn't feel much love & affection coming from ML.
3. Antagonists - FL's family were money hungry but they got their retribution at the end.

Favourite scene
When FL tried out clothes at a store.

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Revenge tale with bad romance, paper-thin characters & plot

I was excited when I found out about this drama because I am a fan of both Chen Si Che and Yang Yu Bin. I was dismayed by this story as it did not meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Physical touch - Plenty of kisses in this drama although most seemed coerced.
2. Yang Yu Bin - Damn, he looked hot & very sexy shirtless. He could portray a character with tormented soul very well.
3. Styling - Perfect outfits for our leads. The disguise worn by FL was funny because there were unbelievable .
4. Supporting characters - I really liked Du Yu, ML's assistant & FL's two good friends.

Disliked:
1. Romance - It lacked development & mutuality. There was no genuine emotional connection between FL and ML. I wish they were honest with each other before halfway mark & had gone for partnership / alliance.
2. Revenge - FL's revenge plan wasn't clear. At times I forgot that she was seeking revenge for her sister.
3. ML's characterisation - He was mad, distrustful & unlikeable. I hated that he tortured FL.

Favourite scene
When FL went undercover by wearing a disguise

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Caught by surprise with the light tone and steamy kisses

I am preparing a reddit post on Li Ke Yi's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my prep. This is my first time watching historical by Li Ke Yi and Wang Hao Zhen. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she was sensible despite being trapped in ancient times. She was not defenseless but knew when to call for help. I enjoyed her playful banter with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He secretly enjoyed the attention given by FL and I loved that.
3. Romance - Slow burn. However the kisses were damn hot - gosh Wang Hao Zhen looked damn fine as a possessed / evil ML. However one scene had dubious consent.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's right hand man & best friend for interpreting ML's growing affections and giving advice when ML was cowardly. FL's scholarly brother was also a great addition to this drama.
5. Tone - Overall this is a light-hearted drama with a few touching moments. I also enjoyed the comedy bits.
6. Styling - Loved FL's outfits . Both Li Ke Yi & Wang Hao Zhen looked gorgeous in historical costumes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Empress Dowager arc seemed too simplified but then again it makes this drama lighthearted. I disliked the bullying scenes.
2. ML's actions - At times, the romance was frustrating because of ML's inability to express his feelings for FL.

Favourite scene
When all guards were injured and evil / possessed ML came to FL

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