emberzmars

Touching story about neighbours-turned-friends-turned lovers going on weight loss challenge

I was apprehensive about this drama because it is about a fat girl. However I watched it because I am a fan of both Liu Xi Yu and Ma Shi Yao and the short running time. I watched it on youtube and I believe drama is less than 2 hours long. I enjoyed this drama!

Trigger warning: Suicide attempt

What I liked:
1. Fat main character - A lot of the vertical dramas with a fat main character tend to use different actresses for "before" and "after" weight loss scenes. I believe the producer made a good call to get LXY & MSY to wear fat suits instead. What worked (for me) was the motivation and the journey of weight loss.
2. Romance - This drama explores friends-to-lovers trope. I liked it because they went on a weight loss journey together, discovered each other's inner strength and fell in love.
3. FL characterisation - She was very endearing. I liked her spirit and enthusiasm once she set a goal.
4. ML characterisation - He fell hard for her. I was moved that he tried to earn as much as he could so he could support FL with her goal. I also liked that he was a nice guy - he intervened when FL had a tough time.
5. Public opinion - In one of the scenes, there was a rumour that affected FL's reputation. I liked that crowd who gathered near FL & ML took their side instead of the rumourmonger's side.
6. Vlog - I enjoyed these scenes. I also liked that the characters talked about income from sponsored ads / product placement.
7. Acting - LXY & MSY did a great job in their roles. I was moved by their characters' actions and felt warm throughout the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His motives were unclear but I think he liked having one person who knew him and dote on him. He sabotaged FL's health challenge - he was selfish.
2. Moments - I wish there was one more episode to show us moments of FL & ML doing lovey-dovey stuff as a couple. That kiss was not enough!

Favourite scene
When ML stopped FL from committing suicide

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A pleasant surprise - simple story about love & career of an actress + good kisses

I watched the first two minutes of this drama when I was helping a member of subreddit CShortDramas to find video upload with English subtitles. I got curious even though the names of ML and FL were unfamiliar to me. I was glad that I watched it because it was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good kisses but the hot kiss on the poster / teaser trailer seemed to be missing (or maybe I expected too much???). Nevertheless I really liked the dynamics between FL & ML - they were tender, affectionate and gave warm feeling to me.
2. FL characterisation - Both FL & ML were in the entertainment industry. She didn't want her marriage / relationship with ML to be known to the public because she wanted to be judged by merit not by connection. I respected her decision and liked that she was focused on her goal.
3. ML characterisation - He showed some moments of jealousy but wasn't possessed nor toxic. I liked that he knew how to behave when provoked.
4. Setup - I liked that the setup was related to acting / entertainment industry. There were scenes of them being on set to shoot a drama / movie.
5. Duration - This drama is only 1 hour 45 minutes long. Perfect to watch in one-sitting.
6. Plot - I liked that this drama is a simple story that covers love & career. No melodrama.
7. Acting - This was my first time watching the performance of Xia Huan Ting and Wu Jun Jie. I liked them and the chemistry was sizzling. Apparently they are dating in real-life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - An up-and-coming actress who was opportunistic and manipulative. She didn't mind harming people to advance her career.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he was working

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Family is core theme of this FL-married-to-single-dad drama

I was preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas so I watched this drama as part of my assignment. I liked Li Quan Cheng and had seen their douyin video - it was adorable. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was feisty but kind & reasonable. I liked how she punished her stepson who had bad attitude.
2. ML characterisation - Kind-hearted but firm decision maker. I liked his protective nature.
3. Romance - Sweet and they seemed like a couple who understood each other without talking too much. No steamy kisses but many quick kisses & pecks. Their love language is act of service.
4. Family - Core theme of this drama. From FL treating her stepson like her own child to FL mending relationship with her adopted sis.
5. Growth - There was two supporting characters that threw me off when she first appeared on screen. However there was character growth and by third act, I realised that I liked them.
6. Compassionate - This value was demonstrated in several scenes by FL & ML. I appreciated those scenes.
7. Acting - I enjoyed their performances, as individual characters and as a couple. There was good chemistry between them.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's parents too controlling & foolish. Not respecting ML's wishes & decision. FL's adopted mother & brother were horrible.
2. Son's action - There was a point where ML's son called FL by full name. I thought it was rude of him. He should call FL aunty if mother / mama was too much for him.

Favourite scene
FL taught ML's son a lesson because he got bad attitude

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I wanted more romance in this revenge tale

I am a fan of Sheng Yi Jie and Wang Chen Peng. This is their second collaboration although I haven't watched the first collab, I was excited for this drama. I watched it the same day of its release and had mixed feelings about it.

What I liked:
1. Opening - I loved watching FL being a seductress.
2. Plot - Wow I didn't expect a revenge tale to go big like this. I liked the plot twist reveal at the grave. Refreshing.
3. FL characterisation - Her mission was clear. I liked that she recruited her trusted allies in enacting revenge.
4. Styling - FL's outfits were beautiful. My favourite is the white business suit she wore at the start as it complemented her body shape. I also loved ML's outfits. Wang Chen Peng looked dapper in the grey suit.
5. Supporting characters - The gang of butler, makeup artist, fashion designer & dietitian.
6. ML characterisation - I liked his other identity - he was not an idle rich man.
7. Dynamics - I loved the seduction scenes and the kisses as it created enough sexual tension between FL and ML and between FL and SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, the male antagonist was a different kind of villain. Female antagonist was a bitch. Both were unethical & unlawful.
2. FL's action - I felt FL should have gone for partnership with ML once the video reveal backfired.
3. Romance - It was rather one-sided with ML clearly attracted to FL while FL was focused on her goal. I wanted FL to desire ML.

Favourite scene
The dance by the pool

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Wonderfully written fantasy drama about revenge, partnership & power struggle

I was in the mood for supernatural themed mini drama last month because of Halloween. I came across this title online somewhere but was dismayed when youtube link was region-locked. However the weekend before Halloween there was another link made available. I was delighted & watched it two days before Halloween. I enjoyed this mini drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Fantasy - I loved the wood soul concept. I also liked the “vampire” concept was done in atypical way. VFX was done well.
2. Main characters - I liked that the three main characters (including ML's nephew) were morally ambiguous. I also liked that they didn't not fully trust each other.
3. Action - Amazing fighting sequences. I liked that FL was able to fight baddies even when her wood soul wasn't fully unleashed - she was not a damsel in distress.
4. Writing - Refreshing take on power struggle. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. I also didn't expect the comedy bits.
5. Acting - Good performances by the cast. Ye Sheng Jia has improved a lot since Fortune Hunter. Xu Zhen Zhen did much better here than Enslaved by Love.
6. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by the cast. I also liked that ML's bathrobes - great display of abs.
7. Family - Family is the core theme. There were 2 dysfunctional families.
8. Supporting characters - I loved Cheng Qi even though he didn't have much screentime. ML's subordinate & FL's servant were good characters too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Evil. Greedy.
2. Chemistry - I wish both YSJ & XZZ had upped their on-screen chemistry so the romantic scenes (even without kissing) felt fiery & warm.

Favourite scene
When FL stroke a partnership deal with ML

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High production value & good acting but ML frustrated me

Gosh I have been waiting for this drama since August and it finally released yesterday. It has been awhile since I last saw Jiao Pei Kai / Bai Fang Wen. I watched it last night before bed then continued the next morning. I literally just finished this drama and have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Production value - Beautifully shot outdoor scenes at the Gobi Desert. Amazing landscape of the lesser seen China. This drama has pushed the envelope for the vertical drama industry.
2. Acting - Wonderful performances by Guo Yu Xin and Bai Fang Wen. I could see and feel the pain experienced by their characters.
3. Paper cutting scene - What a humbling scene! FL indirectly helped a girl to get back to school.
4. Crime arc - i enjoyed this arc even though the focus was inconsistent.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both leads. BFW looked rugged as a park ranger.
6. Supporting character - I liked ML's trusted colleague and the female doctor.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I got it that he was emotionally unavailable because of his personal demons. But why did he lie to FL about having a girlfriend while being married with her? Even though the "gf" caused a scene, I think FL's anger and disappointment were valid.
2. Romance - I was dismayed that their romance was very much "push" dynamics because of ML's stubbornness. Only when FL was in danger did he show vulnerability but even then he was not fully honest. This drama could have been a healing of two souls with both helping each other but unfortunately not.
3. Duration - 3 hours 18 minutes is the total screentime for this drama and I felt it was too long because the two arcs (romance & crime) were unfocused and not written well.
4. Ending - There were several flashbacks in the final 20 minutes. I felt it was unnecessary because the storytelling was drawn out that I remembered what happened from the start. I wish the drama ended with them together on a healing journey (action oriented rather than a promise).

Favourite scene
When ML tended to FL's injury

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Enjoyable long time crush drama with variety show as a plot device

I added this drama to my playlist but I didn't recall the reason for the addition. The main actor & main actress seemed unfamiliar to me. Anyway I watched it last week - it was a good drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Sneaky with all approaches to get FL in his orbit. Fret not, he was a sweet guy.
2. FL characterisation - It was great that she wanted to move on after discovering SML's bad attitude. I don't like FLs that wallow in self-pity for too long.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with ML having longtime crush on FL since they were in university. He liked caressing her face and I dig that!
4. Symbolism - I liked the hidden symbols of cat & butterfly.
5. Styling - FL looked pretty in her traditional outfits. I loved ML's shirt that has butterfly embroidery.
6. Variety show - I liked the use of variety show as a plot device to get them to know each other.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Ruo Yan was such a high maintenance girl. Zin Mo was a scumbag for bad behaviour towards FL. I also disliked the other female contestant because she was hungry for fame.

Favourite scene
The confession

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Warm, touching tale about a girl adapting to new household

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch this one because I had never seen Zhong Zheng as ML before. I didn't know what to expect but I was glad that I chose this drama. I liked it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience and determination to do well for herself. I was moved when there were scenes that told viewers about her upbringing with her father.
2. Sibling dynamics - It was great to see how the relationship between FL and SML who is her stepbrother progressed from frosty to warm. I liked that ML realised the misunderstandings and tried best to improve his relationship with FL in his own way.
3. Romance - Slowburn friend to lovers trope. ML fell for FL but realised that FL needed to feel secure in her new home. So he was never explicit nor aggressive in his pursuit of her.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he quietly supported FL and always tried to find ways to be around FL.
5. Acting - Wonderful performances by Zhang Ruo Chen, Zhong Zheng, Yue Yang. It was nice to see the actress who played FL's mother in a loving mother role - I always saw her as evil ex-wife and stepmother.
6. Supporting characters - I liked ML's two buddies, FL's mother & stepfather and FL's two friends.

What I disliked:
1. Blind date - I disliked the girl who was on blind date with ML. She was going to take advantage but luckily her green tea ways were caught on by many.
2. FL's relatives - I disliked her father, stepmother and half-brother.

Favourite scene
When SML overheard his stepmother telling their housekeeper about FL's upbringing in her father's home

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Good kissing scenes but Zhao Mei Xuan's acting was bland

I really like Ji Jun Liang's visuals so whenever I see his drama poster, I am more likely to watch the drama. I am unfamiliar of the actess but I enjoy unplanned pregnancy trope plot device. I had some expectations but unfortunately they were not met.

What I liked:
1. Ji Jun Liang - Handsome and his character is Mr Nice Guy. I liked his acting in this drama.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was firm with boundary & feelings when his childhood friend who loved him encroached in his space. I also likee his protectiveness.
3. Kisses - Plenty & great.
4. Styling - Well-picked outfits for ML & Ming Zhou SFL.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor / brother.

What I disliked:
1. Zhao Mei Xuan - For a character that meant to be optimistic & warm, her performance was bland & forgettable.
2. Chemistry - No spark betwen ZMX and JJL despite the abundance of kissing scenes. Her facial expression was blank different from JJL who showed desire on his face.
3. Romance - Mostly one-sided with FL taking passive role. FL only iniated effort close to third act.
4. Antagonists - Mingzhou was entitled rich brat who was possessive of ML.
5. Length - Too long.
6. Styling - Her clothes not flattering. They emphasised on her naivety - maybe that was the intention.

Favourite scene
When ML went shirtless

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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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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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