emberzmars

Inner thoughts + great kisses in Chinese republican vertical drama - I ❤️ it!

I discovered this drama by chance, I think via reddit. I was drawn to the title implying ML was not a nice guy but could hear FL's thoughts. I enjoyed it immensely!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see his reactions whenever he heard his wife's thoughts. I liked that he put on menacing exterior but protective of his wife even when she feared him.
2. FL characterisation - She was so likeable - I loved it! I also liked her for having a crush on her hubby and being jealous of the "mysterious concubine".
3. Romance - Slow but gosh the kisses were great. ML kissed with fervour and that solution to keeping down the snoring was steamy and amusing!
4. Acting - This was my first time watching both Wu Jia Lu and Song Yu Bo and I was impressed by their acting individually and as a couple. The supporting cast did well too.
5. Supporting characters - ML's brothers were suspicious at first but they turned out to be wonderful.
6. Ending - I loved it!
7. Tropes - This drama excelled in both inner thoughts and Republican era tropes. The latter tends to be toxic but not this drama, which I loved!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Gosh ML's father was envious of his son but overall quite interesting villain. Straightforward arc which I liked.

Favourite scene
ML trying to solve FL's snoring problem.

Read More

The son An An is the highlight of this flawed drama

I was in the mood for Yang Han drama and since I have apid iQIYI subscription, I decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly despite drama's many flaws.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - Their son An An was smart, endearing & lovable. He was also protective of his mother. FL's bestie was awesome too!
2. Acting - Liu Yu Bo is the most adorable child actor I have ever seen and I squealed in delight whenever he was on screen. I think Yang Han and Sheng Yi Jie did well in the roles that they'd been assigned too. They have wonderful chemistry - I'd love to see them paired again in a romance-heavy drama.
3. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by 3 leads. The cape-like jacket worn by Sheng Yi Jie was my favourite. Yang Han looked hot in henley.
4. Funny - There were some light moments that made me laugh but the best funny moment is the backfired trick. Jealous colleague wanted to shame FL but it backfired.

What I disliked:
1. Marriage - The weirdest arranged marriage ever. I was unhappy with the elders for that action. I also disliked the fact that he went radio silent with his wife for 6 years. He also never confronted his wife when he felt something was off. A lot of assumptions were made.
2. Antagonist - Gosh she was a psycho for wanting to harm An An.
3. Romance - I dislike that they liked each other while being married to someone else. I also disliked the lack of romance. I think there was only 2 kisses with huge episode gap between them.

Favourite scene
When An An first appeared

Read More

Refreshing fantasy tale of revenge & transmigration but too bad Zhao Xi Xi had little screen time

I was in the mood for Zhao Xi Xi dramas after finding out that she has mini dramas on wetv. I chose to watch this drama instead because of the short length and highly positive reviews. I was enraptured by the storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, I didn't know where I was headed with this drama. I was on edge because of the plot twists. I liked how how the bodies were selected for FL to get her revenge.
2. Acting - Good performances by Zhao Xi Xi, Zeng Xi Tang and Wang Yi Lei. The supporting cast did well too.
3. Supporting characters - Pei Chen made the biggest impact for me because he had more to lose and well Li Ruo Xun was handsome.
4. Styling - Stylist who decided on Wang Yi Lei's final look should get a raise. The shit left unbuttoned, the ear cuff... be still my heart!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Mai Jia Ming was an evil man. The mistress was a b!tc#.
2. Screen time - Zhao Xi Xi had too little screen time for a main character so she didn't shine as much as other characters she's played. Wang Yi Lei even lesser than Zeng Xi Tang.

Favourite scene
When FL found out ML's other secret

Read More

Cunning FL who punish her tormentors after rebirth

I came across this drama on reddit. I was curious because reddit or YouTube users claimed that this is a good revenge drama. I watched it yesterday. I quite liked it but felt it was missing something.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She vowed to punish those who tortured her in her previous life. After rebirth, she was tenacious & cunning but put on soft & delicate exterior to ensure successful execution of her plans. I liked that!
2. Revenge - I liked her scheming because she played with the main antagonist's mind.
3. Kisses - Romancing the prince was part of her plan and damn she was good. Her seduction shocked me and hahaha I think the prince got excited because of that element.
4. Comeuppance - Glad that Shen You Rue and the prince got the punishment they deserved.
5. Duration - About 102 minutes so it was a quick watch.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen You Rue was batshit crazy and cruel. The prince was a narcissist.
2. Familiarity - I watched too many female-pov revenge dramas set in historical time. So around the third act I felt bored because it was the same "fighting with antagonist" vibe.

Favourite scene
When FL delivered water to the prince after her rebirth

Read More

Steamy kisses in this drama about ML with amnesia

I had high expectations for this drama after loving their previous drama White Moonlight Fading Pale and knowing that ML has amnesia (I adored Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's drama about FL with amnesia). I watched this drama within 2 days of its release but put on pause when the video stopped English subtitles in the second half of drama. I picked it up again when I saw another video option. This drama is a fine watch but I wouldn't repeat

What I liked:
1. Romance - These days, Qian Zhe and Zhai Yi Ying's kissig scenes are 🔥 - I wonder if there is a change in their relationship. Anyway I liked that they built trust during the span of his amnesia.
2. ML characterisation - The amnesia made him an endearing & more approachable character. I liked it.
3. Supporting characters - I liked the doctor, FL's friend and the kid.
4. Health & fitness - I got a health scare 3 years ago so I liked it when dramas have health & fitness scenes. There was a boxing scene here and Qian Zhe looked fit!
5. Styling - Impeccable styling. My favourite is when both wore white. FL's friend wore a beautiful gown to the banquet.

What I disliked:
1. ML's secretary - Intrusive. She shouldn't meddle in her boss' personal life.
2. ML's actions - I disliked him for believing what his secretary said without verifying with FL. I also disliked his cold indifference despite "having" feelings for FL.
3. FL's action - I disliked her for never correcting ML who mistook Lu Feng as her husband. The lie was too long anyway.

Favourite scene
The first make out session

Read More

Familiar jiejie romance plot with good performances

I liked Chen Mu Ye's acting so I was excited to see the drama poster. From the title, I figure it would be a jiejie romance and I was surprised to know this is another adaptation of "I had one night stand with a younger man and 3 years later, we had a chance encounter". This is the fourth version that I have seen, 1) Liu Can-Zhang Yun Tao, 2) Zhou Jia Yi - Shao Wei, 3) Qin Tin Ai - Liu Yi Long. This version is alright.

What I liked:
1) Acting - Good performances from both leads. There was chemistry despite the big age gap between them. I was surprised that Cai Cheng Yuan was a participant in an international singing survival show. The actress who played FL's agent did well too
2) Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, FL's grandma, FL's bestie & ML's bestie (who's cute).
3) Romance - Great kisses. There were sweet moments too - I liked the back hugs. I also liked that FL comforted ML when visiting cemetery.
4) FL characterisation - I liked that it focuses on FL's struggles with her personal & professional demons.
5) ML characterisation - I also liked his character. He was gentle and devoted to FL. He had empathy for FL.

What I disliked:
1) Styling - I love a Morticia Addams style if it's done right but the black dress aged her. I also disliked her qipao for the photo shoot - it looked plain & not classy enough for a high fashion shoot.
2) Antagonist - FL's sister was annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML told FL about his birthday wish

Read More

I liked leads' performances in this rich guy-poor girl romance drama

I was really impressed with Aorigele's acting in 'After the Fake Play Became Real, He Lost His Love Forever'. So I went through his drama playlists and this title had many positive comments. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is my first time watching Jin Yanna and I really enjoyed her performance. I also loved Aorigele's performance because he made the character soft-spoken.
2. Relationship - It's a slow burn romance that started off with student-teacher and then progressed into employee-boss, baby momma & later love. They resolved their misunderstanding in the first 28 minutes. I liked that writer didn't force a love relationship just because she was pregnant.
3. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant but not meek / a damsel. When she was bullied, she fought back.
4. ML characterisation - I liked him despite the forced intimacy. He was patient & rational & tried his best to understand FL's actions.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma for talking sense to FL about her pregnancy and indirectly offered to be her family. I also liked ML's friend / cousin who always helped around and to some extent, FL's childhood friend.

What I disliked:
1. Forced intimacy - I'd say their first intimate encounter was rape. It sucked but ML apologised to FL.
2. Antagonist - This time antagonist was self-proclaimed future wife of ML. She was doctor but her actions and long raptor nails baffled me. FL's family was despicable.
3. Boundaries - I hated that ML allowed antagonist to stay at his family home.
4. Bullying - There were some humiliating scenes that I found unfair to FL.

Favourite scene
When they talked about their feelings after FL got out of a trap

Read More

Jiejie romance with off-the-charts chemistry & character growth

I stumbled upon this drama on my youtube dashboard. When I saw the first two minutes, I knew that this is another version of Zhang Yun Tao-Liu Can's jiejie romance drama. Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so I clicked Play and by the end of the watch, I felt satisfied way more than Zhang Yun Tao -Liu Can version.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The chemisgry between Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei was off the charts. The push & pull dynamics were executed well. Their love language was definitely physical touch. The amount & creativity of sneaky kisses ML planted 🔥🔥🔥. I also felt that their romance had more depth and tenderness because there was more time of them as couple unlike ZYT-LC version.
2. FL characterisation - I liked seeing FL's growth. She was reluctant to be in a relationship because of her mental health struggles. Cen Ruan in this drama was more likeable and had more depth than the other version.
3. ML characterisation - I also liked ML in this drama because he had more depth as individual. He was respectful of FL - he never meddled in her problems unless FL requested help.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's agent, grandma & best friend. ML's best friend provided some good laughs.
5. Styling - Liked the outfits worn by both FL & ML. I got many inspiration for my reddit posts. Anyway Zhou Jia Yi and Shao Wei were gorgeous in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father, half sis and stepmother were just money-hungry scums. I couldn't believe father's action to discredit FL's capability.
2. Length - This drama is almost 3 hours long. I was vested in the story but couldn't watch this in one sitting.

Favourite scene
When FL asked ML to be her boyfriend

Read More

Flash marriage drama that didn't quite meet my expectation

I watched this drama because someone on reddit recommended it. This is my second time watching Li Ya Ya and first time watching Gao Ming. It was an ok watch - I expected more since marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that he's protective and respectful of FL.
2. FL characterisation - It's nice to see a doctor FL. I also liked her for apologising to ML because a heated conversation that happened before.
3. Romance - I could sense from the start that ML had a crush on FL despite the cold façade. Their dates were cute.
4. Supporting characters - I loved ML's parents for being kind to and supportive of FL. Loved ML's father's reaction when his wife meddled with their son and daughter-in-law's relationship. ML's assistant was good addition too.
5. Prophylactic - I didn't expect such scene but hey I enjoyed it.
6. The wedding - I enjoyed that chat amongst friends.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow FL's ex was very bitter about the breakout. He was possessive. I hated him for wanting to control her post-breakup by threatening her career.
2. Scheming - The hotel room sneak-in was an invasion of privacy. Pity the hotel guest! I also disliked the false accusation by a patient of FL. Good thing the son came clean - bless his heart for having a pure heart.
3. Acting - I love flash marriage dramas but this one felt like it's missing something. I didn't sense much chemistry between Gao Ming & Li Ya Ya - they seemed awkward & perfunctory.

Favourite scene
When ML drunk dialled FL

Read More

Story of reborn ML that is focused on romance not revenge. I loved it!

Lately I have picked up some vertical dramas in which ML given a second chance aka reborn trope. Since I already like the Qian Zhe-Wang Yi Yang pairing, I watched this drama with some expectations and I am delighted to see I love this drama so much. My favourite drama from this pairing.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - As mentioned earlier, it's rare for me to watch reborn ML. I liked this ML because he was a sensitive soul who did everything he could to please his lady. I always enjoy watching hot & menacing Qian Zhe playing a sensitive man.
2. Romance - This reborn drama focused on romance rather than revenge, which I love. ML was burnt by love once so he tried at love with another person. I loved that ML & FL negotiated the "code of conduct" in their relationship, which made sense since they were strangers when they did flash marriage. The kisses were damn hot and wow there were scenes involving condom.
3. Agreement - I loved that ML issued an agreement & compensation fee to his ex-lover (SFL) so that the break was clean aka no lingering unresolved issues.
4. Styling - impeccable! Qian Zhe had a different hairstyle too.
5. FL characterisation - She was confident, cool & collected. I loved her no-nonsense attitude.

Disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL is a narcissist & arrogant. I hated her for milking her separation from ML despite claiming she wanted to get away from ML.

Favourite scene
The wedding scene

Read More

Low grade carbon copy of kdrama When the Phone Rings

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was curious so I watched it. This drama is almost a carbon copy of the original Kdrama When the Phone Rings. This adaptation doesn't work for me for a few reasons.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Both FL & ML wore beautiful clothes.
2. Plot - I liked that this drama focused on kidnapper and the relationship between FL & ML.
3. Visuals - Lin Fen Song was handsome in this drama. Peng Yao was girl-next-door pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song don't have the acting prowess and intensity required for their characters. I've only seen Peng Yao playing bright characters and while it's good that she tried dramatic acting, I think this role requires a lot acting muscles and she isn't at that level. She didn't immerse herself in the role. It's my first time watching Lin Feng Song - he is ok at playing emotionally cold ML but his facial expressions are still limited. The only actor I can see pulling the role of ML is Huang Bo. He has shown range in one single drama An Incurable Love. I could see him playing an aloof presidential spokesperson who hides his crush on his wife behind the cold facade. I think Huang Bo could pull off that suspenseful scene from When the Phone Rings episode 6 when Baek Sa Eon frantically looked for his wife in the forest.
2. Romance - What works for When the Phone Rings is the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Even though there was no emotional connection between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju at the start of the series, there were so much pent-up sexual energy between their characters. Unfortunately for this Chinese adaption, there is no chemistry between Peng Yao & Lin Feng Song. They are basically roommates.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of FL while in hospital

Read More

Zhang Yun Tao in jiejie romance that doesn't meet my expectations

I watched this drama because my reddit friend had written a review & mentioned that this is a jiejie romance. This is my favourite trope and with Zhang Yun Tao being the male lead, I had higher-than-average expectations. I was disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intimacy - This drama is filled with many steamy scenes with Zhang Yun Tao uttering spicy dialogue. Physical touch is the love language of the couple.
2. Styling - I like the clothes worn by ML & FL. Zhang Yun Tao looked like a bad boy because he wore an earring and in one scene, he wore biker's outfit. The apron hahaha is becoming a trend I see.
3. Revenge - I enjoyed FL's revenge towards the green tea even though the approach was quite bizarre.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend (the actress even played SFL green tea in another Zhang Yun Tao drama).

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There is a flaw in their romance. FL resisted the relationship out of fear and in the third act, she seemed to cave in due to pressure from grandma and ML. I didn't like it and the drama ended too soon after she "agreed" to be with ML in romantic relationship.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Yun Tao & Liu Can even though their characters were intimate in many scenes. Liu Can's acting was ok for this drama but in the sea of vertical drama actresses, she was not outstanding and I am more likely to forget her name after finishing this review.

Favourite scene
The introduction

Read More

Gulugulu. Warm drama about secret relationship at workplace

I have to admit that I really like Zhang Yun Tao's visuals. I am more likely to check his dramas when they were fresh releases even though he's not even in my top 10 favourite vertical drama actors. I think it's because I had never watched a good romance drama by him. Well that change with this drama - I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start FL seemed like a doormat but that changed when she started a fulltime job. I enjoyed watching her as newie jewellery designer. She solved problems on her own with very little help from ML.
2. Romance - This is one of workplace romance dramas that I enjoyed immensely. It's wonderful to see ML discussing and guiding FL about work. I also loved that ML fell harder for FL because of her excellent attributes. Their make out sessions and the big height difference were hot.
3. ML characterisation - I liked ML for being a good mentor and boss. It's great that he was clear about personal space with his subordinates.
4. Workplace dynamics - In addition to mentorship, I also enjoyed this drama because of work rivalry element. Antagonist refused to accept ideas from much junior colleague and insisted that her idea was the best because of her education achievements. This happens in real life!
5. Styling - This is the best styling Zhang Yun Tao has had. Gosh he looked extra handsome with that long hairstyle.
6. Acting - This is my first time watching Xu Lan Di and I really enjoyed her acting. Will explore her other dramas. This drama is my favourite Zhang Yun Tao because his character was warm. Xu Lan Di and Zhang Yun Tao had great chemistry.
7. Supporting characters - FL's close colleague is a good friend. I also liked ML's grandma & her employee/caretaker.

What I disliked:
1. Coercion - I disliked their first intimate encounter because FL was coerced into it.
2. Antagonist - Ok SFL green tea went overboard with the kidnapping. She was cuckoo.
3. Confidentiality - I hate it when a doctor character discloses FL's medical condition to other people.

Favourite scene
When ML confessed that he loves FL

Read More

Very likeable characters with spicy & sweet romance and sizzling chemistry

I got to know about this drama from a sub-reddit when a member posted a review. This is my third drama of Zhang Ruo Chen - I love her when she played a forensic scientist. I had never watched Wang Zi Yi's dramas before. I was informed that there are multiple adaptation of this plot and this version is the first adaptation that I watched. I must say I enjoyed this drama immensely and could watch this drama multiple times.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I must say that Zhang Ruo Chen's charm made the character so likeable that it's easy to forgive her bad wife past. I also enjoyed Wang Zi Yi's acting. Both of them had sizzling chemistry that their scenes together were so delightful to watch.
2. FL characterisation - Ok I watched Zhang Lei's adaption. I can't remember her leading lady's name but she had "mean" vibe in her FL. Zhang Ruo Chen's FL was compassionate with ML and her father once she got the inside scoop from the "audience". She was also smart & cheeky in managing her cousin & the guy she used to have a crush on.
3. Romance - Damn, that first spicy scene was 🔥. Their make out scenes were hot too because desire was felt in both of them. I love their sweet scenes especially the love letter & Kim Seon Ho's infamous pose. I loved that they communicated regularly with FL confronting ML on his jealousy. I also liked them for having fun, being affectionate and teasing SFL & SML
4. ML characterisation - I liked ML because he was very likeable. Wang Zi Yi's ML didn't seem as desperate to please FL as Zhang Lei's FL.
5. Supporting character - I really liked FL's father whose character was kind and amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Public comments - I wasn't used to this format of public comments appearing on screen so I was overwhelmed. They also appeared on screen at a breakneck speed in the beginning of the drama so it was hard for me to keep up & understand the info.
2. Antagonists - OMG FL's cousin who is SFL is not only manipulative but also irritating. She calling out FL to announce the arrival of SML was just plain rude.

Favourite scene
When ML showed FL's love letter for him to SML & SFL

Read More

FL finally got away from psychotic ex

I never realised that Garvey Jin has crossed over to vertical dramas until a reddit friend talked about this vertical drama. I liked Garvey in Begin Again but couldn't finish Redeeming Love. I enjoyed Zhao Mu Yan's acting but haven't watched her dramas since February. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's great to see Zhao Mu Yan as CEO who worked hard but encountered challenges due to envy. I liked that FL tried her very best to find solutions without giving into demands of bitter ex lover.
2. Romance - The start of FL-ML relationship was spicy and full of sexual tension. ML was smitten and determined to be by her side. It took awhile for FL to give into love but it's understandable considering FL had just got out of a toxic relationship.
3. Supporting characters - I really like assistant Feng & FL's subordinate.
4. Styling - Zhao Mu Yan wore beautiful outfits for this drama. I loved her red dress at the engagement party.
5. Visuals - Zhao Mu Yan was so beautiful. There were many attractive actors e.g Garvey, actors who played SML & Assistant Feng.
6. Height difference - I know Garvey is super tall and Zhao Mu Yan is tiny. Their height difference was alright due to camera angles but once or twice I saw Garvey bent a lot. Poor him!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - OMG FL's ex was despicable for manipulation and imprisonment. He got his comeuppance alright. His father & wife were evil as well and I didn't see them getting punished.
2. ML's characterisation - I wish ML had informed FL of his real identity sooner so that FL and ML could devise a strategy to show that there was no favouritism. I also disliked feigning injury to gain sympathy from FL.
3. Relationship - I wish they had a proper discussion about their relationship once ML's secret was out.

Favourite scene
When FL was traumatised by her ex. That was scary hence memorable!

Read More