emberzmars

Sterile version of Zhao Xi Xi-Zhen Zi Qi's Sensual Pleasure

I liked Li Xing Lin's acting in the Bai Yue Guang drama starring Sun Qian Xun and Li Bo Yan. I decided to check out this drama because of Lin Zi Xuan and its availability on iQIYI. I loved her performance in I Just Want You. This drama had a familiar tone and overall it was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She made her way to the Gu family because she wanted justice for her sister. I liked her persistence and focus on the revenge plan & contract.
2. Tone - Now this drama reminded me so much of Sensual Pleasure starring Zhao Xi Xi and Zhen Zi Qi. Both FLs were hired by ML to bring down another brother and at the same time, there was an affair between FL and ML. FL was desperate for money because of a relative's medical bill.
3. Styling - FL looked elegant in her outfits especially the qipao.
4. Ending - I liked it even though I wish SML & his mother had gotten severe punishment.
5. ML characterisation - Despite his scheming and roughness with FL, he was ok. He was genuinely concerned about FL.
6. Pacing - Good and not complicated.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Don't be fool by SML's good looks - he was sinister. His mother, sister and father were horrible people.
2. Romance - Unlike Sensual Pleasure, I didn't sense any attraction betwen FL and ML. ML was clearly attracted to FL but she was indifferent towards him. There wasn't any warmth between them except the time FL witnessed ML being abused by his father.
3. Acting - While there were ok in their roles, I didn't feel like rooting for them. There was no chemistry between Li Xing Lin and Lin Zi Xuan.

Favourite scene
The ending

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
When ML was moved by FL’s words

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
The plot twist

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

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

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

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

Favourite scene
Home-cooked dinner and the make out session

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

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

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

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

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

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Hilarious transmigration, systems drama with great romance arc

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

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

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

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

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Horrible ML, doormat FL with lacklustre romance

I watched this drama as part of my assignment on Cheng Cheng and his collection of dramas for subreddit CShortDramas. I have to admit that this is one of my least favourite Cheng Cheng dramas.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Cheng Cheng was shirtless in two scenes if I am not mistaken. He played a bad boy, a very handsome one.
2. Styling - I loved his styling for this drama. Cheng Cheng was smoking hot when wearing biker outfit. In fact he won the poll for best looking male lead in biker outfit on subreddit CShortDramas. I also loved FL's pink dress that she wore for this drama poster.
3. Shots - The scenes of them riding a motorbike were beautifully shot.
4. Kisses - Hot, passionate kisses.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was bloody rude & possessive. Never apologised to FL for his abhorrent behaviour.
2. FL characterisation - She seemed like a doormat. I don't understand the appeal of being with someone who is rude and horrible to you. I think she is the type who believes she can change him. Girl needed to understand and value her own worth.
3. Plot - Quite dull that I fell asleep and felt the story didn't progress much. No need to rewind.
4. Romance - Albeit the passionate kisses, the romance element was lacklustre. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were riding on motorbike

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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Transmigration, family & business rivalry are the important elements of this drama

I noticed this drama on iQIYI and got curious. I hadn't watched Zhang Qi Xuan drama in long time. I watched this morning and was pleasantly surprised by its storytelling & acting.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Top grade acting by Zhang Qi Xuan & Liu Yu Hang. Those emotional scenes were heartbreaking that I was moved to tears. On top of that, they got great chemistry.
2. FL characterisation - She was assertive & smart. Also kind enough to help the Gu family to stay afloat while the eldest sibling was comatose. I liked her lesson plans for the younger brothers.
3. Romance - While ML was in "coma", there was no two-way interactions between them. However ML fell hard for FL as she continued to show her resilience and smartness. Their first kiss was extremely hot with ML kissing FL like he was parched. Later we got to see ML pursuing FL and I liked those scenes.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked the second & third brothers. ML's assistant was unintentionally funny too.
5. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama. From ML to antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Formidable antagonists - they were business rivals who were hungry for money & status. Jiang Lei was evil mastermind - he didn't mind fatality whenever his plans were executed. Jiang Yichen was a delusional goon. Song Qingyun was another scumbag.
2. The Gu daughter - Gosh, she was so gullible. I couldn't believe she betrayed her family just because she was suspicious of FL's change in character. She should have confronted or at least discussed with her brothers.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded the youngest Gu sibling

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