emberzmars

FL was reborn but remained unlikeable till the end

I am determined to watch as many Huang Bo dramas as I can for my next assignment. I chose this drama because it was less than 100 minutes and uses reborn trope. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Reborn - I liked that both ML & FL were reborn and took separate paths from their past lives.
2. Makeup - Kudos to the makeup artist for creating a realistic aged look for FL. She looked haggard with wrinkles, dark circles & pigmentation as the harmful medication took a toll on her.
3. FL characterisation - I'd say she's anti-hero instead of villain here because this drama is from her perspective. I liked that she is an unlikeable character but with pitiful moments. The actress who played FL did very well with her role.
4. Ending - I was surprised by how SML & his wife's story was wrapped up.
5. Supporting characters - It's great to see SML being the bigger devil than FL. I was also surprised by his staff supported him in his quest to dupe FL.

What I disliked:
1. Screentime - It's a shame that Huang Bo got little screentime despite the top billing. Wish we could see more of ML's life journey because I don't watch many ML reborn stories.
2. FL's actions - FL was so materialistic that she did not care about her responsibilities as a company president. Such a silly girl!

Favourite scene
When FL realised she had been duped by SML

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How a canary planned her escape from vicious "owner"

I am in Huang Bo phase because I am preparing a reddit post on his dramas. This drama has been in my 'Plan to watch' list since I discovered Huang Bo early this year. Wow, I am in disbelief. Despite the toxicity, I enjoyed this drama for the beautiful shots & amazing performances.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG, she was a canary to a possessive lover. I loved her for fighting for freedom and never giving up. Such a beautiful but tragic backstory.
2. Acting - This is my second drama with Huang Yun Yun as FL and wow, what an impressive performance. She was able to showcase different facial expressions. Huang Bo played a convincing psychopath that I was so concerned for FL's wellbeing. Huang Bo and Huang Yun Yun had amazing chemistry despite their characters being in predator-prey relationship.
3. Ending - It's a brilliant idea to do something different and related to the poster.
4. Styling - Huang Yun Yun was elegant when she wore dresses - my favourite is the light blush dress. I also loved her all black ensemble she wore when she confronted ML for the final time.
5. Length - This drama is under 100 minutes, which is good because I couldn't take anymore abuse.
6. Editing - Beautifully shot scenes e.g. dancing scenes & forced intimacy scenes.
7. Supporting characters - Different characters added value to this drama: Yang Xue, FL's male friend, ML's staff.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - In this drama, the ML is the villain and he is the most vile partner ever. He was possessive, conniving and insecure. It's unbelievable that he did those things to make sure FL stayed with him.
2. Romance - Toxic love.

Favourite scene
The ending

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“Being kind to those who hurt you, is cruelty to yourself”

I watched this drama a few days ago as I was preparing a reddit post that celebrates Father's Day. A gem that is highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Family theme - This is a non-romance drama and it heavily focuses on family. There are 2 different families shown in this drama: i) FL's adopted family and 2) FL's biological father.
2. FL characterisation - I loved how she grew up and changed her approach once she was given a second chance. One thing remained constant - she was kind-hearted, cool and level-headed. She helped to extract a stranger from a car wreck even though there were risks of car blowing up. However with people who treated her badly, she wasn't kind which is great.
3. ML characterisation - Despite no romantic element, ML here is FL's biological father played by Sa Gang Yun. He started off as a serious, no-nonsense business man. Despite being skeptical & awkward with FL at first, it's wonderful to see him making effort in getting to know FL. He supported her without smothering her.
4. SML characterisation - FL's adopted father has a complex arc that made me go through an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't a bad person from start till the end - there were moments in which he was genuinely kind. He made bad decisions that affected FL's welfare.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the grandpa who rescued FL and wanted to know more about his backstory.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family were atrocious. I couldn't believe her adopted / stepmother for the inhumane treatment.
2. Assault - I couldn't believe that FL's adopted brother assaulted her for something petty. He should be sent to the police for his crime!
3. Father - daughter relationship - I wish there were more scenes of FL & ML spending quality time together. FL looked indifferent sometimes when she was with biological father. I wish she would lower down her guard.
4. Ending - A cliffhanger. I want to know what happened next.

Favourite scene
The contract bidding

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So much potential but writing was a letdown. FL got bullied too many times

I was in the mood for Huang Bo so I chose to watch this drama. The video had more than 2 million views and the title stated that he was allergic to woman. I had mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - It was good to see Huang Bo playing Mr Nice Guy. ML was protective & respectful of FL.
2. Romance - Sweet age-gap romance. FL was still university student at the start so she called ML "uncle". ML fell for FL at first sight and entertained every single request of FL. However the kisses weren't real, I wonder if Li Jing Ye's request for no real kisses because Huang Bo does real onscreen kisses very well.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant. Smart & knew when to intervene.
4. Ending - The last 5 minutes was suspenseful. I liked the ending and how FL reacted upon hearing news from ML.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL were bullied too many times: her family, her love rival, at her graduation ceremony, ML's ex. These scenes bored me so I watched it at 2× speed.
2. Allergy plot device - I was disappointed this plot device wasn't properly used in this story. It was only done very briefly at the start and then briefly mentioned in the third act.
3. FL characterisation - FL was quite timid for my liking. I disliked that FL had doubts about ML when his ex appeared. At times I felt she received more than she gave to the relationship.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Solid historical revenge drama with captivating ML

I don't remember how I came across this drama - was it because I missed watching Wang Zi Jia or was this drama recommended in a sub-reddit? I am glad that I watched this drama because it was good.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Zi Jia continued to impress me with her acting. This is my first drama of Yang Yu Bin and wow, I was impressed by his facial expression and posture. He was captivating on screen!
2. Revenge - Both characters sought justice for their families. ML's revenge plan was more subtle. It's cool that FL executed her plan without help from ML. She was smart.
3. Romance - There was a good mix of sweet and spicy. I loved how affectionate they were with each other. ML being playful with FL was cute then hot.
4. Styling - I really really liked ML's styling. Their wedding gowns were beautiful.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's older servant because she was protective of FL. ML's righthand man was good too.
6. Length - Great that this drama is less than 1 hour 50 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - Pity FL for enduring abuse from relatives & sister wives/concubine. That punishment she received in the past was nasty.
2. Antagonists - A few were introduced. They were horrible people.

Favourite scene
When FL tended to ML's wound

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When antagonist reigned supreme

I was going through iQiyi shorts collection until I saw the poster of this drama. I clicked play because I am Huang Bo fangirl and I was curious about Xu Dan's acting. This drama was an OK watch despite its many flaws.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked her resilience in facing hardships. She was on her own so I understood why she never openly fought back.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Xu Dan and the actress who played Tang Si Han. Huang Bo did good with his role too. I disliked his character at one point.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow Tang Si Han is the most vicious antagonist I have seen in vertical dramas. She was a psychopath who has no moral compass. Her biological mother was another vile character.
2. Abuse - There were so much physical & mental abuse endured by FL. I was stressed.
3. Romance - Even though FL & ML were together in a romantic relationship, there was hardly any romance in the drama.
4. Mrs Tang - Gosh she was mean and dumb. She should have done a DNA test to confirm Tang Si Han's claim.

Favourite scene
When Tang Si Han visited ML's father at the hospital

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Surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama despite the stiff acting

I was in the mood for Zhao Zhen Dong's dramas and chose this drama because running time is less than 2 hours and I enjoy flash marriage trope. I set the bar low because I was disappointed with another ZZD drama. However this drama proved to be enjoyable despite its flaws.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Despite no real kissing & spicy scenes, I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. They started off as strangers agreeing to a marriage of convenience but then slowly build their relationship & affection through interdependence, mutual respect & communication.
2. FL characterisation - She is smart & self-reliant. I liked how she solved the plagiarism accusation. She did it on her own without the help of ML.
3. ML characterisation - He is respectful and genuinely like FL from the start.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was a delight to watch.
5. Car accident - I liked how this crucial moment in FL & ML's lives was written & presented in the drama. The director managed to create a momentum of suspense.

What I disliked:
1. FL's actions - I couldn't understand her reasoning for going out with her senior and her behaviour during that date, her not disclosing her relationship with ML at her school reunion and her going out with a random man.
2. Acting - Wang Zi Yi's facial expressions and body language were stiff and did not match the intensity of Zhao Zhen Dong's acting. I couldn't sense any chemistry between ZZD & WZY despite enjoying their romance journey. That bumped me because I thought her character was somewhat well-written. The actress who played FL's stepmom Song Xue Er gave a bad performance. What's with the maniacal laughter?
3. Supporting characters - I disliked grandmas from both sides - they were selfish! FL's father wasn't a good man too. The green tea and the office director were annoying.
4. Styling - Why were FL wearing dowdy outfits? She looked like Sister Maria from The Sound of Music. She wore ugly shoes.

Favourite scene
When FL presented a cake to ML & they celebrated his birthday

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Painful to watch because of abuse endured by FL

I managed to watch this drama after Black Swan Strategy was released and before Youtube link got removed. I am a big fan of Wen Mo Yan and I enjoyed Wang Hao Xiang's dramas that I have watched. This drama was painful to watch. Trigger warning: Abuse, Self-harm

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she took the opportunity to blow off steam when she wanted to be herself. I'd say she was mentally strong because of the tantrums her mother threw at her frequently.
2. Ending - Loved the ending! Very similar to Black Swan Strategy.
3. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and her twin sister. Wen Mo Yan looked hot in biker chic getup.
4. Acting - Great acting by Wen Mo Yan and the actress who played FL's mother.
5. Relationship - I liked that ML was there for FL / played the role of a friend when she was at her lowest point. There were some kisses but that happened mostly at the start because drama was quite heavy from second act onwards.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL's mother had mental health issues and she was abusive towards FL. It was painful to watch scenes of her hurting and threatening FL.
2. Confrontation - That scene between FL's ex fiancé and FL's mother was tense. Damn he was brutally honest with her mother that I was afraid of what she would do to herself and FL.
3. Chemistry - Unfortunately I didn't sense any romantic chemistry between Wen Mo Yan and Wang Hao Xiang.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Emotionally charged reincarnation tale with electrifying chemistry

I must say that I find Zhang Lei handsome. I was curious about his dramas so I watched his other drama but someone recommended this title. I just finished watching it and yes, I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Romance - ML was easily turned on by FL after noticing changes in her character. For me, the romance really clicked in the third act when FL started to pay attention to her feelings about ML. Their kissing by the pool scene was hot and emotionally charged as FL finally acknowledged her growing love for ML. I also found the kissing by the car scene very intimate because they were honest with their feelings regarding the other person and their relationship.
2. Reincarnation - I really liked ML's thoughts of his past lives as he was able to distinguish between his feelings for FL in present form from his feelings for FL in past lives. I also liked that he knew he was in control of his life journey.
3. Supporting characters - Their son was endearing. Great to see him again because I enjoyed the boy's acting in A Story About Love. I also liked FL's brother.
4. Sibling dynamics - This arc touched my heart. I totally felt FL's pain when her own brother didn't believe her. Her action was brutal but that was the best for her. Delighted to see grovelling scene.
5. Main characters - I enjoyed watching their characters grow. FL stopped becoming a doormat while ML started to make effort in their relationship. Great acting by Zhang Lei & Lin Qi Ting.

What I disliked:
1. Gossip - There wasn't a clear antagonist for this drama but that group of mean girls served the purpose of baddies I supposed. They felt out of place during parent-child event at school. I don't think any of them had children.

Favourite scene
The confession by the swimming pool

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Flawed romantic suspense drama brought down by abysmal acting performance & subpar writing

I found out about this drama from a subreddit. The title intrigued me because the two main characters are on the opposite side of the law. I decided to watch within 24 hours of release but gosh, I was disappointed with this drama. Thank you Raiana for telling me about this MDL page because I wanted to post my review immediately after watching so I don't forget my points. Watching this drama once is enough for me.


What I liked:

1. Styling – Zhao Zhen Dong was damn hot in silver hair. He looked like an anime character - I was glued to the screen . I also liked the clothes he wore during the drama.

2. Writing – I appreciate the writer trying to give refreshing storyline. The first & second acts were somewhat thrilling even with predictable plot. Well I knew where the story was heading.



What I disliked:

1. Bai Ye – Bai Ye was unbelievable in her role of undercover narcotics agent. She lacked conviction when she had scuffle with antagonists and during action scenes. I felt she was miscast.

2. Romance – FL & ML are supposed to be deep in love since their training academy days but got separated due to missions. However when reunited, they seemed awkward and there was no sexual tension. There was no chemistry between Bai Ye and Zhao Zhen Dong. Their romance was lacklustre.

3. Third act – The scenes after main antagonist was apprehended felt like a typical vertical drama but disguised as police thriller. The white moonlight increased her efforts in separating the couple, the couple decided not to communicate truthfully so a lot of assumptions made. Ending was out of the blue.


Favourite scene
Zhao Zhen Dong when he first appeared on screen with silver hair

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Loved watching aircraft maintenance engineer FL fall in love

I watched this drama at the recommendation of MDL user - I asked for Yao Guan Yu's best work. I am an aviation geek and I love Secret Love at 30,000 feet so I had high hopes. I enjoyed this drama but with the long running time, I wouldn't repeat this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see a FL in male-dominated job, which in this case aircraft maintenance engineer. She is capable and smart and I enjoyed the scenes in which she proved her sexist colleagues wrong. Peng Yao was good in this role as she managed to add femininity & innocence to the otherwise tomboyish character.
2. ML characterisation - I saw two sides to his character: calm & collected pilot captain and sensitive husband. He was so sweet to his wife despite the cold facial expression. Yao Guan Yu looked dashing in pilot uniform.
3. Aviation - Amazing to see aircraft maintenance scenes as I had not seen such scenes in other aviation-related vertical dramas. The piloting problem at the end is quite similar to Secret Love at 30,000 feet - I enjoyed the scene in that drama more because both FL & ML worked together on the problem.
4. Romance - Slow burn with nice kisses and sweet gestures. The scene about their wedding rings was touching. That TMI scene between FL and her flight attendant friend made me giggle.
5. Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching scenes involving FL's colleagues, FL's mother and ML's family. The female pilot & flight attendant were a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Length - At almost 3.5 hours, this drama could be trimmed down. The romance trajectory between FL & ML took too long and their individual arcs, as aircraft maintenance engineer and pilot, went smoothly with few challenges that were solved almost immediately.

Favourite scene
When ML responded to snide remarks made by FL's aunt & cousin

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Domineering female CEO & a house husband entangled in family dispute & power struggle

I was curious about Li Quan Cheng's work so I decided to watch this drama. I had never seen Mai Tong's drama neither.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like flirty ML so this Ye Xuan Yi won me over. It's admirable that he doesn't feel emasculated by his wife's ambitious nature. Darn, how old is Ye Xuan Yi??? Li Quan Cheng played this role to perfection as he was able to demonstrate the serious and the cheeky sides of his character.
2. Romance - Sweet romance. Too bad their sexy time was interrupted. Anyway I loved how ML cared for FL. Their love language is act of service.
3. Supporting characters - Lei Yun was an awesome right handman. I liked FL's sister too.
4. Antagonist - I knew who the main culprit was before it was unveiled. I enjoyed the arc even though it was flawed.
5. Styling - Loved the clothes worn by Ye Xuan Yi and Lei Yun. Su Yin's magenta pantsuit was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. Acting - OMG the actress and actor playing the antagonists went over the top with their acting - like they were in pantomime. I also think Mai Tong's acting was inconsistent. She was great at portraying cool and distant head of company but as a wife witnessing a dying husband, she didn't express enough warmth & tenderness.
2. Shareholder meeting - Vertical dramas always get this scene wrong but the scene in this drama is absolutely ridiculous. The discrimination against people with physical impairment, the process of verifying company chairman made me mad. Good thing FL said something against the discrimination of people with mobility issue.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the shareholder meeting

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Solid performances in this mystery drama about never-ending love

I added this drama to my plan to watch list because I saw Liu Qing on the thumbnail. Once I clicked play, I realised FL was Zhu Mo Yan. I enjoyed this mystery drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Solid performances by both Liu Qing & Zhu Mo Yan. Good facial expressions. They also had great acting & visual chemistry.
2. Main characters - I liked that FL was determined to save ML from being harmed. Little did she know that ML tried to do the same too.
3. Romance - I could sense that ML was very much in love with FL even though he was standoffish. Their kisses were passionate due to the pent up sexual tension.
4. Ending - Endings do not have to be neat and in this case, it was left open to interpretation. I liked the bittersweet ending.

What I disliked:
1. SML - With that ending, I wonder why SML played a crucial part in the time loops. It bugs me that this was unanswered.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie tried to frame FL in front of her parents

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Jiejie romance with well written characters & plot. No silly green tea!

I enjoyed the acting of Wang Xi and Xia Jing Ran so when this drama appeared on my youtube dashboard, I was intrgiued & decided to watch. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet & good dash of spicy with good kisses. I liked that ML was playful & coquettish. This jiejie romance made both ML & FL work on their issues rather than let them fester and create bigger misunderstanding.
2. FL characterisation - I liked how her character was written because we got to see her facing challenges at work.
3. ML characterisation - I don't like secret identity but in this drama, I could put it aside because he was smart, mature & genuine about his feelings for FL.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's brother especially when he was caught by ML for snooping. The dynamic between ML & FL's brother after that scene was fun to watch. ML's assistant was funny too.
5. Siblings - There were 2 pairs of siblings: 1) FL - her brother, 2) ML - his brother. Good contrasts in sibling dynamics.
6. Ending - Amusing & so sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Miscast - I felt like both Wang Xin and Xia Jing Ran were miscast. Wang Xin loooked too mature for 22 year old guy while Xia Jing Ran lacked assertiveness for the role of successful older businesswoman and she looked youthful still. Nevertheless they did well in their roles.

Favourite scene
When FL's brother was caught by ML

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Unlike other revenge tales, this drama warms my heart with its writing & acting performance

I decided to watch this drama as I was preparing to write a reddit post on Han Yu Tong's revenge dramas. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Tone - Many revenge dramas have a cold feel but I felt warmth throughout the drama. There was so much heart showcased by Zhu Yuanyuan. Plus I never expected comedy in a revenge tale.
2. Acting - Spectacular performance by Han Yu Tong and the actress who portrayed Zhu Yuanyuan. Cao Tian Kai was also good at portraying a goofball antagonist. The actress who played SML's sister was good too.
3. FL characterisation - Wonderfully written. FL is just a person who wanted to be loved. Even with physical transformation, there are still pieces of Zhu Yuanyuan in Qing Ting.
4. Theme - It's great to see themes such as self-worth & family love is explored in this drama.
5. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching FL and ML relationship progress from strangers arranged to be marriage by their families to allies. Very subtle romance with actions mostly by ML, which is understandable considering FL's mission.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Cruel & disrespectful. The mistress got the comeuppance that she deserved.

Favourite scene
When SML got ready in hotel bathroom

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