emberzmars

Good premise letdown by the writing

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and Shen Hao Nan after watching their mini dramas, Your Trap & Lost & Found. It was tough to find this series but was delighted when I found it.

What I liked:
1. Chemistry - Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan proved once again that they had chemistry that translated well on screen.
2. Romance - That first encounter between their characters was full of sexual tension. Their kisses later in the drama are hot. The life saving scene at the end waa sweet.
3. Mistaken identity - FL thought ML was a male model and ha what a great hook for this drama. Shen Hao Nan was well cast for this role.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - I wish this drama had gone darker or bolder knowing that both Wen Mo Yan & Shen Hao Nan are capable of giving layered performances.
2. Rewatch value - Sadly this drama is not memorable enough for rewatch. I watched this drama a month ago before writing this review and couldn't remember the story. So I fast-forwarded to jog my memory and yes, the third act was nothing special.

Favourite scene
FL & ML first encounter in the waiting room

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Body swap drama that is very funny & touching

I was browsing Youtube when I came across this drama. I have seen Xuo Yi in other cdrama but Wang Nan was new to me. The comments in Youtube link were generally positive so I clicked 'Play'.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wang Nan & Zuo Yi excelled in their role. They were able to distinguish the personas that they were in.
2. Comedy - This is one of the funniest vertical shot dramas I have watched!
3. Romance - I enjoyed watching how their relationship developed from strangers with animosity to allies then lovers. That kissing scene was hot.
4. Characterisation - It was great to see growth in both FL & ML both in personal & professional aspects of their lives.
5. The ending - It started with being hilarious then became touching & very sweet.

What I disliked:
1. FL's office stint - It felt random because she was an actress.
2. ML's mother - Unbearable

Favourite scene
The ending

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Rebirth-revenge drama done well

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard yesterday. I liked the first few minutes so I continued watching.

Edit: Adjusted overall score because I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. The start - The starting scene made me want to continue watching the series. I really liked that FL Shi Wan witnessed ML Fu Ting Chen confronting her family for their wrongdoing. This scene is different from other rebirth-revenge drama that I watched.
2. Shi Wan characterisation - I like that she was clear and determined about taking her revenge. I was surprised by how far she was willing to go but she said that she's not a goody two shoes. She's not a damsel in distress. She figured out solutions to challenges that she faced.
3. Romance - I enjoy scenes of Shi Wan being coquettish with her hubby. She being turned on by his viciousness made me giddy. The kisses were great because both parties desired each other. Zhou Hang & Yao Yuchen had good chemistry.
4. Plot - This drama is quite light with good pacing. I'd say this drama is FL who found her voice and strength after given a second chance at life.

What I disliked:
1. Villains - There are too many villains in this series. Would have liked it if there were lesser villains with tighter arc.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were on their way to the mall

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Slow burn romance with good acting

I watched this vertical shot drama because of Wang Hao Zhen after enjoying his performance as a douchebag husband who distrustful of his wife but wanted reconciliation post-divorce. I watched this series 3 weeks ago and had watched many vertical drama since then so I can't remember some things. Regret not writing review immediately because I can't find the drama on Youtube anymore.

What I liked:
1) Acting - This series leans more towards drama and both Wang Hao Zhen and Han Yu Tong excelled in their roles. Wang Hao Zhen was great in expressing his character's feelings on his face.
2) Romance - They started off as strangers who married to help each other but later trust and genuine feelings grew between them. Mature romance that doesn't dwell on prolonged misunderstanding.
3) Jin Ze characterisation - I like that he's a doctor who is comfortable making his own money rather than relying on his family's wealth. I also like his patience and genuineness.
4) Song Wan Xing characterisation - I like that she's a school teacher who is compassionate. She can handle her own problems - not a damsel in distress.
5) Supporting characters - I like the grandma!

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I can't seem to recall the things I disliked about this drama but I assume the villain was annoying.

Favourite scene
When they first kissed

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Impressed by acting & production value

I was intrigued by this series when it appeared on my WeTV dashboard. Once I checked out the drama details & found out that Hong Yao was the main actor, I immediately clicked 'play'. I was curious about his acting when finding out about his marriage.

What I liked:
1) Sisters arc - I enjoyed watching the Shen sisters especially when they were both on screen together. They had different personalities & approaches to their family mystery.
2) Acting - Kudos to the 4 leads. Hong Yao was excellent as alpha male lead who was rational & had a heart. Jiang Peng Yu was amazing in her role despite her young age. Yu Lang was captivating on screen. Lu Si Heng did great in his role.
3) Styling - Love the outfits especially Shen Zi Qiu's wedding dress & the qipao worn by the Shen sisters. Hong Yao & his character's right hand man looked dapper in their outfits & hairstyle. I love Hong Yao's manliness. Lu Si Heng's styling made him look like Korean idol Choi Youngjae from GOT7.
4) Supporting cast - I like ML's right hand man, Tang Zhe, Ms Meng, Shen Zhi Xia's servant.
5) Romance - Good amount of push and pull. High sexual tension. Hot kisses & sweet affectionate scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Deaths - I was shocked by the death of 3 characters. Once the 2 characters died, I lacked some motivation to continue the series.
2) Ending - I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When Shen sisters spent time together before the wedding

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Light dramedy that exceeded my expectations

'Invisible Love' is my second vertical drama that paired Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. The first drama is 'Bride Under the Moonlight'.

What I liked:
1) Comedy - Wow, I was surprised from the get-go because the start was funny.
2) Drama - Then somewhere in the middle there was the car accident. I didn't expect this scene to be emotional - it really touched my heart.
3) Acting - I really enjoyed watching both Zhang Chu Xuan and Sue Yue's acting especially when they were both on screen together. They looked like a real couple who genuinely cared for each other.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - It's not that I dislike, I just wish we get more romantic scenes especially towards the end. I want more kissing scenes!
2) ML's father - I dislike him for taking that action for his sons. He also didn't seem to build a relationship with his granddaughter.

Favourite scene
Car accident

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Tragic love story with sizzling chemistry and good acting

I watched this mini drama for 2 reasons: 1) Han Dong Lin (watched his performance in Guess Who I Am & She and Her Perfect Husband), and 2) Youku's kissing compilation of this drama ;) Wow Han Dong Lin had many kissing scenes in this drama than in Guess Who I am.

What I liked:
1) Main characters - I like that both male and female leads were flawed and morally grey characters. Though I don't agree with the actions taken by them especially female lead Gu Qing Yan, I understood why they did those things. I like Gu Qing Yan's confidence and self-assurance - she is different from other female leads in republican dramas that I've watched. She knows her sensuality and used it to her advantage but she also knew when to stop or say No. I also like that Ye Yi Fan is a badass but at the same time compassionate and loving towards Gu Qing Yan.
2) Romance - Wow, sizzling chemistry between Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang that translated well in their scenes together, be it intimate or normal interactions. I like that they were very tactile - Ye Yin Fan's hands on Gu Qing Yan's face, waist and even backhug.
3) Acting - Great acting by both Han Dong Lin and Cui Yi Liang. They were good at expressing different emotions from sadness and confusion to joy and bewilderment. The supporting characters were played well by the actors too.
4) Ending - I didn't feel 'happy' or 'satisfied' after the end of episode 26. I find the ending bleak because that last scene did not feel real to me, in other words that's his imagination . I think Gu Qing Yan never returned to Ye Yi Fan because she wanted to protect Ye Yi Fan from further misfortunes.
5) Outfits and styling - I love the costumes especially Gu Qing Yan's. Her qipao collection was beautiful and sexy. Ye Yi Fan's hair and outfits looked modern at times but Han Dong Lin looked good in them because of his good looks and build.

What I disliked:
1) Pain - I disliked that Gu Qing Yan inflicted pain on herself at least twice. I understood the frustrations but harming yourself was quite rash & drastic measure to cope with your emotions.
2) Secret - I also disliked that Ye Yi Fan was not forthcoming to Gu Qing Yan about his family's tragedy. If he had told her his secret, she wouldn't have taken a rash decision.
3) Nails - Han Dong Lin's nails seemed manicured and coloured with pale polish. It bothered me because the colour was too obvious.

Favourite scene:
Fireworks scene. Unexpected grand gesture that shows Ye Yi Fan's tenderness and affections for Gu Qing Yan.

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Fun & light action, comedy, thriller, drama

Korean dramas on Disney+ Flex x Cop have been hit and miss for me. For me, Flex x Cop is a hit. Watch it if you want a fun & light action, comedy, thriller drama.

What I liked:
1) Ahn Bo Hyun always great at playing man baby but this role showcased his skills in both comedy & drama. I like when main character who is in a serious field has fun at work!
2) Supporting cast - Kyungjin character is so cute, glad he got a happy ending hahaha. I also enjoy the developing bromance between Isoo & Junyoung.
3) Love that the opening theme goes for a rock song . I also like other songs featured in the OST such as Hey! by Lucy and Shadows in the Night by Hersh.
4) It's great that writers did not fully explore romance between Isoo and Jihyun.
5) I like that the show showcased two different types of family dynamics: close-knit (Jihyun's family) vs cold, distant (Isoo's family).

What I disliked:
1) I understand that Isoo has connections but with that level of professional and life experiences, I am surprised he managed to solve a lot of the cases.

Favourite scene:
When Isoo was down and it was noticed by his cop friends.

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Campy start but enjoyable series

Playing house is my first mini drama. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1) I enjoyed it despite initial campy set-up. I see similarities to kdrama W but this series is focused on romance, not thriller.
2) Pleasantly surprised by plot twist on episode 17.
3) The actors played their roles well (including hotel staff). Tu Zhi Ying is star of this series. Cavan Wen has strong, stern face which suits cold CEO but it was good that he got to show doubts, insecurity during series.
4) Good romantic tension. Their first kiss was hot & passionate.

What I disliked:
1) I wish the ending was different because I prefer both He Lu Yan & Qi Lin to start their relationship rather than confirming their love because whatever happened in the novel was fictional.
2) Wish Ji Xiao & Wei Lan was introduced onscreen so we can see some sparks.

Favourite scene
Their first kiss

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Light but thought provoking series exploring AI and loneliness

This underrated kdrama focuses on characters that go out of their comfort zone. I enjoyed My Holo Love because it has a great combination of genre (tech thriller, romance, drama, comedy) with great performances led by Yoon Hyun Min and Go Sung Hee.

What I like:
1) Dual roles - let me highlight on characters Go Nan Do & Holo, both played Yoon Hyun Min. Nan Do creates artificial intelligence (AI) called Holo. Yoon Hyun Min was brilliant in portraying both roles. Surprisingly at times Holo seemed more "human" than Nan Do.
2) Genre - I expected typical romance kdrama. I love the tech thriller angle with bits of comedy (who knew Nan Do could be funny) .
3) Writing - The series explored AI, which prompted me to think a lot but at the same time, the AI content is light and easy to digest. I cried at least in two scenes because of the dialogue and performance of main leads.
4) Acting - My first time watching Yoon Hyun Min & Go Sung Hee and I am impressed. Go Sung Hee seemed natural in this role. She should act in more main roles.

What I dislike:
1) I wish Chansung's character was meatier - perhaps leverage on his conflicts with his father.
2) I enjoyed Chansung's chemistry with Goo Yoo-jin. Wish they were given more screentime.

Favourite scene:
When So-yeon told Nan Do that she likes him and reassured him that he deserves to be loved. I cried during this scene.

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Enjoyable body swap story

After avoiding kdramas for a few months, finally broke my "fast" with this. Branding in Seongsu is a light romantic thriller
with bits of comedy.

What I like:
1. The mystery plot - was thrilling especially in the 1st part.
2. Acting - Kim Ji Eun & Lomon did well playing their roles (first
time watching their acting) although at times Lomon stole the show when he played Naeon.
3. Kissing - Wow Lomon can kiss. The first kissing scene was hot.
4. Song 'On my hill' - Love this song because the alluring beat is fitting for seductive moments.
5. Supporting characters - Team Underdogs out shined other side characters. Joo Rex reminds me of P1harmony's Keeho. Hehehe

What I dislike:
1. Villains - underdeveloped & tad predictable.
2. Supernatural element - wish they develop that element. It'd be interesting if the 'demon' is tied to Naeon's feeling of guilt.

Favourite scene:
As a non-drinkers, I enjoy the Mood project the most. I know there is non-alcoholic soju sold in Thailand because it is endorsed by Mark Tuan, a member of GOT7.

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Gripping romance thriller with sublime acting

I was on kdrama slump after disappointment of Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale & Cinderella at 2 AM. On 26 November 2024, I was about to watch cdrama on Netflix during lunch when the trailer of 'When the Phone Rings' automatically played.
Mature looking male lead ✅
Arranged marriage ✅
Thriller ✅
Intriguing...I immediately clicked 'Play'. I was excited for the series!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin followed by supporting cast such as Heo Nam Jun, Han Jae Yi, Yoo Sung Joo, Im Chul Soo, Park Yae Jun. Yoo Yeon Seok was great at microexpressions - just watch episode 6.
2. Romance - I wasn't fond of Baek Sa Eon's frosty attitude towards Hong Hee Jo at first but that facade was lost once he realised he could lose his wife.
3. Voice theme - Both Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo lost their voice and autonomy at the start of the series. I like that the show their growth and resilience in reclaiming their voice and position within their family.
4. Baek Sa Eon characterisation - He was cold and distant at the start of the series, which turned out to be his defense mechanism against potential threats. I love watching his character growth. One thing is consistent throughout the series: his commitment towards his marriage. There were plenty of shots featuring his wedding ring. Would love to see more of his negotiation skills, which was hinted in the last episode.
5. Hong Hee Joo characterisation - She's soft spoken and dainty but grew stronger once she found convinction. She in a nightgown and being cheeky with Baek Sa Eon was my favourite part of her character.
6. Sign language - It's wonderful to see significant sign language scenes being featured in a tv series. My favourites were 1) when Hee Joo did live sign language interpretation during her interview and when she and Baek Sa Eon used sign language in the lift.
7. Music - 'See the Light' is wonderful song - it's been added to my playlist. I love the score especially the one featured during the rescue.
8. Thriller - I love the thriller suspense elements of the series especially regarding the kidnapper. The shots were gripping!

What I disliked:
1. Argan arc - Hee Joo going to foreign land alone was silly because she didn't have an exit plan.
2. Crime connection - I think the scenes that connect kidnapper to his mastermind and the orphanage were too simplified.

Favourite scene:
Baek Sa Eon-406 caller scene at the end of episode 6

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Queen Woo draws parallel to British film Elizabeth (1998)

I was intrigued by Queen Woo after seeing two versions of the series on Viu - "Why is there a censored version?". Read article and viewers' opinion on the explicit content which further led me to watch this series. Glad that I did!

I understand if the series creator and writer wants to dramatise the tale of Queen Woo as this technique has been done in Hollywood many times. I don't understand the fuss about its historical inaccuracies - if viewers wants Queen Woo's story to be true to history, then they should search for documentary not a tv drama.

What I liked:
1) Plot - I don't watch Game of Thrones so can't comment on the similarities with that series. However when I watched Queen Woo, I got this Elizabeth (1998 British film starring Cate Blanchett) vibe. That character growth, dynamics with prime minister and stance on political marriage (or in Queen Woo's case, remarriage) in particular.
2) Queen Woo characterisation - Queen Woo started off as a chess piece in the kingdom of Goguryeo and the 5 tribes. It's great to see her character acquired certain skills (fight training, military strategy/analytical thinking) before the untimely death of the King and used those skills confidently to revamp the top management of her nation. Jeon Jong Seo was excellent as Queen Woo. Her emotions were expressed in her eyes, mouth and body posture.
3) Prime Minister Eul Pa So - What a compelling character! He was cunning even from episode 1 I was suspicious already! I was drawn to Kim Mu Yeol - he was magnetic on screen.
4) Dynamics - I enjoy watching different dynamics between King Gu and Queen Woo and between Queen Woo and Eul Pa So. Ji Chang Wook did great in expressing different feelings of King Gu for his Queen - the gentle gaze, soft smiles and later part, indifference and Queen Woo's reactions to those feelings. I also like the chemistry between Queen Woo and Eul Pa So. The battle of wits, either through military strategy discussion or chess games, seemed like foreplay between them. Though it is not implied, I would not be surprised if he is attracted to her. I want them to be romantically together!
5) Battle scenes - Those scenes were thrilling & done well - - good choreograph and amount of gore.
6) Supporting characters - I enjoyed watching these characters on screen: Moo Gul, Mo Chi, Woo Sun, Bal Gi, Mil Woo. They enrich the series with their intent, motivations and actions.

What I disliked:
1) Explicit sex and nudity scenes - I was bothered by the explicit sex and nudity scenes because I feel that most scenes were unnecessary. The only ones that add value to the storytelling are Woo Sun / Shaman Sa Bi / King Go Nam Moo (she was drugged which led to that fantasy) and Third Prince and his wife (she was forced/coerced to have sex with him and overall that scene just showed how vicious he was) .
2) Side characters - I find some side characters were overdeveloped (too much screentime) e.g. Yeon Bi while others were underdeveloped e.g. Crown Prince, the clan in black robes. I would love to see more backstory from those characters / clans so me / viewers understand the importance of that tribe to Queen Woo's alliance and eventual ruling.

Favourite scene:
When Queen Woo confronted her sister. I didn't expect it would go down in that manner.

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A revenge drama with a slight dash of older woman-younger man dynamic

I love I Just Want You - a jiejie romance drama starring Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao. So yesterday when my reddit friend told me about their second collab drama, I was stoked. I watched it last night and enjoyed it despite being disappointed in some areas.

What I liked:
1. Dynamics - I liked that FL hired ML to be part of her revenge against her scumbag husband. The relationship between FL and ML grew as time progressed. They developed feelings for each other and yes, there were some kisses.
2. ML character - I liked that he was not a follower. He also gave smart ideas in order to ensure the success of their revenge plans.
3. FL character - Smart, tactical & resourceful. Her revenge plan was elaborate.
4. Acting - Superb performances by Lin Zi Xuan and Wu Tian Hao.
5. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by the cast. I liked ML's outfit when he and SFL shopped for handbags. There was an androgynous look with Wu Tian Hao wearing that particular belt.
6. Gym - This scene was exciting!
7. Supporting characters - I liked FL and ML's friends and acquaintances who helped with the execution of their revenge plans.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's husband & his mistress were evil scammers. She was a gold digger too - she had scammed a few men before.
2. Ending - I had a feeling that it was going to be a bitter one. The ending shouldn't be a surprise considering ML's health status which was known by FL at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
When FL and ML discussed the step-by-step revenge plan

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Fast-paced transmigration, inner thought drama with fantasy elements. I liked it a lot!!!

I am preparing a reddit post on Sun Qian Xun's dramas and decided to watch this drama as part of my assignment. I like Wang Nan's acting too so I had some expectations. Thankfully they were met!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cool, confident and smart - I liked her no-nonsense personality. She also kicked ass!
2. ML characterisation - He was a nice, gentle & sensible guy. He didn't take long to trust Lu Li's thoughts and once trust was built, his thoughts of her changed.
3. Acting - Sun Qian Xun & Wang were great in their roles. I particularly liked SQX's facial expressions when she was reading people's fate. It was also wonderful to see her performing some stunts. They also had good chemistry & synergy. The supporting cast did well too especially the actress who played the white moonlight.
4. Romance - Slowburn and sweet. FL came from a different world where romance wasn't a priority so I understood why it took awhile for her to acknowledge her feelings. There was warmth between them and the kisses were good albeit brief.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's mother and siblings. This is one of the rare dramas where there was no assistant to any of the main characters.
6. Tone - It was fast paced & lighthearted with good action sequences. VFX was well done too. Different from other inner thought dramas I have seen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - While I enjoyed the arcs for both antagonists, I felt the male antagonist's arc lacked development.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML at the cliff

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