emberzmars

Familiar but fast-paced concubine drama with sizzling chemistry

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting dramas last month so I picked this one because of its running time. Yue Yu Ting and Chen Tian Xiang have collaborated many times so I knew what to expect in terms of chemistry. They delivered and I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Execution - It uses a familiar plot (woman fighting for survival in the palace by becoming favourable to the emperor) so I have seen many. This one was well-executed because of the tight screenplay. Conflicts were not dragged out.
2. Acting - Both leads and Zhang Si Qi were great in their roles. Gosh, I hated Shen Shu Rong.
3. Length - 1 hour 17 minutes. Good for one sitting.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart with her moves to survive in the tough world.
5. Romance - There was intense attraction between the leads. ML certainly was enamored by her. I loved the intimate scenes even some were orchestrated. I liked the confession scene.
6. Styling - Love their outfits.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Shen Shu Rong was atrocious for her scheming. I also disliked the empress and other concubine / aspiring concubine & servants. I also disliked FL's father for the favouritism.
2. ML's action - I wasn't convinced that ML was truly in love with FL. I felt like he didn't do much to protect FL from vicious attacks.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

Read More

No goody-two-shoes in this drama, every main character schemed to get what they wanted

This drama was mentioned in reddit and I got curious because there are 3 main characters. Since it was available on iQIYI, I decided to watch it there. I enjoyed it a lot!

What I liked:

1. The scheming - Wow, every main character schemed to get what they wanted. This caused me to be wary of their actions.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting, Zhu Zhe Ren, Wei Ruo Chen, the actor who played the Emperor, the actresses who played the Empress and FL's half-sister.
3. Styling - Beautiful. I loved every gown worn by FL. The peach-pink dress was attention grabbing no wonder the emperor noticed her. I also liked ML's red uniform.
4. Dynamic - I loved how FL-eunuch ML relationship evolved from helpless damsel & her advisor / mentor to romantic love.
5. ML characterisation - He was morally grey therefore intriguing!
6. FL characterisation - Her build was a surprise to me. She was betrayed but wasn't aggressive in seeking revenge. She was open to being mentored by ML.
7. Ending - Phew!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I despised SML - he was manipulative right from the start. The main concubine & FL’s sister were nasty but they were open about it. The empress was cunning & two-faced.
2. Abuse - There was infanticide. I also disliked also when FL were abused & bullied.

Favourite scene
When FL defeated SML

Read More

Great acting in this drama about two men in love

I had this drama in my watchlist since last year when I was fascinated with Huang Jing Zhou. Thank you to Jwells for finding new links. Watched it today and wow, this was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Amazing performances by the cast led by Zheng Feng & Huang Jing Zhou. They were great in their individual roles and as a pair. Wonderful chemistry. I could sense the tension and longing between their characters.
2. Dynamics - I'd say that there is love between them. Zhou Yi Li always affected by Shen Ji Xing's affections whether they were words or physical touches. ZYL and his gazes - always looking out for SJX.
3. SJX characterisation - I liked that he wore his heart on his sleeve. His arc was well-developed though I disliked when he hit ZYL at the start of the drama.
4. ZYL characterisation - He was the opposite of SJX. Gave off dark vibe & always concealed his feelings & thoughts related to SJX.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Pei Ming for her care & thoughtfulness. She went above & beyond her duty as SJX's manager. I also liked Mu Si because he verbalise his thoughts and seemed to empathise with SJX.
6. Styling - I loved the contrasting styles between SJX & ZYL. ZYL always wore black, avant garde outfits like he was camera ready at any time. SJX wore a few white & light coloured pieces.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted mother was a psycho- controlling & possessive. It's creepy that she wanted SJX to herself like he was her lover.
2. Length - It was roughly 2 hours 42 minutes. I couldn't watch in one sitting - had to take breaks then re-watch.

Favourite scene
When SJX told ZYL what really happened that day 2 years ago

Read More

Spicy with good looking ML but FL irritated me

I had this drama in my watchlist but only yesterday remembered to watch it because I was missing Zhou Ling Feng's acting. I watched Bend Over a few months ago so I had some expectations with this drama. Unfortunately they were not met. I prefer Bend Over.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was mysterious from the get go. I wasn't sure whether he had been reborn too when FL thought of it.
2. Romance - Their love language was physical touch. Lotsa kisses. They couldn't get away from each other. Many forms of seduction between them.
3. Zhou Ling Feng - He was good in his role. Insanely in love / lust and the same thing adorable (I blame his baby faced).
4. Styling - I liked their outfits especially when both were wearing emerald green. I also liked the outfits worn by the concubines.
5. Dream - I enjoyed the dream sequences as they provided insights towards ML's characterisation.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh her character wasn't interesting when she was without ML. So clingy and weak. Her moments with other love rivals were too little.
2. Wang Hai Min - I didn't like her acting her. She looked like she was going to cry all the time and that baby voice irritated me.
3. Antagonists- I didn't like FL's sister and that girl who aspired to be a concubine.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML during daytime

Read More

I didn't like this jiejie romance drama

Thanks to Raiana's review that appears on my feed, I got to know that the MDL page for this drama is up. I had completed watching Zhong Xi's drama woth Liu Qing on iQIYI then this drama was automatically played. Hhhhmm I didn't like this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I really liked ML's outfits. Great to see Ma Shuo Qi in hip, youtful outfits because I always watched him in CEO suits well except that one time he wore apron. FL also wore cool outfits.
2. Supporting characters - I liked Grandma Lin and ML's assistant.
3. Plot - It was something new but I didn't like the execution. I applaud writer for bringing a different story to family dispute arc.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a cold person and I didn't like how she treated ML.
2. Romance - I didn't sense emotional connection between FL and ML. I also didn't like that ML betrayed FL with his deception. This is one of the few jiejie romance drama I didn't enjoy.
3. Acting - I didn't sense any chemistry between Zhong Xi and Ma Shuo Qi.
4. Antagonist - A different level of scheming by the two baddies. FL's father was atrocious too.

Favourite scene
The funeral

Read More

Great writing & good chemistry made this fake relationship drama fun

I had never seen any of Merxat Yalkun's dramas before I watched this drama. Decided to give this a go because I was writing a reddit post about mainstream drama actors who have acted in vertical dramas. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - In many fake relationship dramas, FL are meek or easily intimidated by other. Not this FL. Yes she rented a guy to appease her mother but she was self-assured and knew how to protect her own interest.
2. Writing - Wow, I was impressed by the script. I found the scenario relatable - the pressure to settle down when meeting relatives. In addition, FL was always given the best lines whenever she & ML were in crisis. The hospital scene was funny.
3. Acting - I was also impressed by the performances by both leads. Their interactions were fun to watch because Merxat Yalkun and Han Lu Jin played off each other's energy well. The cast gave good performances too including the actresses playing antagonists.
4. Pacing - Done well for a drama focusing on Chinese New Year holidays. I didn't find any scene draggy.
5. Dynamics - I liked the partnership they had for the charade.
6. Supporting characters - I liked both mothers despite their flaws. It was amusing that ML's assistant wasn't on his side but more on his mother's side.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I disliked FL's cousin & aunt. They were jealous and felt the need to compete with FL.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. The decision to be in a real relationship was rushed because I felt FL just went with the flow and not given time to process and think.
3. Flashback - Mistake spotted. It was 6 years ago but the traitor held the latest iPhone (looking at the camera on the back of phone). I wish she hadn't held her phone during this scene.

Favourite scene
The hospital

Read More

Sa Gang Yun is former assassin turned butler. Enjoyed the action scenes!

I got to know about this drama from reddit CShortDramas. I was pleasantly surprised to watch the trailer. I decided to watch this drama and wow, it exceeded my expectations.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Coolest butler well he was a former assassin. Multiskilled, sexy and handsome too.
2. Plot - Refreshing. Great start with well-paced storytelling.
3. Action - Scenes were cool and I loved the fight sequences. Sa Gang Yun was damn fit!
4. Flashbacks - Great to see glimpse of ML's personal life in flashback sequence.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for ML. I was amused when the maids never noticed his handsomeness / attractiveness until after their employer was saved.
6. Duration - Short drama under 2 hours.
7. Supporting characters - I liked his nephew. The rival killer was also a nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Forcing FL to accept his "love" was unacceptable - that guy was a rotten rich kid. His father was an enabler - just as horrible.

Favourite scene
When ML fought the goons who came to capture FL.

Read More

Reconnection of childhood friends. Slowburn romance

I watched this drama because I was in mood for Xie Yu Wang's dramas back in December & had seen photos of XYW as pilot for this drama. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Reconnection, slow burn. Their romance story has this mature feel. Their relationship was filled with challenges from external party but between the two of them, the relationship was healthy.
2. Pilot - I enjoyed the pilot arc in this story.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she never blamed ML for her tragedy.
4. ML characterisation - He thought he didn't deserve her but he always had her best interests. Protective, loving.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the chairman, fellow actor, FL's assistant & ML's aunt.
6. Murder - I also enjoyed this small arc. The past haunted both leads.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The guy who pursued FL was a scumbag. I also disliked ML's father & uncle. ML's father was evil.

Favourite scene
When ML gave flying lessons to FL

Read More

Suspenseful transmigration story marred by lacklustre acting

I have watched A LOT of Chinese vertical dramas but got curious about watching Korean vertical dramas when iQIYI started added them to their catalogue. I have watched a handful of K-verticals and only 1 I liked a lot. This isn't it unfortunately.

What I liked:
1. Visual - I must say Woo Ki Hyun's face was arresting from the high cheekbones to the small eyes and sharp nose. He was like a god!
2. Styling - I liked the outfits chosen for ML.
3. Story - This is a transmigration story with FL being able to change fate of her character. The story was easy to follow even with plot hole. However I wish there was more to SML's arc.
4. Supporting character - I liked SML & Secretary Che.
5. Production - I liked the framing and type of shots captured for this drama. They created some suspense.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Easy to pinpoint the culprit and the motive though I found antagonist lacked presence / aura.
2. Styling - I disliked most of the outfits worn by FL when she was in novel. They made her look mousy and not an heiress.
3. Acting - The acting was not good. The main actress didn't have the charm nor aura, it felt like she just recited her lines - no power. There was no chemistry between her and Woo Ki Hyun.
4. Romance - Kisses were nice but I didn't buy their relationship. There wasn't spark / sexual tension between leads at the start.

Favourite scene
When SML confronted FL because he sensed something was off

Read More

FL was the scumbag

I am curious about dramas that are about robots and AI. I found this drama on youtube so decided to watch it. This is essentially a cheating drama. I didn't enjoy the drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I appreciated Assistant Xu's protectiveness of his boss. I also liked ML's father.
2. Acting - I quite liked Chen Chu Huan's acting.
3. Length - Just 90 minutes.
4. Antagonist's action - I liked the scene where FL was told off by the antagonist. She blamed him for ruining her marriage but he set the record straight.

What I disliked:
1. FL - She cheated on her husband by kissing another man. Then she blamed the other man for ruining her marriage. Silly woman.
2. The other man - Yes, I disliked him not just for pursuing married woman but for taking credit for a project he didn't lead.
3. Sci-fi - Unfortunately there were many sci-fi scenes in this drama as it focused mostly on FL's arc.
4. The ending - I disliked it.

Favourite scene
When male antagonist told FL about her mistakes

Read More

I was surprised by the stellar acting & good storytelling

I was moody & getting headache on Saturday evening because of unexpected work during daytime. I wasn't in the mood for new releases but still wanted to watch a vertical drama so I picked this title from my watchlist. Wow this drama went beyond my expectation. I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, Ma Qiu Yuan impressed me with her stellar acting. Her character's frustrations & desperation reached my heart. He Cong Rui gave a great performance too - he was expressive despite his character's cold demeanour. Palpable chemistry between MQY & HCR.
2. FL characterisation - Her life was filled with misfortunes but she was tenacious. It was good to see her vulnerability.
3. ML characterisation - He was a jerk at first but slowly became a better man after getting to know FL. I liked that he accepted FL's decision when she asked for breakup. He also prioritised FL's studies.
4. Romance - Rocky at first because ML treated her like a plaything. However the relationship became caring once ML understood the situation that FL was facing. I enjoyed the tender moments between FL and ML especially the face caress.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant a lot because of his perceptiveness. I also liked ML's mother, the traditional healer, FL's friend & FL's brother.
6. Styling - I liked FL's kooky jumpers. I noticed how small MQY was when I saw her shoes.
7. Writing - I thought this was going to be another Cold CEO with naïve poor virgin. Whoa I was wrong - there were many twists.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I knew that he was a baddie. ML's arranged fiancee was snobbish and atrocious. Glad they got retribution.
2. ML's actions - I disliked ML as first because of his red flag tendency. The forced kisses were a turn off.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about her frustrations around episode 31

Read More

Underwhelming performance but good kisses and shots

I watched this drama a few days after its release because of a reddit friend's review. I liked Tian Yu Wei's acting in the two dramas I watched.

What I liked:
1. Production - Raw & natural. I liked how the drama was shot. I could see FL's pores, which is good thing for me.
2. Styling - Refreshing because of natural makeup.
3. Kisses - Good kisses.
4. Tian Yu Wei - I don't remember what this drama is all about but overall Tian Yu Wei gave good performance.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - FL's acting was underwhelming that I was indifferent towards her character. There wasn't any chemistry with Tian Yu Wei.
2. Romance - Lacklustre.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML made out in the car

Read More

Short, straightforward & good enough revenge drama featuring a dancer

I recently enjoy the performances by Yu Ke Ran and saw this drama in a playlist of Zhao Mu Yan's dramas. My curiosity got the better of me - I watched it and liked it enough.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - I liked her revenge plan.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that she was flawed. She never expected to have a connection with SML the son of the antagonist.
3. Acting - Zhao Mu Yan, Yu Ke Ran, the actress who played the main antagonist and the actor who played her son gave good performances. My first time watching YKR as scumbag - I liked it!
4. Length - Only 67 minutes. Straight to the point.
5. Seduction - I enjoyed the scenes with Zhao Mu Yan and Yu Ke Ran. The shower scene was hot.
6. Dance - I loved Zhao Mu Yan in her dancing garb. She looked graceful. I also enjoyed the tango dance she did.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was evil. She killed her husband and his kids - DAMN! Her lover played by Yu Ke Ran was a vicious accomplice. Glad they got retribution.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML

Read More

Too melodramatic but the kisses were fiery & topnotch

I liked the pairing of Liu Xi Yu and Min Jie in two dramas and this being the first collab had me excited. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this drama as much as Kiss Me My CEO Husband (I watched on iQIYI).

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, passionate kisses. Damn I was on fire watching those scenes. ML did a lot of giving and it's cool to see ML who did not feel emasculated by strong FL.
2. Acting - Electric chemistry between Liu Xi Yu and Min Jie. They looked in sync when performing on screen.
3. FL characterisation - She was able to stand on her two feet. No damsel in distress.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father.
5. Styling - I loved FL's pantsuit. She was beautiful in purple & burgundy. I also liked clothes worn by Min Jie. That bonus scene was a very nice surprise.

What I disliked:
1. Cheating - I dislike when main character got involved with another main character while still married to cheating spouse. I wish FL had been divorced when she started relationship with ML.
2. Plot - Too melodramatic for my liking.
3. Antagonists - There were many from FL's spouse, his mistress to ML's pursuer and FL's family member.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met ML's father after getting married

Read More

Wang Yi Ran was entertaining in this time travel drama

I was in the mood for Yue Yu Ting drama. To my delight, she has a drama with Wang Yi Ran, one of my favourite vertical drama actors. It was good dama but not great.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Yi Ran was a delight. He was good at conveying a confused man who had strong intuition about FL. Sizzling chemistry between him and Yue Yu Tingg.
2. Tone - It was lighthearted time travel drama. I liked that the drama focused on the couple.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was curious but instinctive. Always followed his gut feelings. He was also Mr Nice Guy.
4. Styling - I loved thr outfits worn by both FL & ML.
5. Dynamics - Ha it was fun to see current ML meeting past ML.

What I disliked:
1. Time travel - I felt this trope was simplified too much. At the end, audience was told that the time line was fixed and ML wouldn't vanish whenever he remembered his past with ML. I also didn't get why no repercussions when current ML interacted with past ML.

Favourite scene
When ML fell onto FL at the bar

Read More