emberzmars

FL proving her strength & worth to her biological family

I came across this drama poster when I was in the mood for physically strong FL. Good thing this drama was available on iQIYI paid subscription so I watched this drama there. I liked this drama even though there is no romance.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked how she was written. Despite being born a female, she excelled in martial arts training & physical strength.
2. Action - The action sequences were a delight. Yao Yu Chen performed those fight scenes really well.
3. Family - It is the core theme of this drama.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's mother and brother.
5. Acting - Yao Yu Chen was superb in this role.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's grandfather was a horrible man for his bias and cruel treatment towards his granddaughter. I also disliked the rival school of martial arts. The master and his goons were disrespectful.
2. Makeup - The moustache on the antagonist was funny looking.
3. The first meet - The first meeting between FL, her biological family and the rivals was too long. Well at one point the quarrel between the rival and FL/her family was tiresome.

Favourite scene
When FL fought the baddies that attacked her family's dojo

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Enjoyable drama about FL's transmigration to 1980s world

I watched this drama as part of my assignment to produce a reddit post on my favourite Sun Qian Xun's dramas. Wang Chao Yang was unfamiliar to me so I was curious to see the chemistry. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was bold than average girl in the 1980s because of her modern world experiences. I liked her feistiness. Her ability as a translator was cool.
2. ML characterisation - He was Mr Nice Guy. Smitten by FL from the first sight of her.
3. Romance - Sweet romance with good kisses and intimate scenes.
4. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the pink & green top & skirt combo.
5. Supporting characters - ML's subordinate was funny. Gu Sen was nice.
6. Ending - That final moment was cheeky!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Jiang Tang was malicious. She stole FL's boyfriend then when things didn't work out, she turned her sights to ML. FL's uncle and aunt were horrible too. Zhang Zi Jie was another terrible character but he redeemed himself.
2. Ignorance - It was silly for FL & ML to brush off a tip off when she was heavily pregnant.

Favourite scene
When FL was drunk & ML came to pick her up

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For a jiejie romance released in 2023, this was OK

I found out about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the actor who played ML in this drama does not have MDL profile, I have seen him in another drama "Haunted Dreams". I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked how their relationship developed. They were strangers who were compatible & comfortable with each other. The shopping trip was sweet.
2. FL characterisation - She was kind & endearing.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was kind & likeable. He genuinely cared for his jiejie.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was the MVP. I also liked Qian Li.
5. Acting - I liked their performances and I think their chemistry was good.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - This drama was released in 2023 so I wasn't surprised that bullying scene was included in this drama. FL's department team members were nasty.
2. Antagonists - Wei Wei & Mr Shen FL's ex were horrible. I also disliked ML's mother for being gullible & self-absorbed - caring too much about status.
3. Age difference - Sometimes I wonder how does a writer determine the ages of ML & FL when writing an age gap romance. If I am not mistaken the age gap for this drama is 10 years. It would have been better if the age age was reduced to say 5 years since ML was a president of a big company.

Favourite scene
Date at the night market

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Forgettable drama but I liked the styling & a particular scene

I was in the mood for physically strong FL so searched youtube for spy dramas and found this. This is my first drama of Yang Peng Cheng even though I had seen his name & face many times. This drama left me with mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked ML and FL's outfits. Very cool, spy wear.
2. Yang Peng Cheng - My first drama of his. I liked his visuals & voice.
3. Duration - Only 71 minutes! I like short short dramas.
4. Blind date - That was entertaining.
5. Supporting characters - Grandparents.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Lacklustre with no chemistry between the leads. There wasn't even sexual tension / pull dynamics between the characters. No real kiss.
2. Story - So much potential but the end product was boring.
3. Acting - The actress who played FL was forgettable. No stage presence. She needs acting lesson if she wants to continue in this competitive industry.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML met grandparents from both sides

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Drama felt disjointed and overall forgettable

I was in the mood for Wang Zi Yi dramas so I picked this one randomly. Wang Yan Fei was new to me at that time so I was curious. After completing this drama, I had mixed feelings.

Edit: Score adjusted after watching another version of this drama starring He Lian Fei.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It started off as transactional relationship but soon real feelings developed. I enjoyed ML's flirty moments. I really liked that FL expressed her feelings later on.
2. Supporting characters - I liked FL's boss / bro.
3. Threat - I liked that ML was threatened by Jiang because it showed that ML had a vulnerable side. In other vertical dramas, MLs are always untouchable.
4. Styling - I featured the maid uniform in a reddit post about maid uniforms in Chinese vertical dramas.
5. Acting - Wang Zi Yi was entertaining here. He brought the perfect amount of sass to the scene where ML discovered the FL is his mother’s housekeeper.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Dr Mu was despicable. He is the type who couldn't let go. The type who believes "If I can't have her, no one else can". Jiang was the same too, treating ML as a possession.
2. Writing - The story seemed imperfect with a few scenes that felt disjointed.

Favourite scene
When ML was slapped

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Characters with layers & tumultuous romance are my favourite parts of this drama

I am a big fan of Chen Si Che and I like Zhan Zhuo visuals. I was intrigued when this drama was released. I watched it expecting a jiejie romance and oooo I liked what I saw.

What I liked:
1. Romance - I enjoyed the whirlwind romance. He was her kept man but once she knew his identity, he was set free. I liked this period because ML discovered a few things & realised what he truly wanted.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss. Loved that she was powerful & influential.
3. ML characterisation - He was flawed but underwent a lot of growth.
4. Styling - Chen Si Che lookked fabulous in red. Loved her outfits & Zhan Zhuo's navy suit.
5. Acting - Chen Si Che and the actor who played Jiang Ye were great. Zhan Zhuo was good in his role.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Ms Qiao & Jiang Ye.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's uncle was an ass. Power hungry and manipulative. He even threw his son under the bus.

Favourite scene
When ML discovered FL's backstory

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Fast-paced drama about a secret agent and the family she takes care of

I was randomly looking for a physically strong FL archetype in Chinese vertical dramas on my iQIYI app when I discovered this drama. I have seen Hu Jia Hao's dramas before but Guo Yang was unfamiliar to me. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this drama despite the ridiculous plot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - No-nonsense woman who was serious about work. She could kick ass & was smart. I loved her protective nature.
2. Supporting characters - The kid & ML's assistant were fun to watch.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his character grow.
4. Romance - Slow but I sensed desire and mutual attraction.
5. Duration - If I am not mistaken, this drama is less than 2 hours long. Short, 49 episodes on iQIYI.
6. Acting - I enjoyed the performances by Guo Yang, Zheng Jing Han & Hu Jia Hao. Guo Yang looked great when performing fight scenes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow, a family of bullies that included a kindergartner. They were also hungry for money & power.
2. Romance - I wish there were more tender moments between them. Some scenes to show that they were bound to each other because of their kid, they genuinely fell in love with each other.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Action-packed first half but unfortunately this drama lost its momentum in second half

I liked Bai Xue Ru's acting. One day I explored her drama playlist and got curious when I saw the thumbnail. I had never seen Li Ke Le's dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I liked the first half but second half lost its momentum.

What I liked:
1. Action - I loved that FL was a badass. She could fight baddies and attackers.
2. FL characterisation - FL had a mission to get an antidote to her poison & find her mother's killer. I also liked that she was a healer.
3. Supporting characters - Her friend / sidekick was awesome.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that ML wasn't easily deceived by FL's half-sister.
5. Acting - Bai Xue Ru and the actor who played the antagonist were very good.
6. Styling - I was surprised to see Bai Xue Ru in a maid's uniform because I had just published a reddit post on maid uniform spotted in Chinese vertical dramas and missed this drama. I loved Bai Xue Ru's red dress - what an entrance!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Bai Yi Yi was pathetic. Bai family was atrocious for abusing a child. Mu Huai Nan was hungry for power - another evil dude.
2. Romance - There wasn't enough romantic moments between FL & ML.
3. Second half - I was excited for this drama upon learning her background and the antidote arc but I felt these two elements weren't explored enough. The second half was bland / not memorable.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Where is the revenge?!! Plenty of kisses but no chemistry between the leads

I am a big fan of Destined to Like You. A member of subreddit CShortDramas told me that this drama is another version of Destined to Like You. Since I enjoy Ma Shi Yao's acting, I decided to watch and hhhhm this pales in comparison to the other drama.

What I liked:
1. Kisses - Plenty of them and 95% was initiated by ML. He devoured her.
2. Supporting characters - I liked ML's buddies because they provided different points of view when ML confided in them. I also liked the guy who is friends with her sister.
3. Opening - That scene is memorable alright. My saved Youtube link is gone but I can still remember what happened in the first 5 minutes.
4. Styling - I liked outfits worn by ML & FL. Ma Xin Yu looked normal sized and that's nice in comparison to stick thin, underweight actresses.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - Not good. Ma Xin Yu's acting was one-note. She seemed indifferent most of the time - her facial expressions were poor. There was lack of chemistry and synergy between her and Ma Shi Yao.
2. Romance - There was no emotion / desire behind those kisses despite the high volume. They kissed on cue and romance was mostly one-sided.
3. Revenge - This drama is supposed to be about FL seeking justice for her sister who was bullied by rich kids. However in this version, there was hardly any focus on the revenge. She was a scatterbrain. If I hadn't watched Destined to Like You, I wouldn't understand why she approached ML in the first place.

Favourite scene
When ML complained to his friends about FL's remark to him

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I liked Lu Jia Hao but the whole story and Jia Bo Ya's performance were underwhelming

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was unfamiliar with the work of Li Jia Hao and Jia Bo Ya. The drama was alright.

What I liked:
1. Lu Jia Hao - He was charismatic & had stage presence even though he is not classically handsome. I liked his acting so will explore his work in the future.
2. ML characterisation - He was an arse for forcing FL to be with him but he knew he was at fault & admitted it openly to FL. I gave him points for being self-aware. I liked him when he teased FL about her kissing skill.
3. Opening scene - Strong & memorable!
4. Supporting character - I liked the assistant.

What I disliked:
1. Jia Bo Ya - Underwhelming performance. Her portrayal of a fearsome lawyer was unbelievable. That last scene when she was angry at her ex lacked conviction.
2. Romance - I didn't buy the romance because it was forced. FL did not show much interest in ML even when she supposedly had developed feelings for him.

Favourite scene
The veil

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Le Le and the child actor playing him are the best things about this drama

I was in the mood for Han Jia Hui dramas so I chose this drama because I hadn't seen Shu Tong's drama in months. This drama was an emotional roller coaster ride for me.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I really liked Xu Mu, Huang Hui Hong & Le Le.
2. Le Le - That conversation between him and Xu Mu was heartfelt that I cried. The chat he had with his biological father was also emotional.
3. FL characterisation - I sympathised with her because she was trapped by evil people & as a result, suffered a lot. I liked her resilience.
4. Ending - I liked that ML wasn't given a second chance.
5. Third act - It was messy because there were many twists & turns but I enjoyed it.
6. Acting - Brilliant performance by child actor who portrayed Le Le. The cast performed their roles extremely well too. It's one of the few dramatic roles taken by Han Jia Hui. Shu Tong convinced me that he was a red flag ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Fang Hua Ting was a rude & vicious bitch. She abused the helpless. ML's mother was a black widow.
2. Misery - The relationship between FL & ML post-breakup was toxic. I felt that it was better they were out of each other's lives.
3. ML characterisation - I hated him for bullying FK especially when FL did not provoke him. He had serious trust issues.
4. Length - This drama is 3 hours 13 minutes long and is melodramatic.

Favourite scene
When Le Le had a conversation with Xu Mu

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Wow, I never imagined Yu Ke Ran could become a sexy vampire!

I got to know about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas. I enjoy dramas with supernatural themes so I decided to check it out. The plot was familiar but glad that Daddy is the Vampire King was not a carbon copy of my favourite supernatural vertical drama. I enjoyed this drama a lot and glad that this MDL page is live because it was impossible to find Chinese title online!

What I liked:
1. Styling - I liked the vampire look from red eyes to black and red outfits. I must say FL's wedding dress was gothic chic! The daughter's dress after she embraced her vampire identity was chic too!
2. ML characterisation - I liked his cool & calm nature. I never thought Yu Ke Ran would look so good as a vampire. He was great in this role.
3. Supporting characters - I loved their daughter. She protected her human mummy when they were attacked. I also liked ML's subordinate / enforcer - the actor was good looking.
4. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the interactions and bond between ML and his daughter. Out of all the supernatural vertical drama with kids, this drama had the most natural looking interactions. Kudos to Yu Ke Ran and the child actress who played his daughter.
5. Romance - Slowburn but rewarding. I liked that ML studied romance - those moments provided comic relief. Good kisses with one very sexy scene that surprised me.
6. Fantasy - I loved seeing their supernatural power. I enjoyed watching the ritual for proper vampire transformation.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - The first and second acts were similar to A Story About Love. I wish the writer had adjusted by using vampire lore.
2. Styling - The styling for elders was amusing. The skull chain was an overkill.
3. Antagonist - The female vampire who was jealous of FL was atrocious. She harmed the daughter. Despite that, I'd say she got a good villain arc.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL to check his body for injuries

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I dislike the FL in this time-travelling, family-focused drama

I was in the mood for Xie Yu Wang drama so I chose this drama for a few reasons: i) set in republican era (XYW was so excited about this opportunity in his weibo post), ii) intergenerational story, and iii) short running time. Too bad drama didn't meet my expectations.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Xie Yu Wang was very handsome in republican era military uniform. I liked the hairstyle too. The outfits for FL and her great-grandmother were beautiful although I didn't understand the need for FL's headgear. It was an overkill.
2. Acting - Great performances by most of the cast.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's son & wife.
4. Duration - Drama just under 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I disliked FL's telling ML out loud to distrust his assistant. I thought it wasn't smart move. I also disliked her boasting about being smarter than ML when they talked about their next move. She was advantageous because of her grandfather's story (secondhand source) but she never lived during that era.
2. Saving the family - I didn't understand why ML told General Zhang what FL said to him. That's giving the antagonist the advantage. ML should be more cautious.
3. Antagonists - General Zhang & Assistsnt Cui were evil. They assassinated the whole family & harmed ML's son.
4. Acting - I didn't like Tan Yan Yan's acting but it's because of the script she's given. For a drama with family as the core theme, there was a lack of chemistry between Tan Yan Yan and Xie Yu Wang. They were cold distant / business-like.

Favourite scene
When FL met her elders for the first time & introduced herself

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High production value & good acting but ML frustrated me

Gosh I have been waiting for this drama since August and it finally released yesterday. It has been awhile since I last saw Jiao Pei Kai / Bai Fang Wen. I watched it last night before bed then continued the next morning. I literally just finished this drama and have mixed feelings.

What I liked:
1. Production value - Beautifully shot outdoor scenes at the Gobi Desert. Amazing landscape of the lesser seen China. This drama has pushed the envelope for the vertical drama industry.
2. Acting - Wonderful performances by Guo Yu Xin and Bai Fang Wen. I could see and feel the pain experienced by their characters.
3. Paper cutting scene - What a humbling scene! FL indirectly helped a girl to get back to school.
4. Crime arc - i enjoyed this arc even though the focus was inconsistent.
5. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by both leads. BFW looked rugged as a park ranger.
6. Supporting character - I liked ML's trusted colleague and the female doctor.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I got it that he was emotionally unavailable because of his personal demons. But why did he lie to FL about having a girlfriend while being married with her? Even though the "gf" caused a scene, I think FL's anger and disappointment were valid.
2. Romance - I was dismayed that their romance was very much "push" dynamics because of ML's stubbornness. Only when FL was in danger did he show vulnerability but even then he was not fully honest. This drama could have been a healing of two souls with both helping each other but unfortunately not.
3. Duration - 3 hours 18 minutes is the total screentime for this drama and I felt it was too long because the two arcs (romance & crime) were unfocused and not written well.
4. Ending - There were several flashbacks in the final 20 minutes. I felt it was unnecessary because the storytelling was drawn out that I remembered what happened from the start. I wish the drama ended with them together on a healing journey (action oriented rather than a promise).

Favourite scene
When ML tended to FL's injury

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I liked the actors who played FL's brothers

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I decided to watch the very first drama listed here on MDL. I was surprised to see the cast list because I had seen the work of the male supporting actors. The only person unfamiliar to me was Sean Pai - this is my first drama of his. I realised that ZRC has acted in three different biological vs adopted siblings drama and I enjoyed this drama.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

What I liked:
1. Opening - I really liked the opening scene because it gave some limelight to the three biological brothers unlike any other rebirth dramas.
2. Reconciliation - I liked how the reconciliation scenes were written. There was a little "fantasy" twist to create awareness of past mistakes. Nice to see them plead to FL for forgiveness.
3. Acting - I enjoyed watching the actors who played supporting characters such as Wu Ming Yu, Ye Yang and Liu Bo Yang more than Sean Pai. Zhang Ruo Chen's acting fit the character which was a mixed bag for me.
4. Supporting characters - I liked that the brothers were given a lot of screentime unlike other biological vs. adopted family dramas. I also enjoyed the interactions amongst the brothers even though there were not many.
5. FL characterisation - I liked that she learnt lessons from past life and decided to cut off from her biological family and live independently. I liked that she didn't want her relationship with second brother to be revealed at the company.
6. Tone - It was lighthearted most of the time but there was some violence.

What I disliked:
1. Beneficiary - I was dismayed that FL went to live an easy life with ML, who was essentially her sugar daddy, when she insisted to her brothers that she would make it on her own.
2. Antagonists - Adopted sister was insecure and manipulative. FL's colleague was another horrible person. Serves her right for trusting the adopted sister.
3. Romance - I liked the teasing in their first "intimate" scene post-rebirth. Their relationship was sweet & based on love at first sight but lacked depth. I wish there were more couple moments outside of FL's family drama because the romance was not believable to me.

Favourite scene
Grandfather's birthday celebration

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