emberzmars

FL and the kids were entertaining but what a foolish ML!

I was in the mood for Zhang Ruo Chen dramas so I chose to watch this one because it also stars Chen Bai Qao / Chen Gang and it's available on iQIYI. I enjoyed the drama.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I must say the twins stole the limelight with their shenanigans. I couldn't stop laughing when they schemed to get FL in bed with their dad. I also liked Assistant Chen who was in favour of FL from the beginning and also FL's family butler.
2. FL characterisation - She was like jack of all trades. Even with memory loss, she got killer instincts and were able to defend herself against baddies. A FL who literally kicked ass. I also liked the girlboss side of her.
3. Acting - I really liked performances by Zhang Ruo Chen and the child actors.
4. Tone - Overall this is lighthearted comedy with a handful of action and dramatic scenes.
5. Rivalry - I liked that the sisters' rivalry involved them fighting over the family company. Like the reporter said "Wow, it's fun to see women / sisters fight over a company not over a man". They did fight over a man but I never took it seriously because FL never took it seriously.
6. Styling - I liked the different style of clothes for the different phase of FL's life.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was foolish for going along with what the antagonist said. Dude didn't seem to have any gut instincts.
2. Antagonist - FL's sister was evil to do those things including harming children. The other girl who pursued ML was stupid for believing the main antagonist. Good thing both got their retribution.
3. Romance - The romance was underdeveloped and ML needed to grovel for his wrongdoings. I wish there were moments between FL and ML to cultivate their romantic relationship.

Favourite scene
When FL fought baddies to save the children

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Finally found Gao Ming drama that I enjoyed - him as a "vampire"

I am a fan of supernatural themed vertical dramas. I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I watched it a few weeks before Halloween and I enjoyed it. I musy say that this drama is better than Liu Lan Bo's vampire drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was kind and soft-hearted but wasn't naive to the point of sacrificial lamb.
2. Romance - Both genuinely liked each other but too bad bad events separated them. When they were together, they were sweet. I liked that FL wasn't shy about intimacy.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his protective nature. I also liked that he did his best to atone for his family's bad deeds.
4. Supernatural - He wasn't quite a vampire - it was more like a curse that fell on his family. I liked this plot device.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant and the housekeeper.
6. Acting - Good performances by the cast. I also liked the chemistry between Gao Ming and the main actress. I finally found a Gao Ming drama I enjoyed.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL Lola was batshit crazy. She did everything she could to get ML including harming FL. FL's university rival was silly & annoying. I also disliked ML's grandfather and cousin / rival. The family doctor was horrible too for being an accomplice.
2. Communication - I hated that ML distanced himself from FL because he believed the family doctor's advice. He should have discussed with FL instead.

Favourite scene
When FL came to rescue ML at a hotel

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Yang Mie Mie kicked ass as a pint-sized witch!

My buddy Fae and I occasionally do buddy watches on sci fi / fantasy / supernatural vertical dramas. This is one of the dramas that we selected and personally this is my first Yang Mie Mie drama. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. Acting - I was impressed by Yang Mie Mie’s acting as she managed to convey two different personas (normal, obedient kid vs superpowered witch). I also liked Du Ya Fei’s acting considering how underdeveloped his character was. It was great to see both of them fighting baddies.
2. FL characterisation - I enjoyed watching FL’s character development. She remained kind because of her foster parents but assertive when her old persona appeared.
3. Fantasy - I enjoyed the prologue at the start and later the demonstration of their powers. Great VFX in particular when FL fought the gangsters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL’s adoptive parents.
5. Styling - I liked the contrasting styling adopted for FL and ML. FL was innocent / untainted so she wore white / girly outfits. Meanwhile ML had been brainwashed by the elders so he had more rugged / edgy outfits.
6. Duration - I liked that this drama wraps up within 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The power hungry witch elders and their successor. However their arc was done well, I think.
2. Confrontations - I found the final confrontation had too much yapping. Since FL already knew the elders’ intention, I wish she had attacked them instead of the lengthy debate.
3. Chemistry - Thank you to Fae for bringing out this point. Even though this has no romance, there wasn't much chemistry between Yang Mie Mie and Du Ya Fei. Not even in platonic relatonship kind. I think it's because the characters as adults never spent time together.

Favourite scene
When ML remembered his childhood with FL

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Sweet older man-younger woman romance with good acting

I was in the mood for Huang Bo dramas so I perused his drama playlist on Youtube and found this drama. The story is about older man-younger woman romance
and Huang Bo played a good guy. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Luck was on her side but she worked hard to achieve her goals. I also liked that she was smart in identifying risks & benefits in contracts.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was protective and supportive of FL. ML was gentle & loving partner.
3. Romance - I think there was only one kiss and intimate scene but it was good one. There were many sweet & tender moments.
4. Acting - Great performances by Yu Li and Huang Bo. I was surprised to find out Yu Li is only 2 years younger than Huang Bo. She managed to exude the youthfulness and innocence of FL.
5. Styling - Kudos to stylist for knowing how to create big age difference between FL and ML. The clothes worn by FL matched her age & characteristics.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - FL was physically harmed.
2. Antagonists - Sheng family was atrocious and snobbish. The family that raised FL was despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML about the contracts that were not favourable to his company

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Frustrating drama about a loving couple who made assumptions then divorce

Huang Bo is my favourite vertical drama actor. I liked Zhang Ya Meng's acting the most in Embrace in the Dark Night. I was excited when I knew about this drama. Watched it as soon as I found a video with English subtitles but I was left disappointed after completing the drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Zhang Ya Meng and Huang Bo were good in their individual roles. The actress who played SFL gave a good performance too.
2. Supporting character - I liked FL's bestie.
3. Plot twist - Wow, I didn't expect it.
4. Final dialogue - I found the final conversation between FL & ML was powerful and meaningful.
5. The ending - Different from what I expected and I liked it.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - Despite the good individual performances, there was no chemistry between ZYM & HB. It was weird that even during the couple's good times, ZYM & HB seemed distant. The kissing scene was awkward.
2. Communication - I disliked that Nan Xi never confronted her husband of 3 years whom she had a loving relationship with. She suspected him of cheating and immediately wanted divorce. I also disliked the scene when FL & her bestie were talking about college dating. FL never refuted bestie's statement about FL's "college boyfriend" which was heard by ML then led to assumption & misunderstanding.

Favourite scene
Final conversation between FL & ML.

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Funny drama about older woman with multiple suitors

Huang Bo fangirl here. I watched this drama 24 hours within its release. It was different from any Huang Bo dramas I watched recently. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Plot - I liked that the drama focused on older woman with adult son. It was also refreshing to see her being pursued by 3 men & working at her son's company. Huang Bo's character was one of the 3 men and I categorised his character as ML despite FL's entanglement with her ex husband.
2. Supporting characters - I likes Qi Qi, FL's son, FL's male assistant & ML's assistant.
3. Visuals - Huang Bo looked handsome in his relaxed outfit (low v neck). The actor who played FL's son was handsome too. The actress who played Qi Qi was pretty.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart for wanting to be financially independent. That's a trait I admire.
5. Styling - I loved her outfits especially the long black skirt.
6. Tone - The fights among the suitor were comic relief. I appreciated that the battle between FL and her husband wasn't mean-spirited.
7. Acting - The cast gave good performances even though it was hard to believe Wang Man Man's character has an adult son who was in top management. I liked the chemistry between her and her suitors.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - This drama is almost 3 hours long with most scenes about fights among the suitors. I prefer shorter length with shorter conflicts.
2. Romance - Yes, she was pursued by 3 men but she hardly had quality one-on-one time with each of them. I wish there were longer & better romantic mini arcs.
3. Antagonists - I disliked FL's husband. He cheated on her but regretted and wanted forgiveness.

Favourite scene
The massage scene

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Warm jiejie romance about girlboss FL & race car driver ML

I was browsing drama posters and the translated title of this drama - Scent of Her - grabbed my attention. I wasn't familiar with the main actress nor the makn actor but I decided to give this drama a chance. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a jiejie drama specifically about stepsister & stepbrother with no blood relation. They got into a marriage of convenience and I liked their dynamics. FL & ML were affectionate & loving. Even though their kissing scenes were not steamy, I sensed warmth whenever they were together onscreen. I liked the conflict that was presented in their relationship.
2. FL characterisation - She was a strong woman - girlboss. She was curious about the death of her mother.
3. ML characterisation - His sense of smell was off after an accident but he was comforted by FL's scent. I liked him especially when he was playful with FL. He knew when to be serious and responsible.
4. Investigation - I liked this arc.
5. Supporting characters - I liked FL's assistant & ML's friend doctor.
6. Styling - I liked FL's wedding dress. I also liked ML's hair & outfits especially the black jacket at the start and the red & white jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & ML's mother were despicable. I also disliked FL's ex and FL's uncle.
2. Bedsheet - Their bed sheet was too girlish, it was amusing.

Favourite scene
When they talked about the time they disliked one another in the past then ML confessed his feelings

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Adorable & funny romcom about cat curse and love triangle

I had this drama in my watchlist for months - I think I added it because of Li Zi Jie. I am in the mood for supernatural-themed dramas since Halloween is this Friday. I enjoyed the drama very much!

What I liked
1. Cat arc - The stand-in cat was so adorable. I liked the cat arc especially when the cat was around ML & SML. It was great that ML found out FL's cat identity at 67% mark of the drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was likeable and quick thinker. I liked when she caught her cousin framing her.
3. ML characterisation - His cat-phobia was too cute. Generally a nice boss.
4. Romance - Sweet romance with good push & pull dynamics. I liked when ML pet FL's head and when FL was feline playful with ML.
5. Styling - The all white outfit worn by FL when she was a cat was pretty.
6. Supporting characters - I liked SML a lot especially when he discovered FL's secret. I liked that he was a nice guy. I liked ML's assistant, FL's grandmother.
7. Acting - Great performances by the three leads. They had great chemistry with each other.
8. Duration - The running time is 1 hour 46 minutes. Pacing was good.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I disliked FL's cousin for slandering FL especially the banquet event. That hired priest was a silly move - glad ML caught on.

Favourite scene
When FL turned Into a cat and was brought to office by ML.

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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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Heartwarming tale about a girl saving her home from demolition. Great acting by the leads!

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas for a reddit post so I chose to watch this drama. I like Feng Xiang Kun's acting too and based on positive comments that I've read, I had some expectations. I was delighted that they were met. The drama truly touched my heart and I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her from the beginning of the drama. She was honest, hardworking and humble. It was wonderful to see this well-rounded character in vertical dramas. I felt joy and proud when she won the bid to save her village.
2. Tone - Very warm right from the start. There was heart in the writing and performances. I almost cried during a confrontation scene.
3. ML characterisation - It was amusing to see a pampered city boy paired up with a hardworking village girl. But what a joy to see his character grew after he spent time with FL. I also liked that ML was Mr Nice Guy.
4. Romance - There was affection from the start of their marriage. I liked that they weren't hostile / distant towards each other. I could sense the growing attraction between them. Slow burn but oh so rewarding!
5. Acting - I was impressed by Sun Qian Xun's acting because this FL had soft edge unlike the other FL roles she had done. SQX delivered subtle dramatic acting which worked well with Feng Xiang Kun's performance. I loved his soft facial expressions. Both had matching intensity and energy and I would love to see them collaborate again in other dramas.
6. Supporting characters - I loved ML's assistant (the actor was handsome too), mother and FL's foster parents. Master Lin was a wonderful too for recognising FL's talents in horticulture. So was ML's grandfather.
7. Punishment - I liked that FL's sister was punished after bullying FL. Those moments were so satisfying.
8. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL and ML. The matching outfits at the end of the drama were beautiful. The striking green/yellow top she wore to an informal meeting with her family & Jingyao group executive. FXK looked adorable in the security guard outfit.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family was vicious for abandoning her and wanting to destroy her home. I was infuriated when Su Qi told FL of the demolition plans and her parents' true feelings about her.
2. Hidden identity - Wish ML's true identity was revealed much earlier so there could be more time for groveling and making things right.

Favourite scene
When ML apologised for the deception.

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Familiar with plot but letdown by the amateurish acting

I am preparing a reddit post about Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I picked this drama to watch this weekend on iQIYI. I have seen the first version of this story which stars Chen Mu Ye so I am familiar with the story. Unfortunately I struggled to watch this drama in one sitting. In my humble opinion, this version isn't as good as Chen Mu Ye's version.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was assertive and focused. Sun Qian Xun gave a good performance.
2. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama. FL was insistent on reuniting her family and I liked watching her interactions with her elders at the board meeting.
3. Styling - That bright yellow Stephen Curry t-shirt was striking. She stood out in a good way. Liu San Si also wore nice clothes.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's brothers but the middle one lacked screentime.
5. Food - Mukbang. Gosh I wanted those dishes after seeing them eat.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - The cast's performances were underwhelming - like they were amateur actors. There was no emotional punch when the siblings reunited. I also didn't sense any chemistry between Sun Qian Xun and the other actors (her love interest, ex biyfriend) and actress who played Jiang Tang.
2. Relationship - Romance wasn't the focus of the drama but I felt letdown by the lack of pull dynamics between FL and ML. They didn't even seem like friends. Just landlord - tenant & an acquaintance from high school.
3. Antagonists - Huan Yu was annoying & manipulative. Gu Jing Chuan was pathetic.

Favourite scene
When FL met her youngest brother Shen Ji An

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Heartbreaking tale of a grieving mother betrayed by her husband

I was preparing a reddit post on a collection of Han Jia Hui dramas so I chose this one for research. I had never seen Zhou Hang's dramas before. Thank gosh drama is less than 1 hour because I was heartbroken.

What I liked:
1. Acting - This is the most dramatic role Han Jia Hui has portrayed. She was good in her role of a grieving mother and a betrayed wife. Zhou Hang did well in his role too - he wasn't over the top since his character was a moron. However I wish he expressed anguish when he found out about his son's passing.
2. Supporting character - I really liked FL's sister who was there during tough times.
3. Pacing - Well-paced and written. A betrayal tale told in less than 1 hour. It wasn't draggy.
4. Backstory - I appreciated that writer added a challenge for FL's sister. I also appreciated that writer made the antagonist a public figure so when she was brought down, she lost a lot.
5. Trust - I liked that trust was a value highlighted in this story. There was no point for reconciliation / support when the trust is gone.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - One of the most evil antagonists in vertical dramas - she harmed a child! Manipulative too. Her assistant was an idiot for agreeing to be an accomplice.
2. ML characterisation - He was an a$$hole for putting his & his white moonlight's needs first. For a successful lawyer, he was a moron for not checking for his son's health updates.
3. Cheating - Even though the relationship of ML and antagonist was lawyer-client and not lovers, I still considered him as a cheater. Emotional cheating because he prioritised his ex over his wife and believed every single thing his ex said.

Favourite scene
When the antagonist's lies were exposed

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Moving drama about found family but beware of the abuse at the start of the drama.

When the drama was first released, I was drawn to the translated title - Ten-Year-Old Wolf Girl Transforms into a Playboy Father. I thought this would be a fantasy drama that involves transfiguration. A reddit friend and I did a buddy watch and later co-wrote a review on subreddit CShortDramas. Even though the drama didn't meet my fantasy expectation, I enjoyed it.

Trigger warning: Child abuse

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I really liked her tenacity. She was also smart in selecting a guardian in her new life.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the child actress’ acting. Wish I could find out her name because it isn’t listed on any of my regular websites including Weibo. I was delighted to see Zhang Yi Hong on screen because it’s been ages since I last watched his drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was like a lost person who had no direction in life at the start of the drama. It was good to see the uncle grew mature from a unserious playboy uncle to a protective and kind guardian / surrogate father.
4. Dynamics - I enjoyed watching the uncle-niece relationship. How they helped each other to get out of their bad place.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked Assistant Wang and Grandma Chen.
6. Styling - The wolf skin-coat and headgear that FL wore at the start of the drama was cool. She was a pretty girl wearing those dresses.

What I disliked:
1. Child abuse - I was distressed with the chains and abuse! I couldn’t believe her biological family would treat her like a caged animal in a zoo.
2. Antagonists - FL’s biological father is a scumbag. I don’t understand the beef he has with FL. I couldn’t believe Grandpa Lu didn’t ask house staff to remove chains from FL. FL's mother and sister were nasty too. I can’t blame the younger sister for being mean because she was taught by her parents to be a mean girl.

Favourite scene
When Lu Chi Yu persuaded Lu Yan Xi to take up her biological father’s challenge and play billiards.

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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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I liked FL and how she faced challenges but the romance was underdeveloped

I discovered this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. I am fan of Cui Yi Liang and while I don't watch many Gao Ming dramas, I like his face card. Decided to watch it today and I liked the drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, kind & has a backbone. I loved it when she scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his supposed fiancee.
2. Dynamics - This boss-employee relationship was threaded carefully. I liked that FL never crossed the line even though she started noticing her growing feelings for ML.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man. His observations & remarks were entertaining. FL's male best friend was likeable too. ML's grandmother was alright.
4. Workplace - A lot of the episodes revolved around FL at work and I enjoyed watching her solve work challenges. The jealous colleague arc was fascinating because it mimics real life experience (Felix envious of FL because he didn't get the role).
5. The reveal - Ooooo the antagonist was humiliated.
6. Styling - FL got nice modest (look & price) outfits for her work clothes. I really liked the two wedding gowns FL wore. Cui Yi Liang was gorgeous!

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - For not being honest with himself about his feelings for his "saviour". He should have come clean with her after a couple of months living together. I disliked that he toyed with feelings of 2 women.
2. Antagonist - FL's best friend was obsessed with wealth & status that she claimed to be someone she was not. She was manipulative and vicious - would even harm her best friend just to become ML's wife.
3. Romance - I could see the growing feelings they had for each other but I wouldn't categorise them as romantic action. To me, ML's actions were emotional cheating despite her fiancee being a nasty b!tch. I wish writer had done the ultimate reveal 5 episodes earlier with remaining episodes focused on the actual romance (kissing, hand-holding, dating) scenes.
4. Threats - Pity FL for going through too many incidents orchestrated by her best friend. I lost track of those incidents until FL said them out loud during a discussion.

Favourite scene
When FL scolded ML for being wishy washy about his feelings for his fiancee

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