emberzmars

Spicy & dark revenge tale that feels like a mini drama production

I am a fan of Wen Mo Yan and my last drama of hers is Everlasting Love, which I enjoyed. I was ecstatic to find out about her new drama yesterday. I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked:
1. Revenge theme - There are so many revenge-themed dramas in the world of vertical dramas and I enjoyed this drama despite the familiar plot device. For once, I am delighted that green tea didn't get much screen time.
2. Acting - Great performance by Wen Mo Yan & Chen Ming Hao. I've only enjoyed 1 or 2 of her vertical drama - this one is added to the list. This is my first drama of Chen Ming Hao and I am keen to explore more. I felt that actor playing second male lead (SML) gave a good performance too
3. Romance - 🔥 Plenty of hot & heavy kisses. Good mix of love and lust. I was even hoping for some action by SML.
4. Editing - This drama felt more like a mini drama production because of the directing/framing of shots & tone. I am also grateful that Wen Mo Yan's voice is not dubbed.
5. Visuals - Damn, both ML & SML are very handsome. Wen Mo Yan is pretty, as usual.
6. Length - Running time of 100 minutes. Just perfect to watch after dinner but before bed.

What I disliked:
1. The ending - I kinda expect FL's action but ML's response baffled me. Why a cliffhanger?

Favourite scene
When FL remembered the most atrocious thing that happened to her in previous life - what an emotional punch to the heart!

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There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength

What I liked:
1. Romance - This drama really focuses on the relationship between FL and ML. It is a slow burn but rich romance. They went into a marriage of convenience but I like how FL was open to affection and physical touch even though she was shy about kissing at first. I enjoy the chemistry (both acting & visual) between Guo Yu Xin and Chen Zheng Yang. There are at least 2 times that Guo Yu Xin’s ears turned red - was she cold or shy filming certain scenes with Chen Zheng Yang?
2. ML characterisation - I must say ML is the star of this drama. He is mature, emotionally stable and attentive to the needs of his partner. What I like most about him is his empathy. I was touched by his reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance. They both sought comfort in each other. Chen Zheng Yang truly excelled in this role.
3. FL characterisation - There is a lot of beauty in quiet strength. She understands her self-worth, that’s an attribute I like about her. She cares for people who are genuinely concerned about her and if people treat her badly, then she gives similar kind of treatment to that group of people. Guo Yu Xin was great in portraying an intricate character.
4. Supporting characters - I love FL’s grandpa because he genuinely cares for FL. The actor was very good. ML’s assistant was a delight to watch as well.
5. Styling - I love the clothes worn by FL especially the traditional wedding dress. Exquisite beadwork. In this drama, Chen Zheng Yang wore a lot of wide leg pants and clunky shoes. I love seeing him in white suit because his outfit matched Guo Yu Xin’s white qipao.
6. Cinematography - Just beautiful!

What I disliked
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL’s father is a scumbag for treating his daughters as commodities. He even drugged his daughters and suitors to increase chances of marriage deals. Song Ziyan was petulant while Jiang Fei, his ex girlfriend was despicable.
2. Extras - There is a scene in which cleaners gossip about FL and ML. One cleaner wore stilettos which led to my surprise. Maybe extras could wear any shoes they wanted.

Favourite scene
ML’s reaction when FL confided in him about a nasty encounter with her father’s acquaintance

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Who knew Li Ke Yi could do comedy. Refreshing storytelling!

I found this drama while perusing Zhao Zhen Dong's drama playlist on Youtube. I liked Li Ke Yi's recent dramas and based on youtube comments that I read, this drama had positive reviews. I watched this drama on flights to/from neighbouring country and I couldn't stop laughing especially the beginning part. I enjoyed this drama immensely because of its refreshing storytelling.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - This is one of the funniest dramas I have watched. Some scenes were absurd but damn there were hilarious!
2. FL characterisation - I loved that she's quick thinker. Very bright in her response to her love rival. She was smart to act like a damsel in distress but most important of all, FL was a genuine and kind person. I liked Li Ke Yi more after watching this drama.
3. ML characterisation - He was wary of FL's intentions but his actions contradicted with his earlier instructions to the family secretary.
4. Supporting character - I actually liked ML's family secretary. Fascinating arc & well done to the actress for great performance. I also liked ML's assistant, the orphans and FL's friend from orphanage.
5. Romance - The romance in this drama is sweet including the kisses. I enjoyed watching ML's changing feelings for FL.
6. Editing - Great shots especially the shower scene. Strategically placed items throughout that first theft scene. The pacing was done well too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Lin Ruorou was a typical green tea - annoying. I wish Xue Xin was given bigger arc than Lin Rourou.
2. Ending - It was cute but I wanted more from FL regarding her feelings for ML.

Favourite scene
The first time FL showed us her power

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Delightful romcom about kickass FL, mischievous bestie, smitten ML and their shenanigans

I found out about this drama on reddit and watched this drama on 21 April 2025. Chen Zheng Yang is one of my favourite actors and Shi Tong is slowly becoming one of my favourite actresses. I must say I was very entertained by this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - At the start, FL seemed sheltered and pampered by her upbringing but I liked that she took an initiative to solve her living conditions. I loved that she could literally kick ass! Shi Tong played the character with so much youthfulness and energy.
2. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL from the first sight. I liked that he's sweet and protective. I always enjoy Chen Zheng Yang playing goofballs.
3. Romance - There is 10 year age difference between Chen Zheng Yang and Shi Tong but they made it work to their advantage without the ick factor. It was wonderful that FL enjoyed kissing ML despite her assumptions of ML. The role play is too cute hahaha.
4. Comedy - I laughed a lot watching this drama.
5. Supporting characters - OMG, FL and her best friend's shenanigans were entertaining. ML's grandpa and assistant were delightful to watch too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's relative was horrible towards FL. I also disliked the woman who assumed the identity of ML's white moonlight but good thing FL & ML wasn't fooled by both of these baddies.

Favourite scene
When FL kicked bad guys and girl for harassing her

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Writer trying to do too much. End result is a mess

I got to know about this drama from subreddit CShortDramas. I was excited to see Cao Tian Kai and Wu Tian Hao together in one drama. Overall, the drama was alright though I wish there was better writing.

What I liked:
1. Cao Tian Kai - OMG any scenes of Cao Tian Kai in bedroom were must see. He did alright in this role.
2. Wu Tian Hao - Wow, I appreciate him for taking a different role. In this drama, his character is a submissive. I found him endearing despite his ill intentions.
3. FL's past - To be honest, I find flashbacks to FL's mean attitude were more exciting than her current state.
4. Styling - I was fond of styling for Biscuit Nana, Cao Tian Kai & Wu Tian Hao. The black leather-like jacket that CTK wore with white shirt & black slacks elevated his hotness.

What I disliked:
1. Buscuit Nana - She gave an underwhelming performance for a woman who was pursued by 4 men. She was too cute for my liking. Even scenes between her and Cao Tian Kai lacked spark.
2. Romance - Now I see similarity between this drama and My Mermaid Husband. There were many suitors but the screentime was unequal. There were only 2 suitors worth rooting because the other two didn't evoke any strong romantic feelings between FL and the gut. The romance didn't work for me as I didn't find any chemistry between Biscuit Nana and all her male co-stars.
3. Mystery guy - I just find this arc confusing and badly written.
4. Ending - What a cop out!

Favourite scene
When FL received a video call from Cao Tian Kai

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Doctor-soldier romance with mature vibe

I remember watching this drama on the first weekend of April and poof the link was removed 1 or 2 days after. It's no fun because I usually rewatch some parts of drama when writing review and now I wrote based on memory. Anyway it was great watching these seasoned actors in a drama drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar plot - This drama reminded me a lot of So You Also Like Me, in which FL is doctor while ML is soldier. She even went to conflict zone where ML was stationed.
2. Romance - This drama has mature romance vibe to it. There are sweet & spicy scenes. That makeout session on dining table was hot!
3. Acting - Both Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were great in their roles. If I am not mistaken, Bai Yan said some English words in this drama. Was it 'Thank you'? Hhmmm
4. Action - I also liked the action scenes especially the military scenes. Good to see Wang Yi Ran in uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - One of my frustration with this drama is that FL & ML did not communicate at 1 point which led to assumptions.

Favourite scene
Action scenes of ML and his comrades

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A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

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Li Ke Yi as classy vixen & Lu Shan Dong as debonair lover made a great CP

I didn't remember the last time I watched Li Ke Yi's drama but I was intrigued especially when I saw Lu Shan Dong / Lu Dan Dong as the ML. I enjoyed this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite being raised in the country side, she was sophisticated and carried herself well. I must say I was enchanted by Li Ke Yi throughout this drama. She brought out this classy vixen energy to her character. It's great to see Li Ke Yi out of the usual 'damsel in distress' roles that she often played.
2. Styling - I must say this drama has one of the best outfits for FL. I love love love FL's looks from outfits to makeup as they enhanced Li Ke Yi's babydoll face. I love the blush avant garde dress that she wore! I think only Li Ke Yi can pull that look in a vertical drama. Lu Shan Dong also looked debonair with slight cheekiness with that hairstyle, suits & an earring.
3. Romance - There was a growing sexual tension between FL and ML. Their intimate scenes were hot but I wasn't sure why the first intimate scene was given more blush pink hues because it made it look like a dream sequence.
4. ML characterisation - ML was spellbound by FL ever since he first saw her at his grandma's party. I liked that he gave her space to do whatever she wanted. Great to watch Lu Shan Dong out of scumbag roles he often played.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandma.

What I disliked:
1. Sequence - I only watched this drama from one channel so I was not sure if the episodes were not compiled correctly or was the story told in non-linear format. I found the countryside episodes tad confusing as though FL had time travelled to a period in the past.
2. Ending - I felt as though the story was incomplete.

Favourite scene
When they first made love

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Loved the couple for being flirty, serious & attuned to each other's needs

I came across this drama during my first month of vertical drama exploration. I enjoyed the dramas uploaded on Dramazone YouTube channel & this drama had interesting title. This was the first drama that introduced me to Zhang Yi Yang and Chen Si Che. Glad I watched it because it was very enjoyable romance-heavy drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked how his character developed from an immature, reluctant nepo baby to a motivated, hardworking CEO-in-training. Zhang Yi Yang was charming & goofy in this role. At times he reminded me of Dylan Wang most likely due to his visuals.
2. FL characterisation - I loved FL who is an empowered woman with vulnerability (hate Mary Sue) and this drama captured it well. Chen Si Che was excellent in her role.
3. Romance - I liked their romance as there were different dynamics (flirty strangers vs serious colleagues) shown in this drama. They talked regularly about their relationship and were attuned to each other's needs. Chen Si Che & Zhang Yi Yang had great chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Loved ML's grandpa who sided more with FL than his own flesh & blood. ML's assistant & friends were entertaining too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I don't like antagonists who physically harm people but I appreciated that there was interesting arc for antagonist.

Favourite scene
When ML rushed to the hospital

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Love the drama aesthetics and the homage to Hong Kong 90s films

I watched this drama last night after seeing cuts on Youtube. Two thoughts that appeared when watching the cuts: (i) I recognised the main actor Cheng Cheng and (ii) oh, another mob boss story . I didn't realise FL was Deng Ling Shu until I checked the MDL page. Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I noticed the faint similarity between this drama, Captive Love from the Mob Boss (starring Zhang Chu Xuan and Ma Xiao Yu) and No One but You (starring Liu Lan Bo & Zheng Chen Yu). All three MLs were mob bosses and they were aggressive in the pursuit of FL. Out of the three, I liked Liang Tai Sheng the most because he thought of FL's perspectives unlike the other two MLs. This is the second time Cheng Cheng portrayed a mob boss but in this role, he was more ruthless towards anyone who threatens him & his lady love. I enjoyed Cheng Cheng's acting as he was able to portray different emotions of his character.
2. Setting - This story was set in the mid-90s and I love the aesthetics! There was a nice homage to Hong Kong 90s films from a cinema date watching A Chinese Odyssey to colour grading and shots similar to Wong Kar Wai's Fallen Angels and In the Mood for Love.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a working class girl who remained modest and humble even after marriage. She was kind but responded accordingly whenever she was treated badly. I liked Deng Ling Shu's acting in this drama so much more than 'Wild as Hell: The Prince’s Saga , He Is Too Wild'.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was delightful on screen. I also liked FL's mother.
5. Romance - Slow burn romance. I enjoyed watching ML woo FL. There were many sweet moments with one or two nice kisses. I wish there were hot kisses because both ML & FL were passionate for each other once romance bloomed.
6. Music - I detected familiar tunes in this drama from 'Magic melody' by befour to instrumentals such as 'See the light' by Lim Hyunsik (from Korean tv series 'When the Phone Rings') and 'La valse d'Amelie' by Yann Tiersen (from French film 'Amelie').
7. Styling - FL's outfits were fabulous that I want to wear them. My favourite is the emerald green jacket and midi skirt. ML also looked handsome in the outfits and that hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - As usual there are always love rival. ML's admirer & self-proclaimed fiancée was delusional. FL's ex was pitiful at first but later on proved to be a scumbag.

Favourite scene
When ML bonded with his mother-in-law

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Great visuals but romance was lacking

I was very excited when I found out that Guo Yuxin was working with Shen Hao Nan on a drama. Saw this drama on Thursday and watched it a day after. I finished it feeling less than satisfied.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, finally Guo Yuxin didn't have to cry her heart out for a man! I liked Song Ning for her courage & self-reliance. She solved her problems - definitely not a damsel in distress.
2. Plot - I'd say I never imagined the story would go that way, mostly in a good way. I was entertained throughout the drama.
3. Styling - Ok we know Shen Haonan is gorgeous and the styling from hair to clothes was impeccable. Guo Yuxin's styling was on point too. I love her magenta gown. She looked like a mermaid which made me think of Mermaid Husband (I'd love to see a remake with Guo Yuxin as FL).
4. Supporting characters - Despite the short airtime, I really liked Kang Xu. First impression gives a big impact and oh boy, he did. I also liked ML's mother & assistant. The dynamic between ML's mum & dad was fun to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - For a couple pairing that is visually stunning, the romance is lacking. Yes there were some kisses and handholding but there was little time spent on the development of FL & ML as a couple. Most of the time was spent on FL's battles with her love rivals.
2. Ending - What??? C'mon at least give us a bedroom scene. I know Shen Haonan & Guo Yuxin had done intimate scenes (Your Trap & World Upside Down being my favourite dramas respectively).
3. Work - It's a bummer that we only got to see glimpse of FL's work. Her interview scene was great because the casse study had a personal touch to it.

Favourite scene
FL's interview at another company

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Unpredictable in good way + wonderful arcs for 3 main characters

I am a massive fan of Wen Mo Yan so I was delighted to see a new drama out in the first quarter of the 2025.

What I liked:
1. The plot - Wow, I was surprised at every turn as all my guesses of where things were going were incorrect. Making a few historical characters with little known back story was a great move to be creative with character development. It's refreshing.
2. FL characterisation - I liked Ye Ji Nan. She's a history buff which was advantageous to her but she was sensible while exploring. I enjoyed watching Wen Mo Yan playing Ye Ji Nan in modern and historical eras.
3. ML characterisation - I liked Feng Zhi Li. He was a known tyrant but later we saw his other sides. I liked that we saw his baddie side in third act. This is my first time watching We Ji Feng's acting and I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. He was able to express different personas of Feng Zhi Li and overall he was charming.
3. SFL characterisation - Princess Zhi Fan was a delight to watch. She's a capable, smart and beautiful army general. I also enjoyed watching her character development. This is my first time watching Liu Jia Xi's performance and I was impressed.
4. Romance - It was a fun ride at the start since Ye Ji Nan was brought into the royal concubine's body and she had to impersonate. I loved it when she realised that she should seize the opportunity to have a romantic relationship with the King. Yes, there were several kisses but what made me enjoyed watching their romance is the affectionate and tender moments. It was good to see the couple being tested in their relationship due to ML's severe action.
5. Ending - I thought it would go another way but hey I really liked this ending.
6. Stying - The outfits worn by the main three characters were beautiful. I love some of the royal concubine's robes.

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Ling Shan and Yan Ming were underdeveloped characters. I was intrigued by Ling Shan and wanted to see him more on screen.
2. Dubbing - I was dismayed when I heard FL's voice in the first episode. That wasn't Wen Mo Yan's voice. Apparently most characters were dubbed. I wonder why.

Favourite scene
When FL found out that ML knew about her real identity

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Messy revenge drama

I was enchanted by Sheng Yijie's acting and beauty in her drama with Zhao Zhendong, I went on looking for her other dramas. I was delighted to see this drama because I enjoyed her jiejie romance dramas with Ye Haoran and Wang Nan. However I have mixed feelings after completing this drama.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I love FL's wedding gown, which matches Sheng Yijie's beauty and style. I love her maroon red stilettos! She wore pretty dresses too.
2. ML characterisation - Wow, just wow Lu Zhi Yi is something else. Ye Haoran did great with this role, which is very different from his previous 'younger man in love with older woman' role.
3. Supporting characters - Xie Mingyu, the actor who played ML's father Lu Hui An is hot! Lu Hui An and FL's aunt were interesting characters.

What I disliked:
1. Revenge arc - This is the second revenge-for-my-abused-mother drama I've watched in one week and the revenge arc is just too messy. There was unpredictability factor but the response to that was just meh.

Favourite scene
The engagement party

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Where is coquettish behaviour???

I liked Liang Si Wei in his first drama with Meng Na so I thought to mysel "Why not watch this drama?". I have watched dramas of Wang Jia Mao & Ma Le Jie. I must say I am disappointed by this drama.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Out of all the actors & actresses in this drama, I was impressed by the actor who played Lu Zhi Yan (FL's ex). He was the main antagonist but wow he had compelling presence on screen.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Another bland, one dimensional character. I find Ma Le Jie gives the same performance in all characters that she played (shy, meek).
2. Romance - Though I generally prefer romance with spice, I do enjoy sweet romance especially with playfulness & affection. Sadly I don't get in this drama - there isn't chemistry between Ma Le Jie & Wang Jia Mao. Plus ML was very cautious around FL throughout the drama so the love felt one-sided.
3. Liang Si Wei - Sadly he was underutilised in this drama. If you are his fan, you can skip this drama because it is not worth your time.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML and Lu Zhi Yan's soon to be fiancée had dinner at Lu family house

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Spicy & funny start - highly entertaining drama

I am glad to have found this page - I watched this drama on 15 January 2025. I am Zhang Chu Xuan's fan and always search for her dramas online because I know I would be entertained. I am familiar with Wang Yi Ran so I was excited to see their collaboration. I was highly entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was originally an overworked surgeon who fainted in an operating room and when she woke up, she found herself in the 80s, sleeping next to ML. She used her knowledge of modern medicine to earn a living and at the same time helped other women to be empowered.
2. Romance - The very first scene was spicy & funny - I love a take charge FL! I like the pacing of romance development between FL & ML. I know my gal can kiss but damn it was my first time seeing a carnal Wang Yi Ran (previous dramas that I watched didn't have real kisses).
3. Comedy - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Yi Ran excelled in their roles. I enjoyed their comedic bits so much. ML's right hand man was funny too.
4. Music - Zhang Chu Xuan was cute singing that famous song at the end.

What I disliked:
1. Transmigration - I assumed FL could stay in the 1980s instead of going back to 2020s. It'd be nice if there was an explanation.

Favourite scene
When FL gifted amulet to ML and ML's feelings soon after

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