emberzmars

Jiejie romance tackling big age gap and mental health issue

Jiejie romance is my favourite trope so this title caught my eye. I read that FL was supposed to be in her late 30s or early 40s so I clicked play. Overall I liked the drama but take note that this drama deals with heavy stuff.

Trigger warning: Mental health issue, Suicide

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sexual tension was high as ML was in his teens when he started having a crush on FL. Good thing FL maintained her boundaries between them. This is a slowburn with romantic relationship between them developed when he was in his 20s.
2. Acting - It was my first time watching Ma Hao Dong & Li Sheng Xuan. Great performances by both and their chemistry was amazing.
3. Conflict - I liked how conflicts were explored in this drama especially from the view of FL. She got her demons to overcome.
4. Styling - Both leads wore great outfits especially ML. I liked MHD in buzz cut.

What I disliked:
1. Suicide - It was tough watching scenes of suicide attempt.

Favourite scene
Heart-to-heart confession scene

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Superb acting & chemistry between the leads + heartfelt drama

It was early January 2026 and I missed watching Guo Yu Xin dramas. I remember this drama in my watchlist so I watched and OMG loved it! It was warm & heartfelt.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Guo Yu Xin and Liu Hao Qun were spectacular. They matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Palpable chemistry between the two.
2. Romance - They took their time and once they kissed, damn they were on fire. I loved that they were affectionate with each other. I could "see" love for each other in their eyes. They had each other's back.
3. FL characterisation - She was victim of abuse & manipulation and later sought protection from ML. She grew strong and confident as she lived with ML and his family. Compassionate & kind.
4. ML characterisation - He seemed sketchy at first with his gang members but he was very kind towards FL, his brother and his best friend. I liked his protectiveness.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's younger siblings, best friend and his kid.
6. Kindness - Acts of kindness and compassion were demonstrated in a few scenes. Those were heartfelt.
7. Styling - I loved the outfits worn by FL & ML. The red cardigan /jacket was pretty.

What I liked:
1. Antagonists - I didn't like FL's relatives for their bad treatment towards FL. I also didn't like ML's stepmother at first but she redeemed herself.

Favourite scene
Morning after

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Good for career-focused main characters but bad for the lack of spark between leads

I started to appreciate the acting of Liu Yu Hang and Liu Xi Yu recently so when this drama was released, I watched it within 24 hours of its release. Overall I must say I expected more from both of them. This drama left me feeling there was something missing.

What I liked:
1. Career - The drama revolved a lot around their work at the hospital. It's nice to see 2 career-focused characters on vertical screen.
2. Main characters - Likeable & modest. I liked FL's firm stance on professionalism.
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's sister & her close colleague. I also liked the male doctor.
4. Romance - Slowburn. A few kisses. It's adorable that she's shy about having their relationship out in the open. Sweet ending.
5. Tone - Minimal toxicity. I liked that there was no draggy antagonist arc.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The doctor who had a crush on ML was annoying. Acted like a child. I also disliked ML's mother for being foolish & selfish. FL's ex boyfriend was annoying too.
2. Chemistry - I didn't sense any spark between Liu Yu Hang and Liu Xi Yu, which is a shame. Both of them can do great kissing scenes but in this drama, I felt like any passion / desire was put down as though it was unwanted fire. At times I felt their scenes together "sterile"

Favourite scene
The staircase

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Hot kisses but I was letdown by Wang Xiao Yi's acting and the lack of chemistry

It had been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei and Wang Xiao Yi's dramas. A few members of subreddit CShortDramas mentioned this drama so I got curious and watched it last night. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped for.

What I liked
1. Styling - That red dress worn by FL was gorgeous. Overall her clothes were beautiful & elevated her confidence and coolness level.
2. Romance - Plenty of kisses - this couple wasn't shy about physical touches. ML was really into FL from the get go - he offered a massive help without being asked.
3. ML characterisation - He cared for her from the start of their entanglement. He protected FL when she barged into her family home to reinstate her intentions.
4. The wedding - Beautiful scene.

What I disliked
1. Acting - WXY’s acting was one-note. She delivered her lines like a bored housewife. There wasn't much chemistry between her and LSW. Their Intimate scenes felt stiff / performative - they lacked warmth despite the hot kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She frustrated me. She agreed to a marriage of convenience to achieve her goal but she didn't tap into her big resource (ML). Her constant "Wen Zong" annoyed me.
3. Antagonists - FL's half sister was like a petulant child with her scheming. FL's father was biased while her step-mother was annoying. There was also ML's childhood friend who just couldn't handle the rejection.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Fun drama about transmigration, shared connection & codependency

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I decided to watch her historical drama for a change. The comments were generally positive so I had some expectations. Thankfully they were met.

What I liked:
1. Codependency - I liked that they were bound to each other because of their shared connection. It led to alliance / partnership.
2. Romance - I was surprised by their first intimate scene. It was the first time I saw Sun Qian Xun doing an intimate scene. Anyway the couple was affectionate and I liked the spicy, sweet and hilarious moments. The role play was amusing.
3. FL characterisation - It was cool that FL transmigrated during an internal meeting when discussing drama script. I liked that she used her knowledge to ensure her host wasn't bullied. Loved her bold attitude.
4. Acting - Good chemistry between two leads and it was evident that they had fun onscreen. However SQX was stiff during steamy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - It was great to see different sides of ML. Stern prince, concerned partner & affectionate lover.
6. Plot twist - The last 20 minutes was thrilling!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's half-sister was manipulative. She even framed her mother to save herself from difficult situation. ML's aunt was freaky & possessive for lusting over ML. FL's father was a scumbag- stupid enough to let his daughter played him.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from being assaulted by his aunt

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Enjoyable jiejie romance from ML's perspective

I was checking newly released dramas when I saw the drama poster. The translated title said the wife chases the guy so I was intrigued. The drama was enjoyable despite the unfamiliar cast & specific shot framing.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a jiejie romance. Despite the odd reason for ML's unemployment by FL's aunt, the romance was sweet. They took time to cultivate their relationship (no one-night stand) and there were some spicy scenes.
2. Rivalry - There was business rivalry between FL and antagonist and I enjoyed this arc. I think the antagonist was formidable - thank gawd for no jealous sister / childhood sweetheart.
3. ML characterisation - This story was mostly told from ML's perspective. He was a young man who was easily persuaded by quick money gain. His character grew to become responsible adult and I liked that he took lead in one of the companies' initiatives to defeat their rivals.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart & nice. She didn't take advantage of ML's employement, I liked that.
5. Supporting characters - FL's aunt was nice.

What I disliked:
1. Male gaze - The amount of cleavage shots are too many. There was also a scene that shocked me. I thought this drama must be targeted towards male viewers.
2. Ending - I didn't understand why that scene was included.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be intimate with ML

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Wholesome, funny and heartwarming drama about the importance of family

I added this drama to my playlist after reading about positive comments in a sub-reddit but only felt like watching this evening. I LOVED THIS DRAMA A LOT!!! It is funny, heartwarming with family as its core theme. Highly recommended.

What I liked:
1. Acting - What a wonderful cast led by Li Ke Yi. I was pleasantly surprised to see Qu Gang because I usually see him in longer length dramas (including mini dramas). Great that they got him to act in this vertical drama!
2. Comedy - Some scenes were hilarious. Wang Pei Yan playing a bratty kid was just too funny.
3. Family theme - Family is the core theme of this drama and I love it! I enjoyed watching multigenerational interactions not just in the Ji family but also with outsiders such as the Aerospace Institute.
4. FL characterisation - She was intelligent and ahead of her time and luckily was given a second shot at life. I loved her no-nonsense and firm attitude. I liked that she wasn't preachy and authoritarian even though she could do so as the Matriarch of the family.
5. Writing - So many nuggets of wisdom in this drama. My favourite is when FL told Ji Zhi Yuan and his daughter that "just because someone apologises, it doesn't mean that we need to accept the apology". Damn right!
6. Music - Damn, there was even the theme song from Korean drama Extracurricular. As a music fan, I applaud this choice of song for the drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Wow Ji Zhi Yuan's girlfriend was money-hungry and manipulative. She even taught her daughter to be a bully and a green tea.

Favourite scene
When Ji Zhou Ye was formally introduced by his grandpa to Rong Yu

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Fast-paced & lighthearted romcom about business rivalry & flirty ML

This drama piqued my interest the day it was released. I liked Nie Bo Xuan's secret child drama with Wei Fan Shu. The English translation of the the title implies a coquettish ML. I watched it today and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I adored her for being physically strong. She fought her rival's goons.
2. ML characterisation - I liked the flirty nature of ML. He called her jiejie and I loved it because jiejie romance is my favourite. I also liked that he had serious side - he was protective over FL.
3. Styling - I loved FL's outfits! Great styling for a girlboss.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man - he's hilarious! I also liked FL's male friend, her mother & brother.
5. Antagonist - I liked the arc given to the antagonist - he was FL and ML's business rival. It's great that there was no green tea FL in this drama.
6. Duration - This drama is just slightly over 90 minutes. Well-paced and lighthearted drama.
7. Tactic - FL used a smart tactic to lure ML out of hiding. I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I wish ML had confessed his actual identity when FL confronted him.

Favourite scene
When ML interrupted FL's meeting with his right hand man

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Dysfunctional contract relationship with FL realising her worth in the end

I watched a few duds these few days so I turned to Huang Bo list of dramas and chose this one because of the 1 million views on youtube. So this is the pilot drama I have seen fans talking about. I had strong emotions while watching this drama. Overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1) FL's best friend - I loved Nuo Nuo for bringing FL back to reality. She gave great advice & reminders to FL.
2) Acting - Great performances by An Qi, Huang Bo & actress who played ML's ex. I shed a tear when FL considered abortion.
3) Styling - I liked the uniforms: pilots, flight attendants, ground crew. They fitted the cast. FL wore a lot of white so I wonder if there was any significance to the chosen outfits.

What I disliked:
1) ML characterisation - I hated Song Yi Chen for treating his wife with indifference during their marriage. I also disliked him for not setting clear boundaries with her ex - why was she allowed to hold his hand / arm? Why did he prioritise her during emergencies?
2) FL characterisation - Lin Rou was a doormat for allowing her husband to trear her that way. I also disliked her passive nature.
3) Romance - Severely underdeveloped. The only genuine romantic scene I saw was when both wore white outfits. ML never expressed his feelings for ML. However I must say the kiss at the start was steamy but moment gone once ML became a douchebag.
4) Antagonist - ML's ex was shameless. Despite being told off by ML, she still insisted that ML loved / wanted her.

Favourite scene
When FL told Nuo Nuo that she wanted to live for herself

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Excellent acting, writing and romantic scenes make this drama my favourite in the series

When I first explored vertical dramas back in December 2024, Dramazone Youtube channel was my only source for vertical dramas. I think the title of this drama caught my attention so I clicked 'Play'. I enjoyed it immensely. I watched a few Prince of Beijing Circle adaptations after this drama but "Bo Ye Courted a Hundred Times, and Miss Jiang Showed Mercy" remains my favourite Prince of Beijing Circle adaptation.

What I liked:
1. Romance - There was a lot of heat in this drama. High quality and quantity of kissing and intimate scenes. I also liked the romance development of the second couple because it contrasted with the romance development of the first couple.
2. Acting - Great acting by all four leads. Xu Jiang Shuai and Chang Dan Dan must had developed rapport because their characters' physical and emotional intimacy translated well on screen. The actor and actress who portrayed SML and SFL respectively did an excellent job too. I could feel their frustrations and heartaches even though I disliked them.
3. FL characterisation - I liked the complexity of FL. She seemed to put tough exterior when facing rivals but she also had a vulnerable side. I loved her at work scenes - she was knowledgeable and focused.
4. ML characterisation - I liked that he was smitten with FL and would do anything for her. Not only he was a great lover, he also became like a family to FL. The last plot twist was tragic - I was glad that ML apologised to FL immediately after finding out.
5. Styling - One of the best styling for vertical drama FL. Just impeccable. Chang Dan Dan must be petite because she wore stilettos most of the time.
6. Supporting characters - I liked Mr and Mrs Yan despite their son's horrible treatment towards FL. ML's assistant was also likeable.
7. SML's arc - Despite him being an antagonist, I must say that his arc is one of the best antagonist arcs I've seen in vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, SFL was a traitor. I couldn't believe she would do such things to her best friend. I also disliked SML for cheating on FL. FL's family was horrible too.

Favourite scene
The confrontation at the playground

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Poignant tale about second chance at love and in life

This drama was recommended to me by a reddit member as we discussed second chance romance dramas. I wasn't aware of this story but the given synopsis was intriguing that I watched it 2 days after the recommendation. It was emotional & thought-provoking - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, just incredible writing that led me to question life choices. I loved the mature handling of second chance, not just in romance but also at life. I empathised with FL for the tough decisions she had to make regarding her relationship with ML. I liked that fantasy seeped into the story.
2. Acting - Sublime performance by Zhang Xin Yi. I cried a few times because I felt FL's pain. Li Meng Yuan was great too although I wish he had cried when he found out about FL's struggles.
3. ML characterisation - I liked him for genuinely wanting to work on their relationship. He was a confident young man who was inept at expressing his feelings and concerns for FL.
4. Romance - The drama started with a spicy scene which later made me emotional. Post-reborn FL was hesitant in following what had been done before and I understand those feelings. ML seemed genuine in pursulng FL (he's not about chasing the unattainable) and slowly they build trust & confidence in their relationship. I must say the kissing scenes were hot - Li Meng Yuan demonstrated desire & lust very well. Oh and I liked the supporting characters' romance even though it was super short.
5. Supporting characters - Wow I am impressed with the little arcs given to FL's mother, her senior and ML's mother. I also liked the open-minded grandpa of FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL's father - There isn't an obvious antagonist for this drama but I guess FL's father could be called a baddie. He was selfish and that meeting with ML's mother was extremely embarrassing. He didn't care about saving face.
2. Bai Yingluo - This "white moonlight" tried to ruin FL & ML's relationship but good thing she had very little screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML why she was hesitant about being in a romantic relationship with him

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Second chance after a near divorce. Too bad I disliked FL

I watched this drama after watching Decad starring Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Zi Yi. I love that version so much so I was curious about this version. I've always liked Zhang Lei's visuals so yes there was some expectations. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull between ML & FL. There was a dash of spice in their romance.
2. Male model scene - This scene was brutal. I liked that male models went all out to entertain their target. And it was great way to punish SFL.
3. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by ML & FL.
4. The ending - Even though it is a cliffhanger, we get to see the attic.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Unfortunately I disliked FL. She had this mean vibe towards ML i.e. she always wanted to see ML cry and thought of ways to see him cry. She also seemed guarded even with ML, I feel.
2. Antagonist - SFL was annoying as hell.
3. Chemistry - There was lack of chemistry between Zhang Lei & Xu Dan.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Shameless FL, Smitten ML and fun sibling dynamics are the reasons I love this drama

I watched this drama as it was highly recommended by a reddit user. This is my second drama that has both Zhao Guan Yu and Lin Zi Rong. I freaking love this drama! I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG Lu Shi Man is shameless and I LOVE IT! She is smart and unintentionally funny. She's not a spoilt , annoying heiress. Lin Zi Rong totally owned this role.
2. Comedy - I laughed out loud too many times.
3. Romance - FL met ML by chance, and girl was thirsty and forthcoming hahaha. ThenML was smitten and wanted to be in a relationship with her, which I found quite endearing. Because of the existing rapport between Lin Zi Rong and Zhao Guan Yu (they collaborated together too many times that I lost count), their intimate scenes were hot and believable. There were also sweet gestures for example ML backed her up when her mother was criticising her.
4. Sibling dynamic - The interactions between Lu Shi Man and her brothers were especially fun to watch. Despite the bickering and slight misunderstandings, it was clear that the brothers genuinely love and are protective of their sister. Out of the 3 brothers, I liked the eldest the most because he had opposite personality from Lu Shi Man.
5. Styling - FL got a cool style - the music lover outfit, the black & white schoolgirl-like outfit, the blush dress she wore when she accompanied her eldest brother to a social event. I also liked the outfits worn by ML and FL's third brother.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the three brothers, FL's best friend & ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. FL's mother - I disliked her for being biased.
2. Ending - Since this is a transmigration story, I'd like to know what happens to Lu Shi Man in real life.

Favourite scene
FL's cousin tried to frame FL but that backfired

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FL focused on searching for missing sister & never tempted by hot baddie

I was in the mood for Han Yu Yong dramas so I selected this drama today. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was focused on finding her missing sister and I liked that she didn't entertain the temptation.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her accomplices with second one being a nice surprise. Amazing sisterhood there. I was sympathetic with ML's friend.
3. Revenge arc - It's great that the plans were carefully thought out & implemented.
4. Tension - Director was good at capturing sexual tension between FL & ML on screen. Seduction scenes were nicely done especially the last one. A shirtless baddie with great physique is always appreciated!

What I disliked:
1. Crime scene - I felt this scene was unbelievable as per what supporting character said.
2. Motive - I still didn't understand ML's motive.

Favourite scene
When ML's friend prepared a nice surprise for FL

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Coming of age tale that looks into perception of beauty, self-worth & finding love

I watched this series in December 2023 during year end break. A hilarious clip that featured the water splash scene led to me watch this series. I expected a light, fluffy tale of college romance but oh boy, I was shocked. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a coming of age tale that tackles issues such as perception of beauty, self-worth and finding love.

What I liked:
1) Friendship - This drama shows the start of a friendship between Kim Bok Joo and Joon Jung Hyeong in first 2 episodes. I like how the series show the growth of their relationship from friends to best friends then lovers. When one was facing hardships, the other person was there for him/her. A true friend.
2) The romance - Because we see the grow in their friendship, the change of their relationship trajectory, from friends to lovers, was believable. I like that after ML realised that he had feelings for Bok Joo, he acknowledged them and took action.
3) Perception of beauty - I love this drama for showing the perception of beauty and for featuring a female lead in an unconvetional setting. She is a weightlifter & was raised by a single father so some perceived her femininity as "lacking". That scene when her crush (Jung Jae Yi) saw her in her "least feminine" form truly broke my heart. I couldn't stop crying because I felt her anguish.
4) Sports - I love watching massive sports events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup and always fascinated with sports drama. I love that this series was set in a sports university and as vieweres, we were exposed to several sports discipline such as weightlifting, swimming, artistic gymnastics. I also appreciate that this drama demonstrated performance slump and post-tournament depression.
5) Writing - This is one of the best written tv series I have watched. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong experience tremendous character growth in this series.
6) Acting - Brilliant acting by Lee Sung Kyung & Nam Joo Hyuk. This drama is the first work of them that I have watched. Definitely keen to watch their other work.

What I disliked:
1) Selfishness - I find Bok Joo's best friends were selfish at times. They were self-absorbed with their own feelings that they could not see that Bok-Joo was actually suffering mental block.
2) Fat-shaming - Joon Hyeong fat-shaming Bok Joo at the start of the series is not cool.

Favourite scene
When Jung Jae Yi saw Bok Joo weightlifting

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