emberzmars

I enjoyed this series despite its flaws

Never planned to watch Strong Girl Nam-soon but yourdramachingu's clip on YouTube convinced me to give this series a go. I watched Strong Woman Do Bong Soon after this series so I had no expectation of Strong Girl Nam-soon. I see a lot of negative reviews for this series before writing this review. Here are my thoughts.

What I liked:
1) Family - This is the central theme of the show, which sets this series apart from its prequel. The FL had different upbringing because she went missing when she was a child but lucky for her, her adoptive parents were kind people whom raised her well. I also liked that Hwang Geum Joo felt secure of her role as biological mother of Namsoon. That scene when she brought Namsoon's adoptive mother to meet Namsoon was really touching - I cried.
2) The romance - I enjoyed watching the relationship of Namsoon and Kang Hee Shik. They got off the wrong foot the first time they met but later they became allies and eventually lovers. Despite Namsoon's childlike mannerisms at the start of the series, she didn't act like a child or played coy when it comes to romantic relationship. I like her take charge behaviour!
3) Kang Hee Shik - I like his character and as a romantic interest, I am more team Hee Shik. This is my first time watching Ong Seung Wu's drama. I think he did well in his role.
4) Homeless friends - I like both Ji Hyun Soo and Teacher No because of their kindness towards Namsoon when she was struggling in her environment. They also had story arcs.
5) Byeon Woo-seok - His visuals are insane, his high cheekbones and height amazes me. He is very handsome with that styling.
6) Music - I like Itzy's song for this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Comedy - There are too many slapstick comedy scenes in this series. I think this drama would rate better if the writer had focused more on the origin/genetic side of superstrength power in the format of drama rather than the use of the superstrength power in the format of comedy.
2) Characterisation of main female characters - There was so much potential with the developments of side characters such as Hwang Geum Joo, Gil Joong Gan but then they became bland. A lot people were turned off by Namsoon's characteristics which is the writer's fault. Perhaps the writer wanted Namsoon to exhibit similar characteristics as Bong Soon (childlike) but I think this is the wrong move because it led stronger comparisons and harsher comments.
3) Gil Joong Gan's love story - I don't have problem watching a love story of aged individuals. However given that this series focused too much on comedy, the love story of FL's grandma did not add any value to this series. Well other than creating suspicion of that guy's intentions.
4) Hwang Geum Joo - I hate that she fat-shamed her son. It was obvious that she favoured Namsoon because Namsoon was welcomed with open arms. Good thing Kang Nam In didn't harbour any negative feelings towards his twin sister. I also disliked the way Geum Joo treated her husband and brother.
5) Ryu Shi Oh - He's a clear cut baddie from the start but there was too much screen time for his character that people romanticised him. He did not fall in love with Namsoon, he was obsessed with her powers which is a total red flag. He has a fitting ending.

Favourite scene
When Hwang Geum Joo reunited Namsoon and her adoptive mother

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Enjoyable revenge drama marred by poor acting

I enjoyed Undercover Affair and wanted to check out Leo Yang's other work. So I watched this drama and was disappointed in particular the acting of main actress.

What I liked:
1. Story - Revenge seems to be a popular theme for mini dramas. Female lead's parents were killed by a group of 4 friends and the surviving daughter sought justice. I like how the story unfolded though there were some noticeable plot holes e.g. how did FL get that scar.
2. Romance - Wow, there are many kissing scenes in this mini drama and most of them were hot. Too bad Chen Su Jun was stiff & emotionless.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I noticed that actresses in mini drama tend to overact but Chen Su Jun's acting is underwhelming. She didn't have range of facial expressions. She seemed bored or zoned out most of the time. It'd be great if she could express conflicted feelings when Zhu Guan Wen confided in her or express desire when she gave in to Guan Wen's kisses.
2. Bao Er's adopted brother - I don't understand the purpose of having adopted brother appearing in Lianghe Town. Perhaps his purpose to make Guan Wen insecure but it'd be better if director & writer could show his role in Xue Tong's vengeance plan.
3. Last love scene - I find it disturbing because Guan Wen was drunk & aggressive. So that scene looked like a coercion. I wish Leo Yang gave a different spin to the scene by expressing self-loathing and love for Bao Er at the same time.

Favourite scene
The conversation and make out session in episode 16.

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Had potential but poor execution

I was curious about this series because of the title and synopsis. Was looking forward to a refreshing tale of Cinderella but oh boy, what a disppointment. I got bored mid-way through the series but persisted because I want to mark this series as 'Complete',

What I liked:
1) Lee Jun Young - This is the second work of his that I've watched (The Impossible Heir being the first one). Lee Jun Young did well in a role that's been assigned to him - flawed & a little eccentric but charming chaebol/CEO. He is handsome and has a nice build and height, which are important traits for a male lead.
2) Supporting characters - It's great that the stepmom and stepsisters were nice people (unlike the classic Cinderella story) and were given some backstory so their characters were not just 2D. I also like Baek Dong Ho and Youngbae though I wish writer developed a better friendship arc for Dong Ho and Jae Rim.

What I disliked:
1) Shin Jae Rim characterisation - It's hard to like her because she was ungrateful brat and shallow even till the end. I wish there was more character growth because it's frustrating that female lead was still in self-pity mode in second last episode. Gosh she should have taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin and self-discover. There were very few scenes of Jae Rim as a person, as opposed to her as a stepsis and stepdaughter, a employee, a love interest.
2) Pyo Ye Jin - She is miscast unfortunately. I expected female lead to be wholesome and charming even when being a damsel in distress (best example is Giselle of Disney's Enchanted). However Pyo Ye Jin couldn't demonstrate these traits though the seduction scenes were a nice attempt).
3) Romance - The most frustrating part in a romance story is when a couple hardly communicates. This happens in the series - there are too many mixed signals from Cha Min, it's tiring. Plus there is no chemistry between Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young.
4) Fantasy elements - I'd say the fantasy scenes put a damper in my enjoyment of the series. The seduction scenes were fine because they tell viewers that Cha Min was falling for Jae Rim. But for example the "homeless Cha Min". They feel like a filler.

Favourite scene
When Jae Rim had too much drinks and had to pee.

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Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

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Best mini drama I have watched!

I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.

What I like:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.

What I dislike:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.

Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!

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Great chemistry in this light, easy to digest story about merman looking for his soulmate

I was in the mood to watch mermaid / merman short dramas so I chose this one. I watched it on youtube because only VIP members can watch full episodes on WeTV. My Mermaid Boyfriend was fun & breezy watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I consider chemistry as a subset of acting and wow, both leads got very good chemistry. They were in sync from the get go. I liked that they exuded warmth when on screen.
2. Plot - It is familiar, simple, easy to digest story. The water splash scene reminds me of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.
3. FL characterisation - I liked her personality. She wasn't weak girl with low self-esteem.
4. ML characterisation - He was sneaky! The first 2 episodes cracked me up.
5. Romance - Friends to lovers dynamic.
6. Styling - I liked the pink and blue clothes worn by the leads.
7. Supporting character - ML's sister was a wonderful addition. I liked her advice to ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - His arc was underdeveloped but overall he was selfish.

Favourite scene
When ML intervened in a potential fight

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That final 15 minutes was refreshing. I liked the twist!

Today I was in the mood for mermaid + merman dramas so I decided to watch this drama. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist - this drama was really enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wang Zi Yi was amazing in her role. She managed to convey the different emotions of her character. She and Li Qing Tian had an alright chemistry.
2. Romance - It was a marriage of convenience but their relationship was warm from the get go. No cold / distant awkward strangers. Their love story was believable because they worked together. This isn’t a steamy drama but the role play was delightful (I liked the doctor bit).
3. Supporting characters - ML's son was smart & sneaky - he was a nice boy. I also liked ML's assistant.
4. FL characterisation - She was kind and focused - the hotel / restaurant was important to her.
5. ML characterisation - He was a nice guy who wanted the best for his kid and FL. It was amusing to see his hidden identity.
6. Twist - That final 15 minutes was a nice surprise. Wow, that saviour story was unexpected. I also liked the part where FL's friend's scheming was unveiled.
7. Fantasy - The element was done well despite the limited budget.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - That final minute ruined everything. I wonder if the scene was created to appease certain group of industry players.
2. Antagonists - FL's friend was mean and insecure. ML's pursuer was horrible for the scheming.

Favourite scene
The saviour story

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30 minutes is too short for an enjoyable mermaid story. Yang Mie Mie fits mermaid aesthetics

I was in the mood for mermaid short drama so I chose to watch this drama. Gosh I guess this must be the pre-Yu Long era. Anyway I wish this drama was longer.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Yang Mie Mie fits the mermaid aesthetics with her doll-like features. Her mermaid outfit was adorable too.
2. Fantasy - The Eye of the Sea is common tool in mermaid storytelling and it's done well.
3. FL characterisation - She was likeable. Her attempts to retrieve her item were amusing.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - With running time slightly longer than 30 minutes, the storyline was severely underdeveloped. The ending was rushed.
2. Romance - Underdeveloped. Just as the romance was about to blossom, the story had reached an end.
3. Acting - Both did the best they could with the goven script. There was lack of chemistry between Yang Mie Mie and Xi Er Li.

Favourite scene
When she tried to retrieve the Eye of the Sea

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ML never did any wooing and I hated him and his possessiveness

I noticed this drama last year and while I am a fan of Wang Yi Ran, I was never compelled to watch until recently. I started writing a column about two drama adaptations from the same source so I thought of tackling this drama. Oh boy, I have a lot to say about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Dialogue - I liked FL's quips towards ML's pursuer. That's clever snapback.
2. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend a lot. He was respectful of boundaries.
3. FL characterisation - I actually liked her despite being bullied by ML. She knew where to draw the line when it came to her delicate situation with ML. I just didn't like that she believed the other woman's claims so easily.
4. Kissing - While the romance was forced, the kissing scenes were done well. Yeah ML was crazy and possessive but I always enjoy Wang Yi Ran's kissing scenes.
5. Pairing - I liked the height differences between them two. Wang Yi Ran and Lan Lan had good chemistry.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - He was a neanderthal. So aggressive about his love for FL.
2. Romance - It was toxic - ML never wooed her, she was forced to accept his love. I hated that she was coerced into having sex.
3. Parents - ML's mother and FL's father never cared about their kids' feelings. Very old-fashioned - they were more concerned about what others might think of FL-ML romantic relationship.
4. FL's friend - She was out of line when she wanted to find out the reason for FL's visit to the gynaecologist. The friend was nosy despite being a doctor.

Favourite scene
When FL snapped back at ML's pursuer

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Remorse arc was my favourite part of the story

I wrote a review for Huang Bo - Mao Xiang Lin drama on my notebook when I watched it close to 6 months ago. Too bad there are no links for this drama. They collab another time but I think my notes are for this drama because the other drama's opening scene looked unfamiliar to me. Hope this review is for the right drama.

What I liked:
1. Remorse - I must say this part of the story was my favourite. ML did his best to make up for his wrongdoings.
2. Acting - My first time watching Mao Xiang Lin and I really liked her acting. Huang Bo was great in particular when his character was remorseful and uncertain.
3. Romance - Second chance romance with ML putting a lot of effort & sincerity.
4. Styling - I liked when FL wore black dress with black hat. Loved her shoes. I also liked Huang Bo's hairstyle.
5. Supporting characters - I liked Xie Ming Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SFL was pathetic. Taking credit for something she never did & scheming to trap ML & harm FL. Her arc was too long.
2. Kissing - It's weird that kissing scenes were shot with Huang Bo blocking Ma Xiang Lin. Maybe she wasn't comfortable?
3. FL's action - Going alone in Shi Zao Zao presence was bad move.

Favourite scene
When FL confronted ML at the rooftop

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Good opening scene but the rest was a mess. I disliked FL

I watched Li An Qi in a drama with Huang Bo and she gave a great performance. I noticed her name when this drama was released and I got the feeling that it was jiejie romance so I watched it. What a disappointment!

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Li An Qi made a great older woman and Shen Yu Fan was very handsome
2. Intimacy - Spicy & hot scenes.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's friend at work & her eventual husband.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was fickle. I don't get it why she chase another man to be her boyfriend when ML was clearly interested in her.
2. Romance - A lot of push from FL. I also disliked that there was distress in their relationship. FL chose someone else to marry.
3. Scheming - A lot of scheming happened.

Favourite scene
Opening

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Enjoyable drama about time traveller, family dispute and ML trying hard to win FL's affections

I enjoyed the version starring Li Ke Yi & Lu Dan Dong and remember looking for other versions. This was added last year but I only got the mood to watch it today. It was different from Li Ke Yi version well I enjoyed this one too.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was regal and refined. I liked that she took her time travelling as an advantage and never whined about missing her past life. She compared the pros and cons and found enlightenment.
2. ML characterisation - Unlike Lu Dan Dong's ML, Yin Yi Bo's ML had more screentime and importance in FL's life. I liked that he was observant & secretly did things that would please FL.
3. Acting - I must say Cui Xiao Xuan was fantastic in her role. She managed to portray poise and elegance of being a noble transplanted in modern era. Yin Yi Bo was charming in this role. They had good chemistry.
4. Romance - Their romance felt natural. He fell for her first and she couldn't be bothered by his crush on her but they were respectful to each other.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandma & younger sis for being nice to FL. ML's friend's observations were spot on and often time amusing. ML's assistant was doing his job - the actor's visual grabbed my attention.
6. Styling - I liked FL's wardrobe - her usual outfits and the banquet dress were pretty. I didn't understand why university students must wear school uniform though. Anyway ML's suits fitted him so well.
7. Pacing - Done well. 2.5 hours went by easily.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The amount of people jealous of FL was insane. Guess rich girls are catty & insecure. I disliked FL's parents for being biased.
2. Kissing - The kissing scenes were awkward. I don't know whether it’s due to the leads' skill or preference or director's instructions (maybe no steamy kisses?).

Favourite scene
When ML taught FL about hugging

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Life post-divorce included new love, career restart & unfortunately ex-husband's harassment

I was in the mood for Meng Jia Hui drama so I picked this one because it's the latest on his MDL profile. The synopsis was fascinating. Xia Xun Zi is unfamiliar to me so all these added some excitement and expectation. It was a good watch despite bloated antagonist arc.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - This drama centred on FL's life post-divorce. I liked that she didn't have a pity party for herself. She knew her worth.
2. ML characterisation - I really liked him. He was smart, supportive & focused on his goal.
3. Romance - Wow, ML had tricks up his sleeve. Well he had crush on her for 10 years but never meddled in FL's relationship with previous husband. I don't like deception but the lie was discovered quite soon after the marriage. I liked that he negotiated with FL about the terms of their marriage.
4. Supporting character - I loved ML's mother who initially played along then decided to tell FL the truth.
5. Styling - Good outfits chosen for both leads. FL looked great and fashionable. XXZ seemed talk too because she wore kitten heels and height difference wasn't too big.
6. Duration - Just over 2 hours is nice.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Ex husband was scumbag for denying his cheating behaviour. The mistress was annoying gold-digger and an imposter. His mother and sister were selfish too. Anyway I disliked that antagonist arc was given too much screen time.
2. Romance - I wish the antagonist screen time was cut short and reallocated to the main couple. I'd love to see their romantic progression develop with substance.
3. Acting - While I liked her voice, I found her performance was monotonous. I didn't also sense much chemistry and warmth between Xia Xun Zi and Meng Jia Hui.

Favourite scene
When ML introduced his wife at the banquet

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This drama should be reframed as the Tale of an Antagonist - her character arc was stronger

I had not watched Huang Bo dramas in months and with the slow updates of Chinese vertical dramas on MDL catalogue, I decided to watch this one. I could immediately write a review after completing the series and gosh I was letdown.

What I liked:
1. ML's grandfather - Wow, he was the best character in this drama. Never once believed the antagonist's words because he could sense her true colours. I also liked that he was never pushy with ML.
2. ML characterisation - He was love-brained. He couldn't get over FL even after 5 years. I forgave him for marrying the antagonist because she trapped him. He didn't get much screentime though.
3. SML - He too had character development. Not purely evil, there were moments of compassion.
4. Ending - I liked how SML & antagonist characters were wrapped up. That police arrest was cleverly done.
5. Acting - The actress who played the antagonist gave the best performance in this drama. She also had good chemistry with the actor who played SML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist is the main character - she was given too much screentime. Her character also had a good development that you could see that she was kind at one point i.e. not purely evil.
2. FL characterisation - She was weak. I understood that she had no memories of her past but c'mon, where were her instincts? She didn't fight back when bullied and this stayed until 75% of the drama. She was gullible too.
3. Romance - The secondary couple had more romantic scenes than the main couple. Huang Bo can do great kissing scenes but I think Yang Cheng Lu wasn't comfortable because there was no close up of their kissing scenes and they were hasty too.
4. Acting - Yang Cheng Lu gave a bland performance that you'd forget about her after watching this drama. There was no chemistry between her and Huang Bo.

Favourite scene
When police came to arrest the antagonist

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Fiery chemistry between leads and wow they were an attractive couple

I watched the other version of this drama Lead Him Back when it was a fresh release. Fast forward to couple of days ago when I noticed this drama. I am writing a reddit column about 2 dramas from the same source so today I decided to watch and review this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - FL chased ML and the pursuit took some time to produce results. The rewards: affection & hot kisses. Once they were together, the scenes came ablaze.
2. Acting - I must say the chemistry was palpable and much better than the other version (Sun Qian Xun & Wang Nian Jiang Cheng). Both were good in their roles too but SQX did better than Zhai Cheng Lu.
3. FL characterisation - She was calm & composed. I also liked that she explicitly told ML about her crush on him.
4. ML characterisation - He was cool unattainable captain. I liked that he was a gentleman.
5. Styling - I like manly man and damn, Zhang Si Fan was hot in pilot uniform. I also liked the clothes worn by FL. Anyway kudos to the sylist for elevating the looks because Zhang Si Fan & Zhai Cheng Lu made one gorgeous couple.
6. Ending - OMG, I didn't expect a cute ending.
7. Supporting characters - I liked the friends of FL & ML. They had good environment.

What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Her relatives were bad. They abandoned her.
2. Editing - Somehow the storytelling wasn't as tight as the other version. I could hardly feel the tension between FL and her relatives.

Favourite scene
When ML embraced FL's pursuit

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