emberzmars

The twists made this stolen identity story exciting until the very end

I was preparing for a reddit post about Chinese vertical drama actors from Taiwan and decided to revisit Bai Yi Xiang's work even though I had seen 3 already. I picked this drama because I had only seen Zhai Cheng Lu in 1 drama. I must say this drama exceeded my expectation thanks to the writing.

What I liked:
1. Stolen identity - There was a good combination of elements to strengthen the stolen identity trope.
2. Acting - I was impressed by Zhai Cheng Lu and Liu Yan Jun's performances. Contrasting style to make their different personas stand out. Bai Yi Xiang was also good in his role in comparison to his other dramas that I have seen. The actress who played mother to both sisters was good too.
3. FL characterisation - She was calm, composed & kind. She was not an idle housewife - there were a few work scenes that showcased her capability at work.
4. Romance - There was sexual tension between FL and ML post-identity swap. There were sweet gestures by FL towards ML.
5. Twists - I loved how the twists were presented in this drama. In most vertical dramas, the third act became flat after climax but this drama managed to keep my excitement and interest until the very end.
6. Pacing - 2 hours 14 minute drama that is well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Si Yao was a jealous opportunist and manipulative. She saw an opportunity that could benefit her without much work and took it. Mr Lu was another opportunist who was smart enough to get entangled with Si Yao.
2. FL's mother - Oh the twist! Her actions after finding out the truth frustrated me.
3. Cheating - ML slept with FL when she was drunk and amnesiac because he felt a connection with her. Then he never came clean to his wife-to-be. It's just icky to me that he cheated even with this complicated stolen identity element.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother revealed that she know about the stolen identity

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FL learnt to be self-reliant and independent after husband’s betrayal

I was in the mood for a jiejie romance drama (as a palate cleanser) after watching a terrible remake of Debauchery. I settled on this title because I thought why not give chance to someone unfamiliar. I had not seen the work of either leads. This drama was stressful watch but overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Writing - While I didn't like the things that happened to FL, they were the realities of a betrayed wife. Those moments affected me especially the one in third act. Really added fuel to fire.
2. FL characterisation - I saw her as pitiful at first because of how she saw her value. However there was character growth - she gained self-esteem & confidence to persist & make herself happy. She was resilient.
3. Acting - Wow I was impressed by Nai Yi Wen's acting. Her performance made me want to watch more of her dramas. Xiao Wen Yu was good in his role too and my gosh their age gap was truly big! I also liked Wei Jia Yu's acting here. The flashbacks made both FL & SML fully flshed out characters.
4. ML characterisation - He had longtime crush on her but wasn't aggressive in his pursuit of her unlike MLs in other jiejie romance drama. He gave her space & reassurance.
5. Romance - I appreciated that their relationship didn't start with a one night stand like other jiejie romance dramas. There was push-and-pull dynamics and overall their relationship wasn't rushed.
6. Styling - I liked the dress she wore at the competition. Suited her figure and character.

What I disliked
1. Antagonists - Wow FL's husband was infuriating. He gaslighted her once she found out about his cheating and even manipulated his kids into taking his side. His mistress was horrible too for wanting to climb the corporate ladder without putting hard work.
2. FL's kids - OMG her daughter infuriated me for threatening FL. She acted like a child! So selfish!!! The son was a follower - wish he had more sense.

Favourite scene
When FL's daughter threatened FL

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Dislike the abuse faced by FL but overall lighthearted family-focused drama

I was writing a reddit post about vertical drama actors aged 35 and above when I discovered this drama on iQIYI. I wanted to see if this could be my favourite Sean Pai drama so I watched it just before I published the post. This isn't my favourite drama of his.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was kind & self-reliant. Her medical skills were good but amusing.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's family. They were welcoming despite being rich folks. I also liked the twins even though they seemed too wise for their age.
3. Romance - It was sweet even though the romance arc was underwhelming to me. I liked that FL initiated the kiss.
4. Tone - It started off dramatic with the torture then slowly progressed into a lighthearted tale. One of my favourite scenes is the twins whipping ML into shape!
5. Ending - That abrupt moment was cute!
6. Family - This value was the focus of this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - I hated that FL was tortured & bullied by various people in this drama.
2. Antagonists - ML's pursuer who proclaimed to be ML's fiancee was annoying & behaved like a petulant kid. I wish she had gotten retribution - I disliked how the character was wrapped up. Now FL's senior was horrible for imprisoning FL and the twins.

Favourite scene
When FL cooked porridge for his brother-in-law

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Touching slowburn romance about healing of damaged self-worth

I watched this drama a few months ago but I didn't remember what led me to watch this drama. Was it Sun Yi Xun, the translated title or the thumbnail of youtube link? Nevertheless, I was glad I watched this drama because it touched my heart.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that FL was patient and full of empathy. She never felt insecure when ML was distant. Instead, she tried her best to understand ML and make the best out of the arranged marriage. I was even impressed when she stood up to bullies.
2. ML characterisation - He was still reeling from childhood trauma when he married FL. That's why he was aloof - he just needed to be cherished. He treated FL with respect despite being in an arranged marriage.
3. Romance - Slow burn with healing of damaged self-worth. FL's love language is act of service - I liked it. No green tea to ruin or test their relationship.
4. Confrontation - Damn great scene.
5. Acting - Great performances by both leads with good chemistry. I felt the warmth exuded by their characters. I was surprised by Sun Yi Xun's chest tattoo. I am sure it's real because there is personal photo of him with tattoo peaking through his shirt.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was a psycho, punishing and controlling his grandson.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she liked him

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Boring uncle romance drama with no chemistry between leads

I missed Huang Bo and when this drama was released, I watched within first few days of release. Unfortunately this drama was not great. Boring uncle romance unlike the other drama Huang Bo co-starred with Zhi Peng.

What I liked:
1. Mafia boss - Not many scenes but they were fascinating. The gang was menacing.
2. Language - Wonderful to hear Cantonese. Not sure why there was mix of languages because ideally I wanted to hear boss & underlings to speak the same language.
3. Supporting characters - ML's henchman was entertaining. His jabs at ML were funny & he got away with saying his thoughts unfiltered.
4. Styling - I didn't like Huang Bo's gelled up hair which reminded me of Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However his clothes were good especially the pleather jacket.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I didn't buy it. Rong Rong didn't contribute to the relationship - she was lucky to be doted on.
2. FL characterisation - She was boring, insecure & passive. A damsel with no personality. Too cute for my liking.
3. Acting - The main actress gave a bland & amateurish performance. Plus there was no chemistry with Huang Bo.
4. Antagonists - FL's family were terrible & money minded.

Favourite scene
When ML's henchman said out loud what was on his mind

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This is proper love triangle with FL having relationship with 2 men at same time

I was in the mood for Li Bo Yi dramas and found this title in the playlist. I got intrigued so I watched and wow, I didn’t expect this love triangle drama to produce strong reactions. Overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Li Bo Yi and Ziang Yun Hao were amazing in their roles that I felt their desperation for FL's love & affection.
2. Romance - Wow, plenty passionate kisses. FL wasn't shy about what she wanted from both men.
3. Styling - I liked the contrasting styles for Meng Huai Yu & Shen Yan Zhi. They never wore the same colours when appeared together in scenes. Both men were very handsome.
4. ML characterisation - There are 2 MLs in this drama: the fiance Shen Yan Zhi & the other man Meng Huai Yu. I gravitated more towards Meng Huai Yu because he always prioritised FL.
5. Duration - Just slightly over 100 minutes. I finished it in one sitting.
6. Storytelling - I liked that the twists & turns - I couldn't predict where the drama was going. It wasn't draggy too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Yes FL was the antagonist. She played with the feelings with both men. I also couldn't read her thoughts when she drcided to continue having relationship with both men. I also didn't like Wen Yi Zhen for her scheming.
2. Acting - Gao Lin Lin gave an underwhelming performance - her facial expressions were lacking.
3. Ending - I didn't like it.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yi Zhen orchestrated a scene that required attention of Shen Yan Zhi

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Eerie supernatural with murder mystery and no romance

I was in the mood for something supernatural so I decided on this drama because the title of youtube video implied that FL talked to animals during livestream. I must say I was surprised by the twist because I did not expect for the drama to turn dark.

Trigger warning: Self-harm

1. Animals - I liked that live-streamed session in which FL talked to animals. I also liked the black cat scenes.
2. Eerie - Secrets about ML's father reflected true life in my country, in which elixir and youth potions are concocted using black magic. There was also scene of coffin opening. I found these scenes eerie.
3. Main characters - FL transmigrated and obtained superpower. I liked her cool & calm energy.
4. Antagonist arc - I liked this arc a lot because it had strong emotional connection to ML.
5. Styling - I liked their outfits. Normal everyday clothes, not necessarily gothic.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's "bestie". Such a change of character.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I think the first case could be shortened. Even though I liked the banquet, the conversation between FL and various members of ML's family had too much yapping.

Favourite scene
The banquet

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Tearjerker tragedy with couple separated for decades due to family dispute and imprisonment

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun dramas. So last night I chose this drama from his youtube playlist because of the running time (just slightly over 2 hours) and the amount of views. Wow, I was moved by the performances that I cried twice! This drama exceeded my expectation - I enjoyed this drama immensely. Sa Gang Yun's best work to date - he is more than just a hot daddy/uncle!

What I liked:
1. Plot - Refreshing. I thought it was going to be similar to other Sa Gang Yun's dramas in which he played a rich ML while his FLs were poor / in need of money. I was wrong! Brilliantly written drama with complex characters. The third act was unpredictable with shocking twists.
2. Acting - Sublime performances by the cast (Qian Chan, Sa Gang Yun, the actresses who played ML's mother, main antagonist & FL's daughter). There were two heartbreaking scenes in the final 30 minutes of the drama that really touched my heart - I cried hard.
3. FL characterisation - Flawed but likeable. She faced a tough choice when she was barely an adult - I could forgive her for taking that decision. She strived to be a better person and oh boy, that last 10 minutes was shocking to me.
4. ML characterisation - He was wrongfully imprisoned so I understood why he had cold demeanour. Even though I disagreed with his revenge on FL, the betrayal was hard to take in.
5. Supporting characters - The doctor who was in charge of FL's daughter's case. He was a good guy but FL friendzoned him - I think because she thought she did not deserve to fall in love again. I also really liked ML's mother and FL's daughter.
6. Styling - Good outfits and makeup for the characters, emphasising the different life stages (for FL & ML) and health levels (for those hospitalised and injured).
7. Duration - At 2 hours 6 minutes, this drama was well-paced and had a good length. I was never bored.
8. Romance - It was mostly in flashback scenes. They were sweet and very much in love. The final 10 minutes demonstrated everlasting love between the couple.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The green tea was bad $#it crazy! Spoilt brat enabled by her father. FL's father and brother were vicious - they prioritised money over family members. I just couldn't believe how FL's mother was treated.
2. Abuse - Hated when the poor was abused and treated worse than animals.

Favourite scene
When ML's mother told ML about FL's good deeds

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Mellow jiejie romance that could have done better with more chemistry and less running time

I am a fan of jiejie romance and I like Bai Yan's acting. The moment I saw this drama on its release day, I made a point to watch it immediately. It's great that older woman-younger man stories have grown to include different vibes from spicy, lusty & fast-paced to mellow & slow unravelling. This drama belongs to the mellow & slow unravelling. I liked it.

What I liked:
1. Editing - Good production value. This drama made me feel like I am watching traditional 45-min-per-episode Chinese drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was focused on building her career. I understood why she didn't like her mother arranging blind date / marriage for her.
3. ML characterisation - He was smitten by FL. I liked that he respected FL's decision.
4. Romance - The meet cute was amusing. Slow & steady romance with resistance coming from FL (who resisted relationship in general, not ML). There were many sweet moments and some nice kisses.
5. Supporting characters - ML's friends were entertaining. The mothers of the leads were adorable in their own ways.

What I disliked:
1. Duration - At almost 3 hours, I found this drama too long. The little misunderstandings were unnecessary.
2. Acting - I didn't sense much chemistry between Bai Yan and Zeng Xi Tang. I also found Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama a tad underwhelming. He gave much memorable performances as SML in other dramas.

Favourite scene
When FL finally admitted her feelings for ML

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Unhinged FL & great action sequences but WXY's acting very much one-note

This drama was popular when it was release - there were many people requested for links on subreddit CShortDramas. I wasn't a fan of Wang Xiao Yi but Lan Bo always catches my attention. I decided to watch this drama once I saw it added to iQIYI catalogue. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Unhinged, no holds barred. She was hellbent on revenge against her family.
2. Dynamics - He was intrigued by her aloofness then became smitten . I liked that they struck partnership early in their relationship.
3. Styling - Red dress was a great choice for the club scene - Wang Xiao Yi was hot. I also liked the green dress & ML's navy suit.
4. Action - Great action sequences accompanied with good music.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend.
6. Revenge - Explosive & outrageous! I also liked how unpredictable the storytelling was.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Lu family greedy for money.
2. FL's action - I disliked her for sabotaging her relationship with ML. She was pretentious herself.
3. Acting - Wang Xiao Yi excelled as kickass heiress but once again, she gave one-note performance when she wasn't doing action scenes. Another bored housewife expressions. Sadly there was no chemistry between her and Lan Bo.

Favourite scene
When FL in green dress was having a somewhat heart-to-heart conversation with ML

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Delightful & cute tale of memory loss + good acting

I randomly checked fresh releases yesterday. Some comments on youtube mentioned Guan Yue's venturing into vertical dramas. Oh I liked Night of Love with You and was delighted to see him in vertical dramaland. Commenters also mentioned their delight seeing Yue Yu Ting in cute role so those reasons prompted me to watch this drama. I know there are multiple remakes of this plot. This is my first experience. I enjoyed it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was nice and cute. However I didn't like that she ditch her child in favour of Qin Yu.
2. Romance - ML clearly had crush on FL. When they kissed, I felt joy. Sweet romance with good kisses. They were also affectionate even before they kissed & had assumptions about one another.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Chen Chen so much. I also liked ML's subordinate Su Wang Shu who disliked FL but later befriended her.
4. Acting - It's refreshing to see YYT in a cute role because she always portrayed vixen / seductress. The child actor also gave a good performance - when he cried, his face turned red.
5. Styling - I liked the styling contrast between FL and Su Wang Shu. FL was stuck in 18 year old mindset so her outfits were youthful whereas Su Wang Shu dressed in office wear appropriate for her age.
6. Twist - I liked the twist that explains the memory loss.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Qin Yu was annoying & manipulative. The child psychologist Ye Wen Qing pissed me off.

Favourite scene
When FL, ML & Su Wang Shu confronted Ye Wen Qing

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Off-the-charts chemistry + good writing & acting elevated this jiejie romance

I watched this drama a few days ago and am delighted that MDL page was created just a few hours ago. I like Qi Yu Jia's acting in 2 of her dramas so went through her list of works and found this drama. I had never seen the work of Li Si Jun but no expectations. I enjoyed this drama A LOT!

What I liked:
1. Romance - A refreshing jiejie romance with time jump. In the first time period, FL was reluctant to consider romantic relationship with ML (he was too young) but changed her mind only that their romantic relationship was shortlived as something forced them apart. Three years later, the love was still there & with some fuel, a fire erupted. Their kisses were hot and there were some sweet moments between them.
2. FL characterisation - She was a girlboss heiress with shrewd mindset. Smart, kind & protective.
3. ML characterisation - At the start, he was eager to please, flirty but toughen up after the separation. He still harboured a crush on FL but was careful not to show strong emotions in public until the auction took place.
4. Styling - Great choice of outfits for FL and ML with contrasting styling for ML before and after separation. I also liked that female acupuncturist wore traditional outfit from a certain tribe in China.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's friend who kept updating FL about his whereabouts. I also liked FL's bestie.
6. Confrontations - I loved the confrontation scenes involving ML's grandfather. The second one was thrilling because of clapback.
7. Acting - Good performances from Qi Yu Jia & Li Si Jun and wow, such an electric chemistry between them. I was excited the moment both of them appeared on screen.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Surpisingly the antagonists in this drama are the elders. FL's grandmother was horrible for scheming to separate ML from FL. ML's grandfather was vicious in his scheming to ensure an heir to his empire. The threats were just unbelievable. Lou Yue was evil for tricking ML & attempting to molest him. Gu Shuo was a bully.

Favourite scene
The swimming pool

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Didn't meet my expectations but An An was the highlight

When I first saw this drama poster, I was ecstatic. I consider Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang as seniors in the world of vertical dramas. I had some expectations on the drama but unfortunately the drama fell short. It was still a good watch.

What I liked:
1. An An - The MVP of the drama. It was humbling to see her working hard to earn money in order to buy medicine for her mother. The child actress who played An An gave a terrific performance.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's cousin and father for their kindness towards An An.
3. Main characters - I liked them despite the flaws. The reasons for keeping secrets were solid.
4. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL and An An.
5. Family - It is the core theme of this drama as demonstrated in interactions (i) between FL and her daughter An An, (ii) ML and his cousin and father, (iii) ML and An An, (iv) FL and her family.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Bai Fei Fei was horrible, spoilt brat who never want to be accountable for her actions. Her parents were horrible too - greedy for money!
2. Screen time - Bai Yan had little screentime. I wish she had appeared more especially in her interactions with her daughter. I also wish there was more time allocated for the reconciliation between FL and her family.
3. Romance - I wish ML hadn't made assumptions when he saw FL again. Anyway I expected sexy time between two characters because Bai Yan and Xie Yu Wang have great onscreen kissing skills but I was letdown.

Favourite scene
When An An hustled for money

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I didn't enjoy this slapstick comedy but acting was good enough

I was on a marathon of Sun Qian Xun's dramas and this time I selected this drama. I enjoy quirky robot / AI themed dramas so I had expectations for this drama. Sadly I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Sun Qian Xun and Wang Nan excelled in comedic acting. Their chemistry was fantastic and they bounced each other's energy. The cast gave good performances too.
2. Main characters - Likeable. At least the ML wasn't stupid to blindly follow antagonist's scheming.
3. Supporting characters - Assistant Wang & the scientist were my favourites.
4. Styling - I really liked the burgundy sports wear and ash blonde wig that the robot wore in the opening scene.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There was too much time spent on antagonist's scheming and less time spent on ML - FL relationship (past & present). I increased speed to 2.0x because those scenes were nothing new for me. The drama was too long & draggy.
2. Antagonist - Typical jealous half-sister who fought FL for ML's affections. FL's father & stepmother were horrible people.
3. The daughter - This arc was severely underdeveloped I felt there was no need for it. The child actress who played the role probably only had a total of 2 minute screentime.
4. Humour - Slapstick isn't my thing so yeah I didn't enjoy the comedy.

Favourite scene
The opening

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Familiar plot (transmigration, jealousy, misunderstanding) & lack of chemistry - nothing special

I watched this drama because I am preparing a reddit post on Han Jia Hui dramas. This is on eof two collaborations between Han Jia Hui & Yao Guan Yu and I was curious to see their dynamic and actint in historical dramas so I chose this drama. Overall I thought it was average quality wise.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Another doctor FL transmigrated from modern time so she used her medical knowledge in historical time. She knew part of her original host's memories so she tried her best to get divorce from ML. The green tea behaviour was amusing!
2. ML characterisation - With the ability to hear FL's inner monologue, he learnt to understand FL's actions better. I liked that he apologised to FL after knowing that he had misunderstood FL.
3. Battle of wits - Persian visitors came for a visit and the battle of wits between FL and them was fun to watch.
4. Romance - Slow burn. They had a talk after ML found out FL was the person who saved him 10 years ago. It was honest and I liked it.
5. Food - I also enjoyed food-related scenes - FL brought her knowledge of modern food.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Typical jealous female antagonist in the form of sister wife. She used all her means to bring down FL. The emperor's queen another character I disliked.
2. Acting - There was no chemistry between HJH & YGY. Therefore their romantic scenes lacked warmth.

Favourite scene
The talk FL & ML had after ML knew that FL saved him

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