emberzmars

I liked the murder investigation but disliked the romance

I was searching for dramas set in Chinese Republican era for a reddit post and found this title. Did the production team use this English title to lure fans of commercially acclaimed The Double? Anyway I got interested in this version of The Double because of Li Lei / Gangtie Rourou. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Murder investigation - I actually enjoyed this aspect of the drama. There were some red herrings but the investigation was quite easy to follow. The flashbacks close to the ending were really helpful. Vengeance successfully carried out at the end.
2. FL characterisation - I quite liked her and her backstory. FL seemed on track with her mission despite the challenges. I liked that she had had gun training.
3. Supporting characters - I really liked Yan Tiang Lan. FL's brother was an intriguing character.
4. Visuals - Li Lei and the actors who played Yan Tiang Lan & FL's brother were handsome.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - ML's actions left me speechless. Those intimacy scenes were forced - I even saw it as rape because there was no consent given by FL. I didn't buy their romance at all.
2. Ending - What was the letter about? Why did ML do that?
3. Amnesia plot device - This was a perfect opportunity for a do over between FL & ML but too it wasn't fully utilised.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from a shooter

Read More

Fascinating SML in a story about betrayal, revenge and second chance romance

I was in the mood for Ma Shi Yao drama so I chose to watch this drama. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Plot execution - This drama employs a familiar plot of betrayal & revenge seeking but I liked how the story unraveled. The characters were mature adults dealing with their issues.
2. Ma Shi Yao - He looked like he lost weight but his acting was on point. I liked how he openly expressed his feelings towards FL.
3. Romance - There were passionate kisses and sweet gestures mostly from ML. I understand FL's reservations since she just got out of a long term relationship.
4. SML - What a fascinating character! I was surprised by his arc.

What I disliked:
1. ML's action - I disliked that ML faked amnesia because he was insecure about FL's feelings for him. He should talk with her.
2. Chemistry - I didn't sense any acting chemistry between Yu Cong & Ma Shi Yao despite the passionate kisses.

Favourite scene
When SML had the final talk with FL

Read More

Transmigrated FL winning over her family's trust & working in garment industry

I am watching many Huang Bo's dramas this past week for an assignment. Picked this drama because the previous drama I watched has Huang Bo playing a scumbag. In here, he played Mr Nice Guy. Overall it was enjoyable drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL transmigrates into the novel she's reading and the character she took over was nasty towards her family. FL decided to turn 180° and I liked how she won over the heart of her family.
2. Tone - This is light hearted drama (in comparison to other Huang Bo's dramas) with good pacing.
3. Romance - ML had trust issues because of FL's bad attitude in the past and I liked how they worked together on mending their relationship. Slow burn romance with slight comedy when it came to kissing scenes. I wish there were more kissing scenes.
4. ML characterisation - He was a boss at garment factory and I enjoyed watching them at work in factory. There was growth in his character, which I truly appreciated.
5. Rivalry - I actually found it nice that the main antagonist is ML's business rival. It's entertaining to see how he schemed against ML & his company.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL & her boyfriend Wei Jin were annoying. I hated them for kidnapping innocent person.

Favouritrle scene
When FL went to buy fabrics. She gave good tips!

Read More

Hidden identity flash marriage made livelier by ML's larger-than-life mother

I watched this drama early this year when I was still new to vertical dramas. I think I chose this drama because I had watched Zhang Yun Tao's drama with Bai Yan. I was pleasantly surprised by this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was a hardworking, honest employee at ML's company.
2. Romance - FL & ML got into a flash marriage and coincidentally have employee-employer connection but without realising it. Their romantic journey was sweet.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was an entertaining character. Loud, rich lady but respectful and non-judgemental. FL's mother & brother were good characters too.
4. Styling - I loved the biker chick outfit donned by FL. She was chic & cool. I also liked FL's manager uniform. ML wore colourful suits so that's interesting choice by stylist.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - In their first intimate scene, FL was drugged and framed by jealous antagonist. I wish it hadn't been that way.
2. Antagonist - Invaded privacy of FL. She was mean towards hotel staff.
3. Flash marriage - I liked this trope but gosh this wasn't done well. They went separate ways after getting license then developed feelings for their colleague. I still consider it cheating even though the other people are their flash marriage partner.

Favourite scene
When FL had a heart-to-heart conversation with her brother

Read More

Second chance romance for mature couple but FL got bullied a lot

I was curious about San Gang Yun's dramas so I picked this drama. The English title seems to hint that FL is much older than ML.

What I liked:
1. Supporting characters - I liked the adult children especially the guy. He was the one that introduced ML to FL.
2. Romance - FL & ML were separated a few decades ago when technology wasn't advanced so it was hard to find people. ML stood by FL's side whenever she faced challenges. Sweet romance.
3. Styling - I liked her wedding dress which shows her shoulders. FL looked pretty.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL was bullied by a jealous neighbour outside of her house. As usual in vertical dramas, many onlookers that just gossiped & none intervened to stop bullying. Then there were other instances she got bullied.
2. FL's ex husband - Just a horrible & selfish person.

Favourite scene
The dating marketplace

Read More

Dark revenge tale charged with sexual tension. I liked it!

I was in the mood for more Yang Jie dramas because the previous drama I watched was not satisfying. Came across this title and immediately watched it because her co-star is Zhang Yun Tao and there was only 1 working link listed in the comment section. I enjoyed this dark drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge - FL was convinced that ML's mother killed her parents & uncle so no further investigation required. She went straight into design & implementation of her plan.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yang Jie, Zhang Yun Tao and the actress who portrayed ML's mother. Terrific chemistry between Yang Jie and Zhang Yun Tao. Wonderful to see action scenes performed by both of them.
3. Romance - Now there were more push than pull and some toxicity but my gosh the sexual tension was electrifying whenever both FL & ML were in close proximity. They definitely desired each other.
4. Styling - Very beautiful qipao worn by FL & ML's mother. Zhang Yun Tao looked handsome in republican era military uniform.
5. Ending - The story was nicely wrapped up. I think the couple deserved that fate.
6. Supporting characters - FL's friends, ML's right hand man were good addition.

What I disliked:
1. The third act - I felt it was rushed especially when the big bombs were dropped. I wish the murder of FL's parents were told in a different way.

Favourite scene
When FL was pressured to kill someone

Read More

This tragic romance made me cry 3 times!

This is the first time I watched Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi 's performance on screen. The story of yin yang & one person being "antidote" to another grabbed my attention. I must say I was very surprised by this drama because I cried THREE times!

This review originally appeared on another Huang Bo - Xu Si Qi's drama, Difficult to Touch. I had assumed that the drama I watched was Difficult to Touch because it has the same 'yin antidote to yang toxin' storyline.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - Damn, he gave a sublime performance in this drama as I felt different types of emotions: anger, sadness, hopeful, fearful. His acting & masculinity reminded me of Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender. Anyway I became a fan of Huang Bo because of this drama.
2. ML characterisation - His character growth was fascinating. He started as as a person who focused a lot on himself then slowly he was more concerned about others than himself.
3. FL characterisation - I too liked how her character developed. She was too nice at first but then grew wary and put her and daughter's needs first. I cried when she received the bad news. I think she made the right decision to care for her daughter. Xu Si Qi was great at expressing different emotions of her character.
4. Romance - Tragic romance. ML & FL were together 3 times, which I think they were not meant for each other. He fell harder for her while FL seemed to like him at the start & perhaps at the end of their coupling.
5. Supporting character - I liked the kid but computer whiz thing was a bit too much. I also liked ML's grandpa who was concerned for FL's wellbeing after ML & FL got together the second time. Dr Jin was a good character too.
6. Ending - I interpreted it as bittersweet & tragic.

What I disliked:
1. Sex - I felt consent was dubious. That scene was uncomfortable for me to watch.

Favourite scene
When ML saw FL right after her surgery

Read More

Great, enjoyable story about mature couple and father - daughter relationship

I was in the mood for Sa Gang Yun's dramas so I checked his playlist and found this drama. Another unplanned pregnancy drama starring Sa Gang Yun - ehem what does that say about him hahaha anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her character was going through a difficult time when husband dumped her for another woman. However I saw this as her new lease of life as she was given opportunity to become a better version of herself. There was some much kindness and warmth in her character. Dai Dai was brilliant in this role.
2. Father - daughter relationship - ML's daughter the second female lead (SFL) is an adult so it was wonderful to watch interactions and banters between her and ML. The teasing was adorable and funny.
3. Romance - It was sweet romance. ML was clearly smitten by FL at their blind date. I wish there were kisses and spicy scenes because this mature couple was beautiful.
4. Supporting character - I loved that SFL was given an arc. I could feel the conflict she faced in the third act.
5. Antagonist - There are 2 types of antagonists in this drama: (i) FL's ex husband & mistress, and (ii) ML's ex wife. I enjoyed ML's ex wife plot device much more because it gave a higher impact to the drama. ML's ex wife is an antagonist I love to hate.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL's ex husband got married to his mistress (FL's former friend) and I hated every single moment of it. Why did FL do the job? I also didn't understand why ML was held back by another man and made weak when in reality Sa Gang Yun was more menacing that that guy? I was mentally exhausted when FL's mother jumped into the bullying bandwagon.
2. Antagonist - The mistress were despicable and intrusive. FL's ex husband was a wimp.

Favourite scene
The jewelry design competition participated by SFL

Read More

Simple story about family with likeable main characters

I am big fan of Guo Yu Xin and try to watch as many of her dramas I can. This drama gets positive comments on youtube so I watched it just now. I had low expectations but glad I watched it because the drama was enjoyable.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - He was smart & instinctive. I liked that he verified claim first before informing the jade master about the missing child mystery.
2. Romance - Very sweet. ML is older and more worldly than FL but there wasn't any sense of manipulation or icky about their differences. It's good to see that both like and respect each other.
3. Mother - son dynamic - Good to see different interactions, i) between ML & his mother, ii) between ML's brother and mother. That last scene between mother and brothers was devastating.
4. Apprenticeship - What a cool opportunity for FL! I was glad she chose that opportunity over internship at ML's company because it gave some freshness to the drama.
5. Missing child claim - I loved this scene. I punched the air when ML said he had done DNA test.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's adopted family was money hungry. ML's brother was even worse - I couldn't believe he did that thing just to compete with ML.

Favourite scene
When ML announced that he had done DNA test

Read More

Alright drama about cheating spouse and revenge

I am massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan. I liked some Ye Hao Ran's dramas and enjoyed Xu Kai Xin's mini drama. I was intrigued to know what this drama would turn out because there are 3 main characters listed in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - This is not your typical scorned lover drama. I felt the revenge plan was softer than the usual cheating spouse drama.
2. Acting - Good acting by the 3 leads. I didn't sense much chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Ye Hao Ran. I prefer chemistry between Zhang Chu Xuan and Xu Kai Xin.
4. Ending - I liked the path FL has chosen for herself.
5. Length - This drama is less than 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I felt Zhou Jia Yan's pursuit of FL while on the show is aggressive. Zhou Jia Yan was sweet guy gifting FL's favourite flowers but overall I didn't buy into their romance.
2. Tone - I didn't have strong feelings after completing this drama. I think it's because I couldn't connect to FL nor Zhou Jia Yan.

Favourite scene
When qipao was torn

Read More

Tiresome drama about secret identity, bullying & very underdeveloped romance

I got to know about this drama from reddit and was excited to watch it because of the title. This is my first time watching Zhang Zheng Yue. After completing the drama, I had to say that I was disappointed by this tale. I wouldn't recommend this drama unless you enjoy stories with this plot.

What I liked:
1. Stock market trading - The scene was different & exciting.
2. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was the most memorable out of the many supporting characters, which were mostly 2 dimensional.
3. Introduction - I liked it a lot especially when both ML & FL rode motorcycles separately.
4. Wang Yi Yang - She was very pretty in this drama. Acting wise ok.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The main antagonist Xiao Yun and her goons got so much more screentime than ML. The bullying got tiresome after the museum scene.
2. Romance - Very underdeveloped. The last scene didn't make any sense because there were no on screen scenes of FL - ML bonding as husband & wife (they had a flash marriage).
3. Secret identity - There were 3 characters with secret identities. ML's secret identity was negligible since he had the least screentime. Xiao Yun was an impostor. I was irritated with FL's secret identity at the museum scene because it led to Xiao Yun getting away with her crime.

Favourite scene
Stock market trading

Read More

Drama about adopted vs biological family with a satisfying comeuppance

I was in the mood for dramas about sibling dynamics when I saw this drama in the Newly added section of MDL tv shows. This is my first time watching Lin Rui Xue and second time watching Zhou Ling Feng. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's good to watch Jiang Yao's character development. She was nice but naive when she was younger but after the hardships, she was assertive and determined not to forgive those who have bullied them.
2. Ending - Love it! FL never wavered from her stance and those who bullied her got their comeuppance.
3. The Songs - Great to see a very supportive adopted family. I really liked it that they were happy with whatever college entrance exam score that Jiang Yao received.
4. Plot twist - Wow I was very surprised when a bomb was dropped by Mr Jiang in the third act. I liked that line about it's unfair that Jiang Yao was being punished for something that happened before she was born.

What I disliked:
1. Abuse - It was tough watching the harsh treatment given to Jiang Yao when she lived in Jiang household. I was almost in tears during some flashbacks.
2. Mingzhu - Insufferable brat. I hated her!
3. FL's biological family - While I sympathised with her brothers especially the eldest, the whole family of 5 were despicable. The parents were the worst! Anyway I wish the writer had developed third brother character in different way by letting him feel guilty for the actions he had done before he discovered the truths. Because now all three brothers experienced the same trajectory - feeling sorry & regretful after finding out the truths. Why have 3 brother characters when you could do with 2?

Favourite scene
When Jiang Yao received the honour of the school's top scorer

Read More

Short & sweet version of Kdrama Business Proposal with attractive leads that can act

I watched this drama yesterday because I wanted to explore Zhao Xi Xi's dramas. Love her dramas with Zhen Zi Qi & Huang Bo. I enjoyed this short shorts immensely.

What I liked:
1. Romance - It has similar premise to Korean drama Business Proposal and I love it! The romance is very sweet.
2. Visuals - Wow, good looking people were cast. Zhao Xi Xi & Hu Bo Wen are tall like models. The actor who played FL's ex is handsome too.
3. FL characterisation - She invested a lot of time and money for her bf & was underappreciated & got dumped. I felt for FL's pain and enjoyed seeing her character grow from that experience.
4. ML characterisation - He got suspicious of his date after awhile. Smart man. I like that he's a nice CEO.
5. Supporting character - FL's bestie of course. FL's colleagues were nice people.
6. Product placement - A subtle one. Sensible approach.
7. Length - It's only 45 minutes long. Well-paced drama.

What I disliked:
1. Couple scenes - I would have liked if there are more scenes after the couple finally got together. The last scene isn't enough.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had their first date

Read More

Jiejie romance amidst family betrayal & hidden identity

Lin Qi Ting and Wang Qian Shuo acted together in two different dramas but both are about older woman, younger man romance. I got confused when I came across the other drama's MDL page. Delighted that this page is live for me to share my thoughts. I liked this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL Lin Zhixia is a jewellery designer who had been betrayed by her family.
2. ML characterisation - ML Huo Lingfei is a young CEO who hides his identity from FL and applied to become her intern.
3. Romance - This is a jiejie romance (8 year difference) with good mix of push & pull. The shower kissing scene was hot but I don't understand why other kissing scenes were blocked. There was a cute surprise scene. Lin Qi Ting & Wang Qian Shuo had great acting & visual chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was nice & cute.
5. Ageism - I liked that this drama explored the issue of ageism in the workplace.
6. Styling - I really outfits worn by FL & ML. The gowns worn by FL and FL's sister were pretty too. My favourite ML outfit is the denim & white top he wore during their date

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's father & sister just shameless & envious. FL's ex boyfriend was douchebag too but the actor who played the character is handsome.

Favourite scene
The shower scene

Read More

Too much bullying but otherwise sweet romance

I watched this drama months ago when I was in the mood for Zhang Yi Lun dramas. I came across the poster & realised the drama did not have MDL so I submitted as New Title. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Wow the location of their one night stand is just unbelievable. Putting that aside, their romance was sweet and bit spicy. Good kisses.
2. Acting - I quite enjoyed Li Ai Xiao's acting despite her character's weak nature. Zhang Yi Lun's acting was fine too.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he's always reassuring FL to come to him if she has concerns.
4 Supporting characters - I liked FL's biological mother.
5. Styling - After marriage, FL wore beautiful clothes. I liked her evening gowns and wedding dress.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - FL faced bullies almost all the time - at home, at work, during shopping trip. It's mentally tiring for me to watch those scenes.
2. FL characterisation - She is a damsel in distress that requires saving.
3. Antagonist - Typical green tea who is envious of FL and delusional about her relationship with ML.

Favourite scene
When they kissed after getting married

Read More