emberzmars

Poster didn't meet genre expectation but I enjoyed this drama

I saw this drama poster somewhere and thought it was a fantasy / sci-fi drama. Proposed it to my buddy Fae so we did buddy watch. Both main actor & main actress were unfamiliar to me. Sadly drama didn't meet our genre expectations & subtitles went missing in the second half of drama. However I enjoyed this drama to my surprise. If there is another video with full subtitles, I would watch it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she's a martial arts expert so was able to protect herself from harm. I also liked her sensible nature - I felt that she made decisions carefully even during the 2nd half of drama when subtitles went missing. She is also compassionate and kind hearted - I was moved when she carried her husband while running away from the enemy.
2. Romance - This is the second biggest surprise. I didn't expect the couple to be affectionate at all. I was pleasantly surprised when ML kissed FL while in the office and in public. Even though there was flashback to their chance encounter while they were in high school, I think ML fell in love with him when she carried him on her back.
3. Styling - FL's clothes were carefully chosen for the different occasions. Right choice of clothes for an excursion to the mountain / village. She also wore sensible clothes in scenes that required fighting. I also liked that FL's sister wore beret. Easier to distinguish between her and FL.
4. Supporting character - FL's right hand / SML was adorable. I could sense his crush on her but yeah he was so not meant for her.

What I disliked:
1. Misleading poster - I was conned. I thought it was a Sci fi drama!
2. Missing subtitles - It sucks. I could do guesswork for most scenes but I still don't know who is the mysterious antagonist that had connection with ML's uncle.

Favourite scene
When FL carried ML on her back

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Letdown by the romance but I ponder about being indebted

I was impressed by Sa Gang Yun's acting & visuals in Love in the Evening Wind & Stars so I browsed his list of work. I chose to watch this drama because I enjoy Bai Yan's acting. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she had her pride intact despite the torture & humiliation she faced.
2. ML characterisation - I could see that he was attracted by FL from the start and helped her in the way he could. He was a flawed character nevertheless. I was frustrated that he never verbalise his feelings for FL until an incident happened.
3. Indebted - This drama made me ponder about gratitude and "being" indebted. If someone saves your life, are you going to be eternally indebted to the savior? Is there no end to the request of support / favour?
4. Acting - Bai Yan, Sa Gang Yun & Huo Guan Jie were good in their roles.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - There were so much potential with the push & pull and chemistry between Sa Gang Yun & Bai Yan. However I was disappointed by the lack of physical touch (kisses, hug, caress) and warmth between them. They also suffered from lack of communication.
2. Antagonists - FL's ex boyfriend was possessive & controlling that I feared for FL's life. The green tea interfered with the couple's life, she's manipulative & annoying.
3. Length - This melodramatic was long and at some point, draggy. I wish certain scenes were removed and the couple was given more time for their romance to grow healthily.

Favourite scene
When ML came to the kidnapping scene

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A heartfelt romance between mature aged couple with ML looking like Dr McSteamy

I was watching something on Youtube then an ad from Dramawave appeared. The guy was hot even though character was supposed to be middle aged man! I tried searching for the drama on reddit and then watched the drama in full. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised by drama because it was heartfelt. This drama definitely goes to my 'watch on repeat' list.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - The first scene reminded me of A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze. FL was trying to sell eggs to a doctor as a desperate attempt to get big money but in this drama, FL was less damsel in distress. I was floored by her kindness and authenticity. Pan Yiyi was excellent in her role.
2. Romance - Damn this romance involves 2 mature age individuals (past 35 years old) and they were hot! Their intimate scenes were hot and tastefully done. I could sense the lust and desire they had for each other. That advice about intimate relations during pregnancy was much appreciated! In addition, I loved that this couple was affectionate. They held hands & spent quality time with each other. I was moved when FL felt cherished by ML
3. ML characterisation - I think ML is the type of person who never thought about love but once he has felt the possibility of loving and being loved, he wants to get hold of it. I liked that he was committed to making their relationship work. This was my first time watching Sa Gang Yun and wow, he impressed me. Looks wise, he gave me the vibe of Dr McSteamy of Grey's Anatomy.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's sister and grandma although I was irritated by grandma's silly question close to the ending. I also liked FL's daughter though wish she would make an appearance during the ending.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn, FL's ex husband was a vile person! There was also green tea who tried her best to bring down FL but luckily her attempts were unsuccessful.
2. Abuse - FL suffered so much but I am delighted that she found a way out of those situations.

Favourite scene
When ML celebrated FL's birthday

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FL set a trap but got caught in big family saga. Spectacular acting by 3 leads

I am huge fan of Huang Bo and have seen Zhao Xi Xi's drama with Zhen Zi Qi which I love. I watched Your Trap last year and while I enjoyed certain areas of that mini drama, I found flaws with the writing. Huang Bo and Zhao Xi Xi's new drama will be released in 3 days so that prompted me to watch this drama as an "appetiser". I must say that I enjoyed Into The Abyss so much more than Your Trap.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Wow, spectacular acting by Zhao Xi Xi, Huang Bo and the actor who played SML Lin Zong Yi. I was engrossed in the drama whenever they appeared on screen.
2. Romance - I have mixed feelings about their romance. Two intimate scenes were hot & thrilling because it was a challenge to them and I could see desire and consent in both of them. However ML was aggressive towards FL at other times which made me question his genuineness. Despite that, there was one sweet act done by ML for FL.
3. Styling - The stylist should be given a raise for the beautiful outfits. Zhao Xi Xi looked elegant for an assistant while Huang Bo was very handsome with that hairstyle and those business suits.
4. Antagonists - What a complex group of antagonists. Even with the complicated mess, I appreciated the arcs given to the three antagonists.
5. Ending - It is great that the ending is light & happy.

What I disliked:
1. ML's characterisation - Such a polarising character. I felt his anger when he was played by FL but I couldn't stand his aggressiveness and jealousy.
2. FL characterisation - She thought she could be in control of the game she set but she got entangled as well. I disliked her lies to ML but found her Ok in the third act.

Favourite scene
When FL seduced ML while he answered his wife's call

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Sexy jiejie romance with FL as CEO of entertainment company

Thank you Jwells for sharing the link. I got this drama confused with another Lin Qiting-Wang Qianshuo drama, also about jiejie romance. To avoid further confusion, I watched this drama and must say I enjoyed this drama more than the first collab drama I watched.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Scenes of Lin Xi and Du Ze were sweet while scenes of Lin Xi and masked lover was hot. Great seduction and framing of shots.
2. FL characterisation - Girl boss! I loved her statement at a surprise stakeholder meeting in which another stakeholder tried to steal her CEO position. FL faced bullies head on.
3. Acting - Lin Qiting was excellent in her role as female CEO. Wang Qianshuo was impressive too as he was able to showcase different identities of ML - timid Du Ze & mysterious but bold Xan Sang Guo / masked lover.
4. Supporting characters - I was wary of the stakeholders because of the resistance towards FL but Mr Huang won me over with his loyalty & common sense.
5. Styling - I loved Lin Qiting's outfits. She looked gorgeous & sultry in the red dress and I also liked her white dress that she wore to work (as seen in the poster). ML wore great outfits too.
6. Competition - I liked the competition at the end because we got to see another aspect of FL's work (i.e. it's not just meetings & working at desk).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Kudos to writer for well-written main antagonist. Li Shun was a solid antagonist as he envies FL for being a CEO of their company. This guy was evil and would stop at nothing to bring down Li Xi. ML's admirer Wei Xin was second antagonist. Typical green tea - jealous at Lin Xi for being adored by ML. Annoying as hell.
2. Ending - It was abrupt for my liking. I wish Li Shun & Wei Xin were caught by police & given harsh punishment for his crimes.

Favourite scene
When ML seduced FL in dressing room

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Fascinated by poster, enchanted by traditional art & culture

I ak extremely delighted that this drama has its own MDL page. Thank you approver! I was browsing the new releases at my usual vertical Cdrama website and found this poster. Such a captivating imagery! Will researching on this drama for New Title submission, I came across few articles. I will share links about this drama in the comments section. Anyway I decided to watch this drama yesterday - I enjoyed it immensely.

What I liked:
1. Culture - This drama features the culture of Yi ethnic group. I love the embroidery work and the bold motifs showcased in this drama. Beautiful! The art reminds me of Kadazan & Iban ethic groups in my home country, Malaysia.
2. FL characterisation - She's quiet but not meek. Very determined to showcase her art and culture through her work as a fashion designer. Even though she made questionable choices, I think that's part of her character's growth. This is my first time watching Zhang Li Qing and I really liked her portrayal of Ayimo.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his arc, from a child to the successful man he had become. His character experienced some growth as well. Serlacong is the name of the actor. He is handsome, tall and lean plus charming even though he seemed inexperienced.
4. Romance - Sweet romance with ML pining over FL. I understand FL's hesitation even when there were times I was frustrated by the development of their relationship. Nevertheless ML's love confession was heartfelt and beautifully shot.
5. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was awesome! I also liked FL's biological family. Bro was pint sized adorable.
6. Ending - Gorgeous. My eyes were teary because I was very moved by the scene.
7. Pacing - This drama is less than 1 hour 15 minutes and well-paced.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's ex and his family were atrocious but were given a good arc. It's rare to see antagonist reflecting after receiving retribution. The other antagonist, the guy with Lisa, got me confused. I didn't understand his beef with ML. Maybe I didn't pay attention.

Favourite scene
ML's love confession

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Romance is underdeveloped but overall OK watch

I have been missing Zhen Zi Qi lately so I picked this drama to watch. Some scenes were so familiar. Omg, it annoys me that I have watched this drama but forgot to write a review.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation- I liked seeing different facets of ML. He was wary of FL at first but some of FL peculiarities reminded him of a childhood friend. Then his behaviour towards FL changed.
2. FL characterisation - She was on a mission and I liked that she was able to stand up to bullies. I liked how she tricked 3 bullies at the hotel.
3. Styling - I liked the teal green suit worn by Zhen Zi Qi. After watching many Jia Yixuan dramas, I feel like I know her preferred fashion style.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - While there were kisses and sweet gestures, I felt that writer & director focused too much on individual pursuits. They were childhood buddies / crush then once they met and verified identity of other person, they just resumed their childhood agreement.
2. Antagonist - I got bored with the drama, to be honest.

Favourite scene
When ML was surprised by FL's bold move

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Romcom with great chemistry and no third party wrecking FL-ML relationship

I was intrigued by this drama because of Chen Zheng Yang and Zhu Mo Yan. I like their style of acting and was delighted to have found this drama. I watched this drama on 5 January 2025 and only realised there was no MDL page last month. Delighted that this page is up & running because now I can tell people about how wonderful this drama is.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Sweet romcom that is greatly supported by the off-the-charts chemistry between Chen Zheng Yang and Zhu Mo Yan. This is one of the few vertical dramas that does not have third party (green tea, love rival or family members) wrecking the relationship between FL and ML.
2. Intro scene - Their first meeting was a total meet cute and it was very hilarious!
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a vet! She was smart and rational.
4. Supporting characters - I liked FL's sister and ML's grandma. That surprise overnight stay was very clever of grandma.
5. Family - I loved that family was the core theme of this drama. There is love between FL and her sister and between ML and his grandma. I also liked that a family was formed between ML and FL through marriage.
6. Ending - What a beautiful scene!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - FL's brother in law is a baddie here but overall his role had just enough screen time.

Favourite scene
When ML prepared dinner for FL

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Laugh out loud, intergeneration and wholesome are the words I choose to describe this drama

I found this drama on YouTube almost 3 weeks ago and did a buddy watch with MDL user Fae. I never laughed so much before. I think this is the vertical drama with the most comedic moments I have ever stumbled upon. I literally mean by chance because I wouldn't have watched it if the first scene didn't have CGI.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - The writing was good. A lot of physical comedy but does not annoy me. Sarcasm was spot on.
2. Acting - I have seen comments about Sun Qian Xun being excellent in comedy (this was my first drama of hers) but Zhang Yun Tao doing comedy, that I never expect and he did well.
3. Supporting characters - The grandson had an important role in this drama. The kid actor was excellent in his role & was adorable too. Lu Shi Bai is great supporting character. I like how his character was wrapped up.
4. Dynamics - ML-ML's grandpa interactions were entertaining. Rude but respectful if that makes sense. I also enjoyed the interactions between the grandson and ML's grandpa. So wholesome.
5. Styling - Fashion wise I love how ML was styled especially the magenta tinge on his bangs & his outfits once he crossed over to the other side of that magical mirror.

What I disliked:
1. Addressing mother - Why does FL's son call the mum "Hwa Jie" (Flower sister) instead of "Mama"? At times I bought it i.e. think of FL as sister instead of mother to the kid.
2. Romance - Romance could be done better. There was a lot of push in their relationship than pull. I would like more affectionate gesture like peck on cheek, hugging, kissing.
3. Dynamic - I wish there were more father-son bonding on screen. I think this drama could have more emotional connection if ML refused to harm or sacrifice the boy because he wants his son to live well.

Favourite scene
The first time a full moon appeared that affected the three generations of phoenixes.

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Handsome ML but overall drama was underwhelming

I found this drama on Youtube and was pleasantly surprised when I saw Li Xue Dan getting credited as FL in this drama. I liked her acting in Wen Rou Ye Gu. I have never seen Jiao Rui's acting before. Overall the drama was underwhelming.

What I liked:
1. Jiao Rui - I must say that I was captivated by him whenever he appeared on screen. Good looking and he can act. He got swagger!
2. Supporting character - I find SFL the bestie was more interesting than FL. The actor who played ML's love rival was handsome.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - I am frustrated by her passive behaviour at work and towards her husband. Where is the competitive spirit? FL too timid for my liking. Li Xue Dan gave underwhelming performance for a FL.
2. Romance - Lacklustre. They felt more like roommates than a married couple. Gosh if I had a handsome husband who was so into me, I would kiss him senseless. I wish they had open communication about their feelings because a lot of assumptions being made especially by FL.
3. Writing - I found the drama draggy. Wish there was more dance component.

Favourite scene
When FL was confronted by badass ML at the start of this drama

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Sweet reborn drama but I disliked ML's action in third act

This is the second time I watched Wu Tian Hao in a vertically shot drama. I love his performance in I Just Want You. I had never watched Yang Zhi Wen's work before this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - This FL is sensible and I liked it! She's wary of ML's intentions because of her past relationship and I think that's smart of her. I like Yang Zhi Wen's portrayal of this role because she managed to showcase different facets of her character. FL wasn't annoying.
2. Wu Tian Hao - It is great to see him playing an assertive, no-nonsense character. It contrasts with his pretty boy visuals.
3. Tone - It's light and fast-paced.
4. Reborn - I liked that when given second chance, FL focused on herself rather than sought revenge.
5. Romance - Sweet romance except the start felt off (see What I disliked section)
6. Styling - ML had impeccable styling. As for FL's styling, I prefer the mature look to the teenage look. The white dress she wore in third act was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. ML's deception - I disliked ML for deceiving FL to fix a situation that he's facing.
2. Pursuit - I felt that the wooing was aggressive and no wonder it took awhile for FL to accept ML's pursuit.

Favourite scene
The proposal

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Mindless, very short vertical drama about rich guy, poor girl

I was in the mood for Huang Bo's dramas when I watched this series few months ago. This is one of the vertical drama series that you should just leave your brain at the door.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Despite her circumstance, she was kind, genuine and likeable. She also had class in comparison to the green tea and her friend. This is a damsel in distress story that I enjoy watching.
2. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's father because he stood up for his daughter, which is quite rare in Chinese vertical dramas. I also liked ML's sister for recognising FL as nice person and immediately treating her well.
3. Duration - I think the duration for this story was good enough.

What I disliked:
1. Intimacy - The first intimate scene had dubious consent and I disliked ML's reaction the morning after.
2. Pregnancy - Just a small issue - why must she be pregnant with triplets? Huang Bo's swimmers that good huh?

Favourite scene
When FL's father slapped ML

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Gripping revenge mystery drama with great acting by 3 leads

I thought I had seen too many revenge vertically shot dramas but oh boy, I was wrong. This revenge tale has a fresh and captivating plot - I love it!

What I liked:
1. Han Yu Tong - Girl never fails to amaze me with her acting chops. She was truly excellent in this drama as she portrayed 2 different characters.
2. Revenge arc - I liked that FL was focused on revenge. Damn, clever twist in the third act.
3. Antagonist - This is the rare case of a main antagonist that I love to hate!
4. Diary - I love the scenes involving a diary.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits worn by FL.

What I disliked:
1. Cliffhanger - OMG, I need a part 2!!!

Favourite scene
The variety show

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Drama confuses me but Wei Ruo Chen was handsome

Fangirl of Zhang Chu Xuan here. I have aslo watched Wei Ruo Chen's drama about jiejie romance 'Love is Imminent'. I had saved the link but it was removed by uploader. Then thanks to Jwells who found alternative link, I watched this drama last night. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar arcs - I was reminded of few movies & tv series while watching this drama e.g. Korean drama 'W', American movie 'Palm Springs'.
2. FL characterisation - FL is a writer who got dragged into the story but her character was a villain. I liked that she knew the plot and tried to change the outcomes.
3. ML characterisation - A very interesting backstory and I liked the mysterious allure that he exuded. Wei Ruo Chen was good in his role. Plus he was handsome.
4. Supporting characters - The SML was handsome. Both SFL & SML piqued my interest.

What I disliked:
1. Translation - Gosh the translation wasn't good so I got confused with the story & lost focus after certain point.
2. Antagonist - Interesting concept but I think it could be written better. What is the motivation of the antagonist to do those things to the main characters? Or did I miss them because I got lost in translation?
3. Romance - I didn't feel much romantic vibe from the two characters. I blamed it on the writing.

Favourite scene
When ML fell from the roof

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Sweet, slow burn romance with He Cong Rui as mild-mannered ML

I was in the mood to watch more Han Jia Hui's drama after completing "Utterly Submit". Found this drama on Youtube and since I also liked He Cong Rui, I gave it a go. Such a sweet romance!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was hardworking, smart & self-sufficient. She solved her own problems. I liked that she never forced herself to work in a toxic environment. Han Jia Hui was great in this role.
2. ML characterisation - It's wonderful that he is not a CEO. He is a heart disease researcher. Yes he came from an influential family but he never used his connections for FL's employment. I've always watched He Cong Rui playing a domineering character so it's great to see him as a mild mannered man.
3. Romance - Their first meeting was a literal meet cute! Him in shorts & hair wrap made me chuckled! Sweet, slow burn romance. Longing glances. Quite believable because of the challenges they had gone through. There were some kisses and a brief intimate scene though I wish for more.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked FL's best friend. She shared great observations and advice. ML's friend was great too. I liked how he handled the antagonist. I found FL's admirer was a good love rival to ML.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - The antagonist, FL's business rival, is a well-developed character. It's refreshing in that sense however I disliked her for putting FL in a dangerous situation. For a hotel manager, I don't understand how she could spend a lot of time at a rival hotel.
2. Aesthetics - The colour gradient was dull making this drama to be seen as having a low production value. FL's clothes were ordinary but her work uniform was pretty.

Favourite scene
ML's love confession

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