emberzmars

Wow, a lot of kisses!

Ok I watched this jdrama after watching clip on Asian Crush's Youtube channel & reading the synopsis.

What I like
1. The kisses - I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity & quality. Hase had insatiable appettite for Momo. The actors did these scenes well.
2. Female lead's characteristic - I enjoy seeing her growth. She was assertive at the end but still remains compassionate.
3. Pacing - Fast-paced and I had to binge!
4. Music - This is one of the few eastern dramas that I enjoyed the opening song. Dreaming night is so catchy.
5. Colleagues - I enjoyed watching camaraderie amongst Calico Cafe staff.

What I dislike
1. Plot - There isn't a proper plot for this drama. I was wondered a lot about the direction of the series throughout.
2. Supporting cast - I wish Fukami's relationship with Hase was elaborated further.

Favourite scene
Cafe lesson no. 3 because I never expected it!

Read More

Another side of Song Jihyo

I only watch Running Man whenever my favourite Korean groups are guests so I got to know Song Jihyo from there. This drama introduces me to Song Jihyo the actress.

What I like
1. The writing - It has the right balance between the characters' personal and professional lives, the drama & comedy. I enjoy medical aspects. Reminds me of Grey's Anatomy earlier seasons when the episodes were so engaging.
2. Main characters' development - It's wonderful to see
Jinhee & Changmin grow as individuals and as doctors. Jinhee especially. Changmin is so cute whenever he is cheeky.
3. Romance - Glad that this second chance romance develops slowly. Jinhee especially needs to understand her worth first before committing to a relationship. There aren't many kisses but when they kiss, I feel their love and longing for each other. Their intimate scenes are quite sexy.
4. Changmin's father - his kindness reminds me of my late uncle. That quiet but wise character.
5. Songs - I love the opening track and the other song that always accompany sad scenes.
6. Death & bereavement - humbling is the best word to describe those moments.
7. Choi Jinhyuk - my first drama starring him. This role was meaty role and he nailed it. His hairstyle made him look like a flower boy but he is manly.
8. Song Jihyo - I enjoyed her acting too. She conveys Jinhee's doubts very well.

What I dislike
1. The overbearing mother
2. The length - 21 episodes are a lot for kdrama. Nevertheless I hardly felt bored watching the episodes.
3. Gossipy colleagues

Favourite scene
When Jinhee informed Changmin why she kept in touch with his father. It's very touching that I cried a lot.

Read More

Fast-paced & enjoyable romantic thriller

Destined to meet you is one of the best mini dramas I have watched.

What I like:
1. Lu Yan Qi - great actress with brilliant comedic timing. She also did vulnerable scenes very well. The watching movie together scene was hilarious! She also portrayed the different ages of Rong Rong quite well. She looked pretty & youthful in the photo.
2. Jin Rong Rong characterisation - love girlboss , no-nonsense & take charge attitude.
3. Writing - Brilliant comedic scenes. The villain's characterisation is also good, not a cliche, 2D character.
4. Directing & editing - Brilliant for a mini drama of 20 episodes with each episode lasting less than 15 min. I like the pacing of the story.
5. Supporting characters - I like Jin Xi Chen & her executive assistant.

What I dislike:
1. Age difference between both main characters - 5 years seem to big considering real life age gap is 3 years. Wish Cong Bei was working adult instead of university student but then some scenes wouldn't work that well.
2. Grandpa - small issue. Got the impression that he's known Cong Bei for awhile. Not sure why Grandpa likes Gu Cong Bei so much.

Favourite scene:
When the aircond in Rong Rong's room malfunctioned. Rong Rong showed her vulnerability to Cong Bei.

Read More

Started great then it fizzled

I was excited to watch this mini drama after seeing it featured in a few top mini drama lists on YouTube. The drama started off great but then it fell flat.

What I like:
1. Intriguing start - The 1st 3 episodes were intriguing. I was delighted to see a "smart" female lead who managed to escape from interrogation. I was also pleasantly surprised with the bed scene. Cunning!
2. Right hand man - General Liu was the smartest character out of the bunch.
3. Dai Gao Zheng - A lot of reviewers mentioned him so yes, I agree. He has good looks & body. Acting wise, he's ok.

What I dislike:
1. Female lead characterisation - I mentioned earlier she was "smart" but my gosh she became unbearably silly as the series progressed. I can't get over her decision to pursue Tian yi when she already willingly agreed to become Yu Ze's fiancee. What a silly girl!
2. Writing - was bad. I almost stopped at episode 19 but persisted because there is fast forward button. I chose 4x option just to make sure I complete this mini drama. I think the episodes could be reduced to 24 or even 18. The conflict was dragged too much.
3. Ending - omg what a silly one. How can a stupid, cowardly girl become menacing to gangsters? And that very last scene I really don't understand
4. Physical abuse - You experienced and witnessed beatings but omg why stay in abusive household???
5. Chemistry between main characters - to me, lackluster.
6. Fashion - I dislike the clothes worn by Tiangyou, female lead. Pink dresses made her look childish and with her characterisation, she was indeed a baby. The last qipao she wore had weird colour combination and doesn't look nice.

Favourite scene:
The bed scene between Tian yi & Tian yao. As I said earlier, cunning!

Read More

FL's lack of trust in her relationship with ML infuriated me

I really liked Zhao Fei's performance in Bai Ri Bu Shu so I checked out her list of dramas and found this. This drama frustrated me and after 1 hour 20 minutes of watching (mostly fast forwarded), I decided to stop wasting my time & drop this drama.

What I liked:
1. Sub-plot - FL was investigating her father's case - he was framed for something he didn't do. I found the deep fake issue fascinating.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he always stood by FL's side and kept reassuring her. This is probably my first drama of Zhang Li Ren. I was captivated by his performance here. He has a soothing voice
3. Supporting characters - I liked ML's assistant & FL's relatives.
4. Styling - I liked most of the outfits worn by FL & ML. The red & blue qipao was pretty.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Gosh, she seemed clueless and easily intimidated. I was infuriated with her for going along with an offer after being blackmailed. I think Zhao Fei was miscast in this drama. With her sharp, matured features, her visuals and acting didn't match the character's damsel in distress persona.
2. Romance - At 1 hour mark, FL was threatened with fake sex video. Instead of turning to ML who was already acknowledged as boyfriend, she decided to go along with perpetrator's demands. It was clear that she had no confidence in her relationship and I just couldn't accept this crap anymore. I also didn't sense any chemistry between Zhao Fei and Zhang Li Ren.

Favourite scene
When ML visited FL's house & met her aunt

Read More

Sweet and slightly spicy doctor-soldier romance

I was on Lu Lu Lu drama binge as I really enjoyed her acting. This is my first time watching Ma Shi Yao's acting. I was excited before watching and after completing this drama, I felt fully satisfied.

What I liked:
1. Occupation - It's refreshing to watch dramas in which MLs are not CEOs. ML is a soldier while FL is a surgeon.
2. Romance - There was spicy and sweet romance. The first romance scene was hot though I wish there were more kisses. There was a heartbreaking moment, which got through to me (good acting!).
3. Adoption - I like the adoption arc as it somehow ties to ML's work. It's also refreshing to see the perspective of adopted child and their parents.
4. Acting - Lu Lu Lu and Ma Shi Yao were great in their roles. This is my favourite Lu Lu Lu's drama!
5. Music - Oh, I recognise Jackson Wang's song 'Why Why Why'. Ecstatic because I am huge GOT7 fan.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There are 2 antagonists in this drama. FL's ex boyfriend (who is also nephew of ML) and FL's adopted sister. The latter was a pyscho.
2. Duration - I wish this drama was longer because it's fascinating to watch ML at work and I want more romance between ML & FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's ex boyfriend knocked on ML's door

Read More

Saccharine sweet new adult romance

Hidden Love is saccharine sweet I almost got toothache. Very light cdrama focusing on first love. Chen Zheyuan reminds me of Chanyeol of EXO, kpop group☺️

What I liked:
1) I really liked Sang Yan and his interactions with his younger sister, Sang Zhi. Victor Ma rocks the role.
2) The actress who played middle school Sang Zhi was really good despite not resembling Zhao Lusi.
3) Sang Zhi's characterisation once she was an intern. She didn't waver easily when her love rival threatened her and harassed Jia Xu.
4) Their kisses and intimate scenes were hot.

What I disliked:
1) 1st half of the series was slow.
2) Don't like how Sang Zhi was infantilised at start. I find her cunning because she knew how to manipulate her parents and brother to do things for her. I also don't like that she hero worshipped Jia Xu.
3) I am on indifferent about Jia Xu. Yeah he has conflict like any other main characters but I don't find him interesting enough to root for him.

Favourite scene
Everytime Sang Yan bickered with Sang Zhi

Read More

My advice to FL - "Trust yourself!"

I was excited to watch this series because older woman, younger man is one of my favourite tropes and a few of director Ding Zi Guang's dramas are in my watchlist. The series started off great (I love episode 1) but after 10+ episodes, I became frustrated. I dropped this series because I couldn't watch a self-pitying female lead and refused to waste almost 720 minutes on this mess.

What I liked:
1) He Can Yang - He is the reason why I pushed through until episode 24. He is easygoing but dependable and caring. I like that he always offer to listen to one's concerns.
2) Best friends Song Xue and Yang Xiao Yu - I like scenes where three of them hang out. Song Xue gave great advice most of the time.
3) Song Wei Long - Wow, so handsome. I love his smile. He resembles Taehyun of kpop group Tomorrow x Together.

What I disliked:
1) He Fan Xing characterisation - She is hardworking, independent, level headed when it came to work. I liked her character at first but when she lied to her school friends about her boyfriend, I was livid! I also despice her for feeling sorry for herself even though she was the one that ended the relationship. I also dislike Fan Xing for confiding in Ye Lu Ming rather than in her best friends whenever she had relationship problems.
2) Ye Lu Ming - I liked him at first and understood his sadness about "the one who got away". However I don't like once he schemed his way into Fan Xing's family. Devious!
3) The romance - I enjoyed romance between Fan Xing and Yuan Song before the breakup. Since their relationship is secret / "forbidden", I think the director could have done more romance scenes e.g. in the store room, hidden touches, surprise kisses. Anyway I am disappointed by choices made by Fan Xing - she totally not believing in herself, that's why she dictating how her first love should be.

Favourite scene
When Fan Xing took care of Yuan Song when he was ill

Read More

Deceit & scheming - what a mess!

Fake relationship and contract marriages are my favourite tropes. I was intrigued by this drama after reading many positive reviews on MDL. Boy was I disappointed! I couldn't stand the immature behaviour so I dropped this series after episode 10.

What I liked:
1. The cooking - I like cooking & food scenes from quatro cheese kimchi to samgyetang and fried chicken.
2. Yeo Reum - he has great body and smile. Despite the lie at the start, I liked his character the most. He always thought of Jang Mi's welfare.
3. Jang Mi's kindness.

What I disliked
1. Jang Mi's characterisation - she's too nice until people took advantage of her (Hoon Dong, Gi Tae, Gi Tae's mum, Hyun Hee). Girl, it's OK to decline phone calls especially when you are in loo.
2. Gi Tae's characterisation - he's bland for a male lead. I dislike him for berating Jang Mi whenever she was in trouble even when she was locked in his building.
3. Every character, from Gi Tae' s family to second & third leads, is deceitful and always scheming. The only ok character is Jang Mi's father.
4. Childish behaviour - I stopped after 20 minutes of episode 10 because Jang Mi & Gi Tae still avoided each other. Too much push even when halfway though the series.

Favourite scene
When Jang Mi saved Hoon Dong from embarrassment at the auction

Read More

Wasted potential and I blame the writer

I found out about this TV series from reddit. I was excited because it had been awhile since Shen Hao Nan acted in mini dramas. By the 4th episode I was underwhelmed and once I finished episode 8, I decided to drop this series. I might as well re-watch Your Trap and Lost & Found which are both available on WeTV.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - She Hao Nan is handsome but with race car driver outfits, his handsomeness got elevated. Duan Jing Yi was quite good looking with the pink pixie cut.
2. Physical training - As someone who got into PT because of a health scare, I appreciate scenes of physical training be it at the gym or track.

What I disliked:
1. Writing - This is the biggest downfall of this series. There was opportunity for Shen Yi to train hard & showcase her talent while her twin brother Shen Nan recuperate. However writer chose to make Shen Yi fawn over Gu Yi Chen's handsomeness from episode 1. Gosh this arc felt stale, like a 80s Mills & Boon novel.
2. Racing practice - Why were all the racing practice done at an arcade? Why were there no scenes at race circuit?

Favourite scene
When Fang Chi discovered Shen Nan's secret

Read More

Started off great but letdown in second half. Yue Ke Ran's acting was good!

This drama was popular in subreddit CShortDramas when it was a fresh release. I got curious and watched it . The drama started off great but second half was a letdown.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Yue Ke Ran was brilliant in his role as he was convincing in portraying different emotions.
2. The pact - I really liked their discussion after confronting their spouses at a pool party. It was fascinating to see the start of their alliance.
3. ML characterisation - I liked that he was committed to his wife's happiness. He stayed at home and took care of the household when he was married to his first wife.
4. FL's actions - I liked that FL was quick to accept ML's feelings for her & then reciprocated his love. In most vertical dramas, FLs are shy or skittish with ML for a long period. I also liked that FL cut off ties with her ex husband after finding out about his affair.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - She was typical nepo baby unfortunately. I disliked her impulsive decision at a board meeting to promote her new husband & threatened directors who disagreed with her, leaving her father speechless. Where was the united front?
2. Antagonists - Former spouses of both leads were disgusting. Their friends who condoned their cheating at the pool party was disgusting too.
3. Romance - Sadly underdeveloped. Instead of showing moments of bonding / romantic development, the viewers were told about the romantic relationship during a confession scene. Too much focus on battles at work and against exes.

Favourite scene
The pact

Read More

One of Sa Gang Yun's finest roles

I am a fan of Sa Gang Yun. I saw this drama in his drama playlist on Youtube and decided to watch it because heck I wanted to see him in uniform. I liked this drama even though there is cheating element.

What I liked:
1. Sa Gang Yun - I'd say this is one of his best roles. His character had a commanding presence but he was gentle with FL and kids.
2. Romance - It could sense attraction brewing between FL and ML. FL was afraid of a romantic relationship until a near death experience. That scene was touching and hot.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's best friend, ML's right hand man (both were perceptive!) and the orphan.
4. Styling - Sa Gang Yun looked damn fine in a military uniform. I liked his body too especially when he wore a blank tank top.
5. Acting - The cast did well in their roles.
6. Duration - The drama is less than 100 minutes. Well-paced too.

What I disliked:
1. Rape - The first scene distressed me! No wonder FL was traumatised.
2. Antagonists - FL's soon-to-be-husband was controlling asshole. He cheated on her but didn't want to let her go. The mistress and her kid were horrible too.
3. Cheating - As much as I liked FL & ML together, I disliked that she was still married to the scumbag. They were still communicating.
4. FL's mother - I knew she had health issues but I disliked her for being dependent on FL's scumbag husband. I also disliked her for giving away the kid without FL's knowledge.

Favourite scene
When FL thought she had lost ML

Read More

This drama almost has it all: action, comedy, romance, superb acting. Highly recommended

This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard the weekend it was released. I was intrigued by the title and opening scene so I watched it. Wow, it was really good but sadly the link I accessed to watch was no longer working after 2 days. Highly recommended drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was a badass! FL was a capable leader with good strategic thinking and goal setting skills.
2. ML characterisation - ML was a loyal, nurturing man who could have been a great leader if he wasn’t sabotaged by envious relatives. He was devoted to his family and I loved that!
3. Romance - Affectionate and respectful of each other. When they kissed, there was love and desire. I liked that FL was forthcoming about her desire to have a kid with ML - she didn’t trick nor drug him.
4. Acting - Brilliant performance by actor Tian Yu Wei & actress Wei Jia. There was an unexpected emotional scene when FL tried to jog ML’s memory by reenacting an intimate moment. I almost cried.
5. Comedy - This drama was surprisingly funny.
6. Action - Another great element of this drama is the fight sequence. Both FL & ML fought baddies. I liked the Wing Chun reference.
7. Supporting characters - I loved FL's right hand woman - she's another badass. The daughter was adorable too. Others such as FL's male subordinate, ML's grandma and bully-turned-ally were likeable.
8. Family - Family is the core theme of this drama from FL and her daughter’s dynamics to ML’s tumultuous relationship with his relatives.
9. Duration - Well-paced drama that covers action, comedy, drama and romance just slightly over 100 minutes (1 hour 41 minutes).

What I disliked:
1. Jealousy - This came from ML's family.
2.Ending - I wasn't expecting the story would end that way. I felt some questions were left unanswered.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML fought baddies

Read More

Only liked the final 20 minutes because it's different

Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi had collaborated again and they had back-to-back 2 new releases. I watched this drama earlier than the other drama (which had ML reborn trope). Sad to say I didn't enjoy this drama as much as I'd have liked.

What I liked:
1. Third act - I liked the last 20 minutes because it was different from Bloom in the Shadows, which I suspect is the inspiration for this drama. I liked that bad people were punished for their crimes.
2. Supporting character - I liked FL's subordinate / accomplice.
3. Romance - I liked the scene in which ML was kissing FL while she was talking on the phone (brought me back to Huang Bo's Into the Abyss drama). I also liked when ML told FL that he knew about her secret identity.

What I disliked:
1. Tone - This drama is a remake of Bloom in the Shadows. I loved that drama because of its dark tones from characterisation of FL & antagonist, to revenge plans and seduction. It was thrilling because the drama was different. In contrast, The Palm Fell felt like any other vertical drama because of its editing and tone.
2. Acting - FL is vengeful, scheming and supposedly seductive but Xu Si Qi didn't hit the mark despite the existing chemistry & rapport with Huang Bo. She was miscast.

Favourite scene
Ending

Read More

The best jdorama I have ever watched - brilliant acting, writing and editing!

This jdorama joined my playlist when I started watching jdorama last year. Decided to watch the series while on a staycation with family. My sister & I binged this drama in one day. It was très magnifique!

What I liked:
1. Acting - First and foremost, phenomenal acting by Takuya Kimora & Kyoka Suzuki. Wow they were immersed in their roles. The supporting cast was amazing too. Love it when they spoke French.
2. Writing - This is an underdog story with brilliant storytelling. I rooted for them to succeed from day 1. I was engrossed every single minute. Main & some supporting characters were given substantial arcs & growth. I love Chef Obana's eccentricity!
3. Antagonists - There are a few characters that posed challenges to Chef Obana & Chef Rinko's journey to achieving 3 star Michelin. Wonderful arcs for them!
4. Styling - I actually prefer Chef Obana's hairstyling when he was head of Echofille. Takuya Kimora looked like Benjamin Bratt during American movie Miss Congeniality. Ms Linda Machiko Richard had impeccable styling - very chic.
5. Editing - The shots of food (prep, cooking and even when they were at the market) made my mouth water. I also liked how important emotionally charged scenes were framed. I cried when some staff messed up.

What I disliked:
1. Mr Eto - I disliked him for being manipulative.
2. Chef Obana's decision - I don't understand the brash decision he made before the Michelin award ceremony. He needed to be acknowledged by his peers!

Favourite scene
When Chef Obana convinced Mr Minegishi the grear hunter

Read More