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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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An intricate tale of rivalry, cunning deception and first love
I chose to watch this drama because I was preparing to write a reddit post about Han Yu Tong's revenge dramas.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Ming Xia was smart and scheming. Her revenge plan was carefully crafted so don't mess with her.
2. Acting - Good performances by the actresses who played the Queen and two concubines. While I liked Han Yu Tong's overall performance in this drama, at times I found her facial expressions too "hard" so I wasn't sure whether Shen Ming Xia was scheming or really being kind/genuine.
3. Supporting characters - I must say that antagonists were a delight to watch and hate. I also liked the servants who were kind to Shen Ming Xia.
4. Romance - I liked scenes of Shen Ming Xia's first love more than scenes of her blossoming romance with the emperor.
What I disliked:
1. Length - With a running time of 4 hours 7 minutes, it feels like watching a condensed version of Chinese period drama. I prefer modern drama and with bad subtitles, I struggled with this drama during the second act. However once moved into third act, I became invested in the story again.
2. Romance - Slow burn romance but only a few scenes. I would have liked if the romance between Shen Ming Xia and the Emperor was given more screentime. I want good, real kisses too.
3. Nails - Gosh I couldn't stand Han Yu Tong's long manicured nails. They felt out of place in this drama.
Favourite scene
When Shen Ming Xia saved a wounded soldier
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Amazing crime drama with wonderful cast & intriguing cases
I wanted to watch more non-romance dramas this month so I picked 'Under the Skin' because this show was highly recommended on a few reddit posts. I enjoyed it immensely.What I liked:
1. Acting - I have watched dramas of Lu Yan Qi and Baby Zhang but was unfamiliar with Tan Jianci and Jin Shi Jia. I was very impressed by their acting and supporting cast too. Some guest roles made an impact on me for example Jiang Ge (episodes 1-3), Qu Lan Xin & Ren Xiao Xuan (episodes 3 - 5), Chu Tian Qi (episodes 10 & 11).
2. Character development - I really enjoyed watching Shen Yi's growth as an artist and as an individual. He was like a superhero whose power is sketching & painting. Captain Du Cheng also had some growth as a police officer.
3. Drawing - I love seeing the sketches done by Shen Yi although I found him to be too perfect. Like he's a savant. I also enjoyed the drawing on the blackboard especially the one in the last episode.
4. Pacing - I liked the format of this series - thank gosh it's not one case per episode because most cases were complicated and needed more time to be investigated.
5. Supporting characters - My favourite is Du Cheng's sister. She appeared after halfway mark of the series but her appearance were integral to the main arc. I also liked Jiang Feng, He Rong Yue and Li Han.
6. Music - The score reminded me of Queen's Gambit score. Anyway I liked the score a lot!
What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Baby Zhang's character was very interesting so I wish she had more screen time.
2. Rash - Shen Yi made a few rash decisions in order to catch culprits. It's silly because he was a rookie cop and inexperienced in handling dangerous suspects & culprits.
Favourite scene
When Shen Yi led a case instead of Captain Du Cheng
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Second chance romance with cute grandpa-grandson moments
I have watched Wang Jia Mao's work before but this is my first Hou Cheng Yue drama.What I liked:
1. Family - I really enjoyed the interactions between grandpa and grandson in this drama. I also like seeing grandson caring for his mother.
2. Ho Cheng Yue - FL has different sides to her (fallen socialite, mother, ex-lover, businesswoman) and I liked her acting.
What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - His actions were emotional when FL was hired as his employee by his father. He should be professional at work & put aside personal feelings at the office.
2. Romance - The drama started with FL & ML being in love but due to FL circumstances, they broke up. Because ML was a jerk when FL worked at his company, I was not sold on their romance.
Favourite scene
When ML's father visited FL at her home and met her son
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Enjoyable drama with 2 love stories
I don't remember what made me save this drama on my Youtube playlist. I think it had something to do with ML rugged/rough looks. I was in a phase hahaha.What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I like that he is black sheep of the family who made his own living instead of depending on his rich family.
2. Romance - There are two couples in this drama and I enjoyed both.
3. Supporting characters - I like ML's friend & colleague as well as FL's assistant
What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Second female lead was childish despite putting "strong woman" front. She ran away from her problem instead of confronting it.
Favourite scene
When FL thought ML was gay
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I rarely watch period drama but I love this series!
I am a fan of Zhang Jing Yi after watching her performances in Lighter & Princess and Bright Eyes in the Dark. I prefer modern drama to period drama but decided to add this series after reading rave reviews. I watched this series on 31 December 2024 together with my bestie and we love this brilliantly-written series!What I liked:
1) Hua Zhi characterisation - She was intelligent, progressive, resilient and family-focused and I love that those traits were demonstrated in a period drama. She wasn't a Mary Sue, she did a mistake that cost her freedom.
2) Romance - There are different types of romance shown in this series and I love them. Hua Zhi and Gu Yan Xi's romance was built on solid foundation of love, trust and mutual respect. I gushed whenever they held hands or stole glances when in public. I also enjoyed the secondary romances in particular Shao Yao and Shen Huan. Theirs were like high school/university sweet romance.
3) Gu Yan Xi characterisation - One of the most fascinating male lead in cdrama. He had several identities and it excited me whenever he appeared on screen. As Commander of Security Bureau, he was menacing but as Mr Yan, he was sweet and a gentleman.
4) Acting - Wonderful from every one in the cast!
5) Supporting characters - I like most of them in particular Baoxia (her eyeroll was EPIC!), Chen Qing, Grandma Hua, Xia Jin E, Shao Yao, Shen Hua, Uncle Ping Yang.
6) Visuals - Wow, the cast was good looking and the outfits were beautiful. Bian Cheng resembles Korean idol Kai of EXO. I also enjoyed the cinematography and shots of Hua Manor.
7) Villain arc - The villain feared internal "threats" and I liked this arc.
8) Music - I love the score. The intro was also beautifully illustrated.
9) Action - I never expected epic action scenes because at first I thought this was a family-focused drama. Action scenes were thrilling.
What I disliked:
1) Hua Zhi's action - She made a mistake rebelling against the emperor and that cost her dearly.
2) Hua Rong's arc - I was sad.
3) Shen Qi - Caesar Wu was third billed in this series but his character was underdeveloped, I find.
4) Grandma Hua's daughter - She was despicable.
Favourite scene
Grandma Hua's death
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Wonderful, heartfelt coming of age drama about a sheltered young adult
I chose to watch Overprotected Kahoko last week after finding out that this drama would be leaving Netflix on 14 October. What a compelling coming of age drama!What I liked:
1) Kahoko's characterisation - I enjoy watching Kahoko's character growth. At the start of the series, she was a sheltered young adult who never had to make her own decisions. Thus this affected the way she expressed her feelings and emotions. When she received criticism from her peer, she pondered and challenged herself - I like this about her! Despite being sheltered, she was observant and cared so much for her family. Just like her maternal grandma says about her - Kahoko is the glue that binds the family.
2) Hajime's characterisation - He was empathetic towards Kahoko. I like that he was aware of Kahoko's inability to express her emotions and instead of making assumptions or stopping Kahoko from expressing, he gave her a safe space to voice out her emotions and listen to her concerns. What a great friend! I also like that he says what's on his mind especially during the chat with Ito.
3) Masataka's narration - The narration is actually Kahoko's father's thoughts and feelings about Kahoko and his family. It's a shame that he was not able to voice them out but they provided wonderful tidbits on his family members.
4) Supporting characters - It's great that the supporting characters have depth to them. Brilliant acting by each cast member.
5) Kahoko and Hajime's relationship - I love how their relationship evolved from stranger to friends to best friends and lovers. They had honest and raw conversations that I cried twice - when she confessed her feelings to Hajime and when they argued and broke up.
What I disliked:
1) Izumi - I don't like her parenting style and I don't understand her reasons for objecting to Kahoko's decision. She's stifling.
2) Ito - What an ungrateful brat! I can't believe her behaviour even after learning about her grandma's situation.
Favourite scene
When Kahoko confessed her feelings to Hajime. I knew how he would react but couldn't help feeling heartbroken. Great acting by the two!
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