emberzmars

I expected gritty revenge tale from ML's pov but FL got too much screentime

This drama had been in my watchlist since the day it was released. I don't know why I didn't feel like watching it immediately but today I decided to watch it on iQIYI. I must say I was disappointed by this drama - I expected more.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked that this drama is about ML seeking revenge for the death of his parents. He was smart, calculative and resourceful. However I don’t quite understand how he could have money & influence to blackmail and eventually own Zhou Group?
2. Supporting characters - FL's father was smart and I liked him a lot more than FL. Shu Qing, the other Zhou Group employee was likeable too.
3. Intimacy - Abundance of physical intimacy in this drama from fiery kisses to shower scene and bold dialogue. Even SML got a hot kissing scene. Anyway Wang Yi Lei excelled in onscreen kissing.
4. Styling - I liked that Wang Yi Lei looked rugged in this drama. I liked the asymmetrical jacket that he wore but oversized shirt & pants drowned him as he was very lean.
5. Acting - I liked Wang Yi Lei and Zeng Xi Tang's acting in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Zhou father and son were evil.
2. Screentime - Typically in vertical dramas with FL seeking revenge, most of the screentime goes to FL planning & executing her revenge. Unfortunately this doesn't happen with this drama. I was dismayed that FL got a lot of screentime. I would have liked to see how ML come out with his revenge plan and why those people were targeted instead of FL's arc.
3. Wu Chun Yi - I understood that she was a Daddy's Little Princess but I didn't like her acting. Her facial expressions were not good so her acting was underwhelming.
4. Romance - There wasn't any chemistry between Wang Yi Lei & Wu Chun Yi. I didn't buy that ML really fell in love with FL because their relationshipnl was purely physical (well at least what was shown to us).
5. Repeat - I watched on iQIYI and scenes at the start of drama were repeated in the third act. Editing could be better by only giving glimpse of what transpired at the start of the drama.

Favourite scene
Makeout session on the sofa

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Campus drama with friends-to-lovers trope

I wasn't a fan of Ma Le Jie because of the roles she often played (damsels in distress). However I decided to watch this drama because I was preparing a reddit post on Cheng Cheng. Overall, I liked this drama even though campus drama isn't my favourite trope.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - It's cool that she was a ghost singer. She got fed up of the ill treatment & decided to stand up for herself after being given a second chance.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was rational and supportive friend.
3. Romance - Friends to lovers trope. A lot of sweet moments. Unrequited love trope was also explored in this drama.
4. Styling - The stylist chose the right sets of clothes to distinguish campus life from adult life.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - The SML & SFL were self-absorbed.
2. Slander - Same old, same old.

Favourite scene
SML went to FL & promised that he'd pay her back

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Great acting but overall the drama wasn't remarkable as I expected

I unsubscribed my paid Youku account and to take advantage of the grace period, I decided to watch this drama on the app. I am fine with dark & gritty dramas but Tear Night didn't quite meet my expectations.

Trigger warning: Self-harm, Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by both of them. The emotional scenes packed a punch.
2. Revenge - She wanted revenge for the ill-treatment she got from her family & boyfriend. I liked that she used available resources i.e. ML.
3. Romance - The kisses were good and the development of their relationship was done well. I liked their tender moments.
4. Styling - FL wore a lot of black and her outfits were beautiful. ML wore fabulous clothes as well.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Her father was truly evil. He was fine with killing his own daughter and first wife.
2. Storytelling - I was disengaged a few times throughout the drama. The execution of her revenge plans didn't excite me. I accidentally dozed off but didn't need to rewind because nothing big happened.
3. ML's actions - I disliked that he self-harmed when he felt insecure about his relationship with FL.

Favourite scene
When FL discovered ML's secret

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Interesting story using twin trope but bland FL & lacklustre romance let me down

There is something about Ma Shi Yao that compels me to watch his dramas and update his MDL profile. I have always been intrigued by twin trope so I watched this drama. I didn't like it.

What I liked:
1. Twin trope - I liked how the trope was utilised in this story. It's not good vs evil twin like in most stories. Both made bad decisions.
2. Styling - I liked ML's outfits. Well lack of proper tops for Ma Shi Yao was good for me.
3. Opening scene - It was thrilling.
4. Supporting character - I liked ML's assistant who happened to be woman.
5. Ma Shi Yao - I liked both characters that he played.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - There wasn't any chemistry between Ma Shi Yao and the main actress. Her acting was underwhelming.
2. Romance - Lacklustre & underdeveloped. Scenes with supposed sexual tension lacked intensity to me.
3. FL characterisation - Bland. I couldn't connect to her so I didn't care much once second twin came into the picture. Her revenge plan was weak.

Favourite scene
Opening scene

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Wholesome romance with no green tea

This drama was hotly requested in a subreddit. Luckily the drama is available on iQIYI app - so I watched it there to make my subscription worthwhile. It was a good watch.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Ma Qian Qian was excellent in her role as a down-to-earth struggling everyday people. I emphathise with her character. This is my second Ji Jun Liang drama and gosh both times he played a cocky guy who got humbled by a circumstance. Good actong chemistry between the two.
2. FL characterisation - She was earnest, too nice and not worldly and I liked that about her. I understood why she helped her fiancé with money matters - she wanted to have her own home & family and that moved me.
3. Supporting characters - I loved FL's boss Sister Lin & her husband, ML's cousin Lu Xu & ML's bodyguard. They all have good intentions for the couple.
4. Styling - OMG 😍 Ji Jun Liang in biker outfit! He was 🔥!
5. Romance - I'm 50-50 about their romance because ML wasn't truthful until after the marriage certificate was obtained. However their dates were cute even though orchestrated. There were some kisses wish there were steamy ones but I think director wanted a wholesome drama.
6. Antagonist arc - Yes for once we don't have green tea in this drama. The main antagonist is ML's jealous uncle and boy there was a good arc for him. I really liked the scene when he was honest with his family.

What I disliked:
1. ML characterisation - I disliked the scheming. I could see he was slowly falling for her but wish he had come clean before they got marriage certificate.
2. ML's grandmother - Wow what an insecure woman. I can't believe she was consumed by wealth.

Favourite scene
The first time ML & FL met. What a meet cute!

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Sweet "uncle" romance with visually stunning leads

I watched this drama on a whim few months ago. I think it was my first time watching Chen Jing He and Xiong An Ni. I realised that this drama didn't have MDL page so I submitted and now we have it. I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro - The scene at the start was 🔥! The desire, the kisses.
2. Visuals - Xiong An Ni is so pretty and I loved her nose. Chen Jing He was handsome too. The supporting cast like FL's ex and rival were good looking too.
3. Romance - This is time travel drama so FL took the opportunity to avoid a mistake in her love life. I liked that she had a strategy to win the heart of ML. This is sweet "uncle" romance with a spicy intro scene.
4. Styling - Great styling for ML. FL's outfits were alright but her dress at the party when she first met ML was not pretty - I liked her rival's dress better.

What I disliked:
1. Bullying - OMG they even bullied an elder who is same age of your mother. Horrible baddies.

Favourite scene
The intro

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Reborn but no revenge and this time FL is young 18 year old student

I only discovered Yang Yu Bin 2 werks ago so I was keen to explore his work. This drama caught my eye as I scrolled down his drama playlist. I really liked Zhang Ruo Chen's acting. This drama was sweet and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. Reborn trope - I enjoyed this drama because FL was reborn to a few years earlier than her death - she was 18 years during this second chance at life. I liked that there is no revenge plot in this drama.
2. FL characterisation - She was smart & proactive at living her life for the second time.
3. ML characterisation - He had low self-esteem because his father's family never acknowledged his existence. With FL's encouragement, ML stopped downplaying his intelligence and started to be confident with his worth. I liked that he was written this way because most ML are written as cocky & domineering alpha males.
4. Romance - Very sweet romance. Their first intimate scene was mildly spicy but overly sweet that made me smile. Their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship.
5. Supoorting characters - I like Teacher Ren and ML's buddies.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML was possessive and disrespectful.
2. FL's bestie - Wow, I was surprised by her action in the third act.

Favourite scene
When ML was being cheeky with FL during a study group

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Possesive love with steamy dream sequences & good looking leads

I found out about this drama from a sub-reddit and as they say, curiosity kills the cat.

What I liked:
1. Romance - A steamy dream sequence at the start. Kissing scenes were hot and much later on there was sweetness in their relationship too. Great chemistry between Yuan Ning and Xu Jun Ning. However I wish there were more scenes of their interactions after they were honest with each other about their feelings.
2. FL characterisation - I liked that FL was firm with her love for SML despite the threats. I understood her resistance towards ML. Yuan Ning did well in her role.
3. ML characterisation - He was aggressive at the start but I was surprised by his arc. He was possessive in some scenes then considerate a few scenes later. It's great that he was remorseful and asked for FL's forgiveness because this rarely happened in vertical dramas. Xu Jun Ning was extremely hot in this role.
4. Length - This drama is less than 100 minutes, which makes it a perfect watch after dinner but before going to bed.
5. Supporting character - I liked ML's righthand man.

What I disliked:
1. Possessiveness - I am not a fan of possessive love. ML was ruthless at FL's wedding.
2. ML's family - SML's mother / ML's sis-in-law was materialistic. I pitied SML for being given a tough choice and I didn't blame him for not choosing FL.

Favourite scene
The introduction

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ML was starved of love but learn to love and be loved with FL

I got to know about this drama through reddit. I was intrigued when I found out about the cast - I really liked Song Yu Jia's acting and Zuo Ming is fine in the 2 dramas of his that I've watched. This drama was unpredictable but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - This drama is uncomfortable to watch at times due to his early, toxic behaviour. As the story progressed, I saw the challenges that ML faced from childhood till present and I understood his behaviour. This is my first time watching Zuo Ming in a dramatic role and wow, he was believable. Well done to him!
2. Romance - He was starved of love and his methods of "love" were learned from observations of his parents' dysfunctional relationship. I liked that FL constantly reassured him and indirectly taught him about love. Their first intimacy was very hot - FL took initiative and once ML let go of his insecurity, the passion and lust flowed freely. They were an affectionate couple - physical touch is their love language.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both main characters. Song Yu Jia looked like a goddess while Zuo Ming was very handsome.
4. Vehicle - That pink jeep is so cool! It's great to see a vehicle other than black Mercedes/Maybach/Rolls Royce.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, what a complex arc. I was sympathetic with her because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of ML. However I hated her once I saw her true colours - she's the type who constantly craves attention from men. Devious and dangerous. That stakeholder meeting scene was ridiculous!
2. FL's back story - I felt that FL was underdeveloped. It was never stated whether ML was aware of FL's back story. If ML knew that FL existed for him, could his new beliefs on love remain steady?

Favourite scene
Their first intimate moment

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Wang Dao Tie as stud for hire just made me swoon!

I have been wanting to watch more Wang Dao Tie's dramas but kept forgetting about this drama until I stumbled upon the comment section of this page. So I watched last night and damn it was perfect for evening watch.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is independent and focused on personal and professional goals. I liked that she stopped believing ML's nonsense once served with divorce paper and did not go back to the ML. This is the first time I watched Zhao Jia's acting and she did well in this role.
2. ML characterisation - The quiet guy who had a crush on FL but never did anything about it until FL was divorced. ML started as a stud for FL to get pregnant but hey hey he has hidden agenda. I liked that the way he supported and comforted her and was always concerned about her mental wellbeing.
3. Romance - OMG the romance is freaking spicy! Damn, Wang Dao Tie's chest looked good. The kisses were hot and there were also plenty of sweet gestures between the couple.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's spy/employee very much because he was quick thinking. At first I wasn't a fan of FL's grandpa because of the request for great-grandchild but I liked him when he told SML that he respected FL's life choice post-divorce.
5. Styling - Impeccable styling for all 3 leads. FL wears stilettos and Jin Jiayu still towers over her and Wang Dao Tie, wow!

What I disliked:
1. SML - I must say that FL's ex husband is a selfish and manipulative douchebag. I can't believe he never took responsibility for those fake charades he did prior to the divorce. Jin Jiayu was excellent in his role because I freaking hated him!
2. Secondary antagonists - The lady baddies were annoying as hell especially the white moonlight. I was shocked when she took advantage of FL's illness.

Favourite scene
When ML comforted FL when she was in pain

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Blazing chemistry between Sheng Yi Jie & Zhao Zhen Dong made me swoon

I watched this drama because of Sheng Yi Jie. This is the first drama of Zhao Zhen Dong that I watched. I enjoyed this melodrama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG this drama has great mix of sweet and spicy. The intimate scenes were hot! It's adorable that they both liked each other from high school but never dated until much later when they've established their careers. Zhao Zhen Dong & Sheng Yi Jie made a lovely couple, it wish it was real.
2. FL characterisation - She was ambitious and smart I liked it. After watching 5 of her dramas, this is my favourite role of hers.
3. ML characterisation - ML was sweet & protective. I liked his cheeky side. I became an instant fan of Zhao Zhen Dong.
4. Styling - Both FL & ML styling were top notch. I liked ML's hair in the first scene when he was a high schooler than his hair when he was an adult. The wedding dress was gorgeous.
5. Supporting characters - Parents on both sides were great. I also liked FL's uni rival turned friend and ML's female colleague.

What I disliked:
1. Obstacles - The writer put in too many obstacles for FL to tackle. So many people were envious of her and it seemed like she needed rescue from ML though it was not her fault. Wish writer had given ML an obstacle to tackle so we could see his character grow.
2. Antagonist - The green tea at FL's first company was incompetent but somehow managed to stay employed. I was irritated.

Favourite scene
When ML went to help FL with her wedding dress

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Great story about rebirth, gaming and family

I watched this drama because of Ma Qian Qian. I love her acting in Love Quietly Arrives, in which she starred alongside Sun Yue. I was unfamiliar with Wen Li. This drama was different from my expectation but overall I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she does not rely on ML to save herself from a bad situation. It's good to see Ma Qian Qian playing a quieter, more serious role.
2. ML characterisation - ML is a total gentleman. He had one of the best lines in this drama! I also liked it that he was a gamer. I enjoyed Wen Li's acting and to be honest, was surprised that he had only a few credits.
3. Romance - It's wonderful to see both of them going on dates. The jiejie scene was too adorable! Both were devoted to each other. They regularly talk to each other too.
4. Reborn arc - Refreshing take on this arc. Good that she confided in someone about her circumstance.
5. Styling - The grey dress that she tried on at a boutique was so gorgeous.
6. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie, ML's gaming manager/mentor and ML's gamer colleagues/buddies. FL's parents were excellent parents who always support their daughter - it's refreshing.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Good thing FL got away from her nasty ex.

Favourite scene
When they went on a date and shopped for formal clothes

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Well written story about vengeance, kickass FL & shy ML

My story starts with Cao Tian Kai. I didn't enjoy the first drama of his that I watched but I was intrigued by his acting & visual. I watched this drama on 28 December 2024. I enjoyed this drama immensely and watch it on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart, scheming & witty. She was not easily intimidated. What's not to love about her! Excellently portrayed by Luo Yaxi.
2. ML characterisation - I was giddy watching Cao Tian Kai playing a shy guy who pretended to be sick to get out of family dispute. His shirtless scene was glorious! I also liked the pop idol hairstyle as it makes Cao Tian Kai more youthful.
3. Romance - I enjoyed watching their relationship progress from married strangers to allies / friends then lovers. Their first make out session was hot! The morning after was surprisingly sweet & witty! The marks on his face... *giggles*
4. Vengeance arc - Strategically planned & well executed.
5. Supporting characters - ML's grandpa was cool! His assistant was great too for being in cahoots with grandpa.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Dislike them for being greedy.

Favourite scene
When FL coaxed ML after being rough on him earlier

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Once green tea entered the picture, the drama went downhill

I am already jealous that Jia Yi Xuan kissed Zhen Zi Qi in multiple dramas. Now she got to kiss Huang Bo?!! Hahaha I enjoyed Jia Yj Xuan & Huang Bo's acting so I was intrigued by this collaboration.

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - It was nice to see Huang Bo in a character that is less intense. Nice, besotted ML.
2. Jia Yi Xuan - Introductory scene was amusing. Jia Yi Xuan excelled in playing bumbling girl.
3. Supporting characters - I liked FL's bestie & ML's father. SML was pretty easy on the eyes but his character was a douchebag.

What I disliked:
1. Third act - Once the green tea started to come into the picture, the drama became unpleasant to me. Such a mess!
2. ML characterisation - WHY did ML think that approach to protect FL is a good idea? I thought ML would be scumbag-free but I was wrong. I would be pissed off & unforgiving if I were the FL.
3. Romance - While there were some good kisses, I didn't feel much emotional depth in their relationship especially from FL.

Favourite scene
The introductory scene

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Great acting & dialogue on relationship won me over!

There are plenty of vertical dramas with many remakes and adaptations. I have decided to watch this type of dramas - at least 3 different versions so I can make comparison. For this set of 'Selling eggs' drama, I have watched 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze' starring Du Ya Fei & Yang Shu Yu. I enjoyed that version and got excited to watch this version. I was pleasantly surprised by this version!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin was very different from Du Ya Fei's Dr Shi Lin. The ML here was patient, respectful & sensitive. I loved Huang Bo's portrayal of the character because of his soft facial expressions.
2. FL characterisation - Lin Mian was not a damsel in distress as she made a lot of effort to solve her problems. While there were instances that I disagree with her decision making, those decisions was part of her build. She was young & poor. This is my first drama of Fan Di Yu & I was impressed by her acting. She's got range!
3. Romance - I liked how FL-ML relationship progressed from debtor-creditor to a romantic couple. Unlike the other drama, I could sense this FL's growing attraction towards ML. Even though ML was more expressive with his feelings, both of them had clear communications about their relationship. There were some nice kisses (kisses could be hotter if director filmed the scenes longer or changed the angle).
4. Supporting characters - Now the SML & SFL in this version had more substantial back story compared to 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze'. Both were sinister and I was shocked!

What I disliked:
1. Poster - Damn the poster was misleading. Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin gave me a serial killer vibe that I immediately watched the theme song of American tv show Dexter prior to watching this drama.
2. Colour grading - I think the production value (especially the set design & props) was good enough. However I wish the drama was colour corrected because the current setting was dull & might deter people from viewing.

Favourite scene
When FL asked from ML for a loan equivalent to FL's assumed worth

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