emberzmars

Coherent storytelling and good acting but I didn't like ML nor the romance

There was a lot of talk about this drama on subreddit CShortDramas when it was fresh release. Mostly because of its screenplay and "vulgar" scene. I never watched The Prisoner of Beauty but I got curious and decided to watch it. Too bad I didn't enjoy it.

What I liked:
1. Storytelling - Historical dramas in vertical format tend to be messy but to my surprise, the storytelling here was coherent and concise. I felt like watching a movie with good flow and without fillers.
2. Acting - Great performances by Yue Yu Ting and Cesar Wu. FL is a standard character trapped in marriage alliance done to save her family. YYT managed to showcase FL's vulnerability without being cloying. Cesar managed to show different sides of his character: stern lord, confused husband, tender lover.
3. Styling - Beautiful clothes worn by FL & ML & the rest of the cast.
4. Intimacy - Strong physical intimacy - that bath scene alone was provocative. Lust & desire were evident.

What I disliked:
1. Distrust - The amount of distrust in this drama was unbelievable. Even with 20 minutes to the end, FL & ML were at odds with each other.
2. ML characterisation - He was polarising! He loved her but still didn't believe in her. I'd say he is the main antagonist in this drama.
3. Romance - With trust being the main issue, I never believed their romance. There was no emotional intimacy between them.
4. Antagonists - ML's childhood friend, cousin and mother were horrible people.

Favourite scene
Bath scene

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Story of rebirth and hidden identities with great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long

I added missing dramas to Xue Zi Qi's profile months ago and when I gathered info for this drama, I saw glowing comments on Douban and Weibo. Thank gawd I have paid subscription to iQIYI. I watched it 2 weeks ago and wow, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She reminded me of Mulan because of her disguise and military training. She was smart, ferocious and independent - I liked those qualities in a FL.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he too had his own battle to overcome. He was smart and observant. I liked that he protected FL once he figured out her secret identity.
3. Reborn trope - Two characters were reborn in this drama. Both of them took different path so it was fascinating to watch.
4. Acting - Great performances by Xue Zi Qi and Liu Yi Long. I liked seeing Xue Zi Qi in dual identities. I also liked the chemistry between them.
5. Dynamic - I enjoyed watching the dynamic between FL and ML in the various personas that they put on. She was compassionate with the Prince but cautious with mysterious masked fighter. There was push & pull between them and they did consummate their marriage but their romance was blossoming slowly.
6. Action - I enjoyed the fighting sequences. They were a delight to watch and Xue Zi Qi looked extremely cool fighting the bad guys. Liu Yi Lon was great too.
7. Styling - I liked the contrasting outfits for FL and ML.
8. Ending - I liked it even though it was a cliffhanger. It was cheeky. Please let there be part 2!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's family were atrocious - they forced her to take on her brother's place and serve in the military. I disliked how her female elders treated her. FL's husband in the previous life was another horrible person. ML's brother was another character I disliked.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML consummated their marriage

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Both FL & ML out for revenge and later got into a partnership. Great performance by Liu Xiao Xu

I was in the mood for a short vertical drama (60 episodes or less) so I opened my iQIYI app and saw this title. Liu Xiao Xu has become popular in subreddit CShortDramas so I decided 'Let's watch this LXX drama'. I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - It was fantastic to see both FL & ML enacting revenge for different reasons: FL witnessed her parents being killed by her father's colleague whereas ML believed that there was a conspiracy behind his sister's death. I liked that they knew of each others' targets around 60% mark of the drama and worked together to bring those perpetrators down.
2. FL characterisation - She was assigned to marry a family friend by her adoptive father. I liked her strategy of luring ML into her plans to get out of the marriage & use his resources for her revenge plans. She was guarded with her feelings, which was understandable since her parents were killed but I liked seeing the change in her expressions of feelings.
3. ML characterisation - He was mysterious but once his revenge plan was unveiled to the audience, wow I became more fascinated in his character. Tactical but compassionate towards FL.
4. Romance - Their first intimate encounter seemed coerced so I didn't like it. They got into a marriage of convenience but it was easy to see that ML was genuinely interested in a romantic relationship with his wife. There were some kisses, not steamy but plenty of affectionate moments.
5. Supporting characters - FL's bestie was awesome. I loved that she secretly rooted for FL - ML romantic relationship. FL's sister had an interesting character development - she was unlikeable at the start but I liked her at the end of the drama.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL & ML. FL got the sexy, mature woman vibe. I chuckled when I saw ML in an ensemble of black pleather jacket + white shirt + black tie + black pants. I wrote a reddit post about this ensemble 5 days before I watched this drama.
7. Acting - Liu Xiao Xu was fantastic in his role. Hu Dong Qing was alright although I wished she had expressed more emotions when her true intentions were unveiled to ML and when FL had real affections for ML (her facial expressions at the start and the end of her game plan were the same).

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Damn Lin Jiayao was malicious! He even threatened FL with a poisonous drug that required maintenance to avoid withdrawal / harm. Chen Guo Ming was another evil b@st@rd. Both were driven by greed for power and money.

Favourite scene
When FL's bestie made eye contact with ML then left their house

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Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama

There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.

Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment

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Letdown by writing & Yang Shu Yu's acting

I was intrigued by this title after seeing a review on subreddit CShortDramas a few days ago. I didn't read the review in order to avoid spoilers. Last night I decided to watch the drama on iQIYI and hhhhmmm it was so-so. Intriguing start but second act onwards was boring for me.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Liu Yu Hang was excellent as he got to play two distinct characters. It was fun to watch the contrasting personalities.
2. Secret - I liked that both FL & ML knew about the twin switch by episode 11. I also liked that FL caught her boyfriend cheating on her in episode 20.
3. Lu Jingran - Silly, spoilt brat. He provided the comic relief.
4. Romance - There were good kisses & sweet and tender moments.
5. Styling - FL wore beautiful clothes. I loved the yellow canary dress. Her very high heels were pretty too. I also liked the contrasting styles for the twins.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song Qing An was a sick bastard & FL's mother was an accomplice. ML's father was an abusive & controlling father. I also disliked the betrothed fiancee to ML - she was delusional.
2. FL characterisation - I found her bland & at times infuriating. It was nice that writer gave her a career which she kept a secret from her family but she was backed up by secret investor (ML) so I don't think her success was attributed to her own capabilities. I disliked her for leaving ML without a proper discussion on their relationship.
3. Yang Shu Yu - Her dramatic acting was one-note. She should be in agony after finding out the truth about her father's death.
4. Chemistry - No chemistry between Yang Shu Yu & Liu Yu Hang.

Favourite scene
When Lu Jing Ran discovered FL & ML's relationship

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Disappointed by this drama despite the acting & spicy scenes

I decided to watch this drama yesterday to find a specific moment for a reddit post. This is my second drama of Cao Sai Ya and of course I am familiar with Cao Tian Kai and his body of work. This drama is ok - well, I expected more.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by 3 leads. Cao Sai Ya had good chemistry with Cao Tian Kai and actor who played the antagonist.
2. Intimacy - Sexual tension between FL & ML was high. Passionate kisses and physical intimacy were plenty. CTK's abs on display more than once.
3. Styling - Impeccable styling for both FL & ML. Her heels were very high - I guess she must be tiny & petite. I like the contrasting styling for the two sisters.
4. Supporting characters - I liked ML's right hand man.
5. Ending - I liked it because it was realistic.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Shen Ji Bai was a psychopath. He was cruel, sinister & possessive.
2. Writing - I felt the arc involving FL and antagonist too draggy. I knew he was evil in the first scene involving him and the twins but later there were plenty of torture scenes. It felt like FL didn't have concrete plans to rescue her sister. I wish she just approached ML for help and worked together on a plan. I also disliked that FL's identity was kept secret from ML for too long.
3. Romance - There was no emotional connection between FL and ML so I didn't believe in their love story.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML had grilled skewers for their date

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Romantic suspense that exceeded my expectations. Great acting, kisses and badassery

I knew of this drama when it was first released but never felt like watching it until today. I only recently watched & enjoyed Bai Xue Ru's acting. I was apprehensive with this drama at first because cop romantic suspense vertical dramas I watched were disappointing but not this one. Hunting Love exceeded my expectations.

Trigger warning: Violence

What I liked:
1. Acting - I loved the performances by both Bai Xue Ru and Ma Xiao Yu because they matched each other's acting prowess and intensity. Their emotional scenes had depth.
2. Writing - I was worried that this was going to be one of those "I can save a baddie / turn a baddie into a good person" but thankfully it wasn't. I really liked the plot twists.
3. Romance - Their kisses were passionate and fiery. Even though I knew FL shouldn't give into ML's taunts & charms, I still wanted them to kiss. There was good push & pull dynamics between them and later on, we could see that ML truly loved FL despite the betrayal.
4. Action - I had seen Ma Xiao Yu in fight scenes but damn Bai Xue Ru was fantastic in her action scenes. Definitely believable as an undercover agent. Both of them were badass!
5. Styling - I liked MXY's hairstyle & outfits for this drama. Good outfits were selected for BXR (loved the green dress) but that dress in the final scene wasn't nice.
6. Flashbacks - I usually questioned the use of many flashbacks but for this drama it was justifiable because I could see stark contrast between past and present and also felt FL's hatred for her parents' killer.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - There were 2 of them: ML's father and SML. I wish there were more scenes of ML's father and his atrocious crimes instead of being told he was an evil mastermind. I am still unclear about SML's motivation for his manipulation.
2. Aggression - I didn't like ML's aggressiveness towards FL. The chokehold seemed to be MXY's signature move.

Favourite scene
When FL was challenged to kiss a grumpy ML

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Marriage of convenience with great amount of spice, sweetness & emotional connection!

I came across this drama via subreddit CShortDramas. A member there wrote a glowing review of it so my interest was piqued. I wasn't familiar with the leads but upon checking I realised I had seen He Yi Ting before, in Zhang Shan - Cao Tian Kai first collab drama. I liked her in that drama. Anyway I enjoyed this drama a lot!

What I liked:
1. Romance - Damn, their first intimate encounter was 🔥 and the morning after was even hotter. It was obvious that ML was into FL from that scene. I enjoyed watching their multilayered relationship: boss-employee, husband-wife, secret couple. I was moved when FL admitted to liking ML - I wish ML had openly confessed to FL about his love for her.
2. Acting - Great performances by both leads and the actresses who played ML's grandma and FL's mother. I could see hands of ML's grandma trembled when she got the shocking news. I almost shed a tear. Also well done to actress who FL's mother for having a "meek" exterior but selfish and nasty personality.
3. Styling - I really liked the outfits for FL and ML. Thank you for not giving the conventional CEO outfits.
4. Main characters - Both of them were likeable. I liked FL because she stood up for herself when bullied. I understood her reason for wanting their marriage to be kept a secret. I liked ML too because he was exuded a cool, calm personality. His sulking moments cracked me up - it was endearing.
5. Supporting characters - I loved ML's grandma because she was wise & empathetic. I also liked FL's two close colleagues and ML's assistant. I didn't like Zhou Chen's persistence because it was harassment but he grew on me.
6. Storytelling - This drama covers tropes such as marriage of convenience, secret relationship, office romance. Plot wise nothing new but I enjoyed how the story progressed and concluded.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - I must say the biggest antagonist to me is FL's mother. She gave birth to her but was too gullible and stupid to listen to her husband and stepdaughter. Both of them were nasty. Bai Xin Xin is another typical antagonist - a delusional character who couldn't accept No.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML that she had started to like him

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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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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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Tragic romance due to class difference but there is happy ending

I became a fan of Chen Tian Xiang after watching his modern romance drama with Chen Yu Ling. I also enjoy Yue Yu Ting's acting. I decided to watch this drama yesterday and wow, I liked it a lot!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I liked that she stood by her principles and wanted people to respect her. Never settle as a concubine / mistress.
2. Romance - It was tragic because of status / class difference. At first FL seemed like a plaything to ML but there were actual feelings involved. Their kisses were hot and passionate and there were also sweet & tender moments.
3. ML characterisation - I perceived him as an anti-hero because of the secret affair between him and FL. He loved FL but couldn't openly show his affections because of societal pressure. I liked that he was protective of FL.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was an unofficial confidant. He gave acceptable advice when ML was irrational. I also liked FL's servant for her loyalty.
5. Styling - Chen Tian Xiang looked regal / noble in this period drama. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful in her hanfu.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Su Fang Fei was atrocious & cunning. I also disliked FL's aunt & cousin.
2. ML's actions - I didn't like that he staged an assassination attempt on himself to gain FL's sympathy.
3. FL's career - I wish there were episodes on FL's career as a healer. I found the ending too abrupt because we were told, not shown, of her career success.

Favourite scene
When ML rescued FL from kidnappers

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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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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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I loved the dynamics between ML & his sisters

I was in the mood for Qian Zhe drama and unplanned pregnancy is one of my favourite tropes so I clicked Play. Overall I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is smart & hardworking and I understand why she was hesitant to accept ML's pursuit. Wang Yi Yang was wonderful in this role.
2. Siblings - One thing that stands out in this drama is the sibling dynamics. There are plenty of vertical dramas which main character has brothers. So it's refreshing to see sisters and as family members to ML. The oldest was the smart leader, middle sister was tough chick while youngest was playful entertainer. I enjoyed watching their support for FL.
3. Supporting characters - ML's mother was nice.
4. Rivalry - I enjoyed watching the sales competition between FL and antagonist.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - Unfortunately the romance in this drama is lacking. Even though ML liked FL for who she is and not because of the baby, he was too cool & distant. FL seemed inhibited too so I found it awkward because Qian Zhe & Wang Yi Yang have great chemistry.
2. Antagonist - She was envious of FL and always felt the need to compete. The public shaming was a step too far.

Favourite scene
When ML's sisters came to back up FL

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