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  • Join Date: June 21, 2024

emberzmars

Malaysia

emberzmars

Malaysia
Completed
The Killer Is Also Romantic
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 1, 2024
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Rival secret agents with sizzling chemistry

This is the fourth mini drama directed by Zeng Qing Jie that I watched and I enjoyed it immensely.

What I like
1. Romance - Wow, Yang Ze and Smile Hu's chemistry translated well on screen. It's evident whenever they were kissing, having a playful banter or expressing their feelings for the other.
2. Yang Ze's acting - I've watched him in Destined to Meet You and I must say I love him in this role so much more because Yan Wu Ming is a better written character. Yang Ze played this character with depth and vulnerability. I like that he is a secret agent but with a kind/boyish face.
3. Smile Hu's acting - brilliantly cast. She looks tall and athletic therefore believable as a secret agent/assasin but with grace and poise. She also demonstrated vulnerability quite well.
4. Costumes - Lord Yan and Xiao Nian wore beautiful clothes. I love Lord Yan's black work outfit, tailored robe in final episodes, Xiao Nian's red work outfit and pink robe. The fox mask is also pretty.
5. Writing - Male and female main characters were well-written. I like the inject of humour at the start though at times seem too much (I think because of the music).
6. Directing - Beautifully shot especially fight sequences.
7. Duration and length - Perfect for bingeing.

What I dislike
1. Villain - I think the villain character was underdeveloped.

Favourite scene
The duel between Yan Wu Ming and Si Xiao Nian. Beautifully choreographed fighting scene that was perfectly captured on screen.

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Completed
Love Is Phantom
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

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!

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Completed
Butterflied Lover
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2024
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Sweet love story

This series was recommended on reddit for its story & romance scene. I enjoy it & would say that it's one of the few good mini series.

What I like
1. Romance - I love it when male lead is attuned to female lead's needs and always prioritise her first. Love the scenes when he did housework. They are quite affectionate with each other. I also like second lead romance though I wish there were more scenes focusing on their growing romance.
2. Butterfly slave plot - Fascinating though I wish the writers had not gotten rid of it so viewers can see how characters accept the condition and become more empathetic.
3. Rain Lu - great acting. She conveyed various emotions well from innocence, delight to upset and disappointment.
4. Length & duration - I don't fancy historical drama but I like this series because it's short & concise.
5. Cameo - I like cameos from The Killer is also Romantic. Already have it in my watch list so I am going to watch that series next after completing this review.

What I dislike
1. The 3rd act - I feel it is too rushed especially the last 3 episodes. I'd like to know more about Lord Wu'an struggles.
2. Flashbacks - I know it's important as viewers got to learn about how Chengfeng & Qianyue's relationship developed but those episodes did not excite me.
3. Chemistry - There are many romantic scenes between 2 main leads but I don't feel much sexual chemistry coming from the actors.

Favourite scene
When Qianyue appeared as butterfly slave to Princess Baozhu. Beautifully shot & highly suspenseful.

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Completed
Emergency Couple
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 29, 2024
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

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.

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Completed
Destined to Meet You
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 22, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

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.

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Completed
Maid's Revenge
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 22, 2024
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.5
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

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!

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Dropped 8/16
My Demon
3 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2024
8 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 5
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
This review may contain spoilers

Letdown by this supernatural-romance series

I love supernatural series such as Lucifer, Angel, Buffy, iZombie so I had high hopes on 'My Demon'. This series felt like a Korean version of Twilight. So much potential not explored, I decided to drop this series halfway through.

What I like
1. The song by NewJeans
2. Do Do Hee's fashion
3. Episode 1 was beautifully shot.
4. Park Bok Kyu & Ms Shin's banter

What I dislike
1. Do Do Hee's characterisation - I want to scream out my frustrations. The character is written like a Harlequin romance novel from the 90s. She started off as a clear-headed, no-nonsense CEO but episode 2 onwards, she became easily distracted/influenced by Gu-Won. Wish she struck partnership with Gu-Won like a business deal - weigh the cost of benefits and risks. Negotiate a protection and a marriage deal that benefits you too - I don't like that Gu-Won dictated the terms and Do Hee easily agreed.
2. Gu-Won's characterisation - I don't like Jeong Gu-Won. I expected cockiness but his arrogance, solemn & cold demeanour irked me. I wish he enjoyed his demonic responsibility and had cheeky personality like Lucifer.
3. Too much push in the romance angle too. Not enough supernatural moments.
4. Ga Young's clinginess annoyed me.
5. Slapstick comedy is fine for some episodes but get tiresome after awhile.
6. Song Kang's acting - I feel that he's miscast in this series. I'd like to see Woo Do Hwan as Gu-Won because he was mighty fine in Divine Fury and he'd be up against Lee Sang Yi's character to win over Do Hee's heart.
7. Reincarnation/past lives trope - I am tired of this trope since it's also used in other dramas released around same time such as The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, Moon in the Day.

Favourite scene
When Do Hee first met Gu-Won. The cake!

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Dropped 10/16
Marriage, Not Dating
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 10, 2024
10 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 4.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 2.0
This review may contain spoilers

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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Dropped 24/41
Find Yourself
0 people found this review helpful
20 days ago
24 of 41 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 5.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

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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Completed
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
0 people found this review helpful
13 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Coming of age tale that looks into perception of beauty, self-worth & finding love

I watched this series in December 2023 during year end break. A hilarious clip that featured the water splash scene led to me watch this series. I expected a light, fluffy tale of college romance but oh boy, I was shocked. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a coming of age tale that tackles issues such as perception of beauty, self-worth and finding love.

What I liked:
1) Friendship - This drama shows the start of a friendship between Kim Bok Joo and Joon Jung Hyeong in first 2 episodes. I like how the series show the growth of their relationship from friends to best friends then lovers. When one was facing hardships, the other person was there for him/her. A true friend.
2) The romance - Because we see the grow in their friendship, the change of their relationship trajectory, from friends to lovers, was believable. I like that after ML realised that he had feelings for Bok Joo, he acknowledged them and took action.
3) Perception of beauty - I love this drama for showing the perception of beauty and for featuring a female lead in an unconvetional setting. She is a weightlifter & was raised by a single father so some perceived her femininity as "lacking". That scene when her crush (Jung Jae Yi) saw her in her "least feminine" form truly broke my heart. I couldn't stop crying because I felt her anguish.
4) Sports - I love watching massive sports events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup and always fascinated with sports drama. I love that this series was set in a sports university and as vieweres, we were exposed to several sports discipline such as weightlifting, swimming, artistic gymnastics. I also appreciate that this drama demonstrated performance slump and post-tournament depression.
5) Writing - This is one of the best written tv series I have watched. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong experience tremendous character growth in this series.
6) Acting - Brilliant acting by Lee Sung Kyung & Nam Joo Hyuk. This drama is the first work of them that I have watched. Definitely keen to watch their other work.

What I disliked:
1) Selfishness - I find Bok Joo's best friends were selfish at times. They were self-absorbed with their own feelings that they could not see that Bok-Joo was actually suffering mental block.
2) Fat-shaming - Joon Hyeong fat-shaming Bok Joo at the start of the series is not cool.

Favourite scene
When Jung Jae Yi saw Bok Joo weightlifting

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Completed
Strong Girl Namsoon
0 people found this review helpful
19 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

I enjoyed this series despite its flaws

Never planned to watch Strong Girl Nam-soon but yourdramachingu's clip on YouTube convinced me to give this series a go. I watched Strong Woman Do Bong Soon after this series so I had no expectation of Strong Girl Nam-soon. I see a lot of negative reviews for this series before writing this review. Here are my thoughts.

What I liked:
1) Family - This is the central theme of the show, which sets this series apart from its prequel. The FL had different upbringing because she went missing when she was a child but lucky for her, her adoptive parents were kind people whom raised her well. I also liked that Hwang Geum Joo felt secure of her role as biological mother of Namsoon. That scene when she brought Namsoon's adoptive mother to meet Namsoon was really touching - I cried.
2) The romance - I enjoyed watching the relationship of Namsoon and Kang Hee Shik. They got off the wrong foot the first time they met but later they became allies and eventually lovers. Despite Namsoon's childlike mannerisms at the start of the series, she didn't act like a child or played coy when it comes to romantic relationship. I like her take charge behaviour!
3) Kang Hee Shik - I like his character and as a romantic interest, I am more team Hee Shik. This is my first time watching Ong Seung Wu's drama. I think he did well in his role.
4) Homeless friends - I like both Ji Hyun Soo and Teacher No because of their kindness towards Namsoon when she was struggling in her environment. They also had story arcs.
5) Byeon Woo-seok - His visuals are insane, his high cheekbones and height amazes me. He is very handsome with that styling.
6) Music - I like Itzy's song for this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Comedy - There are too many slapstick comedy scenes in this series. I think this drama would rate better if the writer had focused more on the origin/genetic side of superstrength power in the format of drama rather than the use of the superstrength power in the format of comedy.
2) Characterisation of main female characters - There was so much potential with the developments of side characters such as Hwang Geum Joo, Gil Joong Gan but then they became bland. A lot people were turned off by Namsoon's characteristics which is the writer's fault. Perhaps the writer wanted Namsoon to exhibit similar characteristics as Bong Soon (childlike) but I think this is the wrong move because it led stronger comparisons and harsher comments.
3) Gil Joong Gan's love story - I don't have problem watching a love story of aged individuals. However given that this series focused too much on comedy, the love story of FL's grandma did not add any value to this series. Well other than creating suspicion of that guy's intentions.
4) Hwang Geum Joo - I hate that she fat-shamed her son. It was obvious that she favoured Namsoon because Namsoon was welcomed with open arms. Good thing Kang Nam In didn't harbour any negative feelings towards his twin sister. I also disliked the way Geum Joo treated her husband and brother.
5) Ryu Shi Oh - He's a clear cut baddie from the start but there was too much screen time for his character that people romanticised him. He did not fall in love with Namsoon, he was obsessed with her powers which is a total red flag. He has a fitting ending.

Favourite scene
When Hwang Geum Joo reunited Namsoon and her adoptive mother

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Completed
First Choice
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 20, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

Live action Mills & Boon story done right!

I used to read Mills & Boon books and this story is quite familiar. A second chance romance of a separated couple and the male lead doesn't know that he has a child with his ex partner. I came across this series while browsing Mango TV short plays on YouTube. The synopsis peaked my interest so I bookmarked it and yesterday, binged on the series. I VERY MUCH LOVE THIS MINI DRAMA!

What I liked:
1. Bai Luoan characterisation - She is one of my favourite female leads! She is independent, intelligent and firm with her stance and principles. I like that she insisted to Huo Ling and Chen Wen Shi that she did not need their help to solve her problems. She is also kind as seen in her actions towards Chen Wen Shi, Mrs Huo, Huo Wei - it's great that Min Yan recognised her kindness.
2. The romance - When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling are in sync, you see true partnership in sickness and in health. Mature relationship. Damn, the kisses are hot! I also enjoy the tender moments between Bai Luoan and Huo Ling for example when they discussed having children and the proposals. I also liked how they handled the "morning after" - I like Bai Luoan's view on it!
3. The editing - It's interesting that this series starts with a conflict scene. I thought the male lead was the villain - a handsome one - and he was so despicable in the earlier episodes.
4. Acting - I was impressed by Wang Xing Wei's acting because he was great in portraying different sides of Huo Ling: sulky ex-partner, tender lover, no-nonsense businessman and a family man. Wang Zi Jia was amazing in her portrayal of Bai Luoan.
5. The ending - It's rare to get a final episode that is filled with happy moments. The last two minutes were very sweet and meaningful!
6. The writing - The plot is not new but the execution was done well. My favourite quote "I thought you were in the dark. Only then we can understand better. Light a lamp for others as you move forward." I sense the overall theme of this mini series is forgiveness. I like how the antagonists are handled.

What I disliked:
1. Huo Ling's lack of apology - I wish there was a scene of Huo Ling grovelling to Bai Luoan for the horrendous breakup and despicable actions 5 years later towards her.
2. Harm to Zhao Zhao - Pity that she was in stressful situations.

Favourite scene
When Bai Luoan and Huo Ling finally reconciled and kissed. I can see/sense desire and love in them.

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Completed
Kahogo no Kahoko
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 30, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

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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Completed
Bright Eyes in the Dark
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 16, 2024
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Gripping drama on firefighting with great romance story

I was drawn to this drama because of Zhang Jing Yi and firefighting storyline. I was surprised that this series is ranked lower than other mystery romance that I watched but had stale etoryline. Perhaps some viewers dislike the ending - I can accept the ending being left open to interpretation because otherwise a happily ever after would seem at odds with the overall vibe of this gritty, slice of life drama.

What I like:
1) Firefighting - Wow, great firefighting scenarios featured in this series, from simple straightforward fire in a building to the more complex ones e.g. forest fires and explosion at a plant. There was even disaster relieft effort after an earthquake scenario. I also like that one of the characters is a structural engineer as I never thought firefighting could be a career pathway for structural engineering student. I also enjoyed the fire safety tips at the end of each episode.
2) Lin Lu Xiao characterisation - Lin Lu Xiao is a level-headed leader and even at a higher position, he strives to improve himself as a firefighter. Lu Xiao as a boyfriend is fun to watch too. Bright eyes in the dark is the first series of Johnny Huang's work that I watched and I enjoyed his performance.
3) Nan Chu characterisation - It's delightful to see a smart and capable Female Lead who pursues her passions and the man she is interested in. She is wise beyong her age and no wonder Lu Xiao and Jing Ge were attracted to her. I like that she considers the pros and cons of being in a relationship with a firefighter because then it isn't hero worship.
This is the second series of Zhang Jing Yi's work that I watched (first series being Lighter and Princess) and I must admit that Zhang Jing Yi continues to impress me with her performance.
4) Romance - The romantic scenes were sweet and intimate. I love that Nan Chu and Lin Lu Xiao kiss, hug, hold hands and comfort each other a lot. I love that Nan Chu initiated most kisses - you go girl! It's also good to watch scenes of fading romance as portrayed by Qi Lei and Milan. Painful but that's the reality of relationships that are not frequently nurtured.
5) Supporting characters - They were fun to watch from firemen Instructor Yang, Assistant Liu, Qi Lei to people in the industry such as Jing Ge, Xi Gu, Shen Guang Zong. Kudos to Lu Si Yu for that brilliant acting performance. I felt his character's heartache and pain.
6) Camaraderie - Strongly seen in firefighting community. There were some comedic moments when all firemen gang up against one for example when they found out that Lin Lu Xiao was going on a date!

What I dislike:
1) Nan Chu's mum - I don't like that she was distant to her child and even lied about Nan Chu's father. Nan Chu's reaction was milder than what I expected. Perhaps the tv series is just following the novel that is based upon.
2) Ran Dong Yang and Xu Zhi Yi - They are despicable people. Glad that they got punished in the end.
3) Qi Huo's secret - Fang should apologise for outing Qi Huo.

Favourite scene:
Xi Gu's present for Nan Chu at their new apartment. I gush a lot during that scene. Xi Gu's a total bestie!

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Completed
Embrace in the Dark Night
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 26, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

Stilted is best word to describe this mini drama

I watched this minidrama after heavy promotion on Youtube especially that bold trailer. If someone asks me to describe this drama in one word, I'd say 'stilted' is apt. Stilted acting, stilted character growth, stilted romance, stilted plot.

What I liked:
1) Qiao Fei characterisation - She is one of two characters that I like in this mini drama. Despite having less screen time, actress Zhang Ya Meng managed to give life to what could be a 2-dimensional character. I like her take charge nature, which is contrast to Female Lead Wen Xi.
2) Ren characterisation - He is the other character that I like in this mini drama, ever since his first appearance in the women's boutique. He is resourceful assistant to Male Lead Zhe Qing but he is his own person.
3) Qiao Fei - Ren romance - I prefer their romance to Zhe Qing-Wen Xi romance. Better chemistry & execution of their love story. It's cute that Ren felt challenged by Qiao Fei's remark of not dating younger men.

What I disliked:
1) Wen Xi characterisation - Gosh another damsel in distress. It's good that she came out of the "helpless girl shell" after her sister's accident. However her way of solving her sister's accident wasn't smart. She should have partnered up or "used" Zhe Qing.
2) Zhe Qing-Wen Xi romance - Gosh I cannot stand the manhandling! Some may find Zhe Qin's aggressiveness as hot but to me, it's just wrong. His moves were unnatural and stiff to the point of assault. Even most of kissing scenes were hard to watch because there were too much push factor rather than pull factor in their dynamics. Wen Xi never seemed to enjoy kissing.
3) Plot - just messy. I don't understand why Wen Xi was kidnapped in the first place. She was a nobody. Wen Hao's situations (being a whistleblower and having a secret romance) made this drama interesting but they became lost momentum once Wen Xi's romance developed and the villain had more screen time.

Favourite scene
When Wen Xi was drunk and Zhe Qing wanted to confirm her identity. What a smart way to validate your suspicion!

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