emberzmars

Finally a Yao Guan Yu performance that I love. Great chemistry & fabulous wardrobe

I like Yao Guan Yu's face card but his dramas can be hit or miss for me. I could never find a drama that I truly enjoy both his acting & chemistry with leading lady. Now Undercover Affair is one of my favourite mini dramas so I was pleasantly surprised that Han Le Yao has started vertical dramas. Oh, it's funny that when I started watching vertical dramas I thought Yao Guan Yu gave the same vibe as Leo Yang. Anyway I watched She's Fiercer than Gunfire last weekend and wow, I enjoyed it immensely. I finally found a Yao Guan Yu drama that I enjoy!

What I liked:
1. Styling - Yao Guan Yu looked utterly fabulous in floral, bright outfits. Great wardrobe too for FL and ML's right hand man.
2. Romance - Great push & pull dynamics and done in various scenes. I loved their kisses - fiery!
3. FL character - One of the characters with most growth I've seen in vertical dramas. She went from a desperate nobody to confident queen.
4. ML character - Cool, calm & collected. Confident leader.
5. Acting - My favourite Yao Guan Yu performance. Delighted to hear his real voice. Han Le Yao gave a superb performance too as she was able to portray 2 different people.
6. Training - It was fun to watch FL going for various training to impersonate ML's stepmother. I enjoyed the weapons training and the stakeholder meeting preparation.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's rival was shameless. I also disliked ML's stepmother.

Favourite scene
When FL joined the stakeholder meeting chaired by ML

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Romantic version of 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot with great acting

I was in the mood for vertical dramas with 'I Marry My Ex's Father' plot. I already watched Zhao Ting Yi - Deng Ling Shu - Li Yu Tong version whch I had mixed feelings. I was curious how this version would fare and surprisingly I liked this version so much more than the other version.

What I Liked:
1. Romance - Spicy opening scene. I liked that there are scenes of relationship cultivation with kisses, hand holding, face caress.
2. Acting - I really enjoyed the performances by the three leads. They had great chemistry - I believed FL had romantic relationship with SML then with a romantic relationship with his father ML.
3. ML characterisation - He was smart in his pursuit for FL - I am referring to breakup between FL & SML. I liked that he was protective & nurturing.
4. FL characterisation - I liked her character growth. She was naive when it came to her relationship but quickly learned that her self-worth was more important.
5. Supporting characters - I giggled whenever ML's assistant had inner thoughts about his boss.
6. Talk about other women - Former work acquaintance of ML tried to sow discord between FL and ML by implying she was too close with ML in the past. FL was sassy in her response to her and her chat with ML and I liked it!
7. The ties - That final conversation between ML, SML and FL was thrilling. SML was arrogant and unapologetic about the crime he committed but when ML disowned him & threatened to return him to his biological family, SML became a coward & apologised profusely. What a power move! I loved that scene.
8. Styling - I liked the changed in style for FL. She looked gorgeous in traditional wedding dress & graceful in her missus clothes. ML looked handsome in his suits.

What I Disliked
1. Antagonists - SML was delusional for thinking FL could forgive and accept him as boyfriend. He was vile for harming his father and stepmother. FL's ex bestie was manipulative - seeing SML as her meal ticket.
2. FL's family - Her aunt & cousin were horrendous. FL's uncle was ok but he got an agenda and I couldn't blame him for wanting a good relationship with his married niece.

Favourite scene
Tea ceremony before the wedding reception

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Handsome men amidst an underwhelming republican drama

I underutilised my wetv subscription so I browsed the catalogue and found this drama. Deng Kai is one of the actors that fascinates me even when he portrays anti-heroes and scumbags.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai - I really liked his acting in this drama especially the vulnerable moments. Episode 17 is my favourite episode. Oh, I was delighted to see him without wig. As Taylor Swift says in her lyrics, "He is tall and handsome as hell".
2. Kisses - Many hot kisses. My favourite is when ML pulled FL towards him so she was on top of him and they kissed passionately.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Liang Xiao, Li Tian and Gao Qi. Zhao De Biao was a surprise - quite a memorable character.
4. Visual - Wow, many handsome actors in this drama: Deng Kai, Ryan Kuo, Liu Bo.

What I disliked:
1. Investigation - I feel that this main plot was not focused enough. This drama is about ML investigating the impostor but all that I remembered is the love triangle.
2. FL characterisation - FL started strong at the start but then became wishy washy once the second act started. She seemed unfocused with her mission and her love life. I found Tan Yan Yan's acting underwhelming.
3. Romance - Apart from the kisses, romance was lacklustre. I felt like she was stringing along both men.
4 Ending - After all the sacrifices SML made, the couple just became like that?

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings and asked FL if she had feelings for him

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Fresh storyline with compelling characters and brilliant acting by Yang Qi Ru and Zhen Zi Qi

I miss Zhen Zi Qi and to my delight, found out about his new drama at reddit. I was ecstatic! This drama uses a time loop trope, which means a main character gets to reset and start a specific day again.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I was impressed by the plot twist and surprises. I couldn't predict where this drama was heading. Oh I also loved one line said by ML - it was about fashion trend. Very clever! I also liked the dialogue about how the choices we make. It's great that writers tried their best in giving arcs to most supporting characters.
2. FL characterisation - This drama is told from her perspective, which is fantastic. We got to see her made rash decisions and learned from them during the first few time loops. OMG, I didn't recognise Yang Qi Ru until I checked her MDL profile. I love My Lady General! She impressed me with her portrayal of a character who got life bombs dropped one after another.
3. ML characterisation - ML is out to seek justice for his parents. I enjoyed seeing the character growth and there were moments of vulnerability. It's great to see Zhen Zi Qi in this role because he's excellent in playing a man plagued by his family's past.
4. Romance - We already know that romance was bound to happen at the start because of Nannan. I liked how FL - ML romance developed - great pacing and believable considering ML's back story. They fell in love because of each other, not because they were following fate. Their intimate scene was beautifully shot as they exuded desire and passion.
5. Supporting characters - I love Nannan. The child actress who played it did a good job. I also liked FL's stepmom. I enjoyed antagonists' arcs as they were well fleshed out.
6. Styling - OMG, Zhen Zi Qi looked really fine with that long hair and rocker outfits. He gave me 'Sungjin of Korean band DAY6' vibe. Yang Qi Ru looked amazing in her outfits too. Her wedding dress is beautiful.

What I disliked:
1. Time loop - I didn't get the part in which the antagonist had & took advantage of the technology. I also thought the prison break scene did not make sense.
2. Ending - It is fine but I wish there were 2 or 3 additional episodes focusing on FL and ML's relationship as a couple.

Favourite scene
When ML taught FL a self-defense move

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Wonderfully written FL, ML and their romance story

I watched this drama during my first month of vertical drama discovery, back on 17 December 2024. I totally forgot about this drama until I watched Wang Kaimu's drama that co-starred Guo Yuxin. I decided to submit this drama as MLD New Title so MDL users can find and enjoy this drama.

What I liked:
1. Intro scene - One of the best because it set the tone and vibe of the drama. I liked ML's response to his assistant regarding the rumour.
2. ML's characterisation - He was mysterious at first but protective of his wife. Liked that he trusted her without any doubts. It's great to see ML that sets clear boundaries with other women.
3. FL's characterisation - Smart and resilient, thanks to her upbringing. She's also protective of her husband. I liked that she knew how to stand up to bullies.
4. Romance - They treated each other with respect even though their relationship was not a love match. They talked about consent! I like their sweet and cute playful banter. He even made breakfast for his wife.

What I disliked:
1. FL's adoptive family - Manipulative.
2. Green tea - Devious and just annoying.

Favourite scene
When ML took care of drunk FL

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Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the brilliant writing and heartfelt acting.

I discovered this drama on Dramazone YouTube channel - the title caught my attention. I had not seen work of Liu Yi Fan and Wang Bing Xiang so I had little expectations. Gosh, I enjoyed this drama tremendously that I submitted this drama as New Title and submitted Liu Yi Fan as New Actress. I watch this drama on repeat till this day.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She's kind-hearted and I love it that she was concerned about the impact of her "past" actions onto ML. I also liked that she never gave her ex another chance once he betrayed her. Liu Yi Fan gave a perfect performance for this role.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he's rational and willing to accept and adapt to his new circumstance. He also has empathy. I was also impressed by Wang Bing Xiang's performance.
3. Romance - Slow burn but so rewarding. I loved when ML comforted FL about her past action that could not be changed. I loved that main couple talked about their feelings. I'd say ML's love language is act of service.
4. Styling - Loved the styling for both ML & FL. I loved the all black ensemble worn by both FL & ML.
5. Writing - Wow wow wow, I was very impressed by the writing / script. It had depth for a fast-pace made-for-phones drama. I cried at least twice.
6. The ending - OMG, I cried! It was so heartfelt.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Wow, FL's ex was a douchebag who did not want to be accountable for his actions. The SFL is annoying with her scheming.

Favourite scene
When FL treated ML's wound

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My favourite vertical drama: tight screenplay, great acting and many steamy kisses!

There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was antagonistic towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version first then looked for and watched versions 1 & 2 after completing this drama. This Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version is the best and my favourite version! "Wen Rou Ye Gu" / "Gentle Wild Bones" is the best written vertical drama I have ever watched! I watch this drama on repeat ever since my first watch on 6 February 2025. Oh, damn the poster is hot and unique!

What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG the start of the drama was blazing hot with sweet and playful moments! They were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama and the best part is that FL also enjoyed and iniated some kisses. ML really loved FL as he always looked for opportunities to kiss her. There were many sweet and tender moments too. My favourite tender moment is when ML comforted FL who was having her period.
2. ML characterisation - ML Jian Yu Chen is an investor at FL Wen Ni's company. Overall he is a greenflag ML with playful side. He is devoted towards Wen Ni and his moments of jealousy was cute to watch. His love language is physical touch and acts of service. This drama is the first time I watched Wang Chen Peng's acting and gosh I was very impressed. He is a great kisser.
3. FL characterisation - FL Wen Ni is a designer or an architect. Out of the 3 versions that I watched, I like this version of Wen Ni the most. She is confident, smart, self-assured and playful during certain private moments with ML unlike the other two versions. She didn't realise that ML had a crush on her until much later in the drama and Wen Ni appreciated Jian Yu Chen's love and vowed to learn to love him (this element was missing in the other 2 versions). This is my third drama of Zhai Xin Ran and this is my favourite as she had more moments to show her acting skills and had sizzling chemistry with Wang Chen Peng.
4. Supporting characters - I love Mr Ning and this drama had the best version (the actor who played Mr Ning is handsome too). I also like Shirley, FL's close colleague. She and another female colleague were always intrigued by FL-ML dynamics. This version also has better arc for FL's parents. Overall this drama utilised the supporting characters very well and this is very rare in micro and mini dramaland.
5. Antagonists - Surprisingly this drama doesn't have conventional antagonists. FL & ML's supposed exes wanted to "get back" with FL and ML but they were not hostile / aggressive.
6. Music - I enjoyed the music featured in this drama. The song for the last scene was very fitting.

What I disliked:
1. Safety - There was a scene in which FL & ML went to a construction site. They held safety helmets instead of wearing them on their heads. Then an accident happened, which is silly because that's avoidable.

Favourite scene
When Mr Ning discovered that Wen Ni and Jian Yu Chen were a real couple. I loved that both of them were cool with the discovery i.e. didn't stand further and gave lame excuses to cover up

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FL's action in this crossdressing drama frustrated me

I liked Nie Bo Xuan's acting so when this was released, he and the blonde dude on the poster caught my attention. I haven't watched many crossdresser dramas. This drama was alright - wish there was something more.

What I liked:
1. Styling - I must say I liked FL dressed up as a man-boy. She looked like kpop idol.
2. Comedy - I enjoyed the comedic bits in this drama.
3. FL characterisation - It's refreshing to find out the reasons for crossdressing. I sympathised with her situation.
4. Supporting characters - Yao Yao was a wonderful friend even though I didn't understand her last action. I also liked ML's bestie.

What I disliked:
1. FL's action - I didn't like that Fal ran away from ML and their problem. Very cowardly.
2. Antagonists - FL's father was the worst followed by her stepmother and half-sister. Grandfather too.
3. Romance - I felt like the writer was trying hard on making this drama funny that they forgot the heart i.e. romance. I didn't buy their romance at all.

Favourite scene
When Sang Mo kissed ML while drunk / dreaming

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Brilliantly written revenge story about two sisters with strong performances from the cast

This drama went on my radar when I started fancying Zhao Ting Yi after watching him in Nanny, Don't Flee! I finally got around to watching the drama last weekend and wow, I was very impressed by the quality of this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was tactical, confident and sassy and I loved it! She gave off this siren vibe with her attitude and penchant for red dresses. I also liked seeing the character growth.
2. Writing - Damn, I loved these lines 'Ambition isn't bad but does your competence match your ambition?' and 'I dressed for myself not for a man'! That clapback scene with bored, rich housewives was brilliant. The dialogue about class difference when FL & ML were in the car. Another highlight is the hospital scene when the secret was unveiled to ML.
3. Romance - I liked that FL chased ML with a string of dates that teased their age difference. There were good kisses but no steamy scenes. Well I saw them as "life partners" supporting each other's needs. Mature relationship.
4. ML characterisation - New money but he always remembered his humble beginnings which I liked a lot. He was an astute observer, noticing something amiss with FL but never pushed her to tell him until she was ready. He was also very patient - gosh imagine having to deal with bratty manchild.
5. Acting - Great performances by Deng Ling Shu, Zhao Ting Yi, Jiang Wu Han, Huang Xing Rao and Yu Xiang Ying. I did, however, wish Deng Ling Shu to up the ante during two scenes: the conversation about class difference when they were in the car, and the hospital scene when the secret was out.
6. Revenge arc - FL's revenge plan was well thought out. However for me, it was great to see main character having conflicted feelings after revenge plan was successfully executed. She started to see ML more than just a tool.
7. Family - This is the core theme of the drama from FL and SFL tumultuous relationship to FL's sickly mother and ML's rotten son. I liked that different dynamics were explored in this drama.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - SFL was insecure, manipulative and ungrateful. I couldn't believe she was willing to do such things to her adopted family who treated her well. SML (ML's son) was greedy and moronic. The type of person who thought he could get away with this just because his father was wealthy and influential.

Favourite scene
The hospital scene when the secret was accidentally unveiled to ML

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Riveting revenge drama with tight screenplay & spectacular acting all under 90 minutes

I was recommended this drama by a reddit user. Thank gawd I watched this drama because this is a great quality production. I have a weekly column on subreddit, in which I write about my favourite item from vertical dramas. This drama fits well in my posts about my favourite dramas under 90 minutes & my favourite revenge dramas without rebirth trope.

What I liked:
1. Revenge arc - The MOST brutal revenge plan ever. Best part is that ML got someone else's hands dirty.
2. Acting - Spectacular acting by Ye Ting & Tian Yu. This is my first time watching Ye Ting's acting. Wow he was believable as cold & calculative husband who had been massively betrayed. ​​It had been awhile since I last watched Tian Yu's dramas and she excelled as antagonist. Someone on youtube said that Tian Yu doesn't have a cunning face to play a villain but I think being a villain / antagonist doesn't require a cunning face. Sometimes villain / antagonist hides in plain sight aka they look like everyday, normal people.
3. ML characterisation - I loved that ML was morally ambiguous. He was an anti-hero. I didn't agree with his course of action but I understand the hurt & humiliation that he was going through.
4. FL characterisation - I pitied FL for awhile when she was pressured by her husband but let's face it, she didn't take any accountability. She rather saved her sorry self than faced the consequences of her affair. She was definitely a villain because of the continuous, unforgivable bad decisions that she made. She deserved the comeuppance and this is one of the rarest antagonists I love to hate.
5. Supporting characters - Clever use of SFL even though her role in the set up was minor because she represents us, the audience. ML told her (indirectly us) about his revenge plans. Now FL's family was Insufferable. They were more concerned about saving face & materialism than the welfare of FL.
6. Editing - Riveting storytelling done in 90 minutes.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - Endings don't need to be neat but this open ending made me want more! What really happened there?

Favourite scene
When FL threatened ML who then responded with a chilling counterattack
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Although FL was barely an adult, I enjoyed this older man-younger female romance

I enjoy Zhang Yi Lun's acting so when this drama appeared on my YouTube dashboard, I was intrigued. This is my first drama of Liu Lan Ge. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a young university student that is not annoying, thank gawd! She is sensible for her age and despite being infatuated with ML and pressured by family, she is focused on her studies and career.
2. ML characterisation - ML is smitten with FL once she saved him from being hunted. I like the contrast between tough boss and sweet lover. I like that he is respectful and doesn't coerce FL into being physically intimate with him. It is wonderful to see Zhang Yi Lun playing an edgier character.
3. Romance - Considering FL is 19 at the start of the drama and is 7 years younger than ML, I like the pacing of their love story. There is enough push and pull between them. The zipper scene is a good ignition to their blossoming romance although it does seem random. It's cute that the ears of both leads were red during a scene in which FL was drunk.
4. The ending - I liked the graduation scene. The very last scene was sweet.
5. Styling - Styling for both FL & ML were on point. I loved ML's jacket with embroidered birds. The qipao would have looked prettier without the strings. Oh I found FL's swimsuit unflattering.

What I disliked:
1. The auction - I am tired of auctions with ridiculously high bids.
2. Antagonists - I dislike FL's mother and FL's school rival who is envious of her.

Favourite scene
The zipper scene

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Short & crisp vertical drama with great acting!

I was intrigued by He Cong Rui as I had seen his name attached to some dramas with some of my favourite vertical drama actress. Decided to watch Huang Jin Tai as my first He Cong Rui drama and my first no-romance drama. I was impressed!

What I liked:
1. Acting - He Cong Rui & Zhou Heng Yu were mesmerising on screen. Both shiwed good micro expressions.
Praises should also be given to the actor who portrayed pre-betrayal Chu Qin as he managed to showcase Chu Qin as a general and as a brother / friend to Fourth Prince Yan Li.
2. Writing - Well executed story of brotherhood & betrayal. Even antagonists were written well.
3. Supporting characters - I like Wu Ming's right hand man, Chu Qin's female soldier.
4. Directing - At 1 hour 46 min, this drama is short and crisp. Director & screenwriter were able to showcase different arcs without being too draggy.

What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually liked the cliffhanger. I just disliked not knowing if there is season 2 or not. If there is, season 2 better be good!

Favourite scene:
When Yan Li confirmed his suspicion of Wu Ming's identity

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Green flag ML & many kisses but bland FL

I have watched Yao Yu Chen's dramas before but this is my first drama of Chen Jing He. I decided to watch this drama because I was curious about his acting & I was sold by the high rating.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Green flag hero. He is smart & resourceful.
2. Romance - ML has had crush on FL since their first meet. There was more push (by FL) than pull but when they got together, they were sweet with each other. Many kisses.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is bland and meek. I was disappointed because I enjoyed Yao Yu Chen's past characters which always have spark.
2. FL's adopted father - Despicable.

Favourite scene
When FL remembered that she left her bra in the bathroom and went to retrieve it

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Sports meets noona romance

I love Zhou Yu Tong's acting in Begin Again. I had never watched Wu Lei's acting so I watched this cdrama for both of them.

What I like:
1) Wu Lei's acting - wow, I was blown away by his commitment to the role. He really looked like a top-tier athlete and his good looks is a bonus.
2) Tennis - I must have overlooked the synopsis because I didn't expect plot to focus on tennis coaching. As tennis fan in 2000s, I enjoyed the tennis scenes immensely. I love watching Wu Lei & Xia Hao Ran playing tennis & their physicality. Great to also see community from coaches to nutritionist.
3) Supporting characters - My favourites are Coach Zhang Yan, Jiao Jiao & Luo Nian.

What dislike:
1) Liang You An's characterisation - her character started off great in the first few episodes when she was at Y Space. Then I didn't like her character when she acted more like a manager than a girlfriend. I dislike when she made decisions for Sang Chuan without discussing with him.
2) Y space involvement - too much interference & I think the later parts were unnecessary because the club was already financially independent.
3) Second leads' romance - I wanted to see more Coach Yan - Luo Nian's romance because of the emotional baggage they have is intriguing.

Favourite scene:
Song San Chuan first match that he won. What a thrill!

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Boring first act but story became interesting once common tropes given different twists

I recently discovered Zhang Si Fan and wanted to explore his work. He has acted in a drama with same plot as this drama so I decided to watch this version first. It was alright.

What I liked:
1. Acting - I liked Wang Xin Yue's performance. This is the first time I watched Zhuo Hang and his performance was alright.
2. FL characterisation - Her FL was cool, smart & poise. However it was silly that she had way too many skills e.g healer, violin playing, hacker.
3. Romance - I liked it when they started becoming familiar with each other. The teasing and eventually kisses. Good ones.
4. Styling - I loved FL's white dress that she wore to the final banquet.
5. Supporting characters - I liked ML's grandfather & parents. I also liked ML's assistant. I also liked that guy who wanted to become FL's friend at university. He seemed like a nice guy.
6. ML characterisation - I liked that he offered support to FL knowing her family dynamics but never forced her to live with him / his family. He was also inquisitive.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Song family was manipulative & shameless. I couldn't believe that they abused FL and was even willing to con another family for money.
2. Acting - The chemistry was passable. I found Wang Xin Yue quite stiff during kissing & couple scenes.
3. First act - Offered nothing new especially during the Song family arguements.
4. University - I found scenes involving FL & antagonist going to university confusing because. I kept thinking if FL was a minor because of the school uniform that she wore.

Favourite scene
When ML & FL were hot for each other

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