Noona romance done right!

I enjoy watching older female-younger guy romance (wishful thinking) and Why Women Love is the best noona romance I have watched, so far!

What I like:
1) The length of the series - 24 episodes is the perfect number of episodes.
2) Female lead characterisation - ❤️ that Jiangyue is career-focused but not uptight. Yes, she is a workaholic but she makes time for her best friends. Jin Chen was so radiant in this role. She reminds me of TWICE's Nayeon somehow.
3) Male lead characterisation - ❤️ Jia Xin 's growth throughout the series. He started as a bratty rich kid but once he saw his boss's vulnerability and understands her perspective, he accepts his role and is attuned to her needs. I also like an introspective male character. I like his styling (both hair & clothes) - I find Zi Yi resembles Gon of Vanner.
4) Chemistry between Jin Chen and Wang Zi Yi - Combustible chemistry and their kissing scenes🔥. Both are visually arresting.
5) Ending - I like the award ceremony scene. I expected the proposal to be different and kinda happy it turns out to be true. Given the characterisation of Jiangyue and Jia Xin, it is believable.

What I dislike:
1) Supporting characters - Jing Jing and Duo Xi's love stories were underdeveloped. I'd like to see more of Jing Jing's love story because it's second chance romance involving mature characters.
2) Li Yan Ran - annoying! It's hard to develop empathy for a character that doesn't understand personal boundary.
3) Sub-plot - I think the office rival plot can be executed better.

Favourite scene:
When Jiangyue was given gifts by Zi Yi. I love the meaning attached to each gift!

Leia Mais

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!

Leia Mais

Enjoyable revenge drama marred by poor acting

I enjoyed Undercover Affair and wanted to check out Leo Yang's other work. So I watched this drama and was disappointed in particular the acting of main actress.

What I liked:
1. Story - Revenge seems to be a popular theme for mini dramas. Female lead's parents were killed by a group of 4 friends and the surviving daughter sought justice. I like how the story unfolded though there were some noticeable plot holes e.g. how did FL get that scar.
2. Romance - Wow, there are many kissing scenes in this mini drama and most of them were hot. Too bad Chen Su Jun was stiff & emotionless.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I noticed that actresses in mini drama tend to overact but Chen Su Jun's acting is underwhelming. She didn't have range of facial expressions. She seemed bored or zoned out most of the time. It'd be great if she could express conflicted feelings when Zhu Guan Wen confided in her or express desire when she gave in to Guan Wen's kisses.
2. Bao Er's adopted brother - I don't understand the purpose of having adopted brother appearing in Lianghe Town. Perhaps his purpose to make Guan Wen insecure but it'd be better if director & writer could show his role in Xue Tong's vengeance plan.
3. Last love scene - I find it disturbing because Guan Wen was drunk & aggressive. So that scene looked like a coercion. I wish Leo Yang gave a different spin to the scene by expressing self-loathing and love for Bao Er at the same time.

Favourite scene
The conversation and make out session in episode 16.

Leia Mais

Had potential but poor execution

I was curious about this series because of the title and synopsis. Was looking forward to a refreshing tale of Cinderella but oh boy, what a disppointment. I got bored mid-way through the series but persisted because I want to mark this series as 'Complete',

What I liked:
1) Lee Jun Young - This is the second work of his that I've watched (The Impossible Heir being the first one). Lee Jun Young did well in a role that's been assigned to him - flawed & a little eccentric but charming chaebol/CEO. He is handsome and has a nice build and height, which are important traits for a male lead.
2) Supporting characters - It's great that the stepmom and stepsisters were nice people (unlike the classic Cinderella story) and were given some backstory so their characters were not just 2D. I also like Baek Dong Ho and Youngbae though I wish writer developed a better friendship arc for Dong Ho and Jae Rim.

What I disliked:
1) Shin Jae Rim characterisation - It's hard to like her because she was ungrateful brat and shallow even till the end. I wish there was more character growth because it's frustrating that female lead was still in self-pity mode in second last episode. Gosh she should have taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin and self-discover. There were very few scenes of Jae Rim as a person, as opposed to her as a stepsis and stepdaughter, a employee, a love interest.
2) Pyo Ye Jin - She is miscast unfortunately. I expected female lead to be wholesome and charming even when being a damsel in distress (best example is Giselle of Disney's Enchanted). However Pyo Ye Jin couldn't demonstrate these traits though the seduction scenes were a nice attempt).
3) Romance - The most frustrating part in a romance story is when a couple hardly communicates. This happens in the series - there are too many mixed signals from Cha Min, it's tiring. Plus there is no chemistry between Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young.
4) Fantasy elements - I'd say the fantasy scenes put a damper in my enjoyment of the series. The seduction scenes were fine because they tell viewers that Cha Min was falling for Jae Rim. But for example the "homeless Cha Min". They feel like a filler.

Favourite scene
When Jae Rim had too much drinks and had to pee.

Leia Mais

I like this drama because of kisses and Xiao Bai

I got to know about this series after reading a reddit post about C drama with many kisses. This drama reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' because both ML needed kisses from FL for survival and 'Night of Love With You' where ML is the antagonist,

What I liked:
1) Romance - I am surprised by the number of kisses as this story is a period drama. It's great that there were scenes of getting to know each other and falling in love. I also like how Female Lead Sheng Xian explained the mechanics of tv kisses.
2) Xiao Bai - My favourite character in this series! I think Wu Tian Hao should be billed third in the cast list.
3) Supporting characters - I also like Sheng Lian Hua, ML's right hand man and the fourth prince.
4) Style - I love the comic panels in this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I think the arc is too simple.
2) The ending - OMG, what was that ending? I wish they had gone with an ending similar to 'The Resilient Dr Ling'.

Favourite scene
The plot twist in episode 17

Leia Mais

I like this drama for its visuals and acting intensity

I wasn't familiar with main actor nor the main actress. I didn't even know the synopsis but I was drawn to complete watching this series after a few minutes.

What I liked:
1) Visual - Female lead has wonderful collection of qi pao. Yue Yu Ting was beautiful and elegant in qi pao. Yue Yu Ting, Fu Jiu Ye and ML's assistant are good looking.
2) Acting - I enjoy watching the dynamics between FL & ML. They managed to put good amount of sexual tension at the start that I'm drawn to them.
3) Plot - This drama is different from other vertical shot. I like that ML's nephew was aware of FL's circumstance and was willing to help her out.
4) Romance - Fabulous kisses and they were hot for each other. As mentioned by other user, you can feel ML's love for FL.
5) Supporting character - I like ML's nephew, their daughter, FL's sister, ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1) The reveal - I didn't like the way FL inform ML that they had a child together. She should have come clean immediately when confronted.

Favourite scene
When ML learned about his daughter's existence and then confronted FL about it.

Leia Mais

Left hanging by that final episode

This series appeared on my Youku dashboard and I decided to watch because of the title. Despite the very short duration, don't waste your time watching this drama.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - I like FL's best friend, male colleague and grandma.
2) Visual - Yu Yi Fu is tall but baby face.

What I disliked:
1) Writing - I like marriage of convenience and this drama is alright. It had potential to become good one but fell short.
2) The ending - I was dissatisfied by the ending. I wish there were more episodes to elaborate on the plot twist.
3) Romance - It is definitely lacking.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML kissed.

Leia Mais

Simple & cute tale of merman - human in love

I was interested to watch another merman drama after completing My Merman Brother. So I clicked 'Play'.

What I liked:
1) Brothers - Despite characters being underdeveloped, I like that the 4 brothers have distinct personality. I was attracted to Gu Ze San from the get go because of he was mysterious.
2) Tone - It's simple and fluffly. This series feels very new adult aka protagonists in early 20s coming of age.
3) Bai Qing characterisation - I like how her character was written - I didn't expect the plot twist.

What I disliked:
1) Plot - I think certain arcs could be developed more.
2) Romance - They were sweet and that first kiss was kinda hot. However I wish their romance story had more substance i.e. we see more scenes of the main couple falling in love.

Favourite scene
When Bai Qing's life was threatened

Leia Mais

Light & fluffly

I am a fan of Xhang Chu Zuan & Shen Hao Nan so was delighted to find out that they have acted together.

What I liked:
1) Tone - This drama is light & sweet. Easy to watch.
2) Dynamic - It's great watching dynamics between Xhang Chu Xuan & Shen Hao Nan because they matched each other's energy.
3) Brothers arc - I like this dynamic despite the slight rivalry.
4) Villain - I like the arc because the actions affected ML so much.

What I disliked:
1) Family drama - FL having cruel family is common in vertical shot dramas and this does featured that trope.

Favourite scene:
When ML revealed his hidden identity to FL while they were in the car

Leia Mais

Impressed by acting & production value

I was intrigued by this series when it appeared on my WeTV dashboard. Once I checked out the drama details & found out that Hong Yao was the main actor, I immediately clicked 'play'. I was curious about his acting when finding out about his marriage.

What I liked:
1) Sisters arc - I enjoyed watching the Shen sisters especially when they were both on screen together. They had different personalities & approaches to their family mystery.
2) Acting - Kudos to the 4 leads. Hong Yao was excellent as alpha male lead who was rational & had a heart. Jiang Peng Yu was amazing in her role despite her young age. Yu Lang was captivating on screen. Lu Si Heng did great in his role.
3) Styling - Love the outfits especially Shen Zi Qiu's wedding dress & the qipao worn by the Shen sisters. Hong Yao & his character's right hand man looked dapper in their outfits & hairstyle. I love Hong Yao's manliness. Lu Si Heng's styling made him look like Korean idol Choi Youngjae from GOT7.
4) Supporting cast - I like ML's right hand man, Tang Zhe, Ms Meng, Shen Zhi Xia's servant.
5) Romance - Good amount of push and pull. High sexual tension. Hot kisses & sweet affectionate scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Deaths - I was shocked by the death of 3 characters. Once the 2 characters died, I lacked some motivation to continue the series.
2) Ending - I don't like it.

Favourite scene
When Shen sisters spent time together before the wedding

Leia Mais

Great start, alright end but most important, good chemistry

I am a massive fan of Zhang Chu Xuan & have seen Xie Yu Wang in another drama with spicy scene at the start. Was curious to see how this pair work on screen so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) FL characterisation - I love that FL Jiang Yu Yang is not work that is common in cdramaland (businesswoman, designer). She is an actress who has a crush on voice actor. I like that she acts her age because I dislike childlike & childish FL.
2) Acting - Zhang Chu Xuan was excellent in her role here. She has great chemistry with Xie Yu Wang who gave a subdued performance of a CEO in love.
3) Romance - The flirting at the start was so sweet. That role play was hot. There is good amount of skinship though I wish there were more kisses.
4) Supporting characters - I like FL's best friend, Fu Yi Ze, ML's mother, FL's grandfather & ML's assistant. I was surprised when ML's assistant showed his emotions in a hospital scene almost at the end.

What I disliked:
1) Villain - I notice that many villains in vertical shot drama tend to be women scorned due to rejection of ML. This archetype is tiring me. The heinous attacks villain did on FL were shocking.
2) FL's action - I dislike FL's action towards villain once she was drugged. I understand the wrath but to leave a woman in a known vulnerable situation just doesn't sit well with me.

Favourite scene
When FL & ML flirting on the phone at the start of drama

Leia Mais

Light & good chemistry between leads

I am a fan of Zhang Chu Xuan so decided to watch this drama. This is my first drama of Sun Yue.

What I liked:
1) Romance - Wow, I really like this pairing between Zhang Chu Xuan and Sun Yue. They had great chemistry & dynamic, which translated well to their characters' growing romance. Their romantic scenes were brief but the biting was unexpected & sexy. Wish there were more affectionate scenes.
2) FL's characterisation - I like that FL Xia Xi Wan is knowledgeable in acupuncture & uses that skill to heal others and defend herself. I also like that she's self-reliant.
3) Ending - That last quote is touching & sweet.
4) Sun Yue - I really enjoyed his acting. He excelled in comedic parts, which made me want to watch his other works.
5) FL's family - I love their warmth!

What I disliked:
1) Illness - At first I thought there would be horror / supernatural element because of Lu Han Ting's illness. Unfortunately that arc wasn't expanded. I'd love to know the cause & see more of his struggles with the illness.
2) Running time - This drama is 1 hour 35 minutes long, which I find short. Certain arcs could be expanded.

Favourite scene
When Lu Han Ting's illness broke out

Leia Mais

Sweet & mature slow-burn romance

I saw this drama on my Youtube dashboard & quickly browsed comments section. Most users gave positive comments so I clicked play.

What I liked:
1) Mature - I am a fan of marriage of convenience & cohabitation tropes and this drama handles both tropes well. Despite them being strangers, they negotiated & navigated their relationship via mutual respect & mostly clear & frequent communications. It's also great that this drama isn't too melodramatic like other vertical shot drama because excessive yelling & violence could ruin my enjoyment.
2) FL characterisation - I like that she's confident, level-headed woman. She faced challenge head-on and I like how she never gave up believing in ML's love for her.
3) Grief - I like how grief is portrayed & dealt with in this drama.
4) Acting - I like Zhu Mo Yen's acting in this drama. Subtle but with impact. Great chemistry between Yu Shang Xu and Zhu Mo Yan. They matched each other's temperament & even visuals.

What I disliked:
1) Romance - I wish there were more affectionate scenes between ML & FL.
2) ML's female friends - I understand that they are protective of ML & were apprehensive with FL. However they should be mindful & tactful when interacting with sensitive issues related to ML & FL.

Favourite scene
When FL's mother died

Leia Mais

Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

Leia Mais

Does ML deserve second chance in this romance drama?

Lately I am in the mood to binge vertically shot Chinese dramas. This drama appeared on my Youtube dashboard & I gave it a go after quickly perusing the comments.

What I liked:
1) Acting - I was impressed by her acting. She managed to show different sides of Wen Yan: firm, vulnerable and strong. I will definitely check out her other works.
2) Visuals - Chen Mu Ye is very pretty. Wang Yi Ran is handsome. Both of them give this "high society" beauty & elegance.
3) Plot - Depsite the plot holes, this drama was light & easy to follow.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - I notice other C dramas with 'husband neglecting wife for years' theme and this drama is the one with least suffering. While I am ok that the neglect only happened for 1 year, I still think ML is undeserving of FL because is he mistaking guilt for love?
2) Romance - The kissing scenes played around angles rather than real, lingering kisses. Wish there were proper grovelling & more affectionate scenes too.

Favourite scene
When Wen Yan was hospitalised after an assault

Leia Mais