Very likeable leads in a cute story with some depth

I must say that WeTV app is great at marketing their short length series. 'First Kisses' is one of short length series that was heavily promoted on my dashboard. Decided to watch after reading the synopsis.

What I liked:
1. Lu Pan Pan's characterisation - I love her character - rare to see a female athlete as main character. She's confident and self-assured and I like that she isn't obssessed about boys. She showed some vulnerability.
2. The romance - I noticed that some users criticised the kissing scenes in the comment section. I disagree - the kissing scenes were intentionally shot in those ways. The ones in the beginning were chaste because they were short term treatment (for the lack of better term) while the kisses at the end were genuine and passionate. I also appreciate the eye gazing, hugs.
3. The plot - This series reminds me of 'Love Me in Three Days' in which kissing treatmenet was a tool to bring female and male leads together. However this series has more depth - I like that 'First Kisses' elaborated on the amnesia trope.
4. Supporting characters - I like the guys (Luo Su, Yao Yi Fan and Wang Xiao Bing) but Yao Yi Fan is my favourite. What a supportive best friend.
5. Visuals - Guan Jin Lin is pretty while Song Pei Ze is handsome. I also find Zhou Zi Jie and Wang Chao Wen good looking.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - Some scenes felt like they were fast-forwarded even though their speed was 1.0x (I checked!). Blame the editing!
2. Directing - I wish the director had spent more time shooting the scene in which Pan Pan experienced a heartbreak & cried.

Favourite scene
When Lv You brought Pan Pan to meet his parents

Leia Mais

Tragic stories about love with great acting by 3 leads

Having seen Daisy Lu in The Fortune Writer, I decied to check out her work. 'Broken the Heart' captured my attention because I have also watched Cui Yi Liang's acting in False Face and True Feelings.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai's acting - Wow, he has a commanding presence and a menacing resting bitch face! Deng Kai was able to convey different emotions and demeanour when given a complex character.
2. Music - I am impressed by the score. I felt like I was watching a full length feature especially in the fight scenes.
3. Writing - I was engrossed in this series because the plot was different from other mini dramas that I've watched. I like that all 3 lead characters (Yu Wen Sheng, Yin Run Shui, Lin Cang Wu) were fully fleshed out.
4. Ending - I like it though I wish the last epilogue was made longer.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - I wish they were more skinship in this series. Perhaps during flashbacks when Yin Run Shui tended to Yu Wen Sheng's wounds. I hate that Yu Wen Sheng was cavalier to Yin Run Shui's feelings by bringing another woman to their room.
2. Villain's arc - I feel that the villains were underdeveloped. Perhaps writers want viewers to focus more on complicated relationships between the three characters.

Favourite scene
When Yin Run Shui and Yu Wen Sheng talked about having children

Leia Mais

Nothing new but darn, the kisses made it a fun watch

I like watching short series on Mango TV Youtube channel. This morning decided to watch 'You are My Exclusive Surprise' because the first episode was intriguing.

What I liked:
1. The kisses - Gosh, this mini drama has a lot of kisses despite the short running time. Male lead Ji Ning Rui had insatiable appetite for female lead Su Su. So affectionate - I like!
2. Pacing - Each episode is less than 6 minutes and in total, there are 14 episodes. Very easy to finish in one sitting.
3. Bai Hao Yan - Ok, I'll be honest. I find actor Bai Hao Yan handsome - with that hair cut, he resembles Korean actor Park Bo Gum. That's why I continue with the series.
4. Ning Rui's assistant - Limited screentime but he's a delight to watch. Funny

What I disliked:
1. Plot - It's seriously underdeveloped. I still don't understand how Ji Ning Rui can develop intense feelings for Su Su.
2. Hao Ze - I'm not sure why this character was introduced half-way through the series.

Favourite scene
When Su Su looked at their marriage registration documents and what happened after that

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Too many people envious of FL but hey I like her character!

I kept seeing clips from this show on my YouTube dashboard. I'm a sucker for very tall guys and yes, I found Yang Chuan Bei attractive.

What I liked:
1. Bai Jin Se characterisation - I really like that she's self-reliant and hardworking. While I don't agree with some of her decisions, I totally understand her reasons - she was in touch with her feelings and needed space. I like that she's not a goody two shoes or naive girl.
2. Sun Zi Jun's acting - She's good at expressing different emotions. The heartbreaking scenes in episodes 9 and 15 were well done because of her acting.
3. Love story - I like that this series shows how Mo Si Nian fell in love with Bai Jin Se. I also like that this series shows them working out their relationship, the highs and lows. It wasn't a "happily ever after" after they got together as a real couple in the middle of the series.

What I disliked:
1. Envy - Why are there so many people envious of her? Pity her.
2. Mo Si Nian characterisation - At times I was frustrated with him because he didn't do much for her. I think this underdevelopment led to actor Yang Chuan Bei's restricted acting.
3. The romance - I wish they were more skinship. I want more kissing, hugging, displays of affection!

Favourite scene
At the end of episode 9 from the time Bai Jin Se and Mo Si Nian have dinner together to Bai Jin Se finding out Mo Si Nian's secret.

Leia Mais

Fast-paced & light second chance love story

I was drawn to this series because the female lead wanted to break free of familial expectations and pursue career in music.

What I liked:
1. Passion in music - I like that male lead's personality is different from female lead's personality but both do have a common interest that they figured out later. I like that this male lead is goofy and baby-faced.
2. Romance - It's sweet but episode 2 had a slightly spicy scene. The monologue, the attempts to resist - I like!
3. Supporting characters - Su Nan and Shen Yong are such a supportive best friend. I like that both of them help out Shen Liang Chuan. Those scenes provided comedic relief.
4. Pacing - Fast-paced & light. Easy to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - I didn't get much chemistry between Xiang Xin and Zhao Yi Bo especially towards the later episodes when their characters got back together.
2. Plot hole - I don't understand the appearance of Yun Jian Jian after divorce because I thought Yun Wan Wan never had strong feelings for Shen Liang Chuan during their marriage.

Favourite scene
When Yun Jian Jian seduced Shen Liang Chuan

Leia Mais

Engrossed in this angsty tale of free will vs. fate

I found out about this mini series through reddit. A user highly recommended "Fortune Writer" because of its storyline.

What I liked:
1. Writing - I must say that this is one well-written mini dramas. I was engrossed and as each episode unravelled, I was surprised by the unpredictable nature of this story. Episode 6 is my favourite episode - what a plot twist!
2. Daisy Li's acting - This is my first watching her work and I was captivated by her performance. She was able to convey different emotions from vengeful and wrath to sympathy and kindness.
3. Su Yun Qi characterisation - It's rare to see a complex female lead that is wonderfully written. Some of her actions baffled me but it's hard for me to hate her. I understand why she took those actions.
4. Jin Jiu - She's an awesome sidekick! Love her for being fierce yet compassionate.

What I disliked:
1. Fortune writer ending - [Spoiler ahead] Since LuoLuo and Lu Huai knew about the existence of fortune writer, I wish they rallied behind Yun Qi and together all three fought against their predetermined "fate". Let fortune writer suffer the unruly / unpredictable behaviours that were outside of fortune writer's control.
2. Ye Sheng Jia's acting - Lu Huai was always frowning so maybe I should blame the director or writer. Anyway I feel like Ye Sheng Jia could have done better in expressing conflicted emotions.

Favourite scene
From the auction until the heartbreaking conversation between Yun Qi and LuoLuo

Leia Mais

Wonderful character growth for ML + great acting by main 3

I am so in love with season 1 of The Only Girl You Haven't Seen so of course I went to watch the sequel.

What I liked:
1) He Lian Xuan's characterisation - Great character development, from a timid fifth prince to a wise and humble fighter who later awarded crown prince and eventually emperor.
2) Acting - Wow, I was impressed by outstanding performances by Wang Zu Yi, Wen Mo Yan and Hou Dong. Episodes 16 & 17 were the best episodes that captured their brilliant performances! It's amazing that both Wang Zu Yi and Wen Mo Yan's first drama was released in 2021. Despite being novice in the industry, their acting was top notch.
3) He Lian Chen's arc - This season had more focus on his arc and wow, what a compelling antagonist. I couldn't believe the actions he made but then again he was greedy for power. I did pity him towards the end - kudos to writer for making me invested in this character.
4) The romance - I love that they continued to grow as a couple even when each of them had individual pursuits. I love how much they respect their other half's wishes and do their best to understand and be supportive. Episode 17 is the most romantic episode of all as it has moments of playfulness, honesty, desire and heartbreak. Wang Zu Yi and Wen Mo Yan seemed to have tacit understanding and connection with each other that translated well on screen.
5) Leng Li's arc - It's great that this is fully explained to viewers and shared with He Lian Xuan.

What I disliked:p1) The audio - It's frustrating that the audio on YoYo Youtube channel was on & off. This issue made me paused the series for a week and affected my enjoyment.

Favourite scene
The romantic scene in episode 17

Leia Mais

Laughed out loud at the start but with more serious tone in last few episodes

I watched 'Follow My Dear General' after reading a user recommending this series on reddit. What a delight!

What I liked:
1. The humour - I started this series on a morning commute to work and couldn't contain my laughter. An Chen and Xiao Tong's antics were just hilarious! Feeding medicine scene was LOL too.
2. Sisterhood - I love the dynamics between An Chen and An Mei. They are more like sisters than rivals and their interactions were always fun to watch!
3. An Chen characterisation - I love how tenacious and fiercely independent she was. She was determined to accomplish her mission but changed her mind when she realised the consequences of her mission on other people. I also like that she was aware of her identity - as a woman, as a thief.
4. Supporting characters - An Mei and Xiao Tong were my favourites. Their interactions with An Chen and General Lie were fun to watch.
5. Acting - All five actors and actresses were excellent in their roles. The most excellent IMHO is Zhang Jia Lin - she looked earnest and endearing while playing boyish An Chen and ethereal but sassy while playing girlish An Chen.

What I disliked:
1. Editing - I lost interest in the series in last quarter of the series. It was great to watch General Lie and An Chen dating but I think some episodes could be tweaked so there was better storytelling in lesser number of episodes.
2. The ending - Why is there a cliffhanger? Are we getting season 2?

Favourite scene
The fight between An Chen and An Mei in episode 1

Leia Mais

Unhinged, toxic male lead played brilliantly by Cheng Yu Feng

I have to admit - I am a massive fan of Cheng Yu Feng. I have read few comments about this drama on reddit. I usually steer clear from dramas with toxic characters but Cheng Yu Feng convinced me to watch this series.

What I liked:
1. Yin Ji characterisation - I am fascinated by how the writer developed this male lead. He started off in this series as an unhinged City Lord who seemed jilted by female lead's behaviour towards him. Toxic phase of Yin Ji is the best part of this series because I couldn't predict his line of thoughts. Oh I've never seen a sadomachoist in Chinese drama so wow, this series shocked me!
2. Cheng Yu Feng's acting - He was able to show many sides of Yin Ji: neanderthal Yin Ji, naive & younger Yin Ji, I'm-going-to-reclaim-my-City-Lordship Yin Ji.
3. Qi Yan - I like his character - trustworthy and kind. Actor Tian Guang Yu was handsome.
4. Xiao Bao Bao - I actually pity her character. Yes, she is annoying but then again she is the legal wife of Yin Ji so her actions are understandable. Teng Ze Wen did well as Xiao Bao Bao.

What I disliked:
1. Yin Ji decision - I understand that Yin Ji kept Xie Yun by his side to protect her but I don't like that he was mean towards her. The humiliation was too much.
2. Zizi Xu's acting - I understand that Xie Yun is a woman driven by vengence for her family but I couldn't connect with her. I think it's because of Zizi Xu's acting. It felt monotonous even when she forgave and accepted Yin Ji into her life.
3. Wang Xi Nu - This character doesn't have a purpose. There is already Xiao Bao Bao who is a stumbling block in Xie Yun & Yin Ji's relationship.

Favourite scene
The whorehouse in first episode.

Leia Mais

Funny & light-hearted mini series

I can't remember what drove me to watch this mini drama but I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. Comedy - Most of the comedy come from the transformation scenes. I laughted out loud in some scenes. I think Vin Zheng, the actor who played male lead Shan Yi Fan, even tried his best to control his laughter in one scene.
2. Storyline - The plot does not make sense but it is fun and the writer was creative about the transformation and kissing scenes. I love the twist that involved the villain.
3. Supporting cast - I like Shan Chen Xing, Xiao Yan and Xia Luo Luo's mother.
4. Mother-daugther relationship - I love the healthy mother-daughter relationship shown by Xia Luo Luo and her mother. Her mum is cool and supportive of her decision.
5. An Qin Fu - It's great to see him in this mini drama. He was a delight in Destined to Meet You and A Familiar Stranger.
6. Pacing - I binged this mini drama in one sitting. Easy to digest because of its fast-pacing.

What I disliked:
1. Chemistry - There is some awkwardness between Tan Yan Yan and Vin Zheng so I feel a lack of chemistry between them. As a result, I don't buy the love connection between their characters.

Favourite scene:
When Shan Yi Fan transformed into a woman. There's a nice surprise there!

Leia Mais

Refreshing tale on 'delusion vs reality' with beautifully shot 1st episode

Cheng Yu Feng is my favourite mini drama actor. I was mesmerised by his performance in Yes, Her Majesty, which led me to this series.

What I liked:
1. First episode - Wow the first episode is of high quality. I felt like I was watching a feature film. Beautifully shot from start till end.
2. Plot twists - Refreshing take on 'delusion vs reality'. The twists kept me guessing.
3. Cheng Yu Feng - His acting and his looks got me hooked.
4. Comedy - Unexpected but smart way to get viewers to laugh in this otherwise serious mini drama.
5. Bereavement - This series sheds some light on grief & bereavement. An interesting albeit expensive way to process grief.

What I disliked:
1. The romance - There are 18 episodes in this mini drama and I wish there were more episodes to elaborate on the romance between Zhang Yi Meng and Song Jing Cheng.
2. Father-daughter relationship - I tihnk they could also do 1 episode to elaborate Yi Meng's relationship with her father. Would love to see more interactions between Wang Ya Jia and the actor who played her father.

Favourite scene:
When General Song appeared in episode 1. What an entrance!

Leia Mais

Kickass FL against a well-crafted villain - I love it!

I was drawn to this mini drama after watching a few minutes of a random video clip on Youtube. Overall, I love the series!

What I liked:
1. Ling Ruo Jin characterisation - One of the best Female Lead in a Chinese drama! I love that she is intelligent, capable and not obssessed about falling in love or having men to fall in love with her. Even when there were men fawning over her, she never took advantage of them. Brilliantly played by Amy Sun.
2. Lin Yue Xi characterisation - It's rare to have a female villain and even rarer to get a well-crafted female villain. She is bloody annoying but damn cunning! She knows her allure and power and uses both beauty and brain to get what she wants.
3. The writing - Being a minidrama doesn't stop the writer from producing well-written screenplay. I love that supporting characters such as Lin, Yue Xi, Xiao Nanyang and the Empress were given backstory to give substance to their characters. I love the poems that were mentioned in the series too.
4. Xiao Ye Han characterisation - I didn't really like this Male Lead at first because he never gave Ruo Jin the benefit of a doubt. However I love the way his character grow. He realised he had wronged Ruo Jin and apologised to her. Despite his love not being reciprocated by Ruo Jin, his actions were sincere.
5. The ending - I really enjoyed the ending because it made sense. Wang Ting Xu looked handsome and cheeky in that hairstyle and glasses.

What I disliked:
1. The romance - I feel like there aren't enough romance scenes between Ruo Jin and Ye Han. Would love to see more skinship.
2. Similar story - Having watched The Only Girl You Haven't Seen a week before, I find some scenes in 'The Resilient Dr Ling' similar to scenes in that series. For example, both Female Lead works with herbs & poisons and both series feature virus outbreaks, which led to main couples growing closer.

Favourite scene:
When Ruo Jin recited so many poems that she won big. I was surprised with what she did with her prize money.

Leia Mais

Light & funny mini drama with great chemistry between ML & FL

After watching My Lady General, I was in the mood for mini dramas with gender reversal roles. This mini drama was a delight!

What I liked:
1) Cheng Yu Feng - My first time watching his acting and I was impressed. He managed to convey 2 different personas: (i) obedient, slightly himbo husband, and (ii) a king serious about welfare of his subjects. I like his acting for both sides of his character.
2) Comedy - The first half of the series was really funny. Didn't expect period mini drama to be that comical.
3) Romance - There aren't many intimate scenes but when there were such scenes, they were tender. Yue Li Zheng really loved his wife, which can be seen through his actions. Such swoonworthy.
4) Plot - Creative and refreshing. I love the explanation for the gender reversal roles and the king's strategy to catch the villain.

What I disliked:
1) No. of episodes - Mini drama tends to have an average of 24 episodes but Yes, Her Majesty only has 20 episodes. I wish the writers had created 4 more episodes because some arcs had room for more screentime e.g. villain's arc, main couple's romance.
2) Li Shi Hao - Just a minor issue - I wish she wasn't too resistant/angry towards her husband. I don't feel her investment in the relationship until he went to war and she found out all the things he had done for her.

Favourite scene
The concubine audition

Leia Mais

Fun & well-executed mini drama that looks at purpose of existence

I am in the mood for mini dramas ever since I subscribed to WeTV almost a week ago. Once I found this mini drama in the catalogue, I read reviews on MDL and watched the series yesterday.

What I liked:
1) Themes - The third act becamse very interesting because the series tackled various themes : (i) purpose of one's existence , (ii) destiny, (iii) freewill. Even Mu Nanchen, a supporting character that hadn't had much depth, started to want something more.
2) Influenced by other series - I noticed the similarity between Night of Love with You and W: Two Worlds Apart because of the comic book styling. I really liked it because the execution and character development here are better explained than in W.
3) Leng Ye Han characterisation - Well done to writer for giving him a complex arc despite short time length of the drama.
4) Luo Qing characterisation - This female lead was quick thinking and aware of her strengths and weaknesses. She didn't wait for someone to save her one she identified the glitch in the storytelling.
5) Romance - While this series is geared more towards thriller/mystery, there were enough romantic scenes for viewers to enjoy. The "kissing to save her life" caveat was humourous and certainly poking fun at other romance dramas with non-sensical caveats.
6) Supporting characters - Luo Cheng, Mu Nan Chen, Kevin and even Song Ruo Yon served their purpose in this series.

What I disliked:
1) Mu Nanchen characterisation - I quite liked his character once he became more active/presence. Wish he was given more depth.
2) Luo Qing's backstory - I am not sure why Mrs Mu resisted Luo Qing so much. Wasn't Mrs Mu involved in Luo Qing's growing up or did I confuse this with Ruo Yon's background? If Mrs Mu thought Luo Qing was a gold digger, she could have asked her to sign pre-nup and avoid the whole messy drama.

Favourite scene:
When Ye Han realised that Luo Qing was in danger but then realised he got pulled into different arc.

Leia Mais

Quirky drama about overprotective dad

I noticed this series as I perused Netflix catalogue for shows leaving soon. The synopsis was intriguing so I binged this series in 2 days to meet Netflix deadline.

What I liked:
1) Friendship - I like watching the dynamics between 6 core individuals. Gataro Obika was a controlling father to Sakura but a great friend to the other 5 university students that he and Sakura befriended.
2) Father-daugher dynamic - It's great to see healthy interactions between a father and a daughter.
3) Comedy - There are many comedy scenes in this series, mostly provided by Taro and Negoro.
4) Plot - I like how the story progresses from one episode to the next. I was never bored.

What I disliked:
1) Parenting style - I find Taro meddled too much into Sakura's life. It's weird to enrol in the same university course as your daughter. It's even weirder to be too involved in Sakura's social life. She could not even go on a date without Taro's presence, it's stiffling.
2) Ending - I like where the series was headed in the penultimate episode but I find ultimate episode less satisfying. I'd love to see Taro publishing new novel and letting go of his control of Sakura as well as more developed arcs for Hiroko, Misaki Eto.

Favourite scene
When Taro and Hatakeyama Masaharu saved Sakura & Hiroko from bad guys.

Leia Mais