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.

Pros:
1) Wu Leo'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.

Cons:
1) Liang You An's characterisation - she acted more like a manger 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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Enjoyable body swap story

After avoiding kdramas for a few months, finally broke my "fast" with this. Branding in Seongsu is a light romantic thriller
with bits of comedy.

Pros:
1. The mystery plot - was thrilling especially in the 1st part.
2. Acting - Kim Ji Eun & Lomon did well playing their roles (first
time watching their acting) although at times Lomon stole the show when he played Naeon.
3. Kissing - Wow Lomon can kiss. The first kissing scene was hot.
4. Song 'On my hill' - Love this song because the alluring beat is fitting for seductive moments.
5. Supporting characters - Team Underdogs out shined other side characters. Joo Rex reminds me of P1harmony's Keeho. Hehehe

Cons:
1. Villains - underdeveloped & tad predictable.
2. Supernatural element - wish they develop that element. It'd be interesting if the 'demon' is tied to Naeon's feeling of guilt.

Favourite scene:
As a non-drinkers, I enjoy the Mood project the most. I know there is non-alcoholic soju sold in Thailand because it is endorsed by Mark Tuan, a member of GOT7.

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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!

Pros:
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.

Cons:
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!

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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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Corporate drama with romance & murder mystery

After watching too many romance-centred drama, I decided to watch different genre. The reviews here convinced me as I am not easily swayed by high scores.

What I like:
1. Mystery plot - I like whever the drama focuses on mystery mode. However these parts were mostly at the end after episode 8 if I am not mistaken. Wish they could execute it like Elite (Spanish Netflix series) because that would really make this series gripping.
2. The intro montage - Don't skip it. It is beautifully done and the score too!
3. Female lead characterisation - I like how Yuanxing's character development is written.
4. Romance - The romance plot is well-done too though I wish to see more affectionate moments between Yuanxing & Cheng.

What I dislike
1. Family drama - too much screne time given to greedy family members especially episodes 2 - 8.
2. Baddie - I think in episode 9 or 10 you could figure out the baddie. Wish it was hinted more in earlier episodes because then I would care more about the villain.

Favourite scene:
That love confession at the very end of last episode. Heartfelt because of the script & acting.

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Fast-paced & enjoyable romantic thriller

Destined to meet you is one of the best mini dramas I have watched.

Pros:
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.

Cons:
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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Started great then it fizzles

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.

Pros:
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.

Cons:
1. Female lead characterisation - I mentioned earlier she was "smart" but my gosh she became unbearably silly as the episodes progress. I can't get over her decision to pursue Tiangyi when she already willingly agree 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 like 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 Tiangyi & Tiangyou. As I said earlier, cunning!

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Live action version of old Harlequin novel

I like reading Harlequin novels once in a while and modern releases are quite refreshing & enjoyable. My Lethal Man is like an adaptation of old Harlequin novels. Full of clichés!

Pros:
1. Pacing - It was good. Despite the clichés, I managed to finish this series within 2 working days.
2. Fan Zhi Xin - Handsome. Gosh his jawline & cheekbones. His acting was ok. He seemed to have fun in behind the scenes.
3. Romance - Plenty make out scenes ?
4. Supporting male leads - I like them both!

Cons:
1. Male lead characterisation - Domineering, sullen boss type.
2. Female lead characterisation - Damsel in distress type. Needs saving all the time except when hero was recovering from mental breakdown and when she came with plan for necklace. I think those were only times she took charge.
3. Mystery - quite predictable.
4. Li Mo Zhi - She's older than Fan Zhi Xin and it shouldn't matter but for this drama, I think Li Mo Zhi could have soften her facial expressions so conflicts can be expressed better.

Favourite scene
When they made out at the bridge. I like when male lead hugs female lead from behind.

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Best mini drama I have watched!

I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.

Pros:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.

Cons:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.

Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!

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