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.

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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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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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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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Enjoyable hidden agenda & romance mini drama

This is the second drama that I watched which starred Hong Xiao (The Revenge of Begonia). I was interested to check out her other work and I also enjoy noona romance.

What I liked:
1) When Su Ban Xia confided in Jiang Shao Heng about her adverse reactions to a man's touch. It was heartfelt, I cried.
2) Su Ban Xia characterisation - I like that she is a girl boss who is also kind. She cared about her employee and even a stranger.
3) Visuals of second female & second male leads were complementary to each other. I really like the scenes when they hung out together.
4) I like Su Ban Xia's reaction after finding out about Jiang Shao Heng's pursuit of her. She wasn't hysterical.
5) I like the song that is played in end credit of episode 15. I can't seem to find the song title with Shazam. If you know, please let me know the song title.

What I disliked:
1) The acting by antagonists Wei Gao Yang & his sister were over the top that they seem like caricatures.
2) I wish we could have more scenes of Sang Le and Duan Zhao

My favourite scene
When Su Ban Xia confided in Jiang Shao Heng about her adverse reaction to a man's touch

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Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

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So much suffering in this revenge mini drama

This fast-paced (10 - 15 min per episode) mini drama kept me awake until almost 2 am.

What I like:
1) Visuals - With that hairstyling, I find Yan Zi Xian resembled Jackson Wang during GOT7's Crash & Burn and Not by the Moon era so much!
2) Plot - I enjoyed the 1st half of The Revenge of Begonia. Fast-paced and somewhat coherent.
3) Intimate scenes - Gosh, episode 1 is already steamy. Then comes feeding medicine scene. I also found tender moments were pleasant surprise.
4) An Ning's best friend - Only Yumei is likeable because she is rational!
5) I like the ending of the villain.

What I dislike:
1) The 2nd half plot just non-sensical and messy. Why did An Ning doubt He Xing Zhou a second time???
2) He Xing Zhou's mother was insufferable. Mo Xiang was pathetic too.
3) Abuse & misery - I am surprised that abuse in front of servants was permitted in that household. An Ning also suffered a lot by being He Xing Zhou's wife.

Favourite scene
When He Xing Zhou tried to cheer up An Ning with a performance. That's the only time I see He Xing Zhou smiled.

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Light new adult drama that left me wanting more...in a bad way

I was deceived! I thought this was a noona romance with substance but this drama was light but underdeveloped. It's shocking because it is based on a new adult fiction. I haven't read the story though so my review is purely based on this series.

What I like:
1) I like the opening song Never Stop (Rock version) since the very first episode. I even love it more when I read the lyrics. Brilliant song about chasing dreams.
2) I like the first half of the series especially when Liang Chen and Lu Jing played games together. The sexual tension grew once Lu Jing figured out Little Box's identity and gosh I love those moments.
3) Visuals of the leads - Lin Yi was boyishly handsome in this series while Xu Lu has high cheekbones like a model.
4) Lu Jing's dorm mates and even rival was fun to watch. They were adorable with their shenanigans.

What I dislike:
1) The writing - It was a struggle to finish Love Scenery especially once it reached mid-point. Second half was dull & underdeveloped. I wish the writer went deeper with Liang Chen's problems. Ideally I think it would be better to start Liang Chen as critically-acclaimed artist who had to go on hiatus because of health scare and that's when she meets Lu Jing (gaming while recuperating). While recuperating, she evaluates her life achievements and potential and decided to tackle a new challenge by doing rock songs and going on survival show. Another subplot that disappointed me was the development of the main characters' love story. Yes we know that there are challenges dating a public figure or even dating an older woman but the show only told not show these "challenges". Too many montages and filler scenes. I wish there were scenes of actual conversations between Liang Chen and Lin Yi. Maybe a scene about them unintentionally making music together since she was looking for inspiration for next album and he plays violin.
2) Not a fan of Ma Shan Shan. She wallowed in self-pity 80% of the show and was indifferent to Sun Binyu and even Liang Chen. She didn't deserve that much screentime.
3) The romance - The chemistry between Lin Yi and Xu Lu isn't there. Xu Lu seemed skittish whenever Lin Yi's character became affectionate (this includes hugging). It also seemed that Lu Jing was the only one initiating kisses and being enthusiastic while at it.
4) Supporting characters - I feel that Sun Binyu and Ding Jiayun were poorly written characters. Their only purpose was becoming love interests. What a shame!

Favourite scene:
1) When Lu Jing took photo with Liang Chen with the toy with box-shaped head. Then he sent the photo to Liang Chen and asked her what she thought of the photo. That was very cheeky of him!

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Perfect balance of career-focused & noona romance

Noona romance is one of my favourite tropes. Highly recommended for those who want female-led series with balanced stories about their personal and professional lives. Makes me think of (i) ethics - what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships


What I like
1) Writing - this show portrays female characters as strong, capable but flawed (not Mary Sue). Kudos to Kwon Do-eun for writing a brilliant series.
2) Acting - brilliant acting by the cast in particularly Lim Soo Jung & Lee Da Hee,
3) Portrayal of female friendship - how one started while another one disintegrate,
4) The score - Millenial Love was magical upon first listen while Heart Shape on Ankle makes me giddy whenever I listen to it,
5) Park Morgan characterisation - as a music fan and someone who's Ta Mi's age now, I wish I had a boyfriend like him. He was confident, empathetic, supporting
6) Jang Ki Yong & Lee Jae Wook were devilishly good looking
7) What's Wrong with My Mother-in-Law
8) This series makes me think of (i) ethics what is right or wrong, (ii) believing in your own principles or just go along with corporate decisions, (iii) dealbreaker in relationships

What I dislike
1) The conflict between Ta Mi and Morgan - in real life, I wouldn't reconnect because that's a dealbreaker

Favourite scene
When Ta Mi was distracted by Park Morgan's presence in her office. That dialogue is what I imagine a progressive western series would write about. That foreplay is so sexy.

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Just alright

This drama is alright to pass time.

What I like
1. The action sequences were amusing. The reactions were comical but hey it made sense for normal people to react that way.
2. Great to see Kang Ki Young as main male lead.
3. Oh Min seok made me sympathetic towards his character but he's villain alright. His abs were damn fine though I am not sure if the scene was required
4. Supporting characters - I like Daeki & Kang Boom.

What I dislike
1. Story - I find the story average. The benefactor reminds me of The Uncanny Counter.

Favourite scene
When Kang Bom kicks ass

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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.

What I like:
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.

What I dislike:
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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Can't stand narcisstic boss and doormat secretary

There were so many rave reviews about What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. I had never watched Park Seo Joon's dramas so this was my first. I also watched it for Chansung because I liked him in My Holo Love.

I gave up What's Wrong with Secretary Kim after episode 3. If you are looking for boss-secretary romance drama, go watch 'The Secret Life of My Secretary'.

What I liked:
1) Supporting cast - Many wonderful actors and actresses in this drama e.g. Pyo Ye Jin, Kang Ki Young, Chansung, Hwang Bo Ra (she was captivating)

What I dislike:
1) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't stand his narcistic personality and arrogant attitude. So self-absorbed.
2) Female lead characterisation - She was a doormat. I don't understand why was she still in touch with her ex-boss after resignation. If she was required to train new secretary, then she should just handle training and not give in to boss's work demands.
3) Childhood connectrion trope - Why was this trope used when the trio had not even maintained friendship as they grew older?
4) Romance - I feel like Park Minyoung was wrongfully cast for this series. I couldn't see any "romantic sparks" between her and Park Seo Joon.

Favourite scene
The only memorable scene from the 3 episodes that I watched was the sports day.

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