Role Reversal (RR)

Very RR. Alternate universe where the gender roles are flipped and oh my god do they deliver. FL nailed the suave charmer role. 

Currently rewatching it and oh my god is it as good as I remember. Femboy/mascgirl rep at its FINEST. It really took the standard formula and just wrote women and men into the opposite roles. 

TLDR: Matriarchy, CEO FL, Femboy ML x Mascgirl FL, Cool FL, Cute ML, Boss FL x Employee ML, Rich FL x Poor ML, Male (Love) Rivalry, Deadbeat Woman x Househusband. 

Very RR. Refreshing dynamics, actual kickass FL who's rough but kind and a homme fatale ML. Story is not very deep but there's quite some romance of the RR kind. ML is weak and submissive while FL is cool and dominant. They do end up as more of a power couple but the RR is still present which is a massive W. The characters are kinda even filmed in the opposite way one would expect with ML having glamor shots with the wind blowing in his hair while FL has those cool slow-mo shots, it's peak 

TLDR: Rough FL, Homme Fatale ML, Seductor ML, General FL, Strong FL x Weak ML, Cool FL x Pretty ML, Dom FL x Sub ML, Husband abduction

Gifs: [1]

VERY RR. Matriarchy done good. It's by no means perfect but it's of the better ones I've seen with us actually being able to see all positions of power being occupied by women. Men also actually appear as husbands and fathers! 

Then there's the MCs. ML plays the supporting role to the two FLs. He often needs to be saved, he's protected and cherished and the FLs do most of the dangerous stuff/scheming without him. One FL is charismatic, and reckless while the other is the calm genius and ML is the sweet emotional support!!!!! 

There isn't a whole lot of skinship going on but the RR vibes are defs there. FL always talks about wanting to protect ML and see him happy, hardcore crushing stuff while teasing him because they're 'besties'. I will say the trio was giving more poly vibes but I love that too so 10/10

TLDR: Matriarchy, Innocent ML, Cold FL, Suave FL, Women Get Shit Done, Flirty FL x Naive ML, Concubine ML

VERY RR. Taking Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang's vibes a step further... OMG, where to even start? FL has a whole group of (male) concubines, she's domineering af, she's the main character, a sect leader, cold, aloof, badass, skilled fighter. ML is her bodyguard so he can defs hold his own but he's very shy and reserved, especially when it comes to FL's very obvious flirting. He is sooo babygirl, I'm living and thriving 

TLDR: Dom FL x Sub ML, Master FL x Servant ML, Strong FL, Assertive FL, Shy ML, Concubine ML

Gifs: [1] [2] 

Very RR. I mean, the RR dream, really. Cross-dressing tomboy, masc-presenting FLs (yes, 3 OF THEM) who pursue and woo three cute MLs. ML & FL have the confident, flirty, assertive FL x shy, flustered ML dynamic. She makes all the moves and leaves him blushing. Then the tertiary couple has the cool, somewhat aloof woman with a total cute puppy boyfriend, like omg!!! The dudes are definitely taken aback at being pursued, save for TML who's so obliviously adorable that he loves it. SO CUTE. Secondary couple seem the least RR so far but I'll see how it continues 

^Impression after 2 eps (Still watching)

TLDR: Tomboy FLs, Cross-dressing/Masc FLs, Flirty FL x Shy ML, FL chases ML first, Assertive and confident FL, Cool girl SFL x Cute puppy TML

Very RR. Very nice RR representation! Matriarchy setting (though rather nonsensical and shallow), FL is absolutely smitten with ML, pursues him, flirts with him, spoils him, etc. Meanwhile ML is a total feisty tsundere.

TLDR: Flirty FL, Tusndere ML, Matriarchy

Very RR and also steamy! Royalty FL x Bodyguard ML so definitely a lot of master-servant dynamics. FL is cold, assertive, and domineering while ML is cold, shy and devoted. Leaning quite a bit into the femdom/malesub territory and so very good

TLDR: Master FL x Servant ML, Dom FL x Sub ML, Shy ML, Assertive FL, Concubine ML, Steamy

Gifs: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Very RR. FL is assertive, cold and rather intimidating, ML is sweet, friendly and a total puppy. The movie obviously focuses on the BDSM relationship Msub & Fdom but the pair are RR even outside of that and it was soooo giving

TLDR: Strong FL, Puppy ML, Dom FL x Sub ML

Gifs: [1] [2] [3] 

Very RR! Amazing representation of RR (somewhat problematic rep of OTHER things but that's for another time). ML is sweet, caring and cutesy while FL is cold, distant and rude. Not to mention ML's family are very RR as well with the mom being rowdy and taking the lead in the relationship while the father mostly looks out for the kids and takes care of them. 

TLDR: Warm Man/Cold Woman, Cute ML, Strong FL, RR family dynamics 

Very RR. FL is so badass, saves ML plenty of times and bosses him around while ML tries tO fIx HeR

TLDR: Badass FL, Strong FL, Supernatural-Being FL x Human ML, Older Woman-Younger Man, Nurturing ML, FL saves ML

Still watching...

Gifs: [1]

Very RR. Some great role reversal moments. FL is a cold CEO while ML is a sweet doctor. FL pursues ML but he's a tsundere so it goes on for a while but eventually supports her. (Just... don't watch after the time-skip... please...)

Dropped @ep 32

TLDR: CEO FL, Tsundere ML, Assertive FL, Nurturing ML

Gifs: [1] 

^ Bonus content. 1st short was adorably RR. Protective and cool FL with a scardy cat ML, cuteness 100 tbh. Rest of the shorts had rr vibes like the rest of the show 

Very RR. Rowdy, rough, heroine FL x Weak, posh, clever ML. Honestly, pretty good RR rep. FL is actually rowdy and doesn't need saving and ML has limits and requires saving from FL. Really enjoyed it

TLDR: Assertive FL, Rowdy/Brute FL, Posh ML, Martial Artist FL, FL saves ML, Strong FL x Weak ML, Brains ML x Brawns FL

Very RR. I mean, ML gets pregnant, enough said. Even before this, FL gives off more masc vibes and throughout the drama she very much has that on-the-fence boyfriend vibe (yes, yes, douchy AFFFF). ML becomes a boyboss and has quite some vulnerable moments which we love. Defs became more emotional and gentle as the drama went on!! Their dynamic is obviously quite RR with her having to look after him cuz he's pregnant. 

TLDR: Mpreg, Strong FL, Emotional ML. 

Very RR. FL is a CEO, though ML is also from a wealthy family, he's bullied by them and thus isn't well off until later. FL is domineering, cheeky and flirty while ML is calm, gentle and submissive. She takes the lead in their relationship, even 'forcing' him to live with her. For quite a while ML is her stay-at-home husband, doing the household chores while she is the breadwinner. Later on she secures his position in his family's company so she basically builds him up entirely (she also owns his workplace briefly). There's also an adorable scene where she makes another grand gesture to win him back and AUGH!!! my heart. ML does end up saving her a couple of times but FL isn't helpless or childish which is sooo refreshing for these F!CEO dramas.

I will say they fumbled the RR in the ending more than I would've liked (mostly the final 5th) but whatya gon do. 

TLDR: CEO FL, Calm ML, Flirty FL, Strong FL, Femdom x Malesub, Dominant FL, Submissive ML, Boss-Employee Relationship (briefly), Stay-at-home husband/Househusband ML, Determined FL, FL chases ML first, Tsundere ML. 

Very RR. Lovely RR and very steamy scenes! Same coupling as Zhang Gong Zhu Zai Shang but the roles are reversed (haha). ML is the naive and delicate prince while FL is his servant who's more like an assassin/bodyguard and is cold and distant (she's also his mentor). GFD steamy scene. Rewatched it and it's still as awesome as the first time, cannot recommend enough

TLDR: Strong FL, Badass FL, Dom FL x Sub ML, Innocent ML, Protective FL, Mentor FL x Mentee ML

Gifs: [1]

Very RR. A classic RR story. FL is a rough general who pretended to be a man for years, she's an excellent fighter and a total tomboy while ML is a spoiled nobleman who can't fight worth an ish. ML starts off kinda mid asf but later grows tf up and they really support each other. 

TLDR: General FL, Prettyboy ML, Strong FL x Weak ML, Tomboy FL, Femboy ML, Brains ML x Brawns FL

Still watching...

Very RR, subtle but very present (the drama is not romance focused tho, more of a family drama but both leads are married). ML is a househusband who's the more caring and nurturing type while FL is a cop who's more cool and rough. I love them so hecking much

TLDR: Househusband ML, Bread-Winner FL, Nurturing ML, Cool FL

Fairly RR. Cute puppy ML x strong, feisty FL in the 1st arc, but the 2nd arc takes place in a matriarchy. FL peruses ML and he's very much a tsundere (though admittedly far sweeter than the usual) and she's all forward, trying to woo him. 10/10 rr dip kiss scene AND FL teaching ML how to shoot an arrow scene, would recommend. Also FL's mother, the empress actually has a husband who loves her dearly and takes care of her 10/10. There's still the expected traditional things things in the drama so yeah

TLDR: Puppy ML, Strong FL | Matriarchy, Tsundere ML, Flirty FL, Husband abduction, FL chases ML first, Empress/Emperor Consort supporting couple 

Fairly RR. Ended up being more RR than I was expecting o-o The drama is split into two arcs, in the first one, FL travels through time and gets close to ML who's an idol. He's very much a flustered tsundere turned puppy while she behaves like the empress that she is, periodt. In the 2nd arc they both travel back to FL's time and ML becomes FL's concubine. He does chase her first which was less than ideal but in the 'trying to win favour' kinda way for the most part. He also befriends two fellow concubines and they form a brotherhood as they each try to win the empress' favour xD There's also some platonic-RR with a neighbouring kingdom where the princess presents her little brother as a consort for FL. He's the embodiment of a himbo and deserved better while his sister is the scheming evil one 

TLDR: Strong FL, Weak ML, Cold FL, Warm ML, Cold Woman x Warm Man, Empress FL, Concubine ML, M!Concubine Supporting characters. 

Fairly RR. Most of the RR happens because of the matriarchy setting (think, fathers taking care of the household, male courtesans, female rules/officials/guards etc.). It's explored okay-ish (still lacking but at least there's an attempt) and the secondary couple were quite cute and rr (musician x princess. Both are gentle and sweet towards each other which is a refreshing dynamic for sure and the musician has gentle vibes I've never seen before or since, tbh). Lead couple aren't RR

TLDR: Matriarchy, Tsundere ML, Husband abduction. F!Master x M!Servant (not leads)

Fairly RR. FL is a domineering and actually p cool CEO. ML is a down on his luck waiter who ends up becoming her secretary and contract boyfriend after she saves him from being taken advantage of (like OMGGGG, knight in shining armour much??? She even pays for his mother's(?) hospital bills, like c'mooonn). FL is flirty, forward and cheeky while ML is shy, submissive and awkward. (she show was made with pocket change and a dream but I would LIVE for a longer version of this, like omg)

TLDR: CEO FL, Secretary ML, Boss FL x Employee ML, Flirty FL, Assertive FL, Shy ML, Domineering FL, Submissive ML, Girlboss x Boywife, Sugar Mommy FL, Rich Woman x Poor Man, FL saves ML, 

Fairly RR. FL is domineering but in a rather underwhelming attempt at RR kinda way, I'll take whatever I can get but it's worth mentioning. ML however is adorably pouty and cute (but still the butt-kicker because of course).

TLDR: Dom FL x Sub ML, Master FL x Servant ML, Merman ML, Domineering FL, Submissive ML, Concubine ML

Fairly RR. Vampire FL x Human ML, FL is tragic and gloomy (cat energy) while ML is cutesy and sweet (retriever energy). It's got the age gap, FL struggling to control herself with ML (cuz of the vampirisim), ML being bridal carried, protective mother-- what more can one want?

TLDR: Supernatural-Being FL x Human ML, Older Woman-Younger Man, Sunshine ML x Gloomy FL, Puppy ML, FL saves ML 

Fairly RR. Main leads are definitely giving girlboss x malewife. ML is more focused on his looks and is the drama queen while FL is very tomboy and rather rowdy. Secondary couple also have RR vibes, basically quiet & shy assassin guy x bold & assertive princess. 

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Puppy ML, Assertive FL, Prettyboy ML, Tomboy FL, F!Master x M!Servant (not leads)

Gifs: [1] 

Fairly RR. I'd say the lead couple fall more into egalitarian territory but FL fawns about ML's beauty a lot, shamelessly chases after him and takes initiative, ML calls himself FL's lover rather than the other way around, etc. But then there's also the secondary couple with a female villain x the one person she actually likes. She's so commanding of him, takes what she wants from him, is assertive afff and he rather eagerly lets her-- Yes, they're toxic but it is RR

TLDR: Assertive FL, Egalitarian Couple (leads), Strong Female Villain, Bad girl SFL x Good boy SML

Fairly RR. Role reversal extends only as far as the matriarchy concept goes which by itself is already rather shallow. The lead couple are RR on the surface but traditional in execution. ML is still the more powerful, intelligent, capable one and ends up saving FL left and right while FL is little other than a bratty damsel in distress. At least they do have some cute RR moments between the leads, which I'm ngl is mostly carried by the ML (and his super charismatic acting). 

Regardless, ML is still somehow the more RR-coded one. He owns a brothel which he runs with his boy squad™. He's also a dancer, queenmaker, a drama queen, and his relationship with his mother plays an important role in the drama. FL is lowkey toxic as hell (so yay for the rr in that aspect ig?) and other than that just whiny. 

TLDR: Matriarchy, Cold FL, Warrior FL, Prettyboy ML, Puppy ML, Warm Man x Cold Woman, Dancer ML, Courtesan ML, Queenmaker ML, Courtesan SML, Playgirl SFL

Fairly RR. Started out very RR, later faltered (mostly in pt.2 which is why I didn't include it). ML is the sweet and naive prince (a merman, yay!), FL is the hardened and cold warrior. Also the secondary couple which is basically girlboss x malewife (bonus points for the malewife being a literal catboy) and also the tertiary couple were the woman is very forward and confident while her man is shy and reserved (at least when it comes to relationships). 

TLDR: Innocent ML, Flirty FL, Cold FL, Kind ML, Merman ML, Husband abduction | Girlboss SFL x Malewife TML, Catboy TML, Cold SFL x Warm TML

Fairly RR. FL is a powerful demon who's cold and aloof, ML is a scholar with a child who needs saving (it did have some unusual themes though. Yes, I mean Mpreg)

TLDR: Demon FL, Strong FL x Weak ML, Male Pregnancy, Single Father ML, Cold FL, Supernatural-Being FL x Human ML

Fairly RR. Of the more down-to-earth type of RR. FL is taller than the average and ML is shorter, they're partnered up for a dance and must find a way to make it work and overcome their insecurities. A lot of social commentary on gender roles through a fairly lighthearted lens. Quite tasteful about it all, both leads finally realise that being different isn't bad and embrace their switched gender roles (that RR dance scene at the end was 100/10).  

TLDR: Tall Woman/Short Man, Nice Male Lead, Loner Female Lead, Bubbly Male Lead, Warm Man/Cold Woman, Sunshine ML x Gloomy FL, RR partnered dancing

Fairly RR. FL is cold and aloof, unafraid of making the tough calls and very distant and broken (her answer to everything is violence and I'm here for it) while ML is warm and kind, far too innocent and idealistic for his own good. In pretty much everything, FL is more experienced (love, politics, etc) while ML is not. Though he's the emperor, she definitely takes the lead in the relationship. Secondary couple have similar vibes but more badass power couple vibes since both are fighters. SML still has that "I can fix her" energy tho. Admittedly the RR vibes falter a bit for the leads and entirely for the secondary couple as the show progresses, ML becomes more assertive and FL calms down a lot which kinda leaves them more in egalitarian territory than RR, still a massive W tho <3

TLDR: Warm Man/Cold Woman, Innocent ML, Mature FL, Puppy ML, Broken FLs x I-Can-Fix-Her MLs, Badass SFL

Fairly RR. Girlboss x Boywife. FL is a monster hunter who ends up having to protect a 'pregnant' ML. She's strong, he's weak, they end up co-parenting with ML taking on more of the maternal role. A bit of the RR was played for laughs unfortunately but all around quite nice. 

TLDR: Male Pregnancy, Strong FL, Weak ML, Strong FL x Weak ML, FL saves ML, Warm Man x Cold Woman

Fairly RR. I dropped everything I was doing to watch this movie RAW- Matriarchy setting which was thoroughly executed, arguably of the best I've seen (I mean female empress, princesses, officials, soldiers and they like behave like the opposite sex too? Like the men take care of the kids and look out for each other- like IT WAS GIVING OK). FL is a badass princess while ML is a pretty dancer with his goal being the bestest dancer UwU She saves him multiple times (even saves him from being taken advantage of) and he's so smitten, like omg. Unfortunately it later falters a lot and loses the RR focus. ML trains and becomes a powerful warrior and they become more of a power-couple, which is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine, I'm not piiiiiiiiiiiiiissed :))))

I apologise for the lackluster description but I couldn't find any subtitles :((( so this is based on my limited mandarin knowledge and context clues. I know I missed a LOT so I don't dare bitch more about the random supernatural path the movie took ?

TLDR: Matriarchy, Warrior FL, Strong FL / Weak ML (first half), Dancer ML, FL saves ML, Soft ML, Kind ML,

Fairly RR. All the boys are naive and innocent. FL is bubbly but assertive and rather forward (and so incredibly, tremendously down bad, we love to see it) while ML is definitely a tsundere (he was kinda giving spunky kick-yo-ass but a guy). She is the forward one, actively perusing him and he's very shy and flustered. SFL is a cold and aloof CEO (+ her assistant is a man) while SML is the gentle and nurturing type. Still seeing how their dynamic progresses but so far, he's giving a bit mommy BF vibes to her workaholic loner. 

TLDR: CEO SFL, Assertive FL, Innocent ML, Down-bad FL, Tsundere ML, FL saves ML, Nurturing SML

Still Watching... (11/36)

Fairly RR. Valid enough attempt at role reversal, nothing wow but better than others

TLDR: Sect Leader FL, Dom FL x Sub ML, Master FL x Servant ML

Fairly RR. Not romance focused but secondary couple have the cold, badass, fighter woman x warm, sweet, can't-fight man dynamic which was very sweet even if it didn't appear often 

TLDR: Strong SFL, Weak SML, SFL saves SML

Fairly RR. General FL x 'Weak' cute ML. 

TLDR: General FL, Consort ML, Strong FL x Weak ML, Cute ML

Still watching... 

Fairly RR. FL is a powerful sect leader, ML is her concubine (yes, that's his position. he's her plaything). Similar premise to SotSS but unfortunately less RR goodness. FL transmigrates so her supposedly badass persona ends up being more typical, ML on the other hand remains more rr but it's not great rep tbh.

Then there's the secondary couple, SFL x SML. Now THESE TWO were giving. She's protective, hot-tempered, aloof, domineering, possessive, the whole thing while he's sweet, kind, nurturing, calmer and always trying to do damage control. She even says that he belongs to her <33333 Unfortunately their scenes together are basically nonexistent and they're mostly written off after the first couple of eps. 

TLDR: Sect Leader FL, Concubine ML, Matriarchy Sect, Warm Man SML x Cold Woman SFL, Possessive SFL 

Fairly RR. Slight RR within the main couple. FL is the ruler, ML is her consort. She's also a bit of a player/flirt and has concubines (but they're more like guards) while ML plays hard-to-get. The secondary couple give more RR goodness though, SFL is a domeneering warrior while SML is submissive nobleman. Nothing deep but pretty cute and she's assertive AF.

TLDR: Queen FL, Consort ML, Flirty FL, Playgirl FL, Tsundere ML, Dom SFL x Sub SML, Assertive SFL, Shy SML, Concubine SML

Fairly RR. Bossy female CEO x tsundere male employee 

TLDR: CEO FL, Assertive FL, Tsundere ML, Boss FL x Employee ML

Fairly RR. FL is an empress, ML is her consort who's there to kill her because she's evil, however turns out FL has two personalities. Because of this premise, FL spends most of the show as a bit of the dumb naive FL type ;-; Her alter ego is deliciously domineering though. ML embarks on a quest to save FL from herself (lol) so he's quite caring and sweet towards her. I will say that the story is about FL which is very refreshing for Cdramas especially. Even in the end, she tells ML that her ruling matters more to her than her love life and he agrees to stay by her side and help her. 

I'm a bit conflicted about where to rank this one so I'll just leave it here for now. 

TLDR: Empress/Queen FL, Consort ML, Caring ML, FL Focused Story, Strong FL, Cruel FL. 

Somewhat RR. Mostly the secondary couple. SFL takes the lead in the relationship while SML is the cutesy one. She's a CEO while he's a broke art student. Wasn't too big a fan of them though. 

Lead couple are quite egalitarian imo. They kinda give the same in the relationship, there are no overly big gestures from either of them without it being reciprocated. Both give and take the same, so it's very healthy and balanced. I will say that FL is quite assertive, stubborn, and no-nonsense, while ML is quiet, shy, and reserved. She's also quite protective of him 

TLDR: CEO SFL, Puppy SML, Warm Man SML x Cold Woman SFL, Older Woman SFL x Younger Man SML, Assertive FL, Passive ML, Strong FL, Shy ML, Protective FL

Somewhat RR. Not romance focused First off, FL is the ACTUAL main character, instantly +10 points. The romance is subtle which imo worked for the best. FL is a badass monster hunter and ML is a special boy (<3) who she has a magical connection with (he's literally a recharge station for her). She's strong, bold, brave and selfless and he's her pretty companion who's trying his best to understand. She saves him a lot, is super protective of him (as well as her students) and is jealous of the others that want him (double meaning of 'want' for his ability and/or for his heart, mmmmm). ML is also a teacher which is apparently a common babygirl job. 

TLDR: Girlboss FL x Malewife ML, Badass FL, Strong FL, Brave FL, Weak ML, Supportive ML, Eccentric FL x Grounded ML, FL saves ML, Sidekick ML, Assertive FL, Protective FL, Jealous FL, Nice ML. 

Somewhat RR. The embodiment of r/therewasanattempt. They tried to do the matriarchy and sometimes they did fine but... overall, it was quite underwhelming in this department. They had some good things for sure, FL having two husbands, SML was giving malewifecore, secondary and tertiary couple were kinda giving, but ultimately, it wasn't great. I've since watched more historical cdramas of all kinds and I must say that the RR is present, despite being shallow. It also doesn't help that this is a sequel and not a standalone. 

TLDR: Matriarchy, Reversed harem (Two husbands), Assertive FL, Flirty FL, Tsundere ML, Nurturing SML, Gentle SML

Somewhat RR. Pretty ML who depended on his cute persona and good looks all his life with a cold, socially awkward FL who doesn't get the hype. 

TLDR: Prettyboy ML, Warm ML, Cold FL, Warm Man/Cold Woman, Drama Queen ML, Vain ML

Somewhat RR. Not really RR in themes, tbh... The coupling is rather traditional but on the healthy side (no toxic ML or FL!!). ML is a cross-dresser and honestly rocks it which is the most RR aspect of the drama (it is one of the main aspects though, so) and FL is lowkey fascinated by him and his beauty.

TLDR: Cross-dresser ML, Prettyboy ML, Femboy ML, Smitten FL

Somewhat RR. FL is the cool breadwinner while ML works mostly from home and takes on more of the household & child-rearing jobs. FL saves ML plenty of times, too and is protective of him. 

TLDR: Breadwinner FL, Motherly ML, FL saves ML, Protective FL

Somewhat RR. So far, it's quite RR. The leads have been married for a while and due to circumstances FL became rather cold, assertive, cruel, cunning, and, how to say this, mommy (she's also anything but shy about her sexuality and matters of the sort so she actively pursues her lover and goes for what she wants). ML on the other hand became more playful and sweet (and submissive) and thus they have a bit of the grumpy (FL) x sunshine (ML) dynamic going on. On top of that, ML is FL's consort and she holds the higher position between the two as princess royal, which means that she spoils him. FL also (in the past) had a boytoy because she could. 

^Impression after 8 eps (Still watching...)

TLDR: Strong Female Lead, Cold Female Lead, Warm Male Lead, Cold Woman/Warm Man, Puppy ML, Girlboss FL, Malewife ML, Girlboss x Malewife, Grumpy FL x Sunshine ML

Gifs: [1] [2]

Somewhat RR. FL is a famous doctor who's tired of life. She's aloof, chaotic and a drunk. Meanwhile ML is the town puppy, always helping people out and generally warm. She's also established to be quite a bit older than him and she's his first time which is also a whole thing xD There's also SML who very warm and bubbly and super squeamish about doctory-things. He also kinda acts like FL's protégé 

TLDR: FL led narrative, Cold FL x Warm ML, Deadbeat FL, Puppy ML, Himbo ML, Older Woman / Younger Man, Warm SML

Still watching... 6/10

Somewhat RR. More egalitarian than role reversal but it had some elements. FL is an extremely strong person, confident, sure of herself and very, VERY is and though ML isn't exactly weak, he does let her take charge more often than not, often even saying he likes being used by her (for revenge, ok, buttttttt-). We stan a supportive king. They're the definition of Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss and Malewife, Manipulate, Manwh--e, tbh. FL is also more experienced in love due to having been married before and ML is a flustered mess about it so she often takes initiative or pulls an uno reverse on him xD Lastly, the story is about FL so she's the MAIN main character. 

TLDR: Confident FL, Strong FL, Cunning FL, Supportive ML, Girlboss x Malewife, Similars Attract, Egalitarian Couple (leads)

Somewhat RR. ML cross-dresses for a great deal of the drama (and honestly goes all out- he looks immaculate, ok?) and has to pretend to be a woman thus behaving the part. He's not actually quite like that but shshshshs- FL is strong and assertive. 

TLDR: Cross-dresser ML, Femboy ML, Assertive FL... 

Still watching (but subs are bad so I'm waiting...) 

Somewhat RR. This one appears to be more traditional than it actually is. Both characters ultimately do display expected gender roles but with twists. FL is mature and jaded while ML is carefree and naive which leads into the "I'll make a man out of you" situation (FL to ML) where she gets him to grow up. FL manages the household affairs AND all the family businesses while ML works on studying and getting a good official position. ML also has this underlying fear of FL which is peak (it's healthy, I swear) and FL doesn't take his crap (which yeah is framed a bit traditional but I die for puppy MLs wanting to be praised, oop-). 

Also there's MLs parents who very much have the girlboss x malewife. She was the one that built their enterprise from the ground up and she manages all the family businesses while the father happily tends to his plants <3 Lastly, 

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Strong FL, Cute ML, Naive ML, Mature FL x Naive ML, Matriarch FL, Puppy ML, Feminism | Girlboss x Malewife supporting couple. 

Still Watching... 12/40

Somewhat RR. Very short and left somewhat inconclusive (hoping for a season 2) but an extremely cute and wholesome subtle RR story (leaning more into the noona territory). ML is the cutesy, bubbly and energetic one while FL is strict, stern and more mature. 

TLDR: Older Woman/Younger Man, Bubbly ML, Mature FL

Somewhat RR. Multiple couples but some have RR vibes. Most obviously there's the youngest daughter x the prince. She's very rowdy and strong, a local heroine as she likes to call herself. He's a prince who's quite shy and reserved. She manhandles him a lot. 

Then there's the mother (FL) and they family friend who has a thing for her (SML). He's submissive to her and tries very hard to please her, meanwhile she's tough as nails and uninterested. 

Finally, there's the second daughter (SFL) and the family servant (ML). The least RR out of the three but she often has to look out for him and stand up for him and he IS her servant 

TLDR: Strong Woman x Weak Man, Strong FLs, Assertive FLs, Gentle MLs, Master FL x Servant ML

Dropped @ Ep 15 for now.

Somewhat RR. Not romance but I didn't ship leads this much in a LONG time. Strong, badass, cold detective FL & warm, kind, weak teacher ML (AND SHE'S TALLER THAN HIM). They're dynamic was GIVING so much RR. He worries about her, she protects him, he tags along and she's reluctant, he breaks through her cold and aloof persona and she warms up to him-- what a DUO! 

Also FL is basically the typical depressed workaholic detective but a woman and she's protective of her son-figure too so some great and unusual 'mother'-'son' bonding. Also, the drama is basically the reversal of the usual 'woman is brutally murdered and the men fix the problem'. This time it's a boy who's the victim and a woman solves the problem, 10/10

TLDR: Strong FL, Badass FL, Cold FL x Warm ML, Weak ML, Tall Woman/Short Man, Protective FL, Nurturing ML

Slightly RR. Started out promising, faltered later on. FL is a demon who saves ML plenty of times. I wouldn't go as far as to say they're perfectly RR but there are some elements here and there, a lot of noona vibes tho

TLDR: Older woman/Younger man, Supernatural-Being FL x Human ML, Strong FL, Cold FL x Warm ML, Puppy ML, Innocent ML

Slightly RR. Was debating adding this one for a while... Basically, the story is about FL while ML plays her supporting role. She takes the lead, she's the only fighter, she takes no ish and she also kinda sorta abducts ML to come with her. Meanwhile ML is kinda just the boyfriend™ who tags along and needs to be saved. The only reason this wasn't a "Hell yeah" is because both still kinda behave traditionally

TLDR: Strong FL, Fighter FL, Kind ML, Malewife Abduction, FL saves ML 

Slightly RR. ML is being pursued by 3 women, all of whom are very protective of him. He can't really fight (he's a doctor) while they can. He's carried to safety more than once and lowkey objectified too. I'd say ML is more RR than any of the FLs since he's the gentle and kind prince-in-peril type who only really cares about helping people and love. Meanwhile the FLs are kinda written more traditionally and not all that feminist 

TLDR: Protective FLs, FL saves ML, Gentle ML, Sweet ML, FL carries ML

Slightly RR. FL is a powerful demon, ML is a weak himbo scholar who sees the good in everyone. She saves him bunch of times and does most of the butt-kicking. Giving more subtle girlboss & malewife vibes

TLDR: Demon FL, Puppy ML, Strong FL, Sweet ML, Supernatural-Being FL x Mortal ML, Girlboss x Malewife

Slightly RR. Mostly supernatural badass FL x Weak scholar ML. She saves him multiple times but still kinda falls under the seductress role so...They were still cute 

TLDR: Demon FL, Puppy ML, Strong FL, Sweet ML, Supernatural-Being FL x Mortal ML, Girlboss x Malewife

Slightly RR. Badass demon FL x Sweet human ML. She's assertive and more dominant, also meaner while he's sweet and naïve, seeking out her affection. 

TLDR: Badass FL, Cold Woman/Warm Man, Supernatural being FL x Human ML, Dom!FL x Sub!ML, Puppy ML

Slightly RR. This definitely was an unexpected bit of RR fluff. Miniseries following two couples, FL and ML who are the more traditional couple only that they have quite some girlboss x malewife energy with ML even being the more sensitive and emotional one while FL is jealous and possessive (sure they give off a more traditional approach to the dynamic like overbearing GF x simp BF but they have their moments) and then SFL and SML who are the more RR ones. SFL is SML's boss and she's quite domineering and cool while SML is very shy and innocent.

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Cool FL, Emotional ML | Boss SFL x Employee SML, Domineering SFL, Naive SML, Shy SML 

100th Title Added!!!

Slightly RR. Faltered quickly after the very beginning. FL was the empress and ML was her consort which was rather endearing, bbut plot twists happened.

TLDR: (beginning) Empress FL, Consort ML

Slightly RR. General FL ftw and her husband (SML), though also a warrior, stays at home due to an injury while she goes do cool girl stuff (lowkey living for this set up). ML is elegant and gentle and has a bigtime crush on FL which gives rr vibes too, kinda giving that naive supernatural creature x rough human vibes. Admittedly, it was very short so 

TLDR: General FL, Power couple, Stay-at-home husband SML, Gentle SML, Kind SML, Established couple, Homme fatale ML, Naive ML.

Slightly RR. Really not as RR as I thought it would've been (or could've been), tbh. We have a supernatural romance between FL who's a half-vampire and ML who's a human and has very desirable blood. She's protective of him and saves him plenty and he's quite the prince in peril (like genuinely super weak, kinda walking into danger type). She's also cold and grumpy while he's sweet and warm. I definitely think ML was more RR than FL. Even while writing this it seems more RR than it *actually* is

TLDR: Strong FL x Weak ML, FL saves ML, Supernatural being FL x Human ML, Cold FL, Warm ML, Cold Woman x Warm Man, Grumpy FL x Sunshine ML, Sweet ML, Shy ML. 

Slightly RR. Not bad RR rep all things considered. FL is a CEO and ML is her assistant. He does pursue her first and save her a couple of times  but she looks after him, spoils him, and allathat. She's cold and aloof and he's cute and bubbly. He's also a merman who talks with animals so very disney princess-coded (but he also kicks butt because OFC he does)

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, CEO FL, Merman ML, Cold FL x Warm ML, He falls first-She falls harder

Slightly RR. ML is the more sensitive and bratty one (a drama queen, if you will) while FL is stuck having to deal with his shenanigans (aka, the reversal of the typical bratty FL & done ML). Also merman ML AND she has to save him 

TLDR: Bratty ML, Naive ML, Innocent ML, Prince ML, Merman ML, FL saves ML, Supernatural being ML x Human FL.

Slightly RR. Not Romance ML has this sort of mentor/mentee situation going on with FL (the mentor). She's strong, calm, calculated and strong while he's emotional, weak, and naïve. ML is such a prince in peril and needs to be saved like all the time and FL delivers (she's also SUCH a domme, like omg, I'm still mad they made ML so young). ML also literally becomes FL's maid and cooks for her, like, CMON!! There's also the main antagonist who... uhm... how to say this... ushe's down bad for ML- Like... touchy down bad, iykwim [insert skull emoji here]. Knowing ML is a high schooler made those scenes highly disturbing but yeah, there's that... T_T Interesting tho 

TLDR: Not Romance, Strong FL/Weak ML. Prince in Peril, FL saves ML, Mentor FL/Servant-Maid ML

Slightly RR. ML is a courtesan, tends to be somewhat flamboyant, and has what were considered more traditionally feminine hobbies (flower picking, dancing, etc). Totally here for the male entertainment aspect (which was giving a lot of host club vibes) but ML ultimately had more playboy vibes than anything else. Lead couple are NOT rr but the brief secondary couple had the assertive woman x shyer man 

TLDR: Escort ML, flamboyant ML, Assertive woman x shy man

Slightly RR. FL is the ruling empress in the past while ML is a general. She behaves like an empress and demands to be treated as one even in the present day. Meanwhile ML is stuck trying to figure out what's wrong with her and has to play along. Definitely does feel like they weren't quite sure of how to tackle the RR so they fluctuate between RR and not in a very weird and inconsistent way. 

TLDR: Empress FL, Superior FL x Subordinate ML, Strong FL.

Slightly RR. RR dwindled a lot after the first ep however ML does remain fairly awkward and puppy-like throughout the drama. He's supportive and comforting p much everyone (women, most often) but he was giving quite a bit more of the loser virgin energy for lack of a better term. ? Girlbosses run the drama but none were really giving a lot of RR. FL was bold, confident, assertive and strong, but they're not really together a whole lot and their interactions are sour... Then SML and his girlfriend do have a BDSM Femdom/Malesub relationship but they're otherwise very traditional. 

Ep 1 - This episode was by far the most RR-coded and set my expectations high so here's the standouts: Girlboss x Boywife dynamic with the leads. FL even takes charge in the bedroom and WOO we love to see a pretty boy smothered in kisses (this scene was defs a nice treat). There's also a pretty big emphasis on ML's virginity which is framed in an interesting way in this ep but that doesn't really carry later on in the drama. Then there's the platonic RR, ML and SML are friends with SFL who's a no-nonsense kickass and she protects the two boys from being bullied. 

^Impression after 6eps, lol

TLDR: Girlboss x Malewife, Strong FL, Weak ML, Badass FL, Shy ML, FemDom x MaleSub, Dom FL, Sub ML, Confident FL x Shy ML, Protective FL, Assertive FL, Puppy ML, Platonic RR, Protective SFL, FemDom x MaleSub supporting characters (most in regards to Ep 1) 

Very slightly RR. No romance (though tbh, it WAS giving throuple but I digress). FL has a lot of older sister/protector/cool girl energy and she's the only one amongst the three leads that can actually fight. She also saves the MLs a lot and is very protective of them. It's subtle and platonic RR but I was in love 

TLDR: Strong FL / Weak MLs, Badass FL, Protective FL

Subtle RR but the leads were very much giving depressed FL x manic pixie dream boy ML which is the reversal of the usual trope so a win in my book! 

TLDR: Manic pixie dream boy ML, Normal-person FL, Strong FL, Naive ML, Innocent ML, Supernatural being ML x Human FL.

Slightly RR. Slight romance (married leads) and though ML is a bit more pathetic than ideal, they still give off RR vibes. ML is unlucky and kinda dim so FL takes charge in the relationship, stands up for him (and to him), takes no ish, gives no ishs, is assertive, stubborn and no-nonesense. Meanwhile ML is more the talker type, a bit of a himbo with a dash of pathetic, if you will. Giving Girlboss x Boyloser (for plot reasons, this later changes and ML becomes more protective but yeah, present in the beginning)

TLDR (first handful of eps only): Girlboss x Boyloser, Babygirl ML, Crybaby ML, Sensitive ML, Protector FL (later eps): Power couple, Strong FL.

Subtle RR. Slight romance The women are the emotionally strong ones while the men are more emotional. FL and TML have a bit of a protector x Protected thing going on which was pretty cute and he was kinda giving himbo but bro's a zombie so rip. SML and his wife very much have girlboss/boyloser vibes with the wife wearing the pants in the relationship and him mostly following her lead. All the women are protective and badass while the men mostly panic and need to be protected

TLDR: Strong FLs, Girlboss/Boyloser, Protective FLs, Naive TML, Cute TML, Himbo TML, Slight romance

Subtle RR. Not romance but FL is cold and aloof while ML is sweet and emotional. Honestly, most men in this drama are very sensitive and emotional while the women are confident and cool. Also there's a badass older sister character.

TLDR: Emotional ML, Aloof FL, Strong FL, Confident FL, Warm man/Cold Woman

Subtle RR of the fucked up kind... Has very little romance but it's there, kinda... FL is a psychopath so not very romantic but.... she's assertive, takes initiative with ML and controls his every move, meanwhile ML is shy, awkward and gullible. It's more of a cult leader x cultist situation but yeah

TLDR: Psychopath FL, Assertive FL, Shy ML, Manipulative FL, Cult Leader FL x Cultist ML.

Slightly/Subtle RR. Veryyy slight romance. FL is the one seeking revenge in a straightforward, out-for-blood kinda way. She's an incredible badass that fights like a demon. ML on the other hand is a righteous cop. I wouldn't go as far as to say their dynamic is RR but she's cold, quiet and vengeful while he's more just a regular guy (warmer than her for sure tho). He does however have a bit of a "I can fix her" mentality which is always peak

TLDR: Strong FL, Bad Girl x Good Boy, Cold FL, Badass FL, I-Can-Fix-Her, Very Slight Romance

Slightly RR. Not romance. Mostly the classic deadbeat detective with a dead spouse trope but for FL (and her dead husband is kind of like 'saving' her in her mind cuz of reasons, it was kinda giving ok). Also involuntary child-acquisition arc which is always peak when it's with a deadbeat woman ^^ 

TLDR: Deadbeat cop FL, Badass FL, Strong FL, Accidental-motherhood. 

Dropped @ ep 3 cuz boring and not my scene.  

Slightly RR. FL chases after ML, she's the one to initiate romance and all that but it's honestly very light on the rr

TLDR: FL chases ML, Supernatural being FL x human ML, Tsundere ML, Forward FL

Slightly RR. All this pre-marriage and post memory-loss. Girlboss x malewife and also a bit of girlboss x boyloser. FL is bossy, arrogant and a lil mean while ML is sweet, dim and dorky. FL comes from a wealthy family while ML is a broke student. She's also a bit of a trainwreck and he loves her anyway so it's also giving "I can fix her" energy 

TLDR: Rich woman/Poor man, Girlboss x Malewife, Bossy FL, Dorky ML 

Slightly RR. A lot of powerful women forcing their wills upon men. Both the empress of Zhou and the empress of Qin have lovers other than the emperor, the former's lover crossdresses to see her and recite poetry for her while she stares lovingly at him, the latter is dating a pretty musician who plays hard to get (she's very much giving femdom vibes). TFL actively pursues ML and is very toxic and possessive of him, think badgirl x goodboy (even kidnapping him) while he's at her mercy as a hostage prince and a soft-spoken person (they're NOT a couple but she pursues him for the entire drama). Quite a few other supporting female characters also actively peruse their love interests, have a 'harem' of lovers/companions, are possessive of their men, etc, etc.  Lots of female villains too which does mean there's a LOT of female rivalry but yeah. 

It's still very much a traditional period drama but I was surprised to see so much femdom energy so...

TLDR: Possessive Women, Femdom vibes, Girlboss x Malewife 

Very slightly RR. FL manhandles ML like once or something iirc and she's a cold general while he's a flirty doctor (which is nice) but other than that, pretty standard coupling. Also the quality was so bad it was basically unwatchable t-t

TLDR: General FL, Doctor ML, Cold FL, Flirty ML, Assertive FL. 

part of the above so the same applies

Very slightly RR. FL is assertive, chases ML first, she saves him, manhandles him and can kick butt. It was really looking out to be a lot more RR than it actually was (with the poster and set up). In the end, the MCs are more along the 'similars attract' & 'power couple' than RR.

TLDR: Assertive FL, Strong FL, FL saves ML, Power couple

Very slightly RR. Assertive FL and ML who marries (iirc?) into her family as opposed to the other way around. She bosses him around quite a bit. 

I watched this way back so my memory is a bit hazy, I'll rewatch later and clarify

Very slightly RR. It should've been RR, it is RR in theory but definitely not in execution. Despite taking place in a modern matriarchy similar to Ooku (low male population), the characters and the world are painfully traditional, ESPECIALLY so the women (it's giving high school cliches in the worst way). The only RR-ish elements are the fact that women are competing to win the men, and men are highly valued and thus treated more as luxurious commodities than actual people, but even that doesn't really give off a lot of RR energy, more idol energy? 

TLDR: Matriarchy, FL chases ML, Strong FL, Tsundere ML, Warm SML

Very slightly RR. Not romance Despite being fairly traditional in most aspects and there's no actual romance, FL lowkey has gentle dom energy and ML has that subby puppy energy (but p much only with each other)- There's not even any romance, but when they interact, I get that feeling. Like she's so no-bullshit but in a gentle way with him and he opens up only to her and is all shy when he's actually kind of a hothead. 

TLDR; Gentle-dom energy FL, Subby energy ML, no romance

Very slightly RR. ML has quite some manic pixie dream boy energy. He's very eccentric and quirky and clueless while FL is unassuming and somewhat bland. That's it tho

TLDR: Manic pixie dream boy ML, Regular person FL, Naive ML

Very slightly RR. Not romance FL is a politician and her husband is a househusband. Their dynamic had some RR to it but ML was actually unemployed. Still tho, I think it would've been about the same had the roles been reversed so cool enough. ML is FL's assistant.

TLDR: Strong FL, Stay-at-home husband supporting character, Personal assistant ML

Very slightly RR. Not romance focused FL is ML's commanding officer and he has this cute lil crush on her and always tries to impress her (I considered not adding this title cuz it was very subtle but then I thought about how common the reversed trope was so here we are xD). She's cold and distant while he's innocent and kind. The relationship doesn't really develop past his seemingly one-sided crush tho. 

TLDR: Strong FL, Kind ML, Cold Woman/Warm Man, Superior FL/Subordinate ML

Very slightly RR. Not romance. FL is cold, aloof and a lil mean. She's a strong martial artist who's feared by all and she protects and saves both MLs who are a tsundere and a cutie pie respectively. 

TLDR: Strong FL, Weak MLs, Protective FL, Cold FL, Warm SML

Not really RR. I found this one to be somewhat misleading based on the synopsis. Both mcs act rather traditionally when with each other and only act prince-like (for the FL) or princess-like (for the ML) when with their friends/fans. There is some enjoyable but more subtle RR to the show, like the fact that both MCs are confused as being the opposite gender and that they cross-dress (and generally speaking, dress somewhat androgynous) but yeah, I was expecting (and hoping for) more.

TLDR: Femboy ML, Mascgirl FL

Not really RR. I... I guess there was an attempt? They tried the whole crossdressing and matriarchy thing but wow did they miss the mark (There's quite a bit of crossdressing though and in the beginning they show a bit of the world which was nice even if played for laughs). Not only is there little to no RR amongst the leads but in the end the role reversal is 'fixed' because it was 'wrong'. Also, very standard characters and a female villain who's entire thing is being wronged by a man. Idk what I was expecting with the censorship but this was definitely disappointing... 

TLDR: Matriarchy, crossdressing ML & SML

Not really RR. This one was bad even for a noona romance. ML is younger, yes and FL is allegedly a successful businesswoman, but she acts like an immature child (she is somewhat assertive in the beginning but that's about it). Secondary couple aren't much better but SFL does have to carry SML when he's drunk which was endearing and he does end up sleeping on her shoulder <333

TLDR: Older woman/younger man, Businesswoman FL, Tsundere ML, FL chases ML

Not RR. Honestly, only really RR in the sense that FL does weightlifting so she's a bit more tomboyish, strong and rough. Other than that, extremely traditional 

TLDR: Strong FL, Tomboy-ish FL

Not RR. I don't remember a single RR instance? Idk why it has the Gender Role Reversal tag...

TLDR: FL x Multiple husbands (platonic)

Not RR. ML marries into FL's home but their dynamic is extremely conventional otherwise. If anything, ML is more insufferably overpowered than other MLs

TLDR: ML marries into FL's family, Strong FL

Dropped halfway through

Not RR. Honestly, I have NO idea why this was tagged as 'gender role reversal'. FL is cold, that's literally it. Also it's very much dependent on you watching the OG drama so not worth checking out unless you've done so.

Not RR. I remember there might've been a slight RR moment (iirc, FL goes 'evil' and gets some concubines?) but I honestly hated the drama so much I can't remember.