emberzmars
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Sports meet noona romance drama...what a delightful series!
Older female/younger male romance is my favourite trope and I enjoy watching the Olympics. This series was a delight! This series reminds me of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (another favourite series of mine) especially scenes about the slump period and the trainingWhat I liked:
1) Acting - Wow, Wang An Yu gave a stellar performance as a soft-hearted student-athlete. He looked like an Olympian during his high jump scenes - the posture, running and jump. I enjoyed watching Wang An Yu's facial expression especially his eyes. Very expressive. The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet was heartbreaking. Jin Chen was great at her role of coach and girlfriend too. Luo Na knew when to put on coach hat and girlfriend hat. I read comments commenting on Jin Chen's skinniness but I think that's how a (former) athlete who keeps good care of her body looks like. Chi Jia was also great as Coach Wu Ze.
2) Writing - I didn't read the novel so my comments will focus solely on the show. I love watching the journey of Du Yu Cheng throughout the series. From high school to university and professional athletics training. I also love that writers feature different types of track and field events from training to competition.
3) Luo Na characterisation - I love how the writers balance the different roles held by Luo Na - assistant coach, girlfriend, friend, daughter. As an assistant coach, she knew when to be confidant to her students. She also knew when to follow her instinct with the case of Zhang Hong Wen.
4) Duan Yu Cheng characterisation - I always giggled when watching his antics. Duan Yu Cheng is crybaby and playful, at times childish. I think he's needy/clingy with Luo Na because of his upbringing but he never showed signs of toxic masculinity.
5) Romance - wow, palpable chemistry between Wang An Yu and Jin Chen right from the start. Their kissing and intimate scenes were really hot.
6) Supporting casts - Wonderful supporting characters such as Coach Wu Ze, Xia, Jian Tian, Lian Shu, Jia Shi Li. Mao maoqi is my favourite because he is so endearing.
7) The reunion at the end - It's great to see Jia Shi Li in the last episode.
What I disliked:
1) A lot of the romance scenes were for the benefit of Duan Yu Cheng. I wish there was a scene or gesture that was done by Yu Cheng for Luo Na as his girlfriend not coach.
2) The English song that was played during competition between Duan Yu Cheng and Li Ge made me laugh because that was a love song but the scene called for rivalry!
3) I disliked Mrs Duan's action during Yu Cheng's decathlon competition. She shouldn't barge like that since it might disrupt his focus on the competition.
Favourite scene
The scene when Coach Luo Na was comforting him when he was wet. Heartbreaking. Wang An Yu's best performance in this series.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Always treasure family over money
I watched in Malaysian cinema on 9 June 2024. This movie reminds me of my own grandma. When I was on summer break from uni in Australia, my dad asked me to return home. I visited my grandma 1 week before I returned to Australia then few days after, my grandma passed. I was grateful that I made the trip to visit her.What I like:
1) How to make millions before grandma dies is beautifully written & directed film. Cinematography was well done. Well done, Pat Boonnitipat and his team!
2) It is set in Thailand but the core themes relatable to Malaysian audiences. Some cultural practices are same here.
3) Wonderful acting by Putthipong Assaratanakul & Usha Seamkhum - their dynamics translated well on screen. Supporting cast did well too.
What I dislike
1) I think the title is misleading because I thought M worked multiple or sketch jobs to gain that much of money
Favourite scene
When M bathed his grandma. I understand perspectives from both sides.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Campy start but enjoyable series
Playing house is my first mini drama. I enjoyed it very much.What I liked:
1) I enjoyed it despite initial campy set-up. I see similarities to kdrama W but this series is focused on romance, not thriller.
2) Pleasantly surprised by plot twist on episode 17.
3) The actors played their roles well (including hotel staff). Tu Zhi Ying is star of this series. Cavan Wen has strong, stern face which suits cold CEO but it was good that he got to show doubts, insecurity during series.
4) Good romantic tension. Their first kiss was hot & passionate.
What I disliked:
1) I wish the ending was different because I prefer both He Lu Yan & Qi Lin to start their relationship rather than confirming their love because whatever happened in the novel was fictional.
2) Wish Ji Xiao & Wei Lan was introduced onscreen so we can see some sparks.
Favourite scene
Their first kiss
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Expected sexy romance but got damsel in distress instead
Coffee & Vanilla is perhaps the least enjoyable jdrama I've watched. Don't waste your time. Actor Dori Sakurada looked like Suga at times though!What I like:
1. Scores featured in episode 1.
2. I like Risa's clothes except that red dress. Made her look matronly.
3. Each episode is less than 26 minutes & only 10 episodes in the series. That prompted me to finish this series.
What I dislike
1. Female lead Risa is childish & meek, she even acknowledged those traits. Damsel in distress.
2. The romance is unbearable. Risa keeps on receiving, Hiroto treats her like a possession. Risa is always being manhandled, but just obliges.
3. Underdeveloped characters even for leads.
Favourite scene
When Risa realised she needed to grow up so she applied for internship.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Fast-paced police procedural with time jump element
Highly recommended for those looking for fast-paced police procedural with time jump element.What I like
1) Acting - Cho Jin-Woong was the standout performer out of the three leads. His facial expressions were on point that I cried during one of his scenes (when he was so desperate). Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon were great in their roles too.
2) Great writing - It was stressful at times because I felt for Lee Jae-han, who couldn't just trust anybody.
3) The connection between three leads - Detective Lee Jae-han-Park Hae-young connection is so sweet.
4) Engaging plot including sub-plots - This drama is plot-driven. I love how the mini cases are interwoven with the big case.
What I dislike
1) The ending - I want to know what happened to Detective Lee Jae-han.
Favourite scene
The bomb scene threw me off guard and made me panic!
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
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.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Bu Hui Lian Ai De Wo Men
1 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Noona romance done right!
I enjoy watching older female-younger guy romance (wishful thinking) and Why Women Love is the best noona romance I have watched, so far!What I like:
1) The length of the series - 24 episodes is the perfect number of episodes.
2) Female lead characterisation - ❤️ that Jiangyue is career-focused but not uptight. Yes, she is a workaholic but she makes time for her best friends. Jin Chen was so radiant in this role. She reminds me of TWICE's Nayeon somehow.
3) Male lead characterisation - ❤️ Jia Xin 's growth throughout the series. He started as a bratty rich kid but once he saw his boss's vulnerability and understands her perspective, he accepts his role and is attuned to her needs. I also like an introspective male character. I like his styling (both hair & clothes) - I find Zi Yi resembles Gon of Vanner.
4) Chemistry between Jin Chen and Wang Zi Yi - Combustible chemistry and their kissing scenes?. Both are visually arresting.
5) Ending - I like the award ceremony scene. I expected the proposal to be different and kinda happy it turns out to be true. Given the characterisation of Jiangyue and Jia Xin, it is believable.
What I dislike:
1) Supporting characters - Jing Jing and Duo Xi's love stories were underdeveloped. I'd like to see more of Jing Jing's love story because it's second chance romance involving mature characters.
2) Li Yan Ran - annoying! It's hard to develop empathy for a character that doesn't understand personal boundary.
3) Sub-plot - I think the office rival plot can be executed better.
Favourite scene:
When Jiangyue was given gifts by Zi Yi. I love the meaning attached to each gift!
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
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
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
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.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Oya Baka Seishun Hakusho
0 mensen vonden deze beoordeling nuttig
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
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.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Interesting synopsis but disappointed by story execution
After watching The Killer is also Romantic, Destined to Meet You, Blade's Dance with You, Butterflied Lover, Yang Ze is one of my favourite mini drama actors. He can portray different expressions even with his baby face. I have watched Tu Zhi Ying's acting in Playing House, which I really enjoyed. I was excited to watch this mini drama after knowing the main cast and reading the synopsis. However I didn't enjoy this series.What I liked:
1. Bromance - I enjoyed watching Qin Chuan and his aide, Zhao Tie especially when they were concocting plans to woo Mu Xiao Xi.
2. Xiao Xi's parents - They didn't have much screen time but whenever they were on screen, they were hilarious.
What I disliked:
1. Romance - I don't sense any chemistry between Yang Ze and Tu Zhi Ying at all. Their characters Qin Chuan and Mu Xiao Xi were essentially strangers because there were no scenes of them bonding or working together on achieving something. I am bothered by the kissing scenes because most of the time they were in forced situations.
2. Shots - I don't like how inner monologues of Tu Zhi Ying and Shangguan Ru Yu were shot. Breaking the fourth wall style were employed and I find this style created a barrier with Qin Chuan.
3. Side storylines - I would like to know more about Qin Chuan's rivalry/relationship with other princes but it wasn't explored much. I couldn't care much about Shangguan Ru Yu's arc.
4. Ending - A cliffhanger. Since I don't enjoy this series, I am not interested in the outcome of the main leads.
Favourite scene
When Xiao Xi's parents gave marital advice to Qin Chuan and Xiao Xi.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Refreshing drama with heroic army general FL & anti-hero, house husband ML
I subscribed to WeTV last weekend and was browsing their catalogue when I found this mini drama. I was intrigued by the synopsis and binged the series in one evening.What I liked:
1) Gender reversal roles - I love that the FL is an army general who has a tough exterior but a soft spot for her husband whom she married out of obligation, not out of love. I also love that the ML is a scheming head of assassin organisation whom adopted a coquettish persona to deceive his wife. It's refreshing to see atypical characters on screen.
2) Romance - When they are intimate, FL is dominant while the ML is submissive and it's hot. The kisses are hot even when ML was begging for FL to stay by his side after his cover was blown.
3) Gu Ming Zhu / Jiang Jun - Gu Ming Zhu is sickly scholar while Jiang Jun is a headstrong head of organisation. Xu Zhen Xuan was able to showcase two different characters well. The contrasting costumes help in showing two different characters.
4) Supporting characters - Lord Yue/Xiao Ban, Qi Qi and Li Qi were a delight to watch. The three of them were quite good looking as well. Zi Yu who played Lord Yue kinda reminds me of Felix from kpop group Stray Kids while Wu Tian Hao kinda resembles Gao Hanyu.
What I disliked:
1) Multiple arcs - There were too many in the mini drama and most of them were underdeveloped e.g. Second Prince's hunger for power, Lord Yue backstory, Jiang Jun's sickness, Crown Prince. At one point, I forgot about the deal Jiang Jun made with Second Prince because there were no scenes/interactions between 2 characters. If this series was turned into a longer series, perhaps they could elaborate on those arcs.
Favourite scene:
When General Wei Lin jumped on Jiang Jun after waking up from sickness. Their makeout session was interrupted by their right-hand men reading a novel out loud.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Refreshing modern mini drama, good acting & chemistry but bad ending
I love Lu Yan Qi's performance in Destined to Meet You so was excited to see her in the trailer of this series. I am also familiar with Yan Zi Xian's work having seen his performance in The Revenge of Begonia and Estranged Fall in Love. I think Yan Zi Xian looks like Jackson Wang with certain styling.What I liked:
1) Acting - Lu Yan Qi and Yan Zi Xian were really good in their roles, individually and a couple. Lu Yan Qi had great comedic timing in a few scenes. When Xia Tian cried, I felt her pain for example when she came clean to the grandpa. Both of them seemed to have an ease/comfort with each other because their on-screen banters looked so natural. It's nice to see Yan Zi Xian smile and laugh.
2) Romance - Most importantly there was amazing chemistry between Lu Yan Qi and Yan Zi Xian and a good balance of push and pull. I could feel sexual tension between Ji Cheng Xuan and Xia Tian especially in the bathtub scene. There was plenty of kissing, hugging and hand-holding.
3) Writing - I love that the writer debunked cliche tropes e.g. kissing without permission. I enjoyed most of the arcs.
What I disliked:
1) The ending - WHY end the series with that scene???
2) Qin Yue - It's nice to see Ni Han Jin acting together with Lu Yan Qi again. However his character was underdeveloped.
Favourite scene:
When Cheng Xuan set up a romantic scene & confessed his love to Xia Tian. The banter between them aaawww
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Beautifully shot revenge drama with noir concept & good acting
I liked Fan Zhi Xin's acting in My Lethal Man so I was curious about this series. The trailer caught my attention so I watched this series last weekend. Yang Yu Xi kinda resembles Miyeon of G-idle.What I liked:
1) Acting - Wow, it's quite rare to see good performances by both male and female leads. Fan Zhi Xin and Yang Yu Xi played their roles really well because I could see different facial expressions on their faces. I like Guo Jia Yu's acting too.
2) Writing - Good acting wouldn't happen if the screenplay is bad. So well done to the writer for keeping audience on their toes about what's going to happen next. I also liked that FL shared her revenge plans with ML in the middle of their partnership because often times most revenge-themed dramas have Lead Character keeping it as a secret till almost the end.
3) Romance - There is a lot of sexual tension between two couples, i) Xiang Ye Ran & Cheng Che, and ii) Xiang Ruo Lan & Yu Jia Hao. I sensed the emotional pull and genuine affection between them whenever they appeared on screen. I wish there were more kissing between Ye Ran and Cheng Che.
4) Supporting characters - I like that supporting characters have depth to them: Xiao Xiao, Ruo Lan, Jia Hao, Mr Thirteen.
5) Ending - I hope there is season 2.
What I disliked:
1) Pacing - Some scenes in 3rd part of the series were draggy that I didn't pay much attention to the dialogue.
2) Error - Some characters were hospitalised in the final episode. I was bothered by Xiao Xiao's arm injury because her long sleeve was also part of the injury dressing.
Favourite scene
The dance scenes at New Fairy Club. Great performances by Fan Zhi Xin, Yang Yu Xi and Guo Jia Yu.
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Light and sweet romance mini drama that excels in comedy
Richard Li is mentioned a lot in reddit posts so I chose this mini drama to see his work.What I liked:
1) Comedy - I never expected to laugh and chuckle while watching a mini drama. Comic relief provided mostly by Liu Yue Qing's father & Pei Yan and they did great job.
2) Richard Li - At first I thought he was a pretty boy but as the series progressed, I enjoyed his acting. He was able to convey different emotions and my favourite is when he was concerned for Liu Yue - there was sincerity there.
3) Romance - I enjoyed their romantic scene from the drugged tea to the ink grind. The scenes were sweet.
4) Supporting characters - Great use of supporting characters e.g. Han Zhen, Mr Liu, Pei Yan.
What I disliked:
1) Writing - I feel like the writer could do more with the main characters. While I enjoyed the romance between Pei Xun and Liu Yue Qing, their individual characters were not fully fleshed out. Her purpose for transmigration is not explained in this series. So I didn't feel any connection to them and would be less inclined to re-watch this series or worse, remember this series. The villain arc was predictable but it could have done better too. I also didn't realise FL was a modern woman until I read the synopsis.
2) Ending - The ending was lacklustre after a climatic penultimate episode. The last episode was only 7 minutes including intro & end credits. Writer could have added a scene about FL's purpose for transmigration or implications of her decision.
Favourite scene:
When Han Zhen brought Pei Xun's betrothal gifts to the Liu family
Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
