emberzmars

Sexy, sweet & visually stunning tale of baby drama

Gosh I am excited to have found this MDL page because I have been wanting to write a review of this vertical drama. I watched Have Babies for the first time on Christmas 2024 & have watched this drama repeatedly ever since.

What I liked:
1. Visuals - Wow, what a visually stunning couple. Han Jia Hui is gorgeous (love her cheekbones) while Ke Chun is handsome (I get distracted by his big lips & raspy voice). Both actor & actress look extremely beautiful together. FL's outifts looked good on her & suit her character.
2. Romance - There are 2 intimate scenes and both times were hot. Even though there were not many kisses, the couple was affectionate with each other. I really enjoyed the playful banter between FL & ML.
3. Acting - I must say I was impressed by both Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun's acting. The scene in which ML told FL about his hidden identity was emotional & conveyed well. It's also great to see both of them in comedic & dramatic scenes. I became a fan of Han Jia Hui & Ke Chun and started watching their other dramas.
4. Supporting characters - I really like ML's sister. She bonded really well with FL & it was fun watching her scenes with FL & ML. I also like ML's mum especially the store scene. The child actors & actress were so adorable. I also like ML's assistant.
5. Pacing - Well paced & light drama. I watched this drama in one sitting.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - His proposal is just silly and darn too late.

Favourite scene:
When FL showed her wedding gown to her children & that playful banter afterwards.

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I ❤️ a good jiejie romance & this is one of them!

Dramazone is one of my favourite accounts on Youtube because of the selection of vertical dramas there & impeccable subtitling. I had watched Meng Na's dramas before and thought her acting was so-so until I watched this.

What I liked:
1. Romance - What started off as a kept man relationship soon became a real loving relationship. There were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama but I like that the couple was affectionate with each other behind closed doors. I love the contrast between cool, calm & collected FL and coquettish & warm ML. Did I mention I love older woman-younger man romance??? This drama did the trope justice!
2. Huo Lan Chuan characterisation - He's younger than FL but confident & self-assured. I love that he's supportive & very flirty. Liang Si Wei was excellent in this role. Thank you director for the topless scenes.
3. Nan Wan characterisation - Another drama with FL as jewellery designer and I enjoyed this one. I like that she is strong & go-getter. Meng Na was well cast in this role because she totally embodied this character.
4. Rivalry - I love how the writer uses competitions to demonstrate rivalry between FL & villain. Both competitions were exciting to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Villain - What a scheming individual! She didn't even mind hurting her body as long as she got what she wanted.

Favourite scene
Making out at car park scene 🔥

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Revenge best accomplished with a loving partner

I watched this drama because GOT7's Youngjae said he enjoyed this series. I LOVE Perfect Marriage Revenge! Story seems like elevated version of Harlequin / Mills & Boon novella (hey some of the novellas are well written).

Highly recommended if you're seeking a kdrama that has revenge, contract marriage, loving male lead, mature relationship, twisted family drama.

What I like:
1) Romance - Sizzling chemistry between Sung Hoon & Yoo Min with right balance of push & pull. Their romance is believable and geared towards more mature side. It's very rare to see male lead who has empathy & is emotionally invested in relationship from the start.
2) Writing - Honestly I didn't like episode 1 because Yi-joo was a doormat. However my opinion changed in Episode 2 when she decided to take control of her fate and take revenge over those who had done her wrong. This series is like a soap opera but with its fast-pacing, I never felt bored or annoyed. I also sensed a true partnership between female lead Yi-joo and male lead Du Gok right from episode 2.
3) Male lead characterisation - I couldn't read Du Gok's character in earlier episodes. He seemed to willing to help Yi-joo but what's in it for him? However, episode 6 is when my opinion changed. Du Gok showed different sides: cheekiness, empathy, affection & attraction. That confession was emotionally and physically charged, wow.
4) Supporting cast - I like Yi-joo's best friend, Du Gok's mother, grandmother and sister.
5) Yi-joo characterisation - I like her character development. She was a doormat at the start, then became vengeful but once she found an ally/partner who believes in her, she realises what's important to her and changed her mindset. She still got her revenge. I'm happy with the decision she made for her family's company because it breaks this chaebol/management must be from family cycle.
6) The ending - I like the final episode especially when it started with Yi-joo and Du Gok forgoing their concerns about the countdown and lived life as normal instead of being overly cautious. I like how the series is concluded at the end.

What I dislike:
1) Lee Min-young and Ji-hee are insufferable. Hate them so much.
2) I would have liked more sensual moments between Yi-joo and Do Guk after episode 6 because I don't know if she genuinely liked Du Gok after episode 6 and before being questioned by his grandmother.

Favourite scene
When Yi-joo and Du-gok went on vacation in episode 6. Bed room scenes - both nights. I giggled then cried because that confession was heartfelt.

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Slow burn & sweet romance

I am a fan of Chen Si and Zhu Mo Yan so I was delighted to know that they collaborate in this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - The romance started slow because FL just got out from a bad relationship. Oh I love when FL jumped on him & when they made out in ML's office. I also love it whenever FL initiated kisses.
2. ML characterisation - Green flag hero! I ❤️ ML for being attentive to FL's likes & needs.
3. FL characterisation - Great to see a main character as a doctor. FL is smart & compassionate. I like that she never took advantage of her status as ML's wife.
4. Supporting characters - I like FL's bestie, ML's bestie & his family members. FL's mum was smart in tricking SFL when they were shopping. The outfit had me LMAO.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex - Silly man. He had no right to ask for reconciliation when he never treated FL well.

Favourite scene:
When FL's bestie asked FL to check her wedding gift

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Enjoyable revenge-themed modern mini drama

I love mini dramas because of its pacing. I was excited to watch this because of Hong Xiao (You Complete Me being my favourite work of hers because her acting in one particular scene made me cry and love her outfits in that mini drama) and Dai Gao Zheng (curious to see his work after Maid's Revenge, which I disliked). After completing this mini drama, I'd say I enjoy this series more than Maid's Revenge and Revenge of Begonia.

What I liked:
1) Romance - I liked the chemistry between Hong Xiao & Dai Gao Zheng - there were enough tension between them and once they got together, I was still interested in their dynamics. It's great to see different types of romance scenes e.g. soul-baring on bed, happy & playful rain in the afternoon scene. Their kisses are steamy too.
2) Acting - I like Hong Xiao and Dai Gao Zheng's acting. They showed enough vulnerability (I loved that both actors cried for the soul-baring confession on bed scene). It's great to see Dai Gao Zheng playing a boss that kicks ass but is a softie when it comes to his woman.
3) Action scenes - I like the action scenes. Dai Gao Zheng did a lot of fights in this drama.
4) Production value - Looks like a high production value because the set design, stunts and outfits were well done.

What I disliked:
1) Ji Lin Jiang - It was quite obvious that he was the villain but gosh his character was over-the-top / caricature.
2) Grandpa Ji - I don't understand why he gave a harsh punishment to Song Si Pu! Perhaps it's a scene created so Dai Gao Zheng could go topless.
3) Styling for Ji Chan / Min Jing Shu - I know Hong Xiao is petite so she wore really high heels for most of her scenes. Some dresses, especially in the first few episodes, didn't look great on her. However there is one outfit that stands out for the right reason - the all white ensemble she wore when she & Song Si Pu were baring their souls.

Favourite scene:
The soul-baring confession on bed

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Well-written microdrama about love in aviation industry

I read about this microdrama on MDL and reddit and got curious especially when I just started watching Hou Cheng Yue's dramas. I can't find this drama on Youtube but luckily found it on Dailymotion. As an aviation geek, I love this drama!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I love that FL is an air traffic controller instead of a flight attendant. She's great at her job. She's smart and beautiful inside and out. Hou Cheng Yue played this role beautifully.
2. Romance - I enjoy watching their relationship grow from married strangers to marriage partners and lovers. I was giddy watching ML wooing FL. They are affectionate - the hugs, handholding and kisses.
3. ML characterisation - ML is handsome, smart and caring. I love how he took his role as husband seriously. I also like that he was firm with boundaries set against his admirer and love rival. I must say this is my favourite character played by Wang Yi Ran.
4, Supporting characters - I like FL's close ATC colleague, co-pilots that usually work with ML, ML's friends, mothers of both FL & ML (even though their screentime was short).
5. Ending - The drama ends with a declaration of ML & FL's love for each other at workplace. I find it refreshing and sweet.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Main antagonist is a flight attendant that went to same school as FL & ML. Gosh, she was delusional. Even though ML has explicitly told her that he was not interested in her, she was still persistant. She was envious of FL not just in love but at personal level.

Favourite scene
When ML asked FL about her past loves in attempt to know about her school crush

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Jiejie romance with substance & great acting

I was intrigued by the title when I saw this drama appear on my Youtube dashboard. The ML seemed familiar & thankfully this MDL page has existed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wu Tian Hao as the ML because I enjoyed his performances in Supervisor Husband & My Lady General.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Wu Tian Hao and the main actress portrayed their complex characters brilliantly. Their facial expressions and demeanor were on point.
2. Romance - Sizzling hot intimate scenes. Heavy kissing and cute coquettish act by ML at the start.
3. ML characterisation - I like that Shi Jie put out naive act but is actually smart & scheming.
4. FL characterisation - It's wonderful to see intelligent, confident & go getter female character. I also liked that Jiangnan was professionally involved in ML's life.
5. Family saga - It was gripping.
6. Production value - This drama felt more like a mini drama shot vertically because the directing style is different from other vertical dramas.

What I disliked:
1. The age gap - There is 10 years of age difference between FL & ML. I usually don't mind this big gap but ML is set to be 19 years old. It'd have been better to set him as 22 or 23 year old assuming he had finished university studies by 22 years old.
2. Pacing - Certain scenes progressed too fast for me to read subtitles & understand the context. I had to rewind.
3. FL's ex partner - Ungrateful.

Favourite scene
The second intimate scene was unexpected & intoxicating.

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Felt like something missing

I added this drama to my playlist because of the 3 main cast weeks ago and almost forgot about this drama until Jwells mentioned it in our chat about Shen Hao Nan.

What I liked:
1 Zhang Ji Jun - Wow he was compelling in this drama because of his character Feng Jin. He was cheeky & unhinged but not in a dangerous way (like Joker from The Dark Knight). I must say this is my favourite Zhang Ji Jun drama.
2. Yun Mu Ran characterisation - She is smart, composed & self-assured even when facing resistance. I like that her characterisation was consistent from start to finish. My hunch was right when twist was revealed in third act.
3. FL's husband - He was atrocious but wow, the actor impressed me with his acting. It'd be great if the character was given more depth.
4. Styling - I love FL's burgundy business suit. The cut & the fit - she was beautiful when wearing it. I also like Feng Jin's colourful & flamboyant outfits.
5. Tease - The writers teased us with moments that didn't follow the standard drama approach e.g. the almost kiss, the drinks laced with drugs. By making these moves, the drama stayed fresh & unpredictable.

What I disliked:
1. Plot - There were too many arcs going on in this microdrama - 3 different arcs for 3 main characters, 2 different arcs for villains (one from FL's family, one from Yu Xiao's admirer), one arc for Yu inheritance saga, one arc for FL & Yu Xiao's complicated relationship. At the end of the drama, I felt this drama played it safe with the ending and didn't leave me wanting more.
2. Yu Xiao's secret - I was confused by this arc. What was his motivation for keeping the doppelganger? It just creeps me out that I don't feel like rooting for FL to choose him over Feng Jin.

Favourite scene
When both ML took drinks knowing there were drugs in them

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Kickass FL who has great chemistry with ML

I was in the mood for reversed gender roles so I searched for dramas on MDL with this tag and found 'The Only Girl You Haven't Seen'.

What I liked:
1) Leng Li characterisation - I love her character! She's tough and feisty but lovable. She goes for what she wants and that includes her feelings for male lead He Lian Xuan. I also like that she's brainy - she knows about herbs and uses the knowledge to help people. Wen Mo Yan was brilliant in this role. She kinda looks like Kim Sejeong, a Korean actress and pop idol.
2) He Lian Xuan characterisation - I enjoyed his character too. He is protective of Leng Li but at the same time, couldn't show his full self to avoid trouble with others. His other persona Qing Ru is cool. Wang Zu Yi was brilliant in this role.
3) Romance - I could feel He Lian Xuan's feelings for Leng Li - so genuine & pure of love & admiration. Damn I love it when a woman makes the first move and gosh that scene of Leng Li making the first move is HOT! I also like that Leng Li never resisted He Lian Xuan's feelings - she too never doubted her feelings for him.
4) The comedy - Never expected comedy scenes to be laughed out loud. Leng Li getting back at He Lian Chen and 6th prince was a gold moment!

What I disliked:
1) Transmigration arc - I feel like this plot wasn't well explained.
2) The ending - I understand why the series ended that way but why make it a sad one?

Favourite scene
When Leng Li told He Lian Xuan to "be a man" in episode 5.

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Tragic love story with great acting by both leads

I enjoyed Ma Xiao Yu's acting in Captive Love from the Mob Boss despite his asinine character. I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. I also recently became a fan of Guo Yuxin. I watched this drama on Dailymotion since at the time of this review, there isn't a complete version of this drama in YT. This drama has similar plot to another antidote drama starring Huang Bo.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Both Ma Xiao Yu & Guo Yuxin's performances were intense and well-matched. Their dramatic scenes were heartfelt.
2. Romance - I know Guo Yu Xin does kissing scenes well based on her dramas with Zuo Ming, Ke Chun, Liang Si Wei. Damn the kissing scenes were really hot.
3. The daughter - It is so touching to see a young daughter caring for sickly mother. The child actress had meatier role in this drama and she did well.
4. ML's assistant - What is the name of actor who played ML's assistant? He is very handsome. I like his character.
5. Styling - I notice styling for Ma Xiao Yu in this drama is same as styling for Captive Love from the Mob Boss. That's great because he looks extremely handsome. FL styling was good too considering there is a time jump.

What I disliked:
1. Romance development - I wish there were more dating/bonding scenes because the romance between FL & ML were underdeveloped.
2. Ending - I am not sure what to make of the ending because of the presence of the daughter.
3. Villain - I felt the the villain arc was incomplete. Did she face any punishment for her actions?

Favourite scene
When the daughter looked for ways to pay for FL's hospital bill

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This tragic romance made me cry 3 times!

Edit: As pointed out by Jwells, there are 2 versions of a story using same actor, same actress, characters & premise. This review is for the original story which is longer version (2 hours 23 min) and the remake (referring to this page) is about 1 hour 45 min. Apologies for the possible confusion.

This is the first time I watched Huang Bo and Xu Si Qi 's performance on screen. The story of yin yang & one person being "antidote" to another grabbed my attention. I must say I was very surprised by this drama because I cried THREE times!

What I liked:
1. Huang Bo - Damn, he gave a sublime performance in this drama as I felt different types of emotions: anger, sadness, hopeful, fearful. His acting & masculinity reminded me of Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender. Anyway I became a fan of Huang Bo because of this drama.
2. ML characterisation - His character growth was fascinating. He started as as a person who focused a lot on himself then slowly he was more concerned about others than himself.
3. FL characterisation - I too liked how her character developed. She was too nice at first but then grew wary and put her and daughter's needs first. I cried when she received the bad news. I think she made the right decision to care for her daughter. Xu Si Qi was great at expressing different emotions of her character.
4. Romance - Tragic romance. ML & FL were together 3 times, which I think they were not meant for each other. He fell harder for her while FL seemed to like him at the start & perhaps at the end of their coupling.
5. Supporting character - I liked the kid but computer whiz thing was a bit too much. I also liked ML's grandpa who was concerned for FL's wellbeing after ML & FL got together the second time. Dr Jin was a good character too.
6. Ending - I interpreted it as bittersweet & tragic.

What I disliked:
1. Sex - I felt consent was dubious. That scene was uncomfortable for me to watch.

Favourite scene
When ML saw FL right after her surgery

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Familiar reborn tale given gothic superpower treatment

This drama appeared on my dashboard last weekend. When I clicked 'Play', the character names were familiar. I have watched another version (starring Zhou Hang & Yao Yu Chen which I enjoyed immensely). In the starting scene, ML eyes turned red and I was intrigued by supernatural element. Oh boy, I wasn't disappointed.

What I liked:
1. Elements - I love the gothic and superpower treatment given to this drama as it distinguishes itself from other versions. The VFX was cool despite the short screentime. Some scenes remind me of Evanescence's Call Me When You're Sober music video.
2. Wang Yi Lei - I was delighted to see him as ML because I enjoyed his performance as SML in his others dramas (one with He Jian Qi and Zhai Xin Ran & mini drama Ready for Love). Fu Ting Shen in this drama was cool & mostly calm. However I wish he had upped the ante when FL first met ML while his superpower was on.
3. Styling - Gorgeous! FL had one of the best outfits I have seen in vertical dramaland. The 1940s style short dresses & fascinators. I also liked her wedding gowns.
4. Romance - Oh, mostly sweet with a dash of spice. Good balance of push and pull. The wedding gown scene was hot.
5. Supporting characters - Wen Jianran made a lasting impression despite short screentime. I also like the actress who played villainess Jiang - her character had substance compared to other 2 antagonists.

What I disliked:
1. Superpower arc - I wish this arc was given more screentime and perhaps a twist. Given that the superpower had been surpressed all this while, I was perplexed by how the power was handled at the end.

Favourite scene
The start when FL witnessed ML's love for her

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Spicy & funny start - highly entertaining drama

I am glad to have found this page - I watched this drama on 15 January 2025. I am Zhang Chu Xuan's fan and always search for her dramas online because I know I would be entertained. I am familiar with Wang Yi Ran so I was excited to see their collaboration. I was highly entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was originally an overworked surgeon who fainted in an operating room and when she woke up, she found herself in the 80s, sleeping next to ML. She used her knowledge of modern medicine to earn a living and at the same time helped other women to be empowered.
2. Romance - The very first scene was spicy & funny - I love a take charge FL! I like the pacing of romance development between FL & ML. I know my gal can kiss but damn it was my first time seeing a carnal Wang Yi Ran (previous dramas that I watched didn't have real kisses).
3. Comedy - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Yi Ran excelled in their roles. I enjoyed their comedic bits so much. ML's right hand man was funny too.
4. Music - Zhang Chu Xuan was cute singing that famous song at the end.

What I disliked:
1. Transmigration - I assumed FL could stay in the 1980s instead of going back to 2020s. It'd be nice if there was an explanation.

Favourite scene
When FL gifted amulet to ML and ML's feelings soon after

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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Turn off your brain for this light, cute but weird drama

This is my first drama that featured Han Yu Tong & Zeng Hui and I don't know what to make of it.

What I liked:
1) Drama tone - As mentioned by one of the MDL commenters, this drama is partly cute and partly weird. It is a light watch if you switch off your thinking skills.
2) Acting - Han Yu Tong is a standout for me. Her looks & demeanor remind me of Kate Hudson in early 2000s - radiant, exuberant energy.
3) FL's parents - I like that they were kind people even to strangers.
4) Antagonist - Refreshing take of antagonist who is jealous of FL. I also like accomplice's arc.

What I disliked:
1) Relationship - Another drama with theme of husband neglecting wife for years. I don't think ML deserves FL because she was neglected by him for 3 years of their marriage. It's also kinda shitty that FL was substitute for lost love.
2) ML - I dislike him for threatening FL for not being with him. He left her without any financial support to "teach her a lesson" which I find a shitty move.

Favourite scene
FL & ML fight in the car. I like that FL told him off for treating her badly!

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