Fake relationship romance that has similar format to Jdorama

Noble, My Love is a light, fake relationship romance Kdrama. Since each episode has a short duration of 15 minute, this series gives Jdorama vibe.

What I like:
1) Light and well-paced. I finished this series in one seating.
2) Good chemistry between Sung Hoon and Kim Jae-kyung. That scene in the kitchen is hot!
3) Kim Jae-kyung's acting was alright. She does well during comedic scenes.

What I disliked:
1) Wish the last 3 episodes had clear focus on the romance.
2) I felt his character was stunted & remained bossy till the end.

Favourite scene:
I like the dynamic between Lee Kang Joon and Cha Yoon Seo so their scenes are always fun.

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Noona romance with serious mood

This is my first Park Bo Gum drama that I watched. Park Bo Gum in long, wavy hair in episode 1 was mesmerising especially when he smiled.

What I liked:
1) The first episode was magical perhaps due to "beach holiday" vibe of Havanna.
2) Jin-hyuk characterisation - I am not sure if it's because of Bo Gum's youthful look but Jin-hyuk has this charming, nice guy aura. He's personable but don't underestimate his tenacity and quick thinking.
3) The hotel - I liked plot surrounding the work at the hotel group.
4) Public figure storyline - I also liked this storyline because I got to see challenges faced by public figures. Pity that their personal life is scrutinised, often time unfairly, by media and the public.
5) Romance - This series is good at highlighting challenges faced by older woman-younger man couple especially when one of the pair is financially successful.

What I disliked:
1) Soo-hyun characterisation - It's great that she's a girl boss but she's giving this misery vibe whenever the camera is on her. I noticed that Song Hye-kyo has played several older woman characters but all these characters are so serious and gloomy. I wish there were more scenes of lightness especially when Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk met in private.
2) Soo-hyun's overbearing mum
3) Jin-hyuk's mum when she asked Soo-hyun to break up behind Jin-hyuk's back. That's not cool

Favourite scene
When Jin-hyuk met Soo-hyun after she was conned. Such a romantic scene with Bo Gum's hair blowing in the wind.

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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 training

What 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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Corporate drama with romance & murder mystery

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

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

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

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

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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!

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Had potential but poor execution

I was curious about this series because of the title and synopsis. Was looking forward to a refreshing tale of Cinderella but oh boy, what a disppointment. I got bored mid-way through the series but persisted because I want to mark this series as 'Complete',

What I liked:
1) Lee Jun Young - This is the second work of his that I've watched (The Impossible Heir being the first one). Lee Jun Young did well in a role that's been assigned to him - flawed & a little eccentric but charming chaebol/CEO. He is handsome and has a nice build and height, which are important traits for a male lead.
2) Supporting characters - It's great that the stepmom and stepsisters were nice people (unlike the classic Cinderella story) and were given some backstory so their characters were not just 2D. I also like Baek Dong Ho and Youngbae though I wish writer developed a better friendship arc for Dong Ho and Jae Rim.

What I disliked:
1) Shin Jae Rim characterisation - It's hard to like her because she was ungrateful brat and shallow even till the end. I wish there was more character growth because it's frustrating that female lead was still in self-pity mode in second last episode. Gosh she should have taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin and self-discover. There were very few scenes of Jae Rim as a person, as opposed to her as a stepsis and stepdaughter, a employee, a love interest.
2) Pyo Ye Jin - She is miscast unfortunately. I expected female lead to be wholesome and charming even when being a damsel in distress (best example is Giselle of Disney's Enchanted). However Pyo Ye Jin couldn't demonstrate these traits though the seduction scenes were a nice attempt).
3) Romance - The most frustrating part in a romance story is when a couple hardly communicates. This happens in the series - there are too many mixed signals from Cha Min, it's tiring. Plus there is no chemistry between Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young.
4) Fantasy elements - I'd say the fantasy scenes put a damper in my enjoyment of the series. The seduction scenes were fine because they tell viewers that Cha Min was falling for Jae Rim. But for example the "homeless Cha Min". They feel like a filler.

Favourite scene
When Jae Rim had too much drinks and had to pee.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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