Chinese Drama: Forever and Ever 一生一世

Year Released

2021

Genre

Family, Romance

No. of Episodes

30 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ren Jialun, Bai Lu

Storyline

Shi Yi (Bai Lu) takes interest in Zhousheng Chen (Ren Jialun) as he bears the exact same name as a male lead character in a story she dubbed. Both of them keep in touch via emails for six months. Fate brought them together when they met up in Xi'An. 

Shi Yi only knows Zhousheng Chen is a Scientist, but unaware that he comes from an extremely wealthy family. Zhousheng Chen proposed to Shi Yi in order to inherit his family's properties. Shi Yi has a difficult time dealing with Zhou's family internal power struggle and puts her life at stake.

My View

Plot consists of bitter and sweet scenes, but I prefer part 1 better. The romance is still as slow as part 1 and all proper. No overly kissing & touching scenes which I think is a fresh perspective.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: You Are My Glory 你是我的荣耀

  

 

Year Released

2021

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Yang Yang, Dilraba Dilmurat

Storyline

Qiao Jingjing (Dilraba Dilmurat) had a crush on Yu Tu (Yang Yang) during their high school days but was rejected. Fast forward years later when Jingjing becomes a famous celebrity and needs a professional help in gaming as part of her job. She still keeps in contact with Yu Tu online but under another identity.

 

Yu Tu is having a difficult period in deciding if he is to quit as an aerospace engineer as his job does not pay him well. He is unable to afford medical assistance to his parents and feels guilty about it. He meets Jingjing while he is on a break away from his job and ends up being her teacher in gaming.

 

After Yu Tu gets to know Jingjing more, he decides to pursue her. Their relationship has obstacles due to the nature of their jobs.

 

My View

 

The plot is a simple and romantic one but because I'm someone who prefer ups and downs in a drama so I have to rate two stars. Really nothing much as compared to Love O2O 微微一笑很倾城. 

When I heard from a friend that on the day the episode of their wedding scene, the whole Tencent crashed I suddenly feel like ?? LOL!

 

2/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama: My Little Happiness 我的小确幸

Year Released 

2021

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

28 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xing Fei, Tang Xiaotian

Storyline

Wen Shaoqing (Tang Xiaotian) has been waiting for the love of his life ever since he was separated with Cong Rong (Xing Fei) during their childhood times. Fast forward years later, Cong Rong who is an intern for a law firm is assigned to Yun Ji Hospital. This is where she meets Shaoqing who is a surgeon there.

When Shaoqing finds out that Cong Rong is the girl he has been looking for, he starts to pursue her.

My View

I had great expectation as I watched trailer from the last episode during their wedding day. I guess I'm someone who enjoys heart-wrenching plot with ups and downs. So this short, calm and sweet drama is still okay.

Rating

2/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Love in Time 约定期间爱上你

Year Released 

2020

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

24 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ren Yankai, Cheng Xiaomeng

Storyline

Lu Boyan (Ren Yankai) and Su Jianan (Cheng Xiaomeng) known each other since high school. However, both of them were separated due to a series of misunderstanding. Fast forward ten years, Jianan is forced to a contract marriage with Boyan to avoid taking over her father's lingerie business.

The pair eventually patched up and fell in love but were met with multiple obstacles created by Han Ruoxi (Liu Yuqi).

My View

A short and sweet romantic plot especially when Boyan was trying to feed Jianan her medicine. Though not too much of ups and downs but still acceptable IMHO.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Cute Programmer 程序员那么可爱

Year Released

2021

Genre

Office, Romance

No. of Episodes

30 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xing Zhao Lin, Zhu Xu Dan

Storyline

Lu Li (Zhu Xu Dan) admires Jiang Yi Cheng (Xing Zhao Lin) as he is a genius programmer and they both played games together anonymously back in the school days. Due to betrayal by fellow girl programmer Li Man (Sheng Lang Xi), Yi Cheng only recruits male employees into his Co. 

Lu Li had no choice but to disguise herself as a male. She was recruited but her identity was eventually exposed by Yi Cheng. They somehow got involved into a contract marriage. Yi Cheng began to fall in love with Lu Li but was still entangled with his previous love, Li Man.

In the end, Lu Li divorced Yi Cheng and left him for good. Yi Cheng vowed to chase Lu Li back when he realised his true love was actually Lu Li all along.

My View

Quite an adorable drama and I kind of like Bambi here.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : The Third Charm

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance, Slice of life

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 75 minutes per episode

Starring

Seo Kang-joon, Esom

Storyline

On Joon-yeong (Seo Kang-joon) and Lee Yeong-jae (Esom) met each other when they were twenty years old and fell in love almost immediately. An unfortunate event separated them and the pair reunited seven years later after clearing up their misunderstandings.

But their relationship did not last for long due to insecurity and difference in personality. Fast forward five years later, when Joon-yeong was about to get married and Yeong-jae suddenly re-appears into his life. 

My View

A simple plot but touched my heart a lot. Cried like mad till my eyes went swollen. I enjoy watching drama like this where a relationship lasts for a long time from young. As in everyone has different mindset at different age, like you don't know what you want. The ending was great as in something I'm looking at.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Reply 1994

Year Released

2013

Genre

Romance, Family, Comedy

No. of Episodes

12 - running time of 1 hour 17 minutes per episode

Starring

Go Ah-ra, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Sung-kyun, Baro, Do-hee, Son Ho-jun, Sung Dong-il, Lee Il-Hwa

Storyline

A warmth story about the Sung's family who moved to Seoul and started a boarding house welcoming everyone coming from various countrysides. 

My View

Reply 1994 has a combination of hilarious, touching and sad moments. The plot twist is somehow unexpected at times and it's just heart-wrenching. I must say the scripwriter for reply series is extremely awesome.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Twisted Fate of Love 今夕何夕

Year Released

2020

Genre

Historical fiction, Romance, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

43 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Jin Han, Sun Yi

Storyline

Wen Xin (Sun Yi) was killed in a battle in Ding Yuan rebellion. Er Yu brings back her life using the power of his flute. Er Yu then sends Wen Xin back to eight years ago in order to stop the battle.

The first time when Wen Xin gets back, she meets Feng Xi (Jin Han). As she loses her memories, Feng Xi names her Dong Yue. When Dong Yue gradually remembers the past, she knows that Feng Xi is also involved in Ding Yuan rebellion.

Dong Yue vows to get rid of Lu Yuan Tong (Zhang Zhi Jian) and Feng Xi before that happens. Both Feng Xi and Dong Yue are attracted to each other. Dong Yue detests the manipulative Feng Xi but cannot help and fall in love with him. 

Due to Dong Yue’s mistrust towards Feng Xi, he died while trying to protect her. With the help of Er Yu's flute, Dong Yue decides to time travel back again to the time before Feng Xi was killed. Her price to pay is that Feng Xi slowly forgets about their relationship.

Another occurrence leads to Feng Xi's death and Dong Yue time travels back to save his life for the second time. This time, it costs Dong Yue's life.

My View

I have not watched such a good historical drama in a long time. Plot is well written and scenes are not draggy. Everything is on point. 

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Our Glamorous Time 你和我的倾城时光

Year Released 

2018

Genre 

Romance, Business

No. of Episodes

50 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Jin Han, Zhao Liying

Storyline

Lin Qian (Zhao Liying) meets Li Zhicheng (Jin Han) while she travels to Yunnan. Lin Qian is kidnapped by some gangsters and Li Zhicheng happens to save her life when he has his last mission there as a soldier.

The pair reunite again when Li Zhicheng is looking for a clothing designer for his Co. Aida. Aida is a subsidiary of parent Co. Wenda which is the Li's family business. The three major well known fashion brands of Lin Hai are Wenda, Xin Bao Rui and Si Mei Qi.

These three labels turn from competitors to partners to deal with a foreign Co. DP Group.

My View

I don't know much about fashion but OGT keeps me entertained looking at those beautiful designers' clothes. I like the wits of each male leads when they try to outsmart one another.  

Overall, a worth-watching drama.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Eternal Love Rain 倾世锦鳞谷雨来

Year Released

2020

Genre

Fantasy, Romance

No. of Episodes

24 - running time of 32 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Runze, He Hua

Storyline

Ning Xiurui (Wang Runze) is the second prince of Dragon King. He accidentally loses his dragon scale and is unable to return back to the sea. The Dragon King uses up all his powers to create a barrier between ocean and land in order to protect Xiurui from the evil first prince Ning Xiuren (Liao Yanlong).

Su Yinyin (He Hua) happens to be bornt with dragon scale as her heart. Xiurui gets to know Yinyin when he moves in next door as her neighbour. As time goes by, the couple develop feelings for each other. 

When Yinyin finds out the truth about dragon scale, she decides to sacrifice her life for Xiurui. Xiurui in turn gives Yinyin his heart to revive her while he dies without a dragon heart.

My View

For a web drama, the storyline is not too bad. Like the short episodes as well. I'm kind of touched at the part when Jin'er ends her own life to protect the dragon scale.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Mr Honesty 不说谎恋人

Year Released

2020

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

31 - running time of 42 minutes per episode

Starring

Xin Yunlai, Liang Jie, Liu Haikuan

Storyline

Fang Zhiyou (Xin Yunlai) detests liars but his new personal assistant Xu Yiren (Liang Jie) happens to lie most of the time. Zhiyou gradually understands on the reasons why one lies and falls in love with Yiren unknowingly.

Zhiyou used to have a childhood best friend Li Zhe (Liu Haikuan). But, their relationship turns into hatred when Zhiyou's father (who is a lawyer) lies about helping Li Zhe's father in a lawsuit.

Due to this, Li Zhe's mother commits suicide and his father becomes mentally ill. Zhiyou is filled with guilt all these years and trying to make up to Li Zhe for his loss. Li Zhe is determined to destroy Zhiyou's career and snatch away Yiren.

Litle did Li Zhe know, Yiren is also the little girl whom he has been looking for over the years. They both once saved each other on Qing mountain.

My View

A light-hearted drama filled with laughter especially the noob Zhiyou when he is jealous of Yiren. I ship for second leads as well.

Rating 

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : The Love Lasts Two Minds 两世欢

Year Released

2020

Genre

Romance, Historical fiction

No. of Episodes

36 - running time of 45 minutes per episode 

Starring

Yu Menglong, Chen Yuqi

Storyline

Jing Ci (Yu Menglong) is Yong country's prince who has been raised by King of Zhao country. Feng Mianwan (Chen Yuqi) is Ci's personal maid since young. 

Both Ci and Mianwan are fond of each other but face multiple obstacles between them. An incident brings Mianwan back to Yong as another identity under Yuan Qingli. 

She loses her memory in the midst and gets to know Jing Zhiwan (who is actually Jing Ci). The pair work together in cracking numerous murder cases. They also eventually expose the evil deed of Prince Ye who usurps the throne.

My View

I kinda like short and sweet dramas as too many additional episodes make me lose my patience. TLLTM is my cup of tea though I heard lots of reviews that Yu Menglong seems cold with not much expressions. 

But that is what makes him looks good and cool. I love him especially as Bai Zhen from Eternal Love.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Sweet Dreams 一千零一夜

Year Released

2018

Genre

Fantasy, Romance, Business

No. of Episodes

48 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Deng Lun, Dilraba Dilmurat

Storyline

Ling Lingqi (Dilraba Dilmurat) has a one-sided love on Bo Hai (Deng Lun), the boss of FlowerPlus floral company. The pair unknowingly happen to wear a magical bracelet which enable them to meet each other in their dreams.

Only Ling Lingqi is aware she is in the dream while Bo Hai has no recollection of it at all. Bo Hai has a trauma since young when he experienced a fire breakout. Hence, whenever he sees any fire, he will have temporary colour blindness.

Ling Lingqi manages to join FlowerPlus as a salesperson, moves on to Bo Hai's personal assistant and later to her dream job as a florist. The pair gradually fall in love and Lingqi helps Bo Hai to overcome his trauma.

My View

The drama is way too lengthy with so many extra episodes. Bo Hai has been framed time and again. I lost interest around 15 episodes onwards I guess. Skipped lots of scenes and ended up there were revenge, manipulation and misunderstanding. 

Should have rated a 1 star but the first 10+ episodes were not too bad, so I give a 2.

Rating

2/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Here to Heart 温暖的弦

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

48 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhang Han, Chang Chun-ning

Storyline

Zhan Nanxian (Zhang Han) and Wen Nuan (Chang Chun-ning) used to go out together during school days. However, Wen Nuan suddenly asks for a break-up and disappears.

Fast forward seven years later, Nanxian is already CEO of Qianyu. Wen Nuan also returns from England and works as executive assistant to Nanxian.

They try to rekindle their love but are meet with multiple obstacles due to past hurts and also third party Bo Yixin (Zhang Jiani). Yixin is Wen Nuan's best friend back in school and has a one-sided crush on Nanxian.

My View

The plot is not too bad at first but starts to get draggy after a while. Many redundant episodes making me lose interest in it.

The only part which I like is the love relationship between Yixin and Pan Weining (Liang Dawei). I actually ship for them than the first leads.

Rating 

2/5 Stars

Korean Drama: The World of the Married

Year Released

2020

Genre

Family, Romance, Thriller

No. of Episodes

16 + 2 specials - running time of 80 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, Han So-hee

Storyline

The plot starts off with a perfect life follows by suspicion, betrayal, lies and manipulation. After which is a comeback, revenge and fear. 

Then there is emotional breakdown, dilemma and suicide. Finally, the show ends with reflection, letting go, a lot of patience and forgiveness.

My View

The first episode left me swearing a lot. If betrayal by your other half is not enough, there are those people who keep their silence about the truth.

Another part that makes me curse was when Lee Tae-oh (Park Hae-joon) and Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) had a fierce fight which landed Tae-oh a police's constraint order.

In the end, all of them realise what is the most important thing in their lives. Eventually, they get to move on in peace.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : When Time Stopped

Year Released

2018

Genre

Fantasy, Romance

No. of Episodes

12 - running time of 55 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Hyun-joong, Ahn Ji-hyun

Storyline

Moon Joon-woo (Kim Hyun-joong) seems like an ordinary person but he can actually stop time. One day, he meets Kim Sun-ah (Ahn Ji-hyun) who is the only one in this world unaffected when time freezes.

My View

Though the story looks pretty straightforward, I seriously enjoy watching how everything unravels.

WTS deserves five stars IMO.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : When a Man Falls in Love

 

Year Released

2013

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Song Seung-heon, Shin Se-kyung, Yeon Woo-jin, Chae Jung-an

Storyline

Han Tae-sang (Song Seung-heon) is a loanshark who follows his boss' orders to chase after Seo Kyung-wook (Kang Shin-il), a bookstore owner. When Tae-sang meets Kyung-wook's daughter Seo Mi-do (Shin Se-kyung), he could see his younger self in her.

In the end, Tae-sang did not get any payment from Kyung-wook. One day, while trying to save Mi-do, Tae-sang accidentally kills his boss Kim Dae-kwang (Lee Sung-min). The pair are separated after that.

Fast forward years later, Tae-sang is already a successful businessman. He meets Mi-do again and starts chasing after her. However, Mi-do is also entangled with Lee Jae-hee (Yeon Woo-jin). Jae-hee is the younger brother of his former gang member Lee Chang-hee (Kim Sung-oh) whom Tae-sang has been supporting him through his education.

My View

Quite an interesting romance plotline especially when Mi-do is two-timing the two male leads.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : W - Two Worlds

Year Released

2016

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Thriller

No. of Episodes

16- running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Jong-suk, Han Hyo-joo

Storyline

The story sets in a fictional webtoon named W, written and illustrated by author Oh Seong-moo (Kim Eui-sung) which begins to function on its own.

Seong-moo's daughter Oh Yeon-joo (Han Hyo-joo) visits his father's studio one day to investigate his sudden disappearance. There, she accidentally enters the comic world and finds a bloodied Kang Chul (Lee Jong-suk) on a building rooftop.

My View

Lee Jong-suk really looks like someone who just comes out from the comic. He has extremely sharp features.

W Two Worlds is a must watch fantasy drama and the ending is acceptable for me.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Thirty But Seventeen

Alternative Title

Still 17

Year Released

2018

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Shin Hye-sun, Yang Se-jong, Ahn Hyo-seop

Storyline

A young Gong Woo-jin (Yang Se-jong) believes that he has inadvertantly caused an accident leading to his crush No Soo-mi's (Lee Seo-yeon) death. In fact, Woo-jin has mistaken Woo Seo-ri (Shin Hye-sun) as Soo-mi. Seo-ri lands into a coma for 13 years.

Due to the trauma, Woo-jin shuns all relationships with others. When Seo-ri finally wakes up, she is confused that she is suddenly a 30-year-old lady. Her mind set still stops at when she was 17. As Seo-ri is unable to locate the whereabouts of her Uncle and Aunt, she leaves the hospital and find her way back home.

Seo-ri's Uncle has passed away a long time ago and her Aunt sells off their house to Woo-jin's grandfather. A clueless Seo-ri goes back to her old house and could not bear to leave. Woo-jin lets her stay for the time being. The pair starts having feelings for each other.

One day, Seo-ri finds out that Soo-mi has actually died 13 years ago in the bus accident. It is then Woo-jin realises that Seo-ri is his crush. Filled with guilt, he decides to leave Seo-ri.

My View

I can feel the pain that Seo-ri has. I mean you are 17 and overnight you become 30?

All those 13 years has been wasted and gone just like that.

Woo-jin's nephew Yoo Chan (Ahn Hyo-seop) and his classmates are super funny and childish!! Lol..

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : The Secret Life of My Secretary

Year Released

2019

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Young-kwang, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Jae-kyung

Storyline

Do Min-ik (Kim Young-kwang) is the Chief of Team 1 at T&T Mobile Media who always relies on her hot-tempered secretary Jung Gal-hee (Jin Ki-joo).

One day, he is diagnosed with face blindness and mistakes Gal-hee for Veronica Park (Kim Jae-kyung). He falls in love with the charming Veronica. Gal-hee pretends to be Veronica, but gets confused herself as time passes.

When Veronica finds out about Gal-hee’s double life, she decides to put an end to it. 

My View

A pretty normal romantic story.

Rating

2/5 Stars