Hidden Love (2023)

I loved a lot of things about this drama but let me get this out of the way, the age gap WAS weird. Personally, I think the show could’ve made things feel a lot less awkward by having them meet when she was 17 rather than when she was in middle school and then later reconnecting. Even though her character is supposed to be around 14, the actress they cast to play this younger version of her looked about 7 years old and seeing her act opposite to the male lead felt extremely uncomfortable to me, especially because they kept flashing back to that time. There were way too many episodes taking place when she was a kid, it felt like maybe three or four would have been plenty. The show also made such a big deal about the age gap that it was hard to forget about it. It could have been the translations or a cultural thing, but at certain points when they were talking about their ages, it didn’t seem to line up with a five year gap. Again, I think this might be a cultural difference, but it was also odd to hear him constantly introduce her as sister. It could have been the translation but when he said “I don’t want to just be your elder brother, I want to be your boyfriend” I almost laughed out loud at how bizarre that sounds, when this is supposed to be a very sweet scene.

All this being said, I actually really did like the romance for the most part. Sang zhi was such an interesting character and was written so differently than a lot of other drama leading ladies. Jiaxu was of course written as the perfect boyfriend and the actor did an amazing job showcasing his charm. While age gap is not my favorite, the show allowed Jiaxu multiple opportunities to see Sangzhi in a different, more mature light that made him realize she had grown up. What was such a great aspect of their relationship is that they were a true partnership. They both were extremely protective of each other, not just him being protective of her. Sangzhi was constantly standing up for her man and Jiaxu’s reaction to that was heartbreaking because it was clear that he’d never had anyone on his side like that before. Sangzhi had a lot of scenes that I think in other dramas it would have the male lead in her role, for example when she wraps the scarf around his neck or when she confronts his harasser. They really highlighted that even though Sangzhi was younger than him, she was willing to go to bat for him just as much as he was for her.

Jiaxu was truly adorable and it was so understandable how Sangzhi had a crush on him for so long - who wouldn’t! The college roommate crew was such a good addition and it would have been great to see more of them. One of the other places that the show really excelled was with the depiction of the sibling relationship. Brother sister relationships are not often done this well; the way the two of them bickered felt so natural and even when they were fighting or didn’t know how to express it, you could tell how much they cared about each other. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of the brother, especially in the later portion of the show. I would’ve liked him to have his own storyline and I thought there would have been more shown with the girlfriend.

Sangzhi’s roommates were cute but they didn’t feel like realized characters because none of them really had their own arcs. The one roommate having the crush went nowhere and it felt like a waste for the show to spend time on it. The latter half of the show started to feel like it was dragging and part of that could be because almost every scene was just these two main characters. It could have worked better if the show was either a few episodes shorter or if they spent more time on some of the other characters, especially the brother!

Even with some of the issues, I do still think the show is worth watching. There were a lot of very sweet moments that I can see myself going back to rewatch, not even just with the main couple but also with Sangzhi and her brother. The part of the show when Sangzhi is a child is pretty long, so just be aware of what you’re getting into, but once she gets to college it was a lot more enjoyable.

Lire davantage

Mmm... Cute.

I don't usually watch cdramas but this one caught my attention and I really liked it. The story is cute, touching and the characters are adorable, I have a special place in my heart for Sang Yan -the brother- I always loved it when he appears on screen and the dynamic between him and Sang Zhi is so real, a real sibling behavior. Another thing I liked about this cdrama was how it portrayed friendship, between the female characters and the male characters, it made me want to have friends like them. Maybe I have a lot to say about this cdrama but some people find it a bit controversial because of the age difference (I highly understand), but from my point of view the story is well constructed, they met when she was little but he never saw her as a potential lover until they met again when she was older, having an older crush when you are little is very common, he never interacted with her with other intentions when they first met, she sees his actions in that romantic way simply because she is in love with him. I don't know what else you think but for me, this story was super cute, the ost was also super cute, I loved the songs, and again Victor Ma and his character was my favorite.
Maybe what I didn't like so much is how the female lead continues to be so innocent and pure even as an adult, as they emphasize so much.
But if you're looking for something cute, sweet and very cheesy, you should watch it.

Lire davantage

Pretty decent show and probably my fav this year But not the best.

Imo This drama played in two parts: the first 7 episodes and the remaining 18 starting from episode 8.
The first part for me were just sooo boring I almost dropped it ngl. Plus I just kept wondering WHY?? Like WTF? Why would they choose a young actress that looked like she was 8 to play the part of someone who's 14. Whatever kind of messed up choice is that? So not to mention how uninteresting the first few episodes were, I was also pretty uncomfortable watching young Sang Zhi looking like she's 6 interact and be smitten with an already adult Duan.
Then came the second part at episode 8 and it couldn't come fast enough. From there the pace picked up pretty nicely. Even if it was slow burn it became enjoyable and entertaining. Because the chemistry between the leads were so great. And to my surprise considering a few other reviews I read, I thought SZ were really mature throughout the whole show even in the beginning. And I loved how naturally the relationship of SZ and DJX evolved. I mean it wasn't just an out of the blue moment that lead to the two of them getting together. It was very well built up and brought up. I loved SY as a character too and the whole cast just did amazing.
Overall I enjoyed watching this drama. But I have to say it's unlikely I'll watch it again and if I ever do I'll definitely start from episode 8. If not for the first part I would've gladly given this show a 9 or a 10 but I guess a decent 8 will just have to do.

Lire davantage

We probably all have at least one sweet crush when we were young. Some materialized into a relationship, some might just be that one crush that you wish likes you back. Hidden Love is about that one sweet crush when you were little. Watching this show sort of brings back memories to when you were a little girl and has that butterfly in your stomach feeling every time this person is near, but he may not know you exist of have the same feeling as you. I was smiling and blushing at the same time at some of the scenes. This is one "feel good" drama that I really enjoyed. It has no major conflict, it's just a simple and sweet romance drama. I thought Zhao Lusi suited this role and played it well. She can be a spoiled brat and sweet at the same time. If you like fluffy romance that makes your heart flutters, you should definitely watch this drama.

Lire davantage

Such a good watch. Topic: brothers best friend

Boy was I concerned when I started this drama and the FL looked like a baby while the ML was a full ass grown man.
After watching it I have to say they solved this age gap pretty well.
The ML is a green flag and I fell in love with him BUT the FL was just perfect not only is Zhao Lusi breathtakingly beautiful I also really enjoyed her acting. They really casted a good match.
Not to mention the big brother who was just perfect.
This drama contains the usual long and painful bild up before their first touch but plays it out really well.
I hope you enjoy watching this drama because I sure did.

Lire davantage

Perfeição pura

Como descrever a experiência que tive assistindo esses dois? Não tem como. Fazia muito tempo que um drama não fazia isso comigo. Não tenho palavras pra explicar o quão emocionante é essa história e a sensação de paz e coração quentinho que provoca na gente.
Cada interação desse casal me dava arrepios e o jeito que ele olha pra ela... Sem explicação. Eu já tinha lido o manhua, que é baseado na novel e não senti tanta conexão com a história, mas ver essa história na tela mudou completamente minha perspectiva.
Sang Zhi é uma menina quieta, que costuma guardar as emoções pra si. Um dia, quando tinha 14 anos, ao voltar pra casa acaba conhecendo Duan Jia Xu, o melhor amigo do seu irmão mais velho. Ela já começa a desenvolver um "crush" adolescente por ele desde o início, que obviamente não foi correspondido visto que ele via ela como uma irmã mais nova. Depois de um tempo eles acabam se afastando e se reencontram quando ela entra na universidade.
Não quero dar spoilers, então fica apenas minha recomendação: ASSISTA. Você não vai se arrepender.
Eu tenho dificuldade de gostar de dramas chineses porque foram raros os que assisti e realmente gostei. Sempre gravito ao redor dos coreanos. Os personagens aqui parecem reais. Eles tem falhas, mas eles enfrentam tudo juntos.
Eu fiquei com muito medo de me decepcionar com os protagonistas, mas não. Sang Zhi é muito quieta, e oculta seu amor (por isso o nome do drama) por muitos anos. Ela guarda esses sentimentos literalmente num potinho kkk (quem assistiu vai entender), até que Duan Jia Xu finalmente começa a notar ela, não como uma irmã emprestada, mas sim como uma mulher decidida e disposta a enfrentar qualquer dificuldade por ele. Eles são a definição de relacionamento saudável. Cada vez que eles se tocam, se olham, os diálogos... Você sente a emoção ali escancarada na sua frente.
Os personagens secundários também são muito legais, apesar de não terem taaaanto tempo de tela assim. Um destaque pro irmão dela, que conseguiu o posto de melhor irmão e melhor amigo dos doramas chineses (pelo menos dos que já assisti kkkk).
A trilha sonora da série é maravilhosa e complementa muito bem cada cena, além de também expressar muito bem o conflito entre as emoções dos personagens e descrever seus sentimentos perfeitamente: Preste atenção na letra das músicas quando estiver assistindo, você com certeza vai saber do que estou falando.
Pra encerrar, fica novamente a recomendação, você não vai se arrepender.

Lire davantage

watched it for the leads

literally forced to put 1 for rewatch value although this drama deserves a 0.

this story plot is the worst. certain scenes were extremely uncomfortable and cringe to watch.
one reason was that FL keeps calling ML 老哥哥, while ML keeps calling FL 小朋友. even though 6 / 5 years age gap is not that big, but the way the drama keeps using these two terms made it felt like a 12 years age gap and it felt really uncomfortable to watch.
however that being said, i especially enjoy the ost!!
literally only watched this drama for the two leads , zhao lu si and chen zhe yuan!! it is a pity that such great cast was for such a horrible drama. i almost could not finish it and had to take a break from it.

Lire davantage

Drivel

I was absolutely shocked by how much I disliked this drama after reading other reviews here and elsewhere!

I've enjoyed everything else I've seen of Zhao Lusi's work, and I do think both she and Chen Zheyuan portrayed their respective characters well, but I found the character of the FL wholly unpleasant - spoiled manipulative lazy brat anyone? - and the story itself decidedly uncomfortable.

I'm aware that the portrayed crushes of both the young and teenage FL were entirely innocent, but imo the ML could not have been unaware of the soulful stares and puppy dog eyes that were directed his way. Which makes the ML's behaviour look not so great. He should not have encouraged her in the ways that he did - in my own subjective opinion!

I tried hard to see it as a coming of age style story, but by the time FL starts university she's still painfully immature despite her frequent sulky assertions of being an adult!

When I realised that I was fast-forwarding through most of the episodes in a vain attempt to get to any point where the FL was bearable to watch I surrendered and finally dropped the show. I hope that FL did continue to grow emotionally and intellectually, but I couldn't stay the distance.

I'm glad that many people clearly love and enjoy this drama but sadly it's not for me.

Lire davantage

Tried Hard, But This Show Just Didn’t Click for Me

I am sorry to be harsh but I judge everything to a gold standard especially to western dramas.

Oh man, I really tried to get into this show. I gave it my best shot, but the first few episodes felt like a random assortment of nonsense. I finally just skipped to episode 7, and honestly, that felt like the real first episode—where the girl grows up and finally starts using her brain. I get that the show is supposed to be light and easy with zero substance, so I’m willing to give it a pass there.

That said, a couple of episodes were enjoyable, but I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters. It feels like one of those disposable, low-budget dramas with minimal writers, but the director worked magic to somehow keep it from falling apart. Seriously, amazing direction.

Outside of the two leads with their “decent” chemistry, every other character felt like a throwaway. Even the brother, who’s just there to provide comic relief, just popped in for random phone calls and small talk. I’m not trashing the show—there’s just nothing happening. No meaningful introductions, no plot twists, no side characters worth remembering. I haven’t even finished the series and, honestly, I don’t feel any urge to. But hey, if I ever have way too much free time, I might give it another shot.

Also, let’s address the weird elephant in the room: the male lead falling for the girl who was basically a sister to him. Yeah, I know things like that can happen in real life, but the first few episodes really sold him as the protective, older-brother type. He was already a mature grown-up while she was still a teen, and the sudden shift into romance felt... off. Like, c’mon, how do you go from “big bro” to boyfriend that fast? But hey, maybe I’m just reading too much into it.

Now, despite all the nitpicking, I have to say the hospital episodes (somewhere around 9 or 11?) were fantastic. Those scenes felt real and had actual substance. I just wish the rest of the show had some kind of plot to match that.

In the end, it's not garbage like most shows, but it’s one of those shows I’ll probably only finish out of boredom. Not bad—just... forgettable.

Lire davantage

The leads completely fit their roles

As expected from our queen of chemistry, Zhao Lusi, speaking not only as a fan from her but she is totally great and portrays every drama so perfectly. She excels in every act she plays. Even pairing her from any male lead, every pair she had with, they perfectly fit together.

As for the storyline, it is a bit of cliche but you never get bored watching it, binge watching it to be exact, as the characters portraying each of their role did their best to make this modern drama exceptionally good for us viewers.

It is no doubt if this drama will garner awards at the end of the year . 🤍🤍🤍

Lire davantage