A Rom-Com That Can Make Anyone's Heart Skip
Hello everyone!! I know I am VERY late to this show and all it's glory, hence why likely not many people will end up reading this review, but I must write it anyway---even though I'm not 100% done this show myself (which is something I seldom ever do for my reviews). I will preface this review by saying I don't usually watch C Dramas, the only other Chinese show I have seen is The Untamed, which is of course a very different genre from this one. Nonetheless, I stumbled across this show on Netflix and can't wait to give you my review!!Story: 10/10
Now, I will preface this by saying I have not yet read the English translation of the original novel, but I am aware there are certain differences. Such as in the novel, Duan Jiaxu is 7 years Shang Zhi's elder, but in the show, he is only 5 years older than her. I usually steer away from age gaps in shows and books personally, ESPECIALLY when the ML and FL meet when one is a minor. However, this show does an incredible job of showing both characters, their personalities, and how their dynamic changes over time. The ML, Duan Jiaxu, treats the FL (Shang Zhi) as nothing more than a younger sister for the first several years of their relationship and then slowly he begins to see her as a woman when they meet again.
Although the age gap could slow down any other rom-com show, we never lose any of the chemistry from start to end. The writers do an incredible job of selling the story to us through the FL's innocent, fluttering heart. Even as an adult watching this show, I feel teleported back into my own middle school and high school days as we watch them interact in a heartfelt way. The writers also do an excellent job of showing the FL's innocence without making her unintelligent or unaware of others' feelings, and as you watch, you start to root for her and the ML. Both the ML and FL are kind and honest, and are willing to communicate their concerns to one another. It's very refreshing to watch--no unnecessary miscommunications!
In the second half of the show, when both are now adults, that fluttering feeling only gets stronger for the audience. Only now, this fluttering is accompanied by more adult-like issues. The show shifts to a slightly more "grown up" vibe effortlessly, and we start to see some problems in the ML and FL's lives, how they cope like adults, and how they support one another. It's incredible how almost all of the scenes in this show have just the ML and the FL, but we never get bored as the story is always pushing forward and we can see slow changes in both leads' personalities for the better.
The story itself is a simple brother's best friend situation, but the emotionally mature characters and sweet romance make you feel like you're teleported into their world--it makes you feel like a love like that is waiting for you around the corner! So heartwarming.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
I absolutely love all of the actors in this show despite it being my first time seeing them. Each actor knows their role very well, and conveys emotions in a way that makes you feel like you're truly watching a character be brought to life. One thing I have noticed is almost the entire cast is incredible at micro-expressions, whether it's a smile fading slowly or showing worry with a shift in their gaze. This is especially true for the ML and FL, who are both so good at showing their characters' love and concern for one another. I'd also like to point out the actor who plays the FL's older brother. He makes me laugh every time he comes on screen, and you feel like you're watching a brother bicker with his sister every time, but he does a great job in serious scenes as well. Seeing this quality of acting makes me wonder what I've been doing not watching C Dramas!
Music: 9/10
I'm not really a big OST person, but I truly enjoyed this show's OST. I particularly like the one song which goes "moonlight shines in your eyes", it makes my head beat fast whenever it plays during a romantic moment between the leads. How lovely!!
Rewatch Value: 10/10
This show is incredibly healing. You get lots of comedy and romance, and although there is a reasonable amount of sadness and problems, you don't feel weighed down by it. The writers have done an excellent but incredibly difficult job: making a show that is romantic and fluffy without making it feel plotless or like you can't enjoy the romance because of the heaviness of the problems. I am not all the way done this show yet, but I already know I will be rewatching it in years to come. We all need some rest and peace sometimes, and this show does that for me.
Overall: 10/10!
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Anothe hit from Rosie!
I'm a fan of Zhao Lusi and this is one of my fave roles of hers, perhaps only second behind Dating in the Kitchen (with Galaxy and Rule the World close contenders, aswell). I really have no notes, this was close to perfection. It was perfectly cast, perfectly acted, perfectly produced. The romantic chemistry between the lead couple was perfectly sweet and the platonic chemistry between all the other characters was perfectly compatible. Overall, PERFECT! No need to hestitate, you won't regret the time spen watching this drama!Cet avis était-il utile?
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Both the FL and ML are green flags
Its impossible not to love these two seemingly adorable characters. There is no finding fault. The writes did such a beautiful job and this is one gem worth rewatching. It is like a salve for your heart, especially if you have been traumatized by crappy endings.The cast was also a treat to watch, all the actors were so visually stunning. The FL's entire family was full of green flags, her brother and her parents. They were so understanding of her and also cherished their daughter so much. A treat for people who understand how precious gentle parenting can be.
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The greenest green flag goes to
I will admit, at first I was a bit scared - first of all, I mostly watch BL seriep since romances between girl & guy always seem a bit awkward and forced, second I thought it's gonna be weird after the fist ep where Zie looked like an 8 year old kidd BUT there was nothing inappropriate about this and main leads had so much natural chemistry!!! They both are the ultimate green flags together and for each other. Even if this story is a bit basic the main copule made me give up my fist 10/10. LOVE IT AND HIGHLY, HIGLY RECOMMENT!!!Cet avis était-il utile?
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So impactful, easy to fall in love with it.
This drama could've been terrible. It could've been uncomfortable and tasteless. But it wasn't. It was endearing, emotional, intense, and heartfelt. There was a very thin line around the appropriateness of it, but what they accomplished with the writing , acting, and overall storytelling is a beautiful example of an innocent crush blooming into first love. I loved the way they handled such a delicate topic. At no point did it ever feel inappropriate or cringey. It just felt real. The ML's acting was phenomenal. I truly felt he loved the FL. It was so convincing, I couldn't have even imagined who else the MCs could've ended up with. It felt destined and they did a great job portraying that. This drama takes a special place in my heart. I will watch it many times over.Cet avis était-il utile?
Sooo beautiful!!
Definately worth re-watching! I've read the story too and it's sooo cute... I can say that I cried, laughed and had so many dreams brought to light again that I'll take this story with me for life. It was like feeling home. It's hard to find something so pure. I had no trouble in staying up all night to watch it. It's so sweeet! It's definitely my favourite of all times! Plus I'm totally in love with the song Forever Star. It's on repeat for a week and it brought me inspiration for my own songs!Cet avis était-il utile?
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Saccharine sweet new adult romance
Hidden Love is saccharine sweet I almost got toothache. Very light cdrama focusing on first love. Chen Zheyuan reminds me of Chanyeol of EXO, kpop group☺️What I liked:
1) I really liked Sang Yan and his interactions with his younger sister, Sang Zhi. Victor Ma rocks the role.
2) The actress who played middle school Sang Zhi was really good despite not resembling Zhao Lusi.
3) Sang Zhi's characterisation once she was an intern. She didn't waver easily when her love rival threatened her and harassed Jia Xu.
4) Their kisses and intimate scenes were hot.
What I disliked:
1) 1st half of the series was slow.
2) Don't like how Sang Zhi was infantilised at start. I find her cunning because she knew how to manipulate her parents and brother to do things for her. I also don't like that she hero worshipped Jia Xu.
3) I am on indifferent about Jia Xu. Yeah he has conflict like any other main characters but I don't find him interesting enough to root for him.
Favourite scene
Everytime Sang Yan bickered with Sang Zhi
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A must to watch
This is my second chinese drama that I watch. I'm a bit choosy when it comes to watch a drama. I already read also hidden love novel and the manga. I like it so much, so I have a high expectation for this drama. Fortunately, after I watch it, wow it exceeded my expectation. I love everything about this series. I'm so excited to watch from the series start from the beginning to the end. I love the male lead Chen Zheyuan and female lead- Zhou lusi for their great and excellent acting and of course I adore and love for their chemistry in the drama and also behind the secene. They have done an excellent job. Good job producer, director and all the cast. This drama will always be my happiness and all timw favourite. The song choosen for this drama also has a good quality and easy to sing alongCet avis était-il utile?
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Warm love story with no stupid plots
Wow! It had been such a long time ever since I felt like this for a drama. It's so good! I finished watching the last ep with a smile on my face. I truly believe this one is an example that a good drama doesn't need a break up at final episodes to shake things up. If a good story is being told, with the right amount of drama and a good pace then it will catch the viewer's attention. And I just love stories where the couple trust each other and would never leave just because smth/smone said/did something. All of my fav dramas are this way.I was eyeing this drama eversince I saw the pics of the lead actors and they looked so good together. And that was just by the photos. In the end, they didn't let me down. They're so so cute together and have amazing chemistry. I simply loved the way Jiaxu looked at Sang zhi. At the same time their story wasn't neither rushed nor slow. It all went in the right pace. Nothing feels exagerated or too melodramatic. Which I like. They have good communication. There's no stupid misunderstandings and break ups in the last eps. Although they have little to no experience when it comes to love, they are really mature. So no stupid plots here.
I confess I did got worried with all of that she's young/he's older thing. And it was a little weird that they know each other ever since she was just a kid. But the drama was able to grow from that in a healthy and not creepy way.
I love her brother and their bickering. They're so funny together and I laughed a lot with them. On the other hand, I lost total respect for Sang zhi's parents when they expressed their "concerns" for Jiaxu and Sang zhi's relationship. I mean, I know asians are conservative but so what if he has a bedridden father?! What's the problem with having a sick relative? Is it a crime? As for that girl harassing him, he can't control everything. I just don't think those were good reasons for them to go against their relationship. Fortunately, like I said, nothing is turned into a melodrama, so all of this doesn't really represent an obstacle to their love.
The OSTs are simply the best. So light and warm. They really had the vibes of the drama and I loved it.
In summary, it was one of the best, if not THE best drama of 2023. I had the best time watching it so I totally recomend. 10/10 no doubt.
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Sweet Romance Teenager Story!♥
My new comfort drama ever!! The plot is very simple but really beautiful, I really enjoyed watching the drama which made me smile without realizing it^^ Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi and Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jia Xu are the right choice and really suit their characters well. Their chemistry was extraordinary and look so natural♥I like seeing the development of Sang Zhi's character from a cute and spoiled high school student to a mature, brave and open-minded college student also Duan Jia xu, very dreamy character, wondering where I can find a man like him ಥ_ಥ
One of my fav cdramas that I would recommend to many people because this drama really worth to watching over and over again!
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My Most Re-Watched Drama
I was not into C-Drama till I watched Hidden Love. When I saw my brother smiling while watching it, I got curious and the scenes I initially saw amused me that I got glued in my seat...I guess you know what transpired after that.It is a simple story of young and innocent love that has grown into a pure, dedicated and selfless love...initially in Sang Zhi's character, but has also been displayed by Duan Jiaxhu (two main leads) in the latter part. As what this drama's fans often cite in various socmed platforms, Sang Zhi fell first, but Duan Jiazhu fell harder. 🥰
I just love how the actors have fittingly personified the characters, and how they all complemented one another that us audience were actually drawn into their story. They all gave justice to their roles, especially the two main leads and Sang Yan, Sang Zhi's brother. It was like we're in a reality drama where we cannot help but watch what happens next.
Simple as it seems, still we cannot foretell the succeeding scenes or events in the story unlike the typical Filipino dramas (reason why I switched to K-Dramas). The cinematography is excellent, while the OST's are great, particularly Forever Star which has become my fave. I especially like that the story deviated from the usual conflicts brought about by a third party, a grave issue and the likes.
I watched it 3x already and will watch it again for sure (has been following updates about Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan now 😆).
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