Smile Code (2024)

I randomly picked this up, watched 15 episodes, and here's everything you need to know :')

I came in w/o context expecting a cute drama like Love is Sweet and kind of half-slept through all the episodes because there was not much going on, until I realized what the drama strived to focus on: the characters.

Usually dramas take you on a rollercoaster - there are defined plot points. Right after they finish one plot point, they move on to the next, and the characters act within those boundaries. It's not quite like that here. It feels more like a character study, and the episodes revolve around the bonds formed from it.

They managed to nail organic interactions in an unrealistic premise (cohabitation from the most bizarre scenario, among other things)!

The characters are all flawed, but I think very rarely does modern cdrama attempt to tackle these types without playing it safe with slapstick comedy/tropes/perfect characters, or overdoing how deep it is/being pretentious, so it's a treat seeing something different.

Also I absolutely adore the casting. Many dramas tend to go for a certain appearance (ex. all cast members either have the mature look, or all look young), but this one showcases a variety of different people both in the workplace and outside. As someone who's more similar to Shen Yue than Bai Lu, I feel seen lol, especially in her scenes in her company where half embody the corporate look, while half look like interns even if they're not. This is what reality is like.

That's all you need to know unless you're like "okay so if it's not all about the plot, give me a rundown on these characters so I know what to expect??":

Gu Yi and Daiwen meet at the comedy club. He's there at his psych's suggestion to step out of his boundaries due to repressed trauma/emotions. Gu Yi moonlights as a comedian after her corporate job, as an outlet to her work stress. They get off on the wrong foot, but become friends once they sort it out.

They are youthful in appearance so it feels very pure/natural as Gu Yi treats him like a genuine person/friend, completely unbothered by his professional achievements and background. She's a very simple girl (** please don't be offended bc I too am a simple girl and can relate, literally life should be simple idk why ppl complicate things, anyway--) - she has genuine aspirations, works hard, isn't paid enough, yet doesn't see the point in bending to corporate expectations and pours her remaining time into stand-up comedy as self-medicated therapy. Very innocent, idealistic, and unapologetic.

Her friend Yu Le from the comedy club, though older, is also simple and their dynamic is great as they are similar at heart.

Daiwen, though young, is troubled, closed off, and upfront about it, but has a good heart. He's had trauma and is proactively seeking help for it. He actually understands things she doesn't - such as the intricacies of balancing relationship dynamics especially in the workplace, and he knows where the line exists when it comes to burdening someone, or reciprocating favors. However, he can't decipher his own emotions. Because he struggles to navigate anything deeper than surface-level relationships, he keeps everyone at arm's length because he sees himself as defective and doesn't want to trouble anyone.

Xing Xin, their mutual friend who is also Yu Le's love interest, is from a prominent background and is suffocated by expectations. She's chained to expectations and yearns to break free - as a result, she is stressed about the bigger picture and also contrasts Yu Le's character.

The characters are all very self-aware of their own traits. And in Gu Yi and Daiwen's case, blind to their shortcomings. This drama is primarily about two characters who are willing to step out of their boundaries to make something work, even if they have several missteps along the way.

Gu Yi seems self-serving, but because she's simple, curious, and just doesn't know when to knock it off, she's able to wake Daiwen from his suppressed emotions and memories, and pull him out of a dark place. She simply doesn't believe that things should be complicated.

This is something no one else in Daiwen's life has done for him. Because he's always been surrounded by peers similar in background, who are aware of the complexities of give and take, and see the line he's drawn, they leave him alone even though he's lonely. Most are careful to not overstep boundaries unless they see a return on investment (ex. Qingya, his boss/sponsor that he feels indebted to).

So far, it's been focusing on Daiwen's struggles with the support of his friends, but not so much Gu Yi's story. I'm guessing once he is able to reconcile his past, we'll see him able to help Gu Yi through her own.

Anyway I'm excited to see where it goes!! Instead of thinking "where is the plot headed??", I now am thinking "how will this character act/react? how have they changed from the beginning?". So if you head in with this mindset, it'll be a more interesting watch!

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I have been waiting for this drama series for a long time because I like Lin Yi especially Shen Yue. i love this series.and what i can say is that the wait for this series is worth it.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️?♥️

I have been waiting for this drama series for a long time because I like Lin Yi especially Shen Yue. i love this series.and what i can say is that the wait for this series is worth it.

I have been waiting for this drama series for a long time because I like Lin Yi especially Shen Yue. i love this series.and what i can say is that the wait for this series is worth it.

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Not the typical Idol Drama

This is not the typical idol drama because it showcases complex emotions of people and depicts the reality of life for people with different situations. As a viewer of Shen Yue’s dramas, I can vouch that her acting improved so much. Her lines and emotions are well delivered. There are just a few times that I did not get her punchlines, but maybe it got lost in translation. But overall the comedy scenes will really make you laugh and the sad scenes will sometimes make you cry. The cinematography, shots and color grading are movie like, the OSTs are all great and above all she has amazing chemistry with her real life bestie Lin Yi on this drama.

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A lavish show

Everything about this show is “elevated”. The setting, the sets, locations, the photography, the directing… everything is top of the line in an underrated way (the wallpaper magazine references shows this show was written and created by fancy/tasteful people).
This said, it correlates to the choice of actors as Lin Yi is as always elegant (and very tall!) and can portray the character superbly… just look at his eyes and micro expressions and you can feel how cut off Liang Daiwen is feeling at experiencing things and how distant from regular/mundane emotions he is; and then, there’s Shen Yue, really a long time no see in a drama and she’s AMAZING in this role. Gu Yi is a vibrant, vivacious and funny girl that’s cute, proffessional and has a sarcastic sense of humor, but is also moved by the limitations the ML lives with in his daily life. She acts as the viewers avatar in dealing with the emotions brought up….
This show is very pleasant overall and a surprise as to how good it is (so far, on episode 9. I binge watched all of it)

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Great Drama storyline and actors

A lot of fans had been waiting for this drama for a long time and it’s disappointing to see that we tv didn’t promote as much but Shen yue and linyi have so many fans that love them
That no matter how many people try to
Bring them down they will make it to the top especially shen yue she deserves more praise and she deserves to be more famous and loved in china she’s a beautiful queen she’s so down to earth she shines like no other actress all on her own no matter what people try do so to bring her down this drama caught my attention
Since episode 1 I love it so much it’s exactly what I expected from this two great actors hope they give her way more attention and dramas

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A Mesmerizing Slow-Burn Romance That Will Steal Your Heart

If you’re looking for a romance that sticks with you long after the credits roll, Smile Code might just be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. This slow-burn series isn't about flashy drama or whirlwind passion—it’s a deeply human story about love, growth, and connection, told with breathtaking visuals and stellar performances.

Set against a visually striking moody backdrop, Smile Code creates a world that is as mesmerizing as it is atmospheric. The cinematography is a work of art, drawing you into its vibrant, neon-lit world and richly evocative corridors—an ideal backdrop for the layered and deeply heartfelt story to unfold.

Acting:

At the heart of it all are Lin Yi and Shen Yue, whose performances elevate the series to something truly special. Lin Yi, as Dai Wen, delivers a masterclass in subtlety, portraying a character wrestling with internal struggles with depth and nuance. Meanwhile, Shen Yue, as Gu Yi, wears her heart on her sleeve, infusing every scene with raw emotion that makes her journey both relatable and profoundly moving. Together, they breathe life into characters who feel imperfectly, beautifully real.

Story:

The story itself reminds us of an undeniable truth: love is messy and unpredictable, especially when it’s between flawed individuals trying to make sense of their feelings. Through its tender moments and heartfelt dialogue, Smile Code teaches us the importance of kindness—both to others and to ourselves—and the courage it takes to embrace love, even when it feels impossibly complicated.

What makes this series shine is its ability to slow things down and let its relationships simmer. The main couple’s mutual longing is palpable, their love spoken in stolen glances and unspoken words, creating a tension that makes every small gesture feel monumental. And just when you think you've figured it out, the second couple brings their own unique spark to the story, offering a fresh and equally compelling perspective on love and growth.

Music:

The music ties everything together, perfectly complementing the tone of each scene. Whether it’s a tender moment or a gut-wrenching confession, the soundtrack amplifies the emotional depth, making it impossible not to feel fully immersed in the story.

Conclusion:

Yes, Smile Code is a slow burn. It’s a show that takes its time, especially in the first eight episodes, to build its world and flesh out its characters. But stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with a deeply satisfying and profoundly touching experience. Watching these flawed yet resilient characters fight for their connection against all odds is grounding, relatable, and ultimately, incredibly rewarding.

If you appreciate romance that’s more about the journey than the destination—and love stories that celebrate imperfection—Smile Code is a must-watch. Give it a chance, and you might just fall in love with it, too.

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