Completed
Xiao Zi
108 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Just Beautiful and Natural.

The Oath of Love is a much-anticipated drama that literally went to hell and back, leaving fans in an awkward situation. The Oath of Love, which was supposed to premiere in September 2019, was repeatedly postponed due to "Operation Qing Lang," which targeted celebrities with large, often chaotic fan bases. The drama was thought to have been postponed solely to put fans on their best behaviour. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the first episode of The Oath of Love after the very long two-year wait. And now I understand why the things we desire are usually the things that bring us the most joy.


The Oath of Love is based on Bo Lin Shi Jiang's(柏林石匠) novel "Entrust the Rest of My Life to You" (余生,请多指教). Because of the success of the novel, The Oath of Love already has a large fan base, and as proof of the cast's star power, the drama surpassed 700 million views in three days.


This drama centres on an uplifting romance between a doctor and a cellist. To be honest, the story isn't particularly unique. It's just a typical rom-com like we see in c-dramas. Except for the medical aspect of the drama, there is nothing unusual about it. But it's the characters and, of course, the cast and their acting is what makes this drama so endearing.


I was expecting a typical, ice-cold, and serious-looking male lead and a confused and senseless female lead based on the synopsis. But I'm really impressed by the character arcs and portrayal in this case.


Lin Zhi Xiao (Yang Zi), the female lead, is a third-year university student majoring in cello. She is energetic, positive, and kind but, sometimes acts on impulse. She is determined to achieve her objectives and does not give up easily. Although she is a little inexperienced and slow when it comes to relationships, once she is certain of her feelings and intentions, she will move forward boldly.

The love from family is irreplaceable in a person's life. This is an important life lesson that this drama teaches us. Difficult situations can make us more mature in all aspects of life. This is what one should learn from Lin Zhi Xiao.

Gu Wei (Xiao Zhan), the male lead, is the chief surgeon at a gastroenterology unit. He is a very capable doctor, but he takes failures and setbacks far too seriously, which led to psychological issues. Finally, after meeting Lin Zhi Xiao, he learns to look past the setbacks and learn from them. They transform into each other's suns and shine brightly.

One should not take setbacks to heart and stumble there, unable to rise. One should learn to learn from them and make their life more colourful with love. This is what one should learn from Gu Wei.

Gu Wei has a cold and aloof personality, but he is actually very warm and caring towards the people he should be. Lin Zhi Xiao, on the other hand, is equally warm and caring, in this case, to everyone. Lin Zhi Xiao's character development is one if the best I have seen to date. When in comes to Gu Wei, he is already and adult and naturally, there won't be any more development for him. But, his personality is so endearing that you would wonder if such a person would ever exist in this world. Their distinct personalities is one thing that makes this drama really cute and charming. You will know it when you watch the drama. The supporting characters in this drama are good, but their relationship advice can get really annoying at times.


I must say that the romance in this drama is both healthy and consensual. Nobody forces themselves on the other, and no one intentionally hurts the other's feelings. Despite the characters' 9-year age difference, the plot's romantic development felt very natural. Even I, who is not really a fan of age gap, which can become really creepy if not excecuted well, liked this drama very much. This is all due to the cast's efforts in bringing the characters to life.


Speaking of the cast, this drama has a star-studded cast that will compel you to watch it no matter what. Actually, I came to see this drama solely for the cast, as they are my favourite actor and actress. If you've seen at least one drama with them in it, you'll understand their allure. Both Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi deliver excellent performances, particularly in serious and emotional scenes. They have serious acting skills that only a few people have or can have. Their chemistry was on fire, and their interactions were adorable to watch, which, combined with the naturalness of their development, made one wonder if it was all real.


Special appreciation to the cast:
I'm really happy at the fact that Yang Zi can portray a character, who is much younger that her, flawlessly but, I think she should broaden her horizon and take up more serious roles.
Xiao Zhan's glamour is growing year by year and so is his acting skills. But, I think and hope he should take up more roles like Wei Wu Xian form The Untamed.


If a drama features Xiao Zhan or Yang Zi, the OSTs in that drama are bound to be fantastic. This drama's OSTs and BGMs too were fascinating and were amazingly in sync with the mood of the story. Here is a list of OSTs:

"The Oath of Love (余生,请多指教)" (Theme song) by Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi (This felt incredible because of the combination of their voices, and it is my personal favourite.)

"The Greatest Fortune (最幸福的幸运)" by Xiao Zhan

"Somebody Liking Someone (一个人喜欢一个人)" by Yang Zi


Even though it has its flaws, this is a fantastic show in general. This has become one of my favourite modern c-drama rom-coms that can make your heart skip a beat. This drama is not overly depressing and contains numerous comedic scenes. Of course, not everyone will enjoy it, but if you're looking for a light and fluffy drama with an amazing cast and lead chemistry, this is the show for you.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Anusaya
31 people found this review helpful
Apr 3, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

My advice if you watch this. skip episodes 25, 26, & 27 of the DVD version.

At 29/32 (DVD/TV) episodes this drama became not a matter of love, or family, but of watchers' endurance. The romance was slow. The relationship cliches (I thought would be dispelled) - Were merely touched upon and then dropped. i.e., females being clingy and males using that as a gender flaw in general. In this series it was a plot-point driven home to a significant other. But, like most of the issues raised in this story, unresolved. While, the episodes plodded on.

Then, just at the climax of a two couple break up - Suddenly a lawsuit. And in episode 24; the invested time in both secondary couples was tossed out the window for a sudden detour into medical malpractice and filler.

Do I believe our capable doctor ran away, and that our female lead needed to make her impassioned plea to a patient's parents? Not, really. I assume it was all filler moments, because some of that precious screen time was handed over to the female lead's ex and new girlfriend. Both, late characters to this series that no one was invested in.

From the beginning, multiple couples were part of this series. It wasn't just about the mains. They had 5 EPS to resolve the secondary couples: San San and Gu Xiao, & Yin X and Jin Shi relationships. I assumed something happened in production, but since I don't know what that is. These, are my final words.

Get ready for a methodical hospital romance, with secondary stories and characters that don't matter, because they will be abandoned before the series ends. As for the main couple; misunderstandings abound. Which leads to break ups, childish choices, and repetitive hospital story-lines. Add a secondary female angst (watchers thought was vanquished in a heroic monologue early in the series) that rinsed and repeated into the last 5 episodes of the series, and I just can't recommend it.

My advice, if you watch this; skip episodes 25, 26, & 27 of the DVD version (29 EPS in total), and skip anything to do with those other couples.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Fourthaxis
143 people found this review helpful
Apr 2, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 36
Overall 5.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 2.0

As unending as an oath, this drama drags on forever...

This drama is truly a test of love and patience. Your love and patience that is.

After YAMG, I thought we would get another sensible modern drama since, the novel this show is based on received immense praise but sadly, I live to be disappointed.

Yang Zi’s Zhi Xiao is immature and annoying. Her only saving grace is her good choice in a partner, Dr. Gu. The side couples are two-dimensional characters whose life's purpose is to get on your nerves. This drama is a struggle to finish from beginning to end. I had to hug the thighs of the fast-forward button to skip a lot of senseless scenes but Zhi Xiao still managed to annoy me.

The first four episodes were ridiculous but did get better until we were confronted with a father that likes to torture his family. He is a victim of circumstance and ‘woe is he’ but for some reason I could generate no sympathy for his plight.
We are introduced to the second male lead and female leads who try to get in between our main couple’s awfully sluggish love story. Misunderstandings abound and their resolutions like the story take forever while leaving an unsatisfactory aftertaste.

By episode 20 I stopped caring about the storyline and the side characters. The male lead and my unending patience were the only things keeping me watching this travesty. There is a minor rise in interest when the male lead suffers a setback. I was pleasantly surprised with how the female lead stuck to her guns and at the same time supported the male lead. This was probably the only sub-plot where I found her behaviour admirable.

While the plot in romcoms has always been a foregone conclusion, as viewers we watch it for the cast, subplots, setting and dialogues. Unfortunately in The Oath of Love the plot is thin, the pacing highly inconsistent, most conflicts un-engaging, with forgettable dialogues. The female lead was annoying 8 times out of 10 and the narrative became repetitive in the middle phase. I am just glad this wasn’t 40 episodes as my corpse would have to review this drama then.

The only positives in this drama for me were the cinematography, the background music, the lure of a happy ending, the little theatre at the end of each episode and the eye-candy, Xiao Zhan. Unfortunately none of these positives were strong enough to overcome the tragedy that was the drama.

It’s possible that some will like this drama for all the same reasons that I did not. But would I recommend anyone to watch this? No. Unless you are a staunch fan of YZ or XZ and gifted with boundless patience, this drama is not for you. For a middling fan lacking in patience this drama cannot score more than 5.5/10.

You've been warned. Watch at your own risk.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
OneLuffy
48 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Let The Last Thing I Forget Be You

Story:
The pacing for the story was perfect. It did a great job developing the leads relationship and had them gradually get to know one another. It wasn't a "love at first sight" moment or a childhood crush but just 2 normal individuals, with completely opposite personalities, that just slowly got to know one another. The chemistry between Gu Wei & LZX was so natural it made you question if it was a literal drama or us stealing a glance into someone's relationship. They made you laugh, cry, and get fully invested into them making you want to take sides when an argument ensued and caused you to question who you believed was right or wrong. But, in the end, it felt balanced with the right amount of humor, romance, and a bit of slice of life. My only issue really was with the side characters who I felt didn’t have much to do with anything and caused more issues than not. The main issue being SanSan and probably the only one. Even though there were other characters that liked the leads I felt they had character development and were able to change after realizing it wasn’t meant to be. The only one that just couldn’t get things to click was SanSan - the friend that you wished never got involved in your troubles. Overall, I felt the storyline was beautiful and had a great ending that felt it wasn’t rushed but gave all the answers to the questions you may have had. There was even an incredible wedding which invited all the characters and just felt like one big joyous moment. The entire last 2 episodes were just extraordinarily done and really tugged at the heart strings.

Acting:
The acting overall was incredible. The main leads Xiao Zhan & Yang Zi did an amazing job portraying their characters and had great chemistry. The way Xiao Zhan would just glance at LZX and added elements of the nose rub and his line delivery were just perfect and cute. When he was going through his traumatic experience, he did a great job portraying each one of those details. Yang Zi and her relationship with her in-drama father was perfection and made me feel the sorrow that a family member would have in those moments. But I do want to mention the actor that played LZX’s father – in the last 2 episodes – did a remarkable job and really added a lot to the story and just made the entire last 2 episodes just completely beautiful.

Music:
The OST’s for this drama were fantastic. Xiao Zhan & Yang Zi did a great job and the moments they added the musical pieces really added more to the story. Even the instrumentals they had for the violin & cello were just beautiful – I still hope I can find the song when they played at the restaurant.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Lidya
60 people found this review helpful
Mar 18, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

They'll Make You Wish You're in This Kind of Relationship

All the actors and actresses did a good job in acting and chemistry. Story comes with good pacing and relatable situations. Personally for me, the relationship between the female lead with her father, reminds me of my own.

But it's not all sad, don't worry. It has tons of comedy too. I guess besides the script, we have to thank the editing for that. Oh my, I laughed so hard, especially at the bar scene in episode 1.

And of course it has romance. Tbh I'm not really into romance as they tend to be cheesy. But here the romance is not boring, it's cute and sweet (that you wish you had this kind of relationship).

Ost are all very good, the lyrics are really sweet, I love them all. Cinematography is well done too. Tbh first I felt weird about the close up shot of the leads from front, because they almost or actually look at the camera, but later I think it gives different nuance, like you can see their face, their eyes clearly and it suddenly feels like you're the one falling in love haha

Must watch, really.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Enigma05
39 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

After 2 Years and 4 months......It Was Well Worth the Wait!

Just as the title of this review says; this drama was very much worth the wait. Xiao Zhan is one of the people I follow and looking forward to him in this mature and modern role was spectacular. I have so many emotions carousing through my system right now; relief, elation, sadness, completion, pride. This is a very high caliber modern drama. Mentally, I've been thinking about this review for days, so now I'm going to try and put everything together here.

Pros: This drama was filmed in 2019; so much has happened since then. I loved Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi's friendship in real life because it translated as very honest and believable chemistry on screen. Both Gu Wei and LXZ were honest and good though humanly flawed characters. If they made them all perfect and cute without problems, they wouldn't have seemed so real. The seeming harshness of the parents, displayed cultural differences in a way anyone on earth would understand because once the end was being rounded up, their feelings not just harsh words started to be more completely understood.

Xiao Zhan's acting ability made me forget that this was filmed before Ace Troops and ADLAD; the 8 hour, 15K line theater play. Each emotion, each mannerism, action, was on point with where the character had to be at the time of the series. I know he is a perfectionist himself and therefore already criticized his own performance from top to bottom; but as a viewer, a novelist/author, former scriptwriter, and very detail oriented human being, I truly didn't feel he could have done a better job. With the script he was working with, plus all the complicated medical terminology, heavy emotions, given flaws, he brought Gu Wei to life; into a three dimensional existence. He's a very versatile actor that I think can handle any genre, any role be it a protagonist or an antagonist; the latter of which I would love to see in like a Republican era crime drama.

YZ was a very believable 21 year old considering she was older. That's hard to do sometimes especially for more mature people. Her emotions especially in those last episodes were gut-wrenchingly felt. I felt she portrayed a cellist very convincingly (I played the violin in elementary school and therefore know how all strings hold their bows; she did everything properly). This was a good role for her; I do however hope she takes more out of the box roles as this seems to be a fairly common genre for her. She can definitely expand her horizons.

The OSTs were beautiful and magical. Usually I ffw them in the beginning or end especially for the credits but in this case, XZ's solo and their duet were just so heartfelt that I would listen to them each time. I always love it when actors sing their own OSTs, it just gives a drama extra soul.

The plot of the leads was fascinating and realistic; it never dragged at any time and honestly didn't need the filler characters nor their issues. When a plot or a character's actions draw heated discussions/debates in the comments, it means the drama is doing exactly what it's supposed to by making people think and want to talk about it. Papa Lin's cancer arc was the hardest and most heartbreaking of all because not only was it tastefully and realistically done, but it hit close to home as I've lost several very close friends to cancer; so tissues were needed in that sense.

Loved behind the scenes and the "Little Theatre" at the end of every other episode between Gu Wei and LXZ; even in the most angst ridden times, those moments provided us with glimpses of their times on set and into the characters' relationship even when they were at odds with each other. It was a great touch.

Cons: All of the 3rd wheels; lord almighty. When I need to ffw a great drama like this because of all of the truly not evolved and useless characters, it will take a hit in my rating of it. I think I've reached a new high of nicknames created in this drama, though some did evolve; the others thankfully were fazed out in the end. Dr. Gorilla Glue and Dr. Scrooge surprised me the most with being able to evolve and be actual allies and friends to GW, not just hot tar and a sanctimonious prick. Arrogant violin dude actually just needed to be let down before he was able to switch over to a mature human being who gave LZX some great advice.

The worst however remained Dear Abby Wannabe and Ms. Faux Victim; their characters and plots added literally zilch to the series; most time they did more harm then good. I understand young but not useless with absolutely no comprehension of reality. I never read the novels so have no clue if these characters were very prominent; but dear lord I wish the screenwriter never used them or sporadically without their plotless issues; the main plot was already so full and rich; this was just an absolute nuisance.

Would I recommend it? 100%! This is the type of drama you would want to watch with your friends, family, or even alone as most of us do. It has a little bit of everything. I want to thank the entire cast and crew for a truly special series. I will rewatch the cute moments and this drama will forever be in my heart and soul. Bravo!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
RachalChow
22 people found this review helpful
Apr 11, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

Utterly boring

I get the age gap of the characters but the FL portrays as a very inconsistent character. One moment, she portrays a level of maturity the next, she’s throwing tantrums at her boyfriend due to “not spending enough time with her”. ML has been giving in to her time and time again and honestly, he deserves better. He did try to justify as to why he chose her which I understand but it seems that they have a communication barrier. The Actors and Actresses and both very good in acting and I’ve been looking forward to this drama as I’m a huge fan of the both of them.

Tried very hard to make through all the episodes. It was gruelling, to say the least. Don’t quite understand why they would get married cus they can’t even communicate, only banter.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 28/32
MEANIEBIRD
54 people found this review helpful
Mar 28, 2022
28 of 32 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

**BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN DRAMA AND SUCH GREAT ACTING**

❤Xiao Zhan & Yang Zi in Modern Day Romance Drama❤
The love story of Lin Zhixiao and Gu Wei is so Delightful. A light-hearted drama that makes me smile ear to ear. it's so much relaxing seeing XIAO ZHAN & YANG ZI together and how they overcome their fears and slump with each other's help, they both have taken this drama to a whole new level with their acting and soothing smiles and I keep swooning over their Sweet little Theater at the end of episodes.
I'm not a fan of AGE GAP dramas but Gu Wei & Zhixiao's Couple is love❤, even though they have 9 year age gap still they are perfect for each other. and Make us Feel Single AF :D
The story is Medium Paced and may have a few Flaws (not that any I remember..) but it is indeed a beautiful Drama.
A character like Gu Wei is an unforgettable Character, he may seem cold but he is very friendly once you get to know him and Zhixiao is such a sweet next door girl and no one can play this character better than Yangzi, ill miss them soo much after the drama ends...
Xiao Zhan & Yang Zi have beautiful chemistry and definitely worth waiting 2 years for, but gosh I hate that they made us wait for soo long. with this drama, I hope China makes more dramas with this theme.
BONUS POINT:
-Cute Second Lead Couple
-Family Love
-Friendship
-The OSTs make the drama more lovely (and I was hooked to intro osts before the drama aired ❤, it's just awesome)
-Not at All Draggy
Cons
-Only 29 Episodes TT
-Had to Wait 2 Years

the review I wrote was for the first 23 episodes but after that...
**Spoiler Ahead**
I didn't knew I would cry so much in episode 28, I don't know the ending yet but this drama is so damn realistic, when I started the drama I thought I would be in for a sweet medical romance drama but the emotion this show has created in me is still making me sob I'm not at all prepared for the ending oh God...
.....
My Uncle had a relapse of Cancer last year (last stage) and so his daughter moved forward her wedding date cause he didn't have much time left to live and she wanted him to be a part of her big day. Then after the wedding, they went on a family vacation Together where he passed away a month after her wedding.
.......
Nothing in this can replace our parent's love for us, so cherish them while you can...
May God give our mom and dad a long and healthy life...

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
irisglitter
52 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 2.5
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 3.0
Music 2.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Run!


This drama is one of the worst dramas I have ever seen. I don't like romcoms and I only watched it because of Xiao Zhan. I hoped it not to be too bad, but it was worse than I expected. The female lead, her two friends and the relationship where absolutely horribly portrayed. The female lead is stupid, childish and spoilt rotten, when she doesn't get it her way, she pouts and screams around. She acts like a 12 year old more than a 21 year old. Her two female friends are not better, giving shitty relationship advice and behaving as stupidly as the female lead. And regarding the relationship, as soon as the doctor starts to date her, he gives up on his personality and does everything for her, even if she doesn't deserve it. The relationship is shallow and toxic. When the doctors has a serious work related problem and he wants to think quietly for himself, what does she do? She finds him, kiks him and screams at him. And she is even praised for it because she could solve his problems. Like in the beginning of the drama, when after some words from her, he overcomes his trauma. Absolutely, utterly ridiculous. When she is mad at him he does everything to get her back, although she has absolutely no reason to act this hurt and offended. This drama's portrayal of women and relationship is terrible and toxic. There is no growth and development of the characters (maybe the father, the only story arch I save together with some minor characters). I really don't understand it's huge success....ah no, yes I understand ....it's only because of Xiao Zhan and his fans, who only dream of such a relationship with him. Without this factor the drama would be one of the many shallow romcoms out there. And one of the worst I shall say, as there are some nicer ones.
I heard the female character in the novel was the total opposite of what we got. From what I have heard and read, we could have had a totally different, more realistic and pleasurable story. So I suppose we have to thank YangZi for this disgusting portrayal.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Pinocchio
29 people found this review helpful
Mar 18, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Waited for years not disappointed at all!

The story is very interesting and sucks you in right away with the funny actions from patients towards Dr. Gu. It is pretty real in terms of parents & kids relationship. No relationship between parents & kids are perfect there are many ups and downs. I like how they didn’t make the leads Gu Wei and Lin Zhi Xiao fall heads over heels right away and we get to see the progression of their relationship. Okay after more episodes I love the way Gu Wei and Lin Zhi Xiao treat each other really is the cutest thing ever!
The acting is top notch from both Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan as always. Not surprised as they are very talented and hard workers. They are not known as King & Queen for nothing. Yang Zi did very well with her emotions and so did Xiao Zhan what else can I say we all know they are amazing actors! I’m falling in love with their characters the more episodes I see Yang Zi and Xiao Zhan conveyed their emotions so well. They brought life to their characters emotions! There’s other characters that I don’t really care for so I guess they did a good job in making not like the character.
Music is good it’s sweet the OST is very soothing & relaxing in a way.
The only thing I disliked about this drama is I need longer & more episodes!!! This is too good for only so little to be out! I want to see more of the lovely Yang Zi & Xiao Zhan!!!
Rewatch value is high since I’m already rewatching to see the cute Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
BingerWatcher
32 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

A touching, beautiful tale about love, family and perseverance

I don't know how to describe this drama. It made me laugh, cry then laugh again like a rollercoaster of emotions. The 2 agonising years of waiting were totally worth it!

What stood out the most for me was the rocky yet heart-warming relationship Lin Zhi Xiao has with her father, who's a strict school dean. Due to her austere upbringing, Lin Zhi Xiao has grown up to detest her father for treating her like one of his "students" and would only call him "Mr. Lin". It's not until they're confronted with a grave illness did the family learns to come together and brace through the hardships. This makes me reflect on the relationship I have with my own parents and try to look at things from their perspectives. It may not have the most perfect script but the message really resonates with me. I was fully anticipating for a full on rom-com but this unexpected discovery is what makes this drama really special.

Talking about romance, I can't get enough of the main couple! How come EVERY SCENE is so iconic? Whenever Lin Zhi Xiao and Dr. Gu are together, I know I'm going to have a good time laughing at their adorkable banters or squeal at how romantic they are. That's not to say it was completely smooth sailing. They have their differences, major ones at that. Lin Zhi Xiao is a young, bubbly university student that's yet to step out of her parents' protective bubble. Gu Wei is a lot older, more mature, socially reserved and a neat freak due to his occupational hazard as a surgeon. But as we delve deeper, they both have their shortcomings and flaws. And it's actually their differences that help them gain a new perspective and overcome each of their own adversities. I truly love how well Lin Zhi Xiao and Gu Wei fit together not only in the good times, but also when they help each other grow and conquer the bad times. Also, I've never thought that product placements like Pepsi can be this romantic. I mean, it's literally their love symbol and I'm not complaining. And that anti-hair loss shampoo is just pure comedic gold.

Admittedly, the side couples feel a bit weak for me. I feel like they deserve to have a more cohesive arch of their own. But since the main couple is so strong, it kind of shifts the focus of the plot away from the 2nd and 3rd couple. I guess you can't have everything perfect sometimes.

In terms of the cast, we have stellar performances here. The chemistry between Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi is undeniably strong. Xiao Zhan is so versatile, he's the serious Dr. Gu in one moment and the sweet, and sometimes mischievous, Gu Wei in the next. Yang Zi is cute and funny at first, but she can also be very emotional and poignant, especially when she's connecting with Lin Zhi Xiao's parents. I love how the main couple is so down to earth. It may be a star-struck couple, but it also feels like a cozy and "simple" romance most of the time. And the Sweet Little Theatre snippets at the end are so adorable. It's like the 2 of them are just having a sweet and intimate moment, while I'm being the envious third wheel. I'm particularly fond of the actors playing Lin Zhi Xiao's parents. Their acting feels so real and moving. I cried watching them worry and care for Lin Zhi Xiao as well as each other. All in all, it was a truly perfect cast.

We got not only 1, but 3 OSTs sung by the main couple! I think they complement the story and characters beautifully.

The Oath of Love (余生, 请多指教) - Xiao Zhan & Yang Zi
The Greatest Fortune (最幸运的幸运) - Xiao Zhan
Somebody Liking Someone (一个人喜欢一个人) - Yang Zi

Also just to clarify, both the TV and original versions have the same content. The TV version has shorter but more episodes (32) to accommodate TV broadcasting schedule. While the Original version has 29 longer episodes (generally 45+ mins).

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

"There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

"Dr. Gu is not a perfect person. He is weak sometimes. He runs away. And sometimes, he's very proud. He keeps everything to himself and doesn't say it. He hurts himself as well as others. But as a doctor, he's the best in my heart. Not because of his superb medical skills, but his wholehearted dedication to his patients, even at the cost of his interests." Lin Zhi Xiao

"If all encounters are reunions after a long separation, I believe in the first 30 years of my life, we've already met each other at some point, but we just didn't know each other name. Otherwise, why would I fall in love with you so naturally and quickly?" Gu Wei

"I hope when we get old, you can tell me that marrying me was the best decision you ever made. If we're too old to remember anything, I hope that loving you is the last thing I'll forget." Gu Wei

"I used to think that the world is big and I'm walking slowly, so I never meet the right person for me. I feel so luck to have met you." Lin Zhi Xiao

"Our Zhi Xiao is young, and not mature enough. But in some ways, she's even more mature than me [her father]. Things happened to us during this year, her mother and I were panicked, but she was not defeated by these things. She has become the backbone, the pillar of our family. She has many shortcomings, but one merit. She is strong and resilient." Lin Zhi Xiao's father

"Zhi Xiao. Listen, now there are people paying too much attention to appearance. What appearance is about? Looks don't matter. Sweet words are even less important. Do you know what's important? The heart. Turns out I made the right choice. Your father has never done anything bad to me in decades. What can I not be satisfied with? I think my life is worth living. It was my luck to meet Mr. Lin." Lin Zhi Xiao's mother

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Amanda B
32 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2022
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Oath of what?

I just didn't like it.

I am not sure what exactly it was, but the chemistry was off to me.

I guess I was expecting more.

That seems to be my fault lately, I expect decent shows and am left underwhelmed.

The female lead is not one of my favorites ether, so that could have a lot to do with it.

I will keep searching for a great C-drama.

All the popular ones are falling flat and short with me.

And for some reason I can not post my review unless I make it 500 words.

My biggest qualm is tired story lines, lackluster chemistry, and boring clichés.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
The Oath of Love (2022) poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 8.3 (scored by 12,819 users)
  • Ranked: #1095
  • Popularity: #424
  • Watchers: 35,386

Top Contributors

108 edits
87 edits
74 edits
58 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
719 titles 1835 loves 35
Chinese Modern Drama
355 titles 553 loves 1
Who is Your Favourite Cdrama Couple? ❣
323 titles 4514 voters 327 loves 75

Recently Watched By