Perfect and Casual (2020)

Sometimes you (and by you it might just mean me) are in mood for a drama that is calm and main plot is a straight forward romance. This is it, you cannot find a better drama than this. And as a bonus, there are real gems hidden here.

In the pretend relationship/contractual marriage genre, there are often almost sci-fi beginnings and silly reasons for the couple to form a quick attachment and proceed on with the plot and sheningans. Perfect and Casual is not an exception in this, however, it features a longer start and by the time we get to the wedding, there are some feelings developed and you are fully invested into the story.

That is mainly because of two factors - the actors playing the main couple have an incredible chemistry, they act around in each other naturally and the characters are very endearing. The other is that the writing, especially in the character of the grandfather, is done very well. He teaches his grandson to see Yun Shu's best qualities and her value, which Sinian realises and never compromises on. And it's just great to see how he holds her in equal regard as she holds him.

The plot overall is quite calm. The charm of this drama is in quiet conversations and every day life. The funny bits are not obnoxious, the other characters are entertaining and if you aren't interested in them that much, at least you get to scroll your phone guilt free. I also liked the way this drama was shot, especially the passages from the point of view of some characters/their imagination. It also has a nice tempo and the main couple is nicely balanced and switched on screen depending on which one of them is currently in higher need of attention. However, I had an issue with two characters that are introduced later on, as somewhat of a catalysts for the progress of the relationship of the main couple. I found their involvement in this scale somewhat unnecessary and repeated.

The music is nice but if you watch it on YouTube, one song is not used which results in muted parts of the drama. I also liked the wardrobe, especially Yun Shu's - which is repeated at first, since she has no money, and later on develops with her character. It was nice to see.

To be honest, Perfect and Casual blew me away, I enjoyed it so much that I stayed up for it until one in the morning during a workday (which I NEVER do - being a commuter that gets up at 5:20 - I learned my self-control the hard way and for this drama, I threw it away like a used napkin). I already rewatched my favourite parts and will probably come back to them often. This drama is worth your time.

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OMG with all these 10th and 9th in rating I doubted my opinion about this drama

This drama started stupid
Then nice, then okay, then stupid again
I even dropped the first episode and jumped to next one
And I catched all what I missed and understood it

The FL character was so annoying, shallow and stupid with her stupid (MMM) as an answer
and -0 chemistry with the ML
The plot wasn't strong
The story wasn't solid
And towards the end this drama literally became meaningless

Characters came and went in the story suddenly without any introduction
Probably just to fill the story

The events were missing depth
It's like you are watching someone's daily routine,
That's it
The romance wasn't cute or fluffy or in it's place in my opinion

It's rare to find a real good Chinese Drama to watch and enjoy it
Towards the end I was literally pushing myself to complete it

Although the ML'S character was nice and cute
But it wasn't cute enough to make me love this show
And almost most of the actors their acting was really fake and annoying especially the FL
DISLIKE with sorrow

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A cute and funny drama that is really worth watching

I think this is my first review because while I watch a lot of dramas, I almost never finish them or feel the need to talk about them. But this drama, for a relatively small production with no big-name actors, REALLY surprised me in how much I loved it and kept me glued to the screen, and I want to recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sugar-filled, funny and heartwarming drama that is not too demanding.

The story

The contract marriage trope is nothing new, and a lot of drama clichés are all there too, but this drama manages to do them in a way that is never cringey or too forced. It never takes itself too seriously, and it’s like the writers know exactly what they want to do with the story and the characters and what they have to do to elicit a certain reaction from the audience– which they always succeed in, at least in my case. This drama is funny where it wants to be funny, and dramatic where it wants to be dramatic. It's never too tragic nor it reaches any emotional peaks, but it does its basic job well.

*SPOILERS*
My only complaint is that I think the last two/three episodes, including the "will Yun Shu go abroad" plotline, were a bit unnecessary and they could have ended the story with Yun Shu's graduation and them getting officially together no longer bound by the contract. Because at that point, the story had passed its climax and resolution, and anything that came later felt superfluous to me.
*/END OF SPOILERS*

The characters/acting

The chemistry between the main leads is off the charts and the main reason I was hooked. They complement each other so perfectly and you always want them on screen together. The other couples are not that interesting, just average, and I admit fast-forwarding through many of their scenes. But when the main couple is so good, you can overlook the others.
The side characters themselves are pretty average (except the grandpa who I loved) but none of them really displeased me, and the offer a nice contour to the main couple’s relationship.

I’ve seen too many times the ML’s role – the icy genius with a hidden soft/broken core – being played like a caricature and ultimately coming off as pretentious or just boring. But Wei Zheming plays him with a softness that had me in awe the entire time. I had seen this actor only once before, in Find Yourself, and even there the secondary couple he was part of interested me more than the main couple, so I believe he’s really that good.
On the other hand, the FL’s performance just feels so natural and real you wouldn’t even say she’s acting, and is so cute in an effortless and never cringey way.

So, yeah, if you need your dose of sugar, giggles and cute moments do watch Perfect and Casual.

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Not all “idol romcoms” are equal: Or “The kind are rewarded”

This was a show which had it all, good writing, direction, fantastic performance and visuals. Was it full of cliches and tropes, and seemed cut from the mold of other dramas with similar tropes? Both yes and no. While I have not watched others to be able to make any substantial comparison, just on its own merit this was a drama which can stand tall amongst others of its ilk.

After a few rewatches, it became clear to me that more care, consideration and thought than what was common (for an idol romcom/pure romance) were given to the script/screenplay, and the whole production as a whole. There was a coherent theme/message, and recurring motifs, simplistic as they were. The small details mattered in this show.

It was also a showcase in how to go about achieving a wholesome, healthy, mature and loving relationship (for the leads). Communication, communication and communication. They took the time to talk with and reassure each other, tried to understand the other’s perspective, apologise when in the wrong etc. They did it often and habitually. It was especially stark when put against that of the other secondary couples.

There was not much unnecessary conflict, and any devices - i.e, misunderstandings or “love rivals” - for the development of the leads’ relationship were never utilised beyond their usefulness to the story. The respective dynamics were also a vehicle of growth for the leads. It was all very utilitarian. It could either be a plus or negative. In any case, I appreciated the straightforwardness. It resulted in a breezy, romantic and heartwarming drama experience.

While riding on the common tropes and cliches distinctive of its genre, it also tried to subvert some of them. It was a show “aware” of itself. It poked fun at the aggressive-CEO-tropes, and made fun of itself as a “mindless idol drama”. There was sarcastic and dry humour. There was also lovely usage of old movies to make its point across.

Having watched the ending and then returning to the first episode again, I was really struck by how coherent, cohesive and consistent the whole storyline was. The writing was truly solid.

Performance wise, suffice to say that WZM portrayed Prof Zhang impeccably, playing a staid, aloof and wooden character with much warmth, sensitivity and nuance. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Prof. Zhang. XRH was the perfect foil for him, playing Yun Shu naturally in all her adorable, sweet, effervescent and optimistic glory, subsequently blooming into a stronger and more mature character as the show progressed.

The secondary characters gave memorable performances too, and I especially loved ZLR’s portrayal of GZY. It was an organic and dynamic performance, giving the character a realism which I found particularly compelling.

In defense of the “Mary-Sue” female lead:

Was she absentminded, naive, too trusting and not particularly smart nor streetwise. Yes. Was she stupid. No.

Her being kind, generous and trusting might be looked upon by some as idiocy, but the show itself - via the character of the grandfather - clearly told us, it’s both her strength and weakness.

The show was not shy in letting us know that her helpfulness to others have garnered her opportunities which she would not have had just based on her academic or work skills.

Of course, as a viewer, what one thinks of the old-fashioned message itself is up to themselves, but the show was at least unapologetic in promoting the adage: “Nice girls finish first”, or that “compassion will be rewarded in kind.”


Conclusion:

For being a purely romance driven drama in its particular sub-genre, this was an example of fine writing, production and performance, as cliched and trope-y as it was. I feel fortunate in my encounter with this gem of a romcom. It’s undoubtedly a favourite now.

(All my thanks to the production/writing team, cast and crew).

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typical contract relationship story but with 0 chemistry

PLOT :

the plot is pretty typical contract relationship with less drama than usual dramas like this. but the less drama doesn't mean that it's good imo it was quite boring & most of the time nothing interesting was happening. now usually in dramas like these we expect great chemistry between the characters so the boringness/lack of plot won't be that big of a problem (example put your head on my shoulder) but in here literally no one had any chemistry whatsoever. the main couple looked awkward as hell all the time even after they were apparently in love. the FL's best friends relationship was a mess too they were WAY too toxic and had no chemistry & FL's sister & ML's friend's relationship was the most forced relationship ever. and that old grandpa was one annoying ass dude idc he WAS annoying and the FL's cousin deserved jail. the only good thing was that they actually talked about their problems with each other unlike most drama's couples who keeps hiding their problems from their bf/gf.

ACTING/CAST :

FL : she just CAN'T act. her acting was really bad and one of the main reasons why there was 0 chemistry between the main couple. and her character was way too naive and that really annoyed me.

ML : his acting was not bad & his character was the typical cold career focused male lead but only difference was he was really calm & collected and never got mad at the FL which i liked

the rest of the characters are pretty annoying & their acting was bad to mediocre except for the lawyer ig but he was quite annoying at first too

MUSIC : there wasn't any song in this drama that caught my attention / fit my music taste.

REWATCH VALUE : would never in my sane mind rewatch this lmao

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Cute drama, interesting characters

So this a drama full of romance and clichés, however the characters are really nice and they are well developed throughout the story, and that makes the drama interesting.

In the beginning you kind of dislike the FL, I mean she is clueless, but you gotta understand that this is a necessary trope so that the plot can move forward.
She is way too forgiving and you might consider that a flaw, but when the plot starts to develop, you begin to appreciate her casual approach to life and to certain situations. She only "fights" for the things that really matters to her, so the angst comes from her insecurities, not misunderstandings, which is something relatable to anyone in a new relationship (specially if it is an unbalanced relationship).
She also really bold when showing her feelings, and that is so refreshing because you feel she is growing in her shoes and maturing.

The ML is cold as ice, and really "dumb" when it comes to emotions, but when push come to shove he is not shy about his feelings for Yun Shu, or his marriage, and thats is so refreshing! He is really mature so there isn't a single crack in his demeanor (it's so satisfying him shutting down outsiders interfering in their relationship) when possible love interests come around both of them.

After they solidify that their marriage is not just a contract one, they are both committed to it, and they treat each other with respect, love and understanding.

The second couple, Li Nuo and Zhi Yi (Yun Shu friends) was very interesting and they teach us a lesson, "you should always value the person who loves you", and that is so clear in the end! (I found their ending so realistic and on point!)

The messy couple, Lu Yu and Yun Lan, were full of misunderstandings, and you feel like their story is similar to a main lead couple would have, so its kind of funny to see a secondary couple with a main couple plot.

You have it all with this drama, and it's a quick interesting watch, maybe between heavy dramas, or if you like romance dramas!

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an addictive drama

I'm telling you, the male lead's characters and personality are my ideal type. this makes my heart went boom boom while watching this drama. the male lead is very gentlemen and soft unlike most male lead characters that are a bit rough and forceful in chinese dramas. you will instantly fall in love with him.

meanwhile, the female lead was so cute, she's a very good actress. they have good casts for this drama and im so glad about it. their chemistry thtoughout the drama, i can see the progression and that makes me feel very attached to this drama. i finished watching it in just two days because as you watch the current episode, you keep wanting to watch more hahahaha.

the story itself, it's a cliche storyline but the characters make it distinctive compared to other drama. believe me, i smiled all the time, because this drama makes me so happy as eventhough they have some conflicts, they resolved it right away. the most important part is i really love the female lead this time because she is very confident about her relationship with the male lead and it is so charming ?

overall, it's very good for a binge watching drama especially on weekend ?

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A cute romance between a cold professor and his careless student.

My first impressions were 1. Professor Zhang is too cold, borderline Stiff but he is extremely good looking while our female is his exact opposite. When he is perfect, responsible and very logical while she is more casual, careless, irresponsible, carefree, and more in touch with her emotional side. 2. Although our female lead has a really good support system, from her overly supportive friends and her protective older sister. 3. No matter how perfect Professor Zhang may seem when it comes to his grandfather, he becomes more desperate and acts on impulse and last 4. This drama will definitely have quite a number of cliches.

In the early episodes, it kind of annoyed me that Yun Shu was really gullible. I hate that people kept on taking advantage of her and she has little fighting spirit. She does have a great support system but I somehow feel like it made her dependent, she is unprepared to face the outside world of college. I mean like its only episode 4 and she was scammed twice! I kind of viewed her as careless, impulsive, indecisive, dependent, immature but loyal, kind and compassionate.

I love that Yun Shu eventually matured in the end, it had a good happy ending, not too annoying supporting cast (namely those who wanted to split our Prof Zhang and Yun Shu), really good lines, and adorably sweet couples. Good lines like the following:

“I counted the times we get along with each other since I met Yun Shu for the fist time to the building of our contractual relationship and to this business trip. The number of times we get along with each other during this period is 821 times. In the process of contact, the percentage she showed happiness to me is 83.33%, amid this, 12% wasn’t caused by me. So the process of her getting along with me shows happiness generally. I also calculated my feelings about Yun Shu. Happiness and joy accounts for 73.33% so the date of the two of us getting along with each other is quite big among general couples.”
-Prof Zhang

Someone who is as stiff as him, this is one of his best lines. His brain isn’t like any guy who could come up with something so sweet, cheesy or corny, instead his brain functions with numbers, probabilities, data and conclusions so this line was such a sweet way of telling the other girl than, Yun Shu is the only one who can make him happy and no one else.

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Sweet and simple

If you’re looking for a feel good easy watch, this is it! I loved it. The leads go well together and there’s not really any misunderstandings. The characters are pretty likeable. There wasn’t any point where I wanted to die of second hand embarrassment or where I wanted to get rid of a character. Overall the story was straightforward, but very sweet. It moved at a good pace. The side characters were interesting enough and I was a bit invested in their stories as well but they didn’t outshine the leads. And the leads were together for quite a good amount of time. I hope they continue the story!

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Perfect and casual for easy viewing.

Perfect and casual for easy viewing.

It started with the typical Mr. Perfect meets Ms. Almost. Mr. Perfect was an academician, a mathematician to be precised. He was a conservative professor with high IQ and a bit underdeveloped EQ. Ms. Almost was his student. She's the typical girl next door; young, bubbly and pure of heart.

Circumstances brought them together, pushed them into a contractual marriage. They had a bit of understandable rocky start. But they managed to be friends and then finally fall in love.

I love the fact that this drama provided a lot of love all over. With the ML and FL, a love that started of as a casual contractual arrangement. With FL sister and ML childhood friend, a love that's unexpected and most often misunderstood. With the FL's best friends, a love that's taken for granted and almost lost.

And there's also the familial love. How they love ML's grandpa. Then there's the relationship between the two sisters, who have each other's back since childhood.

All in all, this drama may not be an epic love story but it's really really entertaining. It's a story that may not make you cry, but it'll definitely make you smile and your heart sigh.

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Cliche Yet Heartwarming

The title “Perfect and Casual” is a good way to sum up this drama. Well, it’s far from perfect but that does not negate my overall enjoyment. Rather this is the perfect and casual drama to watch when you just want a cute, lighthearted, and stress free watch.

The premise itself is very basic and has been used so many times in the past—contract marriages are not a new or inventive thing. While it might be cliche the characters surely make up for it. Yun Shu, our FL, enters a contract marriage for 1 year with our ML Zhang Sinian for various reasons. One of them is to satisfy Zhang Sinian’s dying grandfather. Obviously they get off on the wrong foot but slowly they fall in love. Overall the romance between the two is heart fluttering and will make you cringe a tad bit but the drama and characters itself is charming so it makes up for it.

The FL is very naive, bubbly, trustworthy, and constantly gets herself into trouble which I usually would find annoying but it was endearing in this case. I always want my FL to be strong but despite these qualities she was pretty vocal in the relationship. Communication is a huge thing in their relationship which I adored. It’s needed for sure because the ML is just as naive when it comes to love. He’s the typical cold ML except he’s definitely just awkward and dorky. He’s not cold in the sense that he bullies the FL, in fact he makes it very clear even before they started the contract marriage and actually dating that Yun Shu was her own person. She could make whatever decision she wanted and he would support her. One of my favorite gags in this drama is that in the beginning of the marriage every time he would engage in any unnecessary physical intimacy he would pay her 100 dollars in compensation. That fact right there made me really like his character because it was refreshing to see such a quirky yet sweet ML.

Since this is a typical cliche romcom SML & SFL’s do exist. I didn’t find them that bad compared to other ones in dramas though because they were no threat at all. As for the side characters I have mixed feelings. I do like all of them, especially Yun Shu’s lawyer sister and Zhang Sinian’s actor best friend. They had some flaws but I found them entertaining. Yun Shu’s best friends originally were adorable but toward the end they were getting on my nerves. Nothing too bad though! But one of my favorite side character is Grandpa Zhang. He‘s like the #1 shipper for Yun Shu/Zhang Sinian. It was so nice to see a drama where family members supported the relationship and in fact was the sole reason they got together.

In conclusion, “Perfect and Casual” is a little gem of a drama that makes me feel very warm inside. The acting was pretty good and the OST was catchy—the only reason this didn’t get a higher rating is because there were weird editing and inconsistencies in the plot that took me out of the drama.

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