Follow Your Heart
Can one feel love, and love without a heart or with a mechanical heart? Though unthinkable, this story assumes a mechanical heart works just as good as a real human heart when it comes to love, maybe even better in times of trouble. As it is a fantasy, let’s just accept that people don’t need a real heart to fall in love; a mechanic heart works just fine, and can make a person fall in love just like a normal person does.This drama is narrated from the perspective of Jiang Xiao Ning (Xing Fei aka Fair Xing). 10 years ago, she got into a car accident and Gu Chuan (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) was there trying to save her, and got hurt himself. 10 years later, they meet again without recognizing each other initially. And they fall in love.
Gu Chuan is a very talented young architect, but he has a secret: he doesn’t have a heart, he lost it in the car accident while he tried to save Jiang Xiao Ning, and in its place, he has a mechanical heart. He knows his heart will one day expire and he will die. Imagine how difficult it is to live a life constantly reminding oneself of death, and this is what Gu Chuan has been tormented for the last 10 years; he has been preparing for his imminent death. His mood is always somber and dark as he cannot have excessive emotions with his mechanical heart. He also doesn’t want to love nor be loved because he wants to avoid any heart breaks in the event of his death. He’s like a lizard, cold and hidden. Ren Jialun has a natural sour face which I’ve come to love. Looking like an adolescent yet with an air of maturity, he is perfect as the somber Gu Chuan who doesn’t smile. Ren Jialun is natural with this role as his sour face makes him very believable and his acting is not stiff.
Gu Chuan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Jiang Xiao Ning but he does because she gives him the kind of optimism he has never experienced before. Now life has meaning, which jeopardizes all his death plans.
Jiang Xiao Ning has a totally opposite personality from Gu Chuan’s darkness. She is sunny and positive despite of her bad lucks; she always views her glass as half-full and grateful for everything she has. She considers herself like a crow which people normally associate with bad luck. Jiang Xiao Ning is smart, considerate and protective especially of Gu Chuan. When they are together, there’s a big contrast of the two characters: Gu Chuan dresses immaculately and somber, whereas Jiang Xiao Ning is sunny and active, and dresses in oversized clothing. Their chemistry may not be 100% but their romance is quiet and rather sweet. As two unlikely people come together, cold becomes warm, bad luck becomes good luck. And sorry to disappoint viewers, there are no hot kisses, as expected. Most of the presumed kisses are zoomed out and blurred. Any closeup kisses are so close that no one knows if the lips belong to the same actors. Xing Fei’s bright eyes that seem to smile forever fit her well into the role of the sunny Jiang Xiao Ning and her acting is very convincing, especially when it comes to her heart breaking scenes.
There is an over-powering second couple with overly mushy dialogues which feel overdone and banal. However, they also give viewers some hot kisses. There’s also something nefarious lurking under the sweet romance, with murders and corruption which gives some fireworks to the otherwise rather bland story.
OSTs
This drama produces some of the best sound tracks. I particularly love the beautiful song “Exchange” sung by Zhou Shen. It’s so touching and amazing that it can bring tears to the listeners’ eyes. I also love the instrumental music played by the cello when Gu Chuan is alone in his deep thinking, reflecting his torments.
My Verdict
If you like love triangles, there are plenty here. Both male and female leads have their respective secret admirers who become the antagonists and attempt to cause harm to their love competitors, but each time, their attempts are thwarted, either because our leads are smarter or plain dumb luck they have.
I love Gu Chuan’s philosophy in his designs, merging western architecture with Chinese wisdom and culture. Facing death is frightening, knowing it’s coming to take one’s life anytime soon. This drama helps us feel how it’s like for Gu Chuan.
Overall, the drama is not bad, neither is it excellent. It has some tropes, such as splitting up in a relationship for-their-own-good stuff, which can be rather annoying. The comedy can be rather stale at times. There are some minor flaws here and there but not enough to destroy the story.
Despite a rather bland story, there are some good lessons here. As Gu Chuan is teaching Jiang Xiao Ning, "It doesn't matter how others look at you, most importantly you cannot look down on yourself. Crow is the bird that most looked down by people, but they have their quality - they know how to put a nut in the middle of the road and let passing cars crush it. They are devoted to their partners and will forever remain faithful to that same partners." (I didn't know that.)
In turn, Jiang Xiao Ning teaches Gu Chuan, life is not forever. Life, no matter how hard it is, we must persevere. Be positive. Look at the positives. Take life as it comes and make the best of it.
I would have awarded this drama a 8.5/10 but the OSTs are so good that a 9/10 seems to be more appropriate. Fun watch. Must listen to the song "Exchange" by Zhou Shen.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Lighthearted Sweet Drama
You should definitely watch this drama if you crave a lighthearted sweet drama without stupid misunderstandings. This drama mainly focuses on the main leads, and not so much on the second leads, but the second leads still get a reasonable amount of screen time (the right amount in my opinion). Also, the chemistry between the main leads are just... AMAZING. There's not a lot of kiss scenes (since Allen Ren is married) and this drama shows that even without many kiss scenes, the drama can still be as sweet as any other dramas. The reason why I gave it a 9.5/10 instead of 10/10 was because the ending seemed really rushed and a lot of parts were missing or cut out. So, the beginning and the middle of this drama is definitely a 10/10 for me.I usually don't really mention music since it's not TOO important, but here I have to say something about it...
There's about 100 different pieces of music used in this drama (it's an exaggeration but still) and most of them are really... weird. Not only that, but the most of the music comes in during very awkward places that doesn't seem that appropriate for that specific piece of music. Also, sometimes it's unnecessarily loud. Nevertheless, I really enjoy the music "Exchange" sang by my favorite singer Zhou Shen, and you'll hear it a lot throughout the drama lol. But as I mentioned earlier, music isn't that important in a drama so it did not affect the overall score of this drama :)
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A really recommended drama that you should watch! trust me
Such an amazing and beautiful drama. This drama is very unforgettable for me because of the story and acting. First, we can see in the first episode telling that Gu Chuan the ML is got an accident because he was trying to help the strangers who is the young girl, Jiang Xiao Ning (FL) and her family. And when he got injured, he still trying to console the young girl even help her to sing a birthday song for her. It's really heartwarming and touching.Then after the accident, the ML can't get a normal life again because of he got a mechanical heart to save his life.
So, he always think about dying and even prepare her funeral. Honestly, it's really sad when I think about him. He's such a great and potential architect, that have a personal studio. He's always calm and never got a strong emotion to protect his heart. Case is different for the FL, although she got a traumatic experiences and losing her parents, she always try to optimist and cheerful.
They met after 10 years, and she become his assistant. Slow but sure, she changed the ML. She made him smile again and get another purpose of life. They both fall in love, but can't be together cause the mechanical heart. The doctor always warn him to not dating cause his heart can't experiencing strong emotions. So, what happened after that? You should watch it now cause you won't regret it.. trust me.
Overall, it is really a great storyline, there are ups and downs that you really wanna cry a lot because of them, but you also will get happy too cause their chemistry is superb. And do not worry cause We also got second couple that are so funny and exciting. In addition, we got two guest role who are the ML'ex and FL's best friend. They make it a complete and great scenes too. Oh yes, and the ost also amazing. Really like it too.
Personally, I really amaze for Ren Jia Lun acting. He really did an amazing job when potrayed Gu Chuan. this is my first time watching his drama, and can't wait to see his other drama too.
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2 DAYS, IT TOOK ME 2 DAYS to complete this series
As usual I sacrifice my sleep for dramas. And this series was great! I loved the storyline a lot! Its really different from you all fluff rom-com dramas for sure. I felt the feelings brought out by the characters, including sacrifices one would make for he/her loved ones. I really thought it'll have a sad ending, but NO! it definitely has a happy ending!The acting; c'mon i totally watched this because of Xing Fei and Ren Jia Lun is a bonus.
On a side note, this is the first c-drama i watched with the ML/FL not kissing (on the lips) in it!!! I totally baffles me to no end how complete this drama is even without kissing (I repeat, on the lips! However, we have steamy (imo) kiss scenes by the 2nd couple haha!
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An amazing journey... which ended up being miserable near the end (ツ)
"Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard" having such a unique and peculiar title was the first thing that made me took interest in the drama, but I was mesmerized by its beautiful cinematography and stunning soundtrack which comes with the very first scene. So I was literally hooked in the first 5 minutes into the show, it proves that it has that perfect first impression. Not just its beauty the way emotions were conveyed, I've never been emotional in the first episode of any modern C-drama but this becomes an exception. It was a roller coaster ride where I enjoyed, laughed, and cried... but there is a big BUT.Talking about the story. It was really well written and almost perfect regarding characters' personality, their dialogues, the pace and direction of the storyline having all little details. I was impressed from the starting till near the end. Then they messed up... messed up so hard, I almost thought if they changed the writer as the whole setup of the story into a total melodrama. Loving all the way, my wonderful ride becomes rough out of nowhere adding all unnecessary things, cliches on the edge of the finale. Was it really needed?
They did a great job with casting. Allen Ren just nailed it! with all those emotions, being calm, composed, and his subtle smile just WOW! talking about the character Gu Chuan. I really loved the fact that they didn't go with all stereotype CEOs of C-dramas being rude, arrogant, and unreasonable all the time. His character felt like a real person just being cold due to the situation he is going through. Sad and depressed having just one goal to complete, till Xiao Ning came into his life and he got a reason to smile, to come out of his shell and actually live. Fair Xing... is definitely Fair for this role as she can play a bubbly, energetic, adorable character so naturally having that cute smile on the face all time. The chemistry this couple has is amazing and remarkable... one of the reasons why I was enjoying it.
All other things including music, cinematography, very interesting side couple this drama was near perfection to me. And here comes that big BUT it collapsed losing all its momentum in the last 6-7 episodes.. out of the track, almost wrapping ending, wasting much time on the very unnecessary situation and side couple but at the end of the day, we rather get a huge disappointment other than a satisfaction which I was anticipating. How to turn a very cheerful, refreshing, sweet, fluff into melodrama this being a perfect example here. That's how my 9.5 turned into 8.5. (On a side note: I never give high ratings, 9.5 is very rare).
It sure teaches 101 ways how to turn the perfect drama into a messy ride.
I won't say it's not enjoyable it sure was... but don't get your hopes too high.
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You know what?
How much do you love someone when you cannot love them like everyone else? That is what this is about? This was a very powerful and heartfelt story of love that lasts because two people chose to love each other where they were at and took on each other's burdens and joys! I love both the ML & FL together and their chemistry. Her upbeat optimistic personality in here was so refreshing. The we can get through anything together mentality was powerful. Then the man who thought that he had to live a short life and die alone and how he was changed by her positive and joyful persona I can't say enough. This is one drama I highly recommend you watch. I thought the end wouldn't be the great and i'll end up cring..?But But But... Its just amazing, I love the happy ending, it wasn't quite as typical but I didn't thought it would turn like this in the end... It was happy and they do end up staying together! ? I enjoyed every episode. And its really worth watching. ?
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This review may contain spoilers
from eps 1 I already like this drama
starting from the tense thing where the accident happened, it's already very interesting ..This story is a new scenario in Chinese drama. the use of a mechanical heart is the main attraction. It was strange at first when the mechanical heart gave off electricity, but after that, it might make a little sense that a heart that uses electrical power would discharge electricity if used excessively. although there are some strange things like 'why did Chuan not use a real donated heart', but over time it makes sense because maybe 10 years ago they didn't find a suitable heart.
Some interest scene
-Xiaoning's life is very sad after 10 years, he is trying to support a family and take care of aunts and grandmothers, the scene when his house is on fire and his aunt who refuses to live in Tangxu's house in a state of Xioning has no money is very sad.
-I really like the character Chuan where he does not regret his actions helping the Xiaoning family during an accident, even though it caused him to lose his heart ... he also accompanies Xiaoning even though he is in pain, good person.
-I like Chuan when he refuses Su Manlin, he says it sternly, giving no hope to Su Manlin either. There are no misunderstandings caused by the third person, which is a misunderstanding like this that often occurs in other Chinese dramas.
-Really like the character Wenwen, former Gu Chuan is a good ex, he supports Xiaoning and is not annoying like former characters in other dramas hahaha.
I think there are many good and interesting things, just this drama is worth watching .. ++
oh yeah, the original soundtrack is also very very goodddd +++++
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a super drama with an extra ordinary chemistry that can only b seen b/w Allen ren & xing fei.
Lve this drama a lot. Lve the couple a lot. Super sweet & cute chemistry. Handsome boyfriend & beautiful girlfriend. Won’t regret watching this drama. The osts r superb. You would want to hear them again and again. Acting is just extra ordinary. I have already watched it over eight to ten times. Hilarious storyline. I want season two of Miss crow with Mr lizard and also want Allen ren and xing fei to star in another super sweet and cute drama. Their acting and chemistry and relationships will just make us crave more & more for it. Enjoy watching this wonderful and bombastic drama .Was this review helpful to you?
Touch & Go .... Heartwarming
I literally have no words to describe this series, it was very different to most other romcom or love series, it was heartbreaking, and teary, but also kept you wanting to now more.From the beginning it started off really strong, what got intrigued was the Mechanical Heart, with technology advancing at a high rate, I don't think we will far off from seeing something like this in the future. The ML lead did an outstanding job in playing this role and his emotions were so real that you could actually feel it, the FL although I did feel she was a bit childish, but I did like her positive attitude to life, (wish there more people like that in real life), her outlook on life and situations were amazing, and often you would find yourself laughing along with her.
The story was really excellent, especially the last few episodes, I really thought that it was going to be a very sad ending, but I am glad there was a turnaround in the end.
The second ML and FL story was just so hilarious and funny, they really kept us entertained while dealing with the serious stuff of the first ML & FL .
For sure is THE BEST MODERN DRAMA OF 2021, until now.
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I love both the ML & FL together and their chemistry. You can actually feel the loneliness of ML as how lonely he feels. Even though he was acting it feels very real. I really like Ren Jialun (Gu Chuan) acting skills he has played an amazing character and Xing Fei (Xiao Ning) is very versatile actress. The man who thought that he had to live a short life and die alone and how he was changed by her positive and joyful persona.
Without giving any spoiler, I would like it if there were more Electric Man-style Scenes in this drama. Watch the drama if you're unaware of what Electric Man is. I highly recommend it.
This is one drama I highly recommend you to watch. I thought the end wouldn't be the great and I'll end up crying..? But its just amazing, I love the happy ending, it wasn't quite as typical. But I didn't thought it would turn like this in the end... It was happy and they do end up staying together!? I enjoyed every episode. And its really worth watching.
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