Only for Love (2023)

A drama about the fourth love pair or 4th ML and FL

Its a wasted opportunity: great actors in a shallow plot and mediocre drama. Bai Lu is a top notch actress. DW and Zheming Wie are quality actors. The others are good too. But......the plot is nowhere to be found: it is a drama that is worth 10 or less episodes but stretched to 36. Screenplay is bad that for almost all episodes up to 30 (?), both the ML and FL are still not together for good; in fact, both are still distanced or detached from each other. Yet both are top notch in their careers - failing to identify their respective romantic hindrance (this is supposed to be a romance drama).
The drama seems to be about the love story of the 4th ML and FL: Guan Xian Chend and the Editor Tang Yi. Not even about the 2nd ML and FL nor the 3rd ML and FL; more so about the ML and FL.
What saves this drama: 1) Bai Lu; no not her acting, she is a quality and charming actress but her acting is desirable -not because she is not good, but because of bad plot and screenplay. It is just the presence or inclusion of Bai Lu that made this drama a magnet to fans. 2) Great production: the producer must have infuse money to get good actors/actresses as well as sets/venues.

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I thought I lost my ability to feel chemistry!!!

Let me get this straight. I gave myself a break after not finding any good drama for a while. A few months ago I read the novel and I dropped it halfway because the STORY was boring. But I knew I had to watch the drama for my favourite C-actress Bailu(not anymore). I read a few reviews here and there about great chemistry and went for it.

THAT'S A BIIIIG MISTAKE I MADE THERE
After a few(18 episodes) I was seriously questioning myself if I lost my interest in dramas or smtng. But that was not the case, it is genuinely so poorly done. The script itself is trash. They made great-looking leads to do questionable things. They have so much potential to bring something great but they all gathered and decided to do this and find it okay??? I genuinely hope actors choose better script, and stories like this stop being made into drama.

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Lacking

Unfortunately there was no chemistry between the leads which is literally the single most important thing in a romcom (obviously there are others as well but this is extremely important).

Also the directing and screenwriting felt somehow off, even though the plot seemed interesting.

It saddens me, as I am a fan of both of them, but despite the main leads usually being magnificent actors, this time it felt like they failed to properly portray and embody their characters. I personally believe that what really matters in a series/film is for it to be enjoyable or memorable or generally to evoke something inside the audience (be it happiness, saddennes, or whatever the director, writer and cast is trying to portray). Whats the use of having a great and very popular cast, if firstly there is simply 0 chemistry between them and secondly the directing and screenwriting is awful.? With better directing and screenwriting it would have definitely been better. But to be completely honest and fair, the main leads' extreme lack of chemistry is a huge problem. Seriously, they should've done something about this. I am saying this as a fan of both Bai Lu and Dylan Wang. Since it's not working out there's no need to force it. There is literally a plethora of other actors who could've filled either of the spots, most of which might not be as popular, but possess equally good acting skills . I much rather watch a good series with actors whom I don't know, rather than a mediocre one with my favorites in it. It literally does more harm than good to the cast's, writer's and director's reputation.

All I have to say is that I am disappointed. It's not like the drama is uwatchable. It's just that the expectations were way too high and they were not met. I'm on ep 21 and the drama might get better, but it still does not change the fact that up until now, it has been kind of a let down. What saddens me even more is that I've read the book and even though I found it kind of tiring at times (as I'm quite particular with slice of life plots, I either like them very much or I find them very boring, depending on how they are played out) I enjoyed it and was excited when I learned that this was its adaption. I like the base plot but its development and pace here were draggy and tiring. The 2nd couple (the fl's bff with the ML's friend) had way more chemistry even though they had a messy love story.

It's also worth to be mentioned that Bai Lu is simply gorgeous (the entire cast was filled with visuals), but I personally believe the stylist- makeup artist didn't fully showcase her beauty. I get that the FL's style was supposed to be on the simpler side, but they could've at least used some more eyeshadow or eyeliner idk just something especially when she was supposed to be going on a date. Also half the time (if not all the time) she was wearing oversized blazzers. Which again is not bad, I actually find it quite stylish and pretty, but she could've had a change and wore something slightly different at times.

IDK hopefully this gets better ? I'll come back to update my review when I finish it.

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So it’s over
And personally I don’t think it was as bad as everyone considered but that’s just a personal opinion. Maybe it’s also because I do my best to not take logic too seriously when it comes to Dramaland (actually, I even tend to throw it out by the window when I do : one of the first rules I’ve learnt to enjoy Dramaland !)
It’s definitely not epic : it’s a cute, lighthearted fluffy romance, just the kind of thing we need when we don’t want anything too serious (and god knows I need that sometimes with my anxiety problems) and that does the job
Unlike many people, I do think that all of the cast did a really good job. The main couple had cute scenes, good skinship and a strange chemistry which somehow still works out. I wouldn’t call them my favorite ship (I’m just too obsessed by Xie Wei and Jiang Xuening right now) but I think they’re definitely cute to follow
I do have a big crush on the niece’s character who starts off as an annoying spoiled imbecile to then grow mature and decisive
Again : it’s definitely not epic, and it’s not the c-drama of the year. For example, it’s sometimes too repetitive, goes around in circles with no real reason. I do think it should have been shortened by at least 10 episodes (especially with the arc where the main couple was having a fight : this took way much time and place, and came way too late)
I so think it’s more of a 6,5 but I’ll go to 7 because I do have a guilty pleasure for this
But in my opinion, it does fulfill the main purpose of a drama, which is make us have a nice time when watching it and that is enough for me

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What a shame

I tortured myself till episode 12 because I didn't want to believe that this drama could get worse and worse. I love Bai Lu, she's a superb actress and she even tried to give some facial expressions to this disappointing role. It's embarrassing to watch her in such a self-depreciating story. What a shame. An actress of her caliber should be able to choose her roles. The main lead Wang Hedi carried the same expression - his Godfather-like mafia boss nothing can touch me face - throughout all episodes trying to sprinkle in a slight movement of half of his lips probably symbolizing a smile, usually when his character had trapped the FL in one of his misogynist plots. In general I can see a slide in the new modern popular C-dramas towards more powerful men, just being rich and vengeful and more and more FL roles giving the impression of being very youn, inexperienced, cuuute, dependent and dumb. Once again what a pity !!!

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It couldve been better....

First off, this was ok. I liked the potential of the plot and the acting was amazing. However, I dont think it needed to be 36 episodes long... especially if you take into account that most of it was filler... And I hated the filter they put on it that made them look even paler.

The plot had a good base, but it was executed poorly. It had potential, but it was lost. I mean, Zheng Shuyi got with Shi Yan to get back at her ex and the homewrecker. The ex out of nowhere wants her back, and the homewrecker has some weird hate for her. They couldve spent more time on that rather than the side characters getting into relationships out of nowhere. Miss Homewrecker couldve tried to ruin her career when she realized the ex still liked her. She couldve found out sooner and tried to ruin her relationship with Shi Yan. Or the ex couldve. There were so many options... but what we got was... eh...

I find it crazy that out of every adult in this show, the only one with SOME sense is Shiyue. Like girl knew how to communicate, express her love, and she didnt hold back. Its so odd that a 22-23 year old can do that but not a 25, 27, and 30 year old. AND OLD PARENTS.

Even Yi Yang was better at doing that, and he just saw everything as a competition with Shi Yan!

What I also found odd was the strange plotline of Mr. Guan (Shi Yans friends dad) and Ms. Tang (Shuyis boss)... like why are they a thing? Why is it important enough to be a plot? Because I dont see it.

Another thing I hated was the fact that Shuyi was an idiot. Youre telling me that youre listening to your single friend, who only has flings for relationship advice? WHEN EVERY PIECE OF ADVICE SHE GAVE YOU ENDED UP MAKING THINGS WORSE!!!

And now when its all gone to shit, shes like... "maybe you shouldve confessed sooner..." WHEN SHES THE ONE THAT SAID IT WAS A BAD IDEA. Like oh my god. No hate for the friends relationship history, but cmon now... shes never had a boyfriend... But even if she never did, she wouldnt have been that bad if she gave SOME solid advice.

The only good thing about this show was the cute scenes, the beginning bc at least it was interesting, when Shi Yan and Shuyu found out thr homewrecker was a liar and Shiyue. Overall, the actual plot got lost.

And they patched things up out of nowhere... I was confused... But Ive spent my time watching 32 episodes... so Im going to watch the rest.

Dylan and Bai Lu nailed their characters though, and carried out the show amazingly despite the questionable script.

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They could have done better

I cannot understand that I’m already on the 15th ep and the FL and ML are still flirting - that’s at least 40mins per ep “spent” watching the leads flirting and flirting and flirting. Character development is non existent. Story development is extremely poor. The personality of the FL is confusing if not incomprehensible. I understand not all chinese drama could be at par with Hidden Love, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, The Love You Give Me - and these dramas I mentioned have areas for improvement still - but I hope they make ones that are at least not too cliche and engaging for the viewers. They spend money to produce these dramas anyway so why not take an extra step or two or even five to make them good.

You are not missing anything if you decide not to watch it. You may feel like you missed (reads: waste) time that you could have spend on other things if you decide to watch - lest finish - these drama.

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selling artificial sugar

the writing of this drama is so so bad.... Obviously it's only relying on selling romantic slow motion scenes between main couple. Story wise, it's just a mess, unnecessarily drag the storyline just to make the drama longer, characters written so inconsistent. Financial journalist, acting so clueless and made very stupid choices all through the episodes. FL and her friends were all like high schoolers with googly eyes trying too hard to act as an adult. Why can't writers just write a normal independent modern woman that knows what they want and mature enough to make their own choices. Not gonna continue to waste my time on this...

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Romance writers should be good at writing romances

still in the middle of it so I'll just lay out a few points. and they all come down to this:

Writing is important.

First: It's one thing to draw out the chemistry of the main characters before they get together. Tried and true development in all romance novels, tv shows and movies. It's quite another to drag it out and string the viewer on until so long until they no longer give a crap if they ever get together. Yeah, the phone ringing the first time right before the kiss is cute. But after the 6th time, the audience feels ripped off. Because they're here for a romance. This is the contract that you've made with them. You make the romance show, They pay to watch it and expect to get to see the romance develop between them. It doesn't happen here. And not in a refreshing way either. It's just odd. This one It reminds me of a riding in a car on a smooth street, then hitting a pothole. Then another. and another. After a while you just want to get off the road.

The cast/characters: Love the FL actress. ML actor was fantastic in Love Between Fairy and Devil. Here he plays the role of a men's starched white dress shirt. Attractive. Stiff. . He gives long stern looks. Lots of them. As a writer, you need to give the character a personality., especially one of the leads. The second couple is just sick mentally and she is desperate for trauma therapy. They only get together when they're drunk, and the third. Ugh. The third....young 3rd FL, stalking isn't ok because you're adorable. Stop throwing yourself at guys that you saw ONE TIME at a conference, showing up wherever they go, calling asking them out and buying things. It's so beneath you. Look around. You're a badass, smart, and charming.. Use your skills to go get a life. 3ML who is being pursued by this young woman, your buddy told you to tell her you aren't interested if you aren't, cuz what you're doing now is just toying with her. Instead, 3ML (who's 30) never says "Hey, young lady. I'm not interested.". He just sort of watches, confused.

The chemistry: there was some in the first few episodes. The pauses and long looks between the ML and FL. But his long looks wear thin. She's pursuing him but is getting nothing back. As in. no response whatsoever. He ignores her texts. Like the "shunning" that some religious sects do to punish someone. The fact that she keeps writing him and pursuing him when he doesn't respond, then when he is with her responds like an inanimate object, is extremely...curious.... and not at all realistic.

The romance: Are they or aren't they? Heck. the writers don't even know, much less the characters. And by episode 20 I don't' know or care either and am ready to drop it. In the middle episodes (12 - 17?) We think we're FINALLY getting somewhere.. But then we have sort of the micro-memory- loss portion of the story. Example, If I've held hands with someone, I'm thinking we've at least got something going on. But the characters, ergo the writers, seem to have the memory of a fruit fly,. Between one day and the next they seem to have no recollection of how much their relationship has developed the previous day. Example: in 20, he grabs her hand and holds it. She's stunned and doesn't know what to do.. Because they've never held hands before? Oh, no. They have. Several times. Very awkwardly, but they did. Apparently don't remember. Kisses: you know the kisses that were interrupted seven times up to now by a phone ring? She kissed him early on. Like, episode 10? (Oops, sorry, spoiler.) But every time he tries to kiss her now, she panics and runs away. Wait, are you twelve?? What are you running away for?

I might watch it till the end. Should you? If you have absolutely nothing to do, (fridge clean, garage tidied, sock drawer in order) then yeah. go for it. Would love to know what you think.

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Disrespectful to all working women

The FL's overtures to the ML in the begining are to get an interview ; she is advised to and keeps the conversation simmering at flirty inappropriate advances to ensure she gets ahead. Ifthat is not perverse, I dont know what is.. Her late night inappropriate messages if dotn by any man would have made us run screaming SA to high heavans. I am sorry if this is how things are done in China, maybe there is a cultural subtext I am missing, but to me it just sounds plain wrong that a woman needs to do all this just to get an.....interview. There are literally millions of hard working women winning milestones and getting ahead without adopting any of the coy tactic adppted by the FL..... and they are the real heroes who deserve to be lauded.

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