Special for ‘She Fell First He Fell Harder Trope’ sucker like me?
I simply love it!For those who are sucker for she fell first, he fell harder trope, this is perfect for you.
Acting:
I personally think both leads have very good acting. They acted so well together with good syneryg. I’m a fan of ML, Miles Wei and I can confidently choose FL here Huang Riying as his best leading lady in term of acting and chemistry. He’s quite a king of chemistry but it’s on another level here imo.
I had watched 2 works of Huang Riying before this, both were more to comedy that she’s good at but in this drama I can also see her nailing emotional scenes very well. She’s very expressive actress imo. I look forward to watch her more. I’m glad to see her list of upcoming works and she’s getting better projects in S+ level drama.
Miles Wei & Huang Riying nailed Tang Yu & Tang Xin perfectly since I also read the original book.
Good acting, good chemistry and a big bonus…. they’re so visually pleasing to looks at when they’re together. Gorgeous couple imo. My eyes have been blessed watching them towards the end of the year 2023 lol
Plot:
As you can read from the synopsis, the plot is simple and you don’t have to expect extravagant plot twist whatsoever. Just enjoy the romance, occasional comedy and most important…expect to watch push and pull before they get together. FL is someone insecure and in disbelieve that the ML that had rejected her suddenly courting her back. Some viewers get annoyed by her stubborness but I understand her POV so I just enjoyed the ride.
Yes this is cliche romance but some people watch romance for the clicle anyway. I personally think this drama is cliche done right.
OST:
One of plus points for this drama!
The OSTs they used, I love it all. I sometimes purposedly listened to the opening and ending credit songs while watching because they’re nice listening to. The choice of bgm music was good, they fit the scenes most of the time.
Rewatch Value:
I will definitely watch it back just for Tang Yu & Tang Xing especially their sweet moments when they’re finally together.
Recommended drama from me, I also promote it to my friends and they like it.
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Storytelling that takes risks
Exquisitely directed with sumptuous and poetic writing. Watch to the end of episode 4 to understand the real dilemma at play for these characters. This drama shows such maturity about two adults falling in love. I was left breathless by the confession scene. All the romance gently unfurls from the yearning by the FL and subsequent grovelling/ chasing by ML (he’s such a dummy over her). The one fail was early kiss scenes are clumsy (for romance reasons) but I hope it doesn’t send too many away from watching on. Although, when will cdrama writers discover that intimacy co-ordinators exist and unsolicited kisses can move the conflict forward without being semi-violent?! Nevertheless, this drama has shot to the top of my ‘best of 2023’ list with a bullet. I feel the pay off will be in last eps when we see what reaching ‘10/10 level’ love really means. Can’t wait!Was this review helpful to you?
Love story
Warning: This review will contain spoilers!!!Plot: A woman falls in love with her boss at first sight.
For three years she works at his company, cherishing each moment they casually meet and interact, snapping and collecting pictures of him on the sly. (Not stalkery--just very cute). He, of course, is completely clueless to all of this to the point that...
....three and a half years later, he asks her help to "pursue" her best friend.
FL knows that her bff is in a relationship with someone else. Nonetheless, she seized the opportunity to get closer to the ML, so she agrees to "help" him pursue the bff. Using this excuse, the ML and FL begin spending time together, meeting and talking purportedly about the bff but eventually it reaches a point where they're almost like friends (despite him being her boss). Even after the bff gets married they still meet and interact.
The FL falls deeper and deeper until she decides to confess, whereupon the ML rejects her outright.
In his defence, her confession seems sudden, since he has no idea she'd had feelings for him for years. He just sees someone he knows as an employee and causal friend suddenly confess out of nowhere. When he asks her to explain why she likes him, our FL panics and lies, giving a very shallow response: "You're handsome and rich, of course I like you". The ML, who is the opposite of a playboy, naturally finds her response off-putting and tells her that they are not suitable.
The FL takes the rejection hard. But she accepts his decision and immediately begins taking steps to distance herself from the ML. As soon as she does, we can see the ML begin having doubts. From the start, her response ("handsome, money") strikes him as off, and out of character for the woman he's gotten to know over the past six months. But each time he tries approaching her again, she shuts him down hard. The FL is heartbroken and won't give an inch.
Now we enter our cat-and-mouse phase.
He does everything he can to pursue her, using work (offering to produce the movie for the book which the FL authored), proximity (he moves next-door to her), and support (financial and otherwise-putting his reputation and business on the line to ensure the development of her movie).
However, the issue is that he still has no idea that the FL has liked him for so long or how very deep her hurt is.
And she is not able to tell him. She can't open up and trust him.
So we go around in never-ending circles.
Many obstacles are thrown their way during this point, from online dating rumours, to a parent-pushed secondary love interest.
After a long (long, long, long!!) wait, the FL finally accepts that he truly does like her and they get together.
Once they get together it's a smooth walk down the aisle. Both of their families are happy and supportive. They live happily ever after.
My issue: The first half of the show built on chemistry, sexual tension, and heavy emotions. At one point I became annoyed with FL for putting off the ML for too long. But eventually we see her on-screen breakdown when he finds out that she's liked him for so long, and I forgive her. However, once they got together, the entire mood of them changed. She became less mature, more playful, and the sexual tension/chemistry seemed to vanish. We went from a heavy drama to a sweet romance--the transition was too abrupt and the mood shift was so extreme that I couldn't really connect the couple from part one of the show to the couple in part two of the show. This mood lasted up to the final episode. The final episode redeemed it. It was still playful and light, but the chemistry came back at least. Overall, I was satisfied with how it was wrapped up.
The secondary couple is the Director of the FL's movie and the ML's younger sister.
I'll say this: both characters are truly wonderful people.
The younger sister is cute, kind, and hard working.
The Director is dedicated, sweet, and also very kind.
In a sense, the younger sister who, by virtue of her age, always acted much younger and girlish than the FL, actually acted much more mature in her romance with the Director than the FL did in her own romance with the ML.
The chemistry between the younger sister and the director was wonderful.
I truly liked them together.
I loved seeing her gradually grow up and take control of her life. She made zero mistakes in her relationship with the director and I admire her so much for that. Since we'd seen her as a very young and cossetted girl, she'd have had ample opportunity to screw it all up, but she didn't. Truly, truly amazing of her.
As for the director, he admired her from the start, took his time, guided her as she entered his industry, supported her patiently, and confessed at the right time. Kudos to him for a job well done.
This couple was truly amazing to watch.
The music was fantastic!!!! The ost was one of the best I've heard.
The shooting was great.
The cast was wonderful.
I will definitely rewatch this show :)
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Entertaining rom-com with great skinship and hot kisses
The drama tells the story of the female lead who has been in love with her boss (male lead) for the past four years. One day she decides to confess her love, only to be rejected by him. But this is not the end of their love story.Male lead is your typical CEO. Female lead is a writer who also becomes a scriptwriter to her upcoming movie (adapted from her novel). Second couple is male lead’s younger sister who becomes the actress in the movie and her love interest is the director.
THE REJECTION (episode 4)
Some people might be apprehensive to start this drama because how could the male lead suddenly like her after he rejected her and how could the female lead accept him after that. Well, I personally found the drama handled that storyline quite well. The female lead is a prideful and closed off woman so when confessing she gave him only superficial reasons for why she liked him (for his money and looks) instead of the truth. This didn’t sit well with the male lead and he rejected her. The female lead cried all night and the next day quitted her job and moved on from him. The male lead on the other hand had initial prejudice against her (believing she indeed only liked him for his money and looks) and was blind to his feelings for her until it was too late. As soon as he rejected her, we saw him instantly sad and regretful. He realised his mistake and hence began to pursue the female lead for many, many episodes.
POSITIVE:
- One of the best skinship and hot kiss scenes in a cdrama (seriously you need to watch this drama to know what I mean).
- Fun, relaxing and light-hearted rom-com vibe.
- No stupid love triangles or second male/female leads that try to break them up.
- No break ups. Male lead does take his time to pursue her but once they get together there is no separation.
- Great chemistry between the main leads. I could always feel the tension, angst and love between them.
- Healthy and supportive parents of both leads which is rare in a cdrama.
- Adorable cat pet.
NEGATIVE:
- Second half of the drama can feel a little draggy.
- Female lead force kisses the male lead. This scene can upset more sensitive people. I’m ok with it since it’s a drama not real life but people complained about it so I thought it’s worth pointing it out for those that are more sensitive to these things.
OVERALL:
If you are looking for a light-hearted rom-com where male chases the female, with very hot skinship and kiss scenes, you will enjoy this drama.
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Don't Waste Your Time.
The only reason I tried watching this disaster was for Miles Wei. I'd love to know if he's having financial troubles and did this series because he desperately needs the money or if he did it because he lost a bet.The storyline is annoying from the beginning. FL, Tang Xie, lies to ML, Tang Yu, and doesn't stop lying and playing games. He enlisted Xie's help to attract Mingzu but apparently Mingzu couldn't be bothered to say she wasn't interested at their first meeting and Yu is "blindsided" when Mingzu marries Captain Lu, who she's known since childhood.
Yu may or may not be over the loss but Xie keeps bringing up the failed relationship and tells him he never had a chance. Yu repeatedly tells her to stop, but Xie insists that the more she causes pain, the quicker he will get over Mingzu.
The show begins with Xie posting about going broke buying cat treats but we never see a cat and Yu later gives her a cat that he ALREADY PROMISED to give to his sister.
Yu is a straitforward man and cuts to the chase and asks Xie if she likes him. How difficult is it to say "Yes"? Nope, she has to lie and play games. Yu deserves better and Xie deserves to be alone for life.
Oh, and let's not forget the creepy wall of photos she's taken of Yu. Dress them up with sparkly lights all you want, but that is truly stalker material at work.
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This review may contain spoilers
Mediocre
It took me a while to remember why I had decided to add this series into my watchlist because it was a toxic train wreck for the first maybe 17 or 18 episodes and then I remembered that it was because of the SML lol. I had seen him in a costume drama earlier this year and wanted to see him in a modern. Though his character delivered, the rest was mediocre at best.Pros: Very few; SML just stole your heart and the show. He wasn't just eye candy but he played a professional young director very well. I thought that if they had switched the women for couples 2 and 3 it would have actually made much more sense. I refuse to fault actors for crappy storylines and therefore I think both ML and FL did the best they could under the circumstances. The opening credits were far more exciting and interesting than the show itself. OSTs were on point. Only reason this series got to a 6.5 and not far lower is because once all the toxicity was vented out and Ding Dong some version of matured, it was pleasant to watch. Also liked the supporting characters and the real mature kissing.
Cons: I don't understand why they stuck the SML with Ding Dong, ML's baby-voiced sounding sister. That really felt like a forced relationship even on the few occasions towards the end when she acted her age. The budget was obviously nonexistent here because the ML who owned a massive company had maybe 3 or 4 suits and shirts to his name. FL had the same exact hairstyle for all 24 episodes; a basic messy bun which she even sported on her wedding day.
Also how do you string someone in a harness with ropes that are tied haphazardly? Any drama we've seen, it's wires and cranes all super secure with people as back up. So we're supposed to believe that the mega rich producer couldn't afford a crane? Plus the one rigged into it was going to be his own sister? And that when the accident happened only SML ran to save her like Superman while others were just standing around with pads clasping their hands? What even? Suspension of disbelief was required a lot.
Ok the biggest elephant in the room was the absolutely psychotic way the FL behaved for a solid chunk of the show; the creepy wall of ML's photos, "couples clothing" when they weren't even together, copying his signature into a journal a zillion times, not to mention the beyond ridiculous confession and forced kiss. First she spent about 4 or 5 episodes reminding him of his failed attempt at a relationship which was like rubbing salt into a wound and was sadistic at best. Then the forced kiss and the phony sounding confession "I like you because you're handsome, rich, and loyal", either she's a gold digger or describing a poodle. Yes he rejected her, but she acted like he just murdered her best friend. He didn't owe her squat honestly even if he was getting ready to admit his own feelings for her, she became this one woman vengeance train. Even when he did everything he could for her (like take her to the hospital and watch over her), the things she said to him were just plain mean. Furthermore, who confesses at the workplace? That's so unprofessional! She could have asked him to a restaurant or something.
Not saying his own stalking traits once he decided to "woo" her weren't questionable; like moving across the hall to her new place, following her on her blind dates, telling her she shouldn't go on them (just because you're courting her, doesn't mean others can't) acting jealous at every turn, elevator semi-forced kiss. I'd say overall, she was worse of the two of them but all the creepy stuff did show they were made for each other.
Would I recommend it? No. People in the comments are saying that only young people don't like this series; it's quite laughable because as a 40 year old professional, I want to watch a drama with substance but not one with a psychopathic mindset passing for a romance; life is crazy enough. The actors are better off watched elsewhere.
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Dropped at 14
So it looks like someone deleted my review because it was negative. So I am writing it again. This is an abnormal romance. The FL belongs in a psychiatric clinic. She needs some major therapy. The ML did not owe her anything . Don’t even know the logic behind this story. I dropped it at 16 because I could not take the toxic love story with stalking, harassment and some pathological concepts. I got a lot of hate for making that’s comments but this is the reality of this story. This is not normal at all - yet it is getting an almost 8 rating . Not sure for what that rating is . I guess if it’s hot and heavy no one cares what the story is about.Was this review helpful to you?
CUTE
CUTEFL and ML's chemistry is very good, FL is very cute, and ML is handsome.
The story also doesn't have too many unnecessary conflicts. Suitable to watch when you want a break from colossal or serious dramas, it's worth watching. tells the story of drama production in China.
The second couple is also heart-pounding, the kiss scene is not excessive but very sweet.
I like all the couples here, there is no evil mother, the drama is very constructive.
I like the tug of war before they started dating, the mutual attention and jealousy is funny. this drama is light but a must watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wasted chemistry
The foundation for this show is very very weird. When the FL confesses she likes the ML, who was initially wooing her best friend, and gets rejected, the FL forcefully kisses the ML to prove a point?? The ML does the exact same thing later when he's wooing her to prove to her he's committed to wooing her???The ML's sister has an ANNOYING ass baby voice and is very childish; even though she's never acted before, she is employed to act in the FL's new movie, and because she's a rookie, we're forced to painfully watch her mess up lines 5 million times and her cry as a result of being reprimanded for that. To make things worse, they force a relationship between her & the director of said film in the last episodes and it is such a cringe fest.
The main leads have great chemistry and it's a shame it was wasted on this stupid ass plotline.
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Love can change everything
If you want to get surprised don't sneak peek come blank without expectations you never get disappointed trust me its worth This drama show us how to love our special onesThe scriptwriter, screenwriter, cinematography, editor and director they done splendid work
Especially -- cinematography somany scenes are looks fresh and amazing
The artist are as usual did their marvelous work all leads and there chemistry are fabolous
Wei Zhe Ming & Huang Ri Ying their screen presences is mesmerizing in all scene's
They are perfectly made for each other couples character in this drama wowwwwww
Yang Shi Ze and Zhang Mu Xi as usual they done their best like previous dramas
Thanking you [ I May Love You ] team for their wonderful job im impressed-----------------
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She fell first but he fell harder !
This is a drama that gave more than expected to me . It’s relatable , a different story than what we usually see , no cliche scenes and everything depicted maturely … no unnecessary love triangles as well and the characters were so beautiful and natural with their acting , this drama is definitely one of a kind , chemistry of their leads were unmatchable ❤️ Even the second leads were so so good together that I really didn’t had enough of them 🥹 this drama also contains one of bestest kiss scenes you can ever see 🫶🏻… This drama deserves the rating of atleast 8.3 but people who find faults uk 💁🏼♀️Where I can’t see a single fault in this drama there are many people finding faults in it just because of little things . It really depends on your understanding like how you understand the plot … In my view they depicted love at first sight very well for both main and second leads … also the rejection that can come with it … the main issue created by people is that female lead treated him badly after being rejected , Yes she did but not as much as comments are depicting , she just wanted to make sure he really loves her 💁🏼♀️ You can only understand things if you are paying attention to little things in this …it gets better and better every episode . I am definitely going to rewatch it too ❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
I May Love You is one of those dramas that had potential but got lost when, for most of the drama, the female lead is putting off the male lead because he rejected her confession which, by the way, was abrupt and lacked sincerity when she tells him the shallow reason for what she likes him making herself as superficial as her reasons. The male lead doesn’t realize that he had started to fall for her until she leaves his side. He starts to court her by all possible ways, only to be refused in a rude, humiliating, and cruel way every time he tried to pursue her even though she still likes him. The male lead did a great job bringing his character to life and bringing out all kinds of emotions like anger, jealousy, uncertainty, honest care for her, and deep love that he demonstrated as soon as he realized that he liked her. On the other hand, up until episode eighteen, the female lead is responding with disdain, cruelty and, to a certain degree, sadistically when she seems to plan strategists and takes pleasure in hurting him as he tries, diligently, to right the pain caused by his rejection. Once the leading couple gets together, the relationship is cute from her side and beautifully passionate from his. The leading lady’s character was written in such a way that, for the most part, she doesn’t seem to have the emotional intensity of falling deeply for him at first sight and loving him for four years. Huang Ri Ying (as Tang Xin) has played too many insufferable leading ladies and her deadpan expressions in this drama make it difficult to give the viewer the “I’ve loved you for so long” vibe. Overall, even if the leading couple have many intimate scenes, is the leading man who lits the flame with his great acting. Other couples and supporting cast seem less enthusiastic pursuing their love interests. Was this review helpful to you?
