This review may contain spoilers
Sensitive exploration of trauma, disability and death
Will Love in Spring got me thinking of a book called Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity by Erving Goffman, which analyzes the situation of people who are unable to conform to standards that society calls normal and as a result are disqualified from full social acceptance.Zhuang Jie & Chen Maidong are both unfairly stigmatized by disability and death. As a result, they are constantly struggling to deal with the perceptions others have of them. Even though they're attractive, intelligent and respected, the people around them are also frightened, uncomfortable and even disgusted by them: Zhuang Jie because of her amputation and Chen Maidong because he works with dead bodies. As a result, they have come up with very different strategies for managing their stigmatized identities.
Zhuang Jie left her hometown to move to Shanghai where she is surrounded by people who don't know her well. She has created a persona that is loud, outgoing, and extroverted (very different from who she was in high school after her accident). She's successful in her career but still considered damaged goods when it comes to romantic relationships. Her ex-boyfriend's family refused to accept her because of her disability. As a result she fears being physically intimate with a man and at heart she's deeply lonely despite having dozens of acquaintances.
Chen Maidong has chosen to stay in his community and embrace his outsider status. He chose his career because of traumatic experiences when he was abandoned by his parents and lost his best friend to violence. While Chen Maidong is well known and liked in his hometown, people also fear being near him and even refuse to shake his hand for fear it may bring death to themselves or their families. Because he's proud and prickly, he puts on a stoic face to hide his loneliness.
Outwardly Zhuang Jie and Chen Maidong seem like very different people but at heart they are very much alike. They both understand what it's like to be stigmatized and they are both incapable of being honest about their grief and loneliness--except with each other.
Chen Maidong can tell Zhuang Jie about the terrible deaths he's witnessed such as a man who was dismembered and a woman whose body was undiscovered in a hot basement for 2 weeks. And Zhuang Jie can allow Chen Maidong to see her amputation and put on her prosthetic (though it takes some time and a lot of grief before she gets there).
Some people struggled with Chen Maidong calling Zhuang Jie's scar ugly. But he was letting her know that he wouldn't pretend the scar was beautiful but he also wouldn't be disgusted or frightened by it. That he could see and embrace all of her.
I've never seen another drama treat stigma so clearly and honestly as Will Love in Spring. Zhuang Jie and Chen Maidong are both difficult, damaged people who often behave in problematic ways and yet together they find true acceptance. That's what I love about this drama.
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To be human is to be insecure and fragile
That's my take on this drama.I have always been impressed with Zhou Yu Tong's acting prowess and selection of dramas. So, I know her drama will definitely not be typical.
Here, she is portrayed as toxic (in terms of relationships) but honestly, don't we all?
Humans, by their nature, are complex beings with emotions, vulnerabilities, and insecurities. As the eldest daughter and disabled at that, Zhuang Jie felt an intense sense of responsibility for others, having an inclination toward overachieving, struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, and establishing boundaries in adult relationships.
Being human also encompasses strength, resilience, and the capacity to overcome challenges. This is what I find sweet because she finds her strength from Chen Mai Dong. A man who is non-judgmental but also won't take any shit. This is exactly what Zhuang Jie needed to complete her growth as a human.
The theme of this drama is death - which makes a lot of viewers uncomfortable, but quoting CMD - "death is unavoidable. It's not the end but rather the completion of a process"
Which I find rather true and it's not dark. It's just real.
So if you want a real drama, intense chemistry, character development, and something that makes you ponder on life, go for it
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One of the best C dramas that I've watched
This is truly a gem of a drama.There are few or none of the usual tropes.
I urge you to watch this precious series.
The ML's (Li Xian) job is to take care of the dead before they are buried
The FL (Zhou Li Tong) got into an accident in her high school years and lost part of her leg and because of that, she wants to be a top sales person.
However, both these somewhat negative issues makes the couple meld together in the most lovable way and passionate way.
The best parts:
1) love between the ML and FL is outstanding, passionate and rewarding- any parting between them is just temporary
2) acting is very natural - no unusual sobbing, crying, FL's family sticks together well in spite of some turmoil.
3) ML is perfect for the part - handsome in a manly way (no usual cutesy here)
4) believable script
5) no tired tropes
One prevailing issue:
The ML and FL live far apart - that is a struggle between them until it gets solved.
This is a rewatch for me - definitely.
I would compare its watchability to Hidden Love, Fireworks of my Heart, Amidst a Storm of Love and Road Home all Chinese dramas!
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A superb romance drama produced by adults for adults
In a sea of samey idol dramas, this series stood out for all the right reasons.The leads are good actors who are charismatic and handsome in their own way. Their chemistry is off the chart. They are madly in love with each other, and it shows. There is a good deal of skinship that feels natural and spontaneous. They can be playful or serious but we are never in doubt about their love. It just feels . . right.
This show is grounded in reality as well. The ML's work in a funeral parlour doesn’t leave much room for glitz and glam. What we get are spontaneity and home truths. The dead relies on him to preserve their dignity as they shuffle off this mortal coil. A mistake of split second could mean life or death. Those stories can be challenging and some will leave an lasting impression. As such, this is not for everyone. While the show handles such passings and their aftermath with aplomb, the stories are mostly maudlin. Anyone who is sensitive to such storylines should make an informed decision.
On the other hand, the writer balanced these low points with the OTP’s love line. There is no syrupy, rainbows and unicorns moments but just real people looking for love and needing to love. Instead of poor communications and misunderstanding at every turn. Our CP talk about everything. Some of their dialogue is raw but you can't deny their heartfelt sincerity.
They both know they have baggage but they are willing to work to overcome them. Once they are a couple, they have no qualm about PDA. It can be a little awkward for the residents of the small town but it is delicious and we bask in their pink glow.
Of course, our OTP face challenges, but the most important thing is that they behave like adults. They sulk and say harsh words which they will regret. However, they do acknowledge their mistakes and try to right their wrongs. It doesn’t always lead to a simple resolution but when the stars are aligned, we get fireworks!
I have already mentioned the top-notch performances from our leads but it also boast a strong support cast. I'm really impressed with the young actor playing the role of the FL's sister. She has great potential and I'll keep an eye out for her in future dramas.
I'd highly recommend this drama for true fans of romance dramas. It doesn’t have a parade of young and beautiful idols but it more than compensates for that with quality performances and depth in the storytelling that will resonate with mature audiences. It is not for everyone but if you can handle the weightier subjects then you will find a heartwarming, realistic and swoon-worthy drama. It has a permanent place in my re-watch list.
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Will Love in Spring is a gem among the sea of C-dramas.
The realities a relationship can face is portrayed well in this drama. Past traumas, issues with intimacy, hidden insecurity, forcing a smile but hiding pain and the biggest one, will the sacrifice be worth it. The solution to all problems is understanding and our leads learn this lesson together.What I love about the drama:
1)The well-woven story and dialogues (much better than the novel)
2) We finally have a male lead who is understanding and has empathy within him.
3) The FL has her dreams and a life outside of all love and knows the value of it.
4) The grandmother and FL's best friend, siblings are the best supporting characters to the FL.
5) The cinematography and the chemistry between the leads.
I hope whoever starts the drama, keeps an open mind to try and see human emotions of the characters. If you want two perfectly rich leads whose aim is to fall in love and live in a un-realistic fairy tale bubble, this drama is not for you.
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This review may contain spoilers
Fill with small and big spoiler. So read it at ur own risk!!!
This one of the drama that confuse me, what score should I give it. Many potential this drama has, but dragged down by too many sh*t & calm everyday life & definitely too many episodes.Story about Zhuang Jie (ZJ) & Chen Mai Dong (MD) , high school friends that meet again in their adult life. ZJ back to her home town from Shanghai & meet again with MD. ZJ once had crush with MD in high school, but life throw them apart. And now when ZJ meet MD, just to find out she still can fall for him again. And this time, ZJ feeling not only one side, because MD also show interest to ZJ.
With that note, the struggle of MD & ZJ relationship begin. Why...? Cause even though MD & ZJ decided to start their relationship, ZJ still can't leave her life at Shanghai, just for sake to be with MD. So, how will their relationship be...?
That's to make the story short. But in the long story... This is not only about MD & ZJ relationship. But also about family & friendship. In this drama we also watch the death of 2 people & how their close one deal with it...
Now what I like & don't like.
What I like :
+ The chemistry between Li Xian & Zhou Yu Tong. I can feel MD & ZJ struggle in their relationship
+ The peaceful life in the small town
+ The friendship between Grandma Lin & Granny Chen. When u ask what is soul mate without any other feelings. These 2 old folks show us what is soul mate in friendship mean.
+ The wonderful respect for those who do their job connected with funeral. This sometimes are taboo thing to discuss & definitely not enough respect for those who work in this field.
+ Zhuang Yan & He Niao Niao is two cute little sibling. I like how they interact with ZJ...
What I don't like:
- The relationship feel one side heavy in MD's side. ZJ is one the most selfish FL in the drama world & it feel MD has to always understand her.
- The boring scene between important event. They show us boring everyday life that sometimes make me want to drop the drama, this also one of the reason I give this drama quite low score.
- How family keep interfere with MD & ZJ relationship. First is ZJ's mom & later is MD's grandma.
Overall, once again this drama actually have important meaning to be told, but the implementation make us just boring in some occasions...
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heartbreak and perfection
wow. WOW. i am speechless. I went blind into this drama without looking at the sypnosis or anything and thank god i did. It was so perfect and the ending???? i am devastated it broke me into a million pieces i fear no drama will make me recover from it.I was already familiar with ZYT acting but i have never seen LX so i was excited to see him and I must say he is an excellent actor and I cant wait to see more of him in other dramas/movies. ZYT of course did an amazing job in acting and I fell in love with her acting all over again. I do want to see them both act again in a drama/movie as I felt like they had an amzing chemistry.
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This review may contain spoilers
Enjoyed it overall!
The casting was perfect! Li Xian is so handsome and Zhou Yu Tong is charming. The music was also good and I liked the plot. I liked the way it talked about death, as that is one inevitability of life. It had a good combination of emotional scenes with romance and comedy.The leads had such good chemistry that during their intimate and vulnerable moments, I would forget that it was a fictional story. I was swooning a long with them.
The issue is with the character of Zhuang Jie, her insecurities really made it hard for me to fully root for her. I especially disliked when she left for Shanghai without telling Chen Maidong until the last minute and after essentially trapping him into an engagement so he wouldn't easily leave her. I just felt that was glossed over a bit, but the ending made it worth it. So, overall, I enjoyed this drama. Would rewatch it too.
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Almost there, but not quite Meet Yourself
I had such high hopes.This show started off and continued in such a beautiful classy mature way. I celebrated. Finally he was bringing us another Meet Yourself… however, that was not to be the case.
Don’t get me wrong. There is so much beauty in this script. Both his profession and her physical situation are unique. Both new to any drama I’ve seen before. The music, stunning.
The cast is stellar. The chemistry is perfect.
The script however- was churning along nicely, with the tensions, the slow burn development. It is heavy at times. Emotional. Tears will be shed. The relationship progresses despite the issues both of the leads are dealing with. The barriers start to break down. We see growth, and so you hope that we will continue to see them figure out communication skills, honesty and maturity.
Instead the writers take a massive leap backwards and drug this show into such a stupid place.
For a show like this that is not your a-typical cdrama romance of cold CEO, poor childish FL with every trope under the sun… you’d “hope” they could have modeled REAL relationship skills. Show the audience what dealing with complexities that affect your future actually looks like. Instead the FL just appears like she has had zero growth ARC the previous 75% of the show. The selfishness and inabilty to make ML a real part of the decision making progress is unbelievable and quite frankly, if we hadn’t been so close to the end, I think I may have quit, it is that bad.
I was so disappointed. Please don’t do this. There would have been a climax to the beauty of the show we have been captivated with thus far. We could have said “yes girl, thats how you do it!”. Instead I was ready to throw my shoes at the TV.
It ends ok.
It has a Marvel ending. Stay for the end of the credits. ?
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A lot of chemistry
is a drama that delves deep into themes of disability and death, tackling heavy subject matter with a focus on the complex relationship between the two main characters. As they navigate their personal struggles, including challenges in their respective careers, the story unfolds with emotional intensity.What truly struck me was the palpable chemistry between the protagonists, which draws you in from the very beginning. Their dynamic is captivating, and it’s the heart of the narrative that keeps you invested throughout.
However, despite its compelling nature, this isn't a drama I would rewatch. The subject matter is quite heavy, making it emotionally taxing at times. Additionally, the final episodes left me somewhat underwhelmed, not quite living up to the buildup of the earlier parts of the series.
Nonetheless, I do recommend giving it a watch. While it may not be light entertainment, it's a story that challenges and engages, offering a profound exploration of life’s more difficult aspects
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A poetry in motion.........
I haven't read the book, yet this drama clearly indicates that if you pick a good book and follow it to it's minute details, you end up with a classic drama. As compared to the screenplays that are hashing out clichéd crap just to meet deadlines and make a quick buck,This drama takes the c industry to the next level. It's absolute poetry, smooth, delicate, yet hard core feminist.
Sometimes feminist dramas trample on males, but here it is a sheer sense of admiration and respect for the ML.
And add to that the sizzling chemistry, heart fluttering relationship, beautiful landscapes, wonderful supporting cast.......
This drama is a gem.......
I had stopped watching c dramas because it was embarrassing to watch female leads speak like a baby, act like a teenager and wear crotch revealing outfits.
But wow.....the last 4-5 c dramas have beaten the so-called popular k dramas of 2023-24.
Way to go.......congratulations to the full team!!
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Realistic and charming, challenging stigmas
What sets this apart from a lot of other Cdramas for me:- That it challenges what I assume are stigmas towards some groups (certain careers and disabilities) in a very natural way (not overly "preachy" or "propaganda-ist").
- The locations: I love that the majority of the story is unfolding in their hometown, not in Shanghai. It is charming and creates a very natural atmosphere. At the same time, the Shanghai-scenes are important parts of the story.
- The character gallery, their individual progressions and developments.
In addition, I think they nailed the casting, and pretty much all of the actors delivered strong performances.
All in all, this is a series I would recommend, and one I can see myself watch again some time.
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