Phenomenal and addicting! So good!

I normally only leave reviews for shows that really impresses me. I can only say wow! It's rare to see a story with strong leads that stay strong all throughout the series--when I say strong I mean leads who aren't foolishly blinded because of "love" and are strong all on their own regardless of the other person(s). They are independent and can make their own decisions. I love that there aren't any of those annoying drawn-out misunderstandings that historical dramas usually have.

Both characters of ML and FL are very likeable and loveable all on their own, with their own individual quirks which makes their coupling even better. Also, for once the main girl has a good family--no family drama which is really refreshing for me. The FL is strong, fierce, smart, has good martial arts, has influence and confident which is uncommon for historical dramas. The ML is equally great. I also especially love that they incorporated comedy appropriately into the show. I laughed so much almost every episode and there were a lot of "aww!" scenes. This is a very fun and wholesome show.

Both Neo and Gabrielle did such a phenomenal job displaying their character and roles. The storyline is unique and refreshing; misunderstandings are resolved without viewers having to pull their hair out from frustrations. I'm currently on episode 36 of 40 and will be sad once the series is over. I already know this show is worth a re-watch!

**EDIT: I have now completed the series--all 40 episodes. I am so sad that this show is over, but really enjoyed watching it. I have already re-watched twice. A very addicting show and also quite uplifting and wholesome. This is a great show to watch, especially for those who hate angst-filled dramas because this drama is not--it's more light and fluffy. ♥

Read More

Cute, but slow-paced

Originally, I came to watched this for Janice Wu (Wu Qian) because she's one of my top favs! However, I've come to really like
Bai Jing Ting. This is the first time I've seen his acting and I have to say he portrays his character really well. He's very good with his body language and facial expression--so funny and makes you laugh. Overall, I think the main leads did a great job!

The story:
The story is unique, or at least it is to me. It touches on some nice aspects about life--aging, our elders, and importance of enjoying the time you have. I have a soft spot for old people, so watching this was bittersweet as it made me miss my own grandparents. The show has some cute moments, but the downside is I felt the pace was slow and drawn out. I noticed some people say they got bored and dropped it. This show is more casual, but still refreshing and cute enough to keep me to the end. If you like to see a slower-paced story that involves a lot about all the (main and sides) characters and their development coupled with a slow-gradual romance on top, then this might be the show for you. It's funny, sweet, and maybe even a little sad if you have a soft spot for old people (like me). The romance isn't fierce, but very casual and "realistic" meaning the main characters don't just fall in love right away and have an unspoken relationship that quietly blooms into love. I think it's cute and different from the usual rom-coms. I think this show would've been better if it was more condensed into 24 or so episodes rather than 41.

Edit: Finally finished this series. Definitely need some tissues with some of the episodes. It was very wholesome and sweet. Makes me miss my grandparent. I actually really liked this show and glad I decided to watch it all the way through. It touched on a lot of points about life. If you have time to watch something a bit different than the usual dramas, give this one a try!

Read More

Great script, Intriguing, and lovable characters!!

I got hooked on Episode 1. This drama is the perfect combination of great storytelling, comedy, love, and empowerment. The actor/actresses chosen are so perfect for their roles and really bring the characters to life. I love this show because it has serious, tear-jerking moments but also very fun comedy thrown in appropriately.

The storyline is interesting and I love it when the female lead is strong, smart, independent, and confident. You feel empowered just watching her scenes--Peng Xiao Rang did a fantastic job displaying her character, Jun Jiu Ling. She is a strong character that you can't help but love. Her pairing with Zhu Zan (played by Jin Han) matches so well and their personality compliments each other. She is more serious with a lot of burden on her shoulders, but then Zhu Zhan's casual and comedic self shows up, teases her, makes her laugh, and help to make her feel more at ease. Their love is so cute and endearing, I love it.

If you love a good story, with strong main leads, and wonderful character development then definitely give this a try!! It's hard not to love to show. It's serious, but funny and has moments where you laugh but also cry.

Read More

Great storyline, Great characters

What great storytelling. With this show, you can't help but feel immersed in the plot and get yourself attached to the characters. The main leads do such a good job playing their roles and do a great job portraying their characters. I love how different the ML and FL is in personality--one is strict, firm, ruthless, cold, and act with authority while the other is more relaxed, easy-going, free, nonextreme, good humored, and act without much care. As opposites are they are, you can help but root for their love to grow. It's so fun seeing how their relationship grow and I look forward to every scene of the leads together. My favorite part of the show is witnessing the change of the ML in the way he acts around the FL. The FL eventually starts to discover her own feelings and thoughts regarding love. Very wonderful show with lots of interesting plot points. For me, although the romance is more slow-growing and subtle than some other shows, I enjoy it. I like watching how their relationship slowly progress and bloom. Can't wait to watch part 2!!

Read More

Beautiful Masterpiece

I have to say this is one of the most well-made drama I have watched in a long time. The script was exceptionally written--wonderful story with very thought-out character arcs as well as all the nice character developments for all of the main characters (and side characters). You can truly see the characters grow, change, and mature with each episode. You will find yourself falling in love with all of the characters; some characters you initially hate, but grow to love; some characters you couldn't care less about, but end up growing fond of them. You will feel all the emotions with this drama-- a rollercoaster of happiness and tears. It was heart wrenching at times, but so heartwarming as well.

The each and everyone of the cast nailed their characters perfectly. They brought their characters to life and together created a beautiful production that will leave a lasting memory after you're done watching. This drama is beautiful because it has a more realistic vibe to it. Life is not all happy and things will not always go the way you want. I am glad this drama did not sugarcoat anything. It felt real and relatable as a viewer.

The cinematography is top-notch. All the scenes were so beautifully filmed--great angles, perfect lighting, and added music appropriately. The songs were all so lovely as well (props to the singer! she has a beautiful voice).

If you love a drama is serious/good story and includes deep character developments, lots of "feelings" and emotions, and high-quality scenes/cinematography then you should give this drama a try. Get the tissues ready and watch this with an open-mind. You have to try and understand the story for all the character's perspectives, for there is not exact right or wrong--just a realistic story about love, life, and revenge versus forgiveness.

Read More

Fun, lighthearted, and wholesome.

This is a very sweet rom-com. No deep drama and no super annoying misunderstandings with main leads. The story itself is cute and the romance is sweet. I personally love the two main leads!! Their chemistry is perfect. I also really enjoy the gradual relationship build-up you see with each episode. At the same time, the main leads don't take forever to start dating. The only con is I did not care for the side couples at all. Only watched for the main couple! Overall, this was a very fun, lighthearted show without the extra drama. Hope to see male lead and female lead act together in future projects!

Read More

Beautiful, but broke my heart

From the title alone I can already predict how the story may end. Still I took a leap and WOW! I didn't think I could binge watch a show any faster. This is one of those shows where you want to start hating the characters (esp. main lead) but can't because you love them so much at the same time. The show has sweet moments but then throws you for a loop due to heart wrenching scenes. It's really a rollercoaster of emotions. You laugh but then stop when you remember the sadness that is looming in coming episodes.

The story itself is okay, nothing unique but the characters and cast is what breathed life into this show. I give props to the female lead (Peng Xiao Ran) who is new to me. Her crying scenes have me crying with her. She is just too good with displaying her emotions and facial expressions. I am in awe at both her beauty and her talent!

I normally enjoy more lighthearted shows but I don't regret watching this one bit. Just remember to bring some tissues next time! I already rewatched this and will probably rewatch again.

Read More

Too different.

This review comes from someone who is a fan of the lightnovel and the donghua (animated version). I will firstly disclose that yes I am biased. As with any live actions, there will be discrepancies with how a story plays out--this one is the same. There are A LOT of changes and differences in comparison to how the original story in supposed to play out. One of the biggest aspect that I do not like was the personalities of the main leads, especially Tang San. In the novel and donghua, he is supposed to be confident, intelligent, knowledgeable, and formidable from the beginning. However, in this drama they made him into such a coward/weak the first few episodes--completely opposite of what he is supposed to be like. Xiao Wu's character is a lot less lovable and likeable in this drama as well--she's not supposed to be so weak and helpless.

The drama itself is okay and maybe viewers who haven't watched the animated version nor read the manga/light novel will like it more. The acting is okay. The storyline is good. CGI and special effects are not so good. The music is not the best. Unfortunately, although I try to get pass the major differences as well as my bias, I will have to drop this.

Read More

Satisfying story of revenge

Who else loves a great, satisfying revenge story? I sure do! I've watched revenge dramas before and this one hits all the marks--great story telling, wonderful plot twist that keep you on your toes, and an intelligent FL who seem to be playing 4D chess using with the characters as pawns. The ML is also smart and together they compliment each other well. I love seeing how the FL's schemes play out--it's SO satisfying seeing how she used her wits to make a mess of her enemies and also coming out on top each time. I love smart FL who is not only witty, but is a brilliant strategist. The only slight disappointment is the ending... no spoilers, but I only wish they had ended it differently. I also would've loved to see more romance between FL and ML especially with how much chemistry they had.

Overall, this drama was one of the best I've watched in awhile. I was hooked since episode one and literally binged watched it on in a few days. It's SO good, leaving you feeling so satisfied--revenge is best served cold!!! Love a good revenge story.

Read More

Tear-jerker

After watching the original version (Scarlet Heart 2011) I already have an idea about the ending for this one. Having really loved the Chinese version of Scarlet Heart I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one. But it surprised me! The story concept was the same but the way the story played out was different and intriguing. I really love the cast they chose.
Overall I mostly enjoyed the chemistry between the leads as well as the brotherhood between the male lead and his best bro. The story has you laughing one moment and then tearing up in another moment. It is very melodramatic and can be a bit depressing--especially if you already know how it will end. It was very emotional and heart moving. I only hope they will eventually make a 2nd season with a wholesome ending.

Read More

Best Devil

I came to watch this drama as a fan of Wang HeDi (ML - Dong Fang Qing Cang). I've been following him since Meteor Garden and have to say how proud I am of his improvements and achievements! Wang Hedi did a phenomenal job playing the ML in this drama. His facial expressions are spot on and he did a great job bringing his 'devil' character to life on screen.

Plot-wise, this drama is very different than the usual Xian Xia plots and so, to me, it is very refreshing to watch. A strong overpowered devil gets his fate intertwined with a delicate fairy who thaws his heart and helps him learns to love. This show has the perfect combination of comedy, drama, and romance. Funny at the right moments, but lots of seriousness and cute romance as well. The ML and FL has polar opposite personalities, yet somehow their difference generated a beautiful love. Like the saying "opposites attract", together they compliment each other well.

If you enjoy a badass, cool, strong (overpowered) ML like I do, coupled with a refreshing, fun storyline then this is the drama for you. Romance, drama, comedy, strong ML, lovely FL = best combo.

Also wanted to add that the costume procedure did a great job!! The ML's outfit choices are SO perfect.

Read More

Funny, but lost interest

This drama has a empowering theme and talks about bullying and the resulting effects bullying can have on a person. Beauty is only skin deep. At first, I really did like the drama--it was cute, funny, and refreshing. The character development was nice and the gradual relationship build was good. However, I have to admit the story itself is cliché and predictable--which I did not mind at first, but the story started getting drawn out and I found myself having lost interest by episode 9-10. Then, I ended up dropping it altogether at episode 12. Perhaps, not the drama for me. Other people who enjoy the light-hearted, fluffy-wholesomeness, slow-paced may enjoy it more.

Read More

Empowering. Great story

This show is unique. I'm normally not into sport-shows at all, but I took a leap with this one because I am a big fan of Janice Wu. (Also, I have never seen Steven's Zhang's work before this, but was pleasantly surprised with his acting!) Despite it being a genre that I don't normally go for, it is actually very good and more than just about sport (ice skating & skating). It has its serious moment but also fun-lighthearted moments. I love the gradual relationship build-up between FL and ML. It was very sweet and the chemistry was 100% perfect. The storyline is very motivational, empowering, and has a good theme about believing in yourself and staying true to yourself in reaching your dreams.

I love especially love the interactions between FL and ML. It started as a typical bickering relationship that flowers into a beautiful, strong ship. The character development is very smooth and makes you love the characters more each episode.

I want to give props to the main leads who put a lot of effort in playing their roles. Both Janice and Steven took lessons and learned ice skating for this role. Their dedication to their part for this show really shows in each of their schemes. I love their professionalism and talent! The cast chosen for this drama is perfect.

If you love a good story with a nice, gradual (not too slow) relationship build between leads, and not too heavy on the angst, this is a great drama to try.

Read More

Short and Sweet

I chose to watch this because I didn't want to get into another LONG drawn-out drama(s) and was wanting to watch something different. This drama was perfect at 24 episodes! Not too long and not too short. The storyline was nice and different. Although it is historical, this drama is different in that the story does not involving anything with the Imperial Harem nor does it talk much about emperors/empress/imperial drama. I like historical dramas, but glad this drama was focused on something other than imperial drama.

The leads are new faces to me--I haven't seen any of their past works so I was actually very excited to watch this. I am all about seeing new faces and finding new ships.

The drama itself was very funny and cute, although some parts felt a little rush. The female lead's character was started to frustrate me a little bit towards the end due to her inductiveness. If you enjoy seeing male lead chasing after female lead, this is probably the drama for you. Although, I started to feel bad for the male lead a bit, lol. All in all, a good short and sweet drama to watch if you're bored and need something easy to watch.

Read More

That first love type of feeling

You know that feeling--where your heart flutters, you feel butterflies in your stomach, and you feel fluffy inside? That feeling where you feel so giddy, and can't stop smiling as if you're on cloud 9--that first love type of feeling? You blush, smiling wide, feeling super warm and fuzzy...this is what this drama is. It's so WHOLESOME! After watching a few angst-type dramas, I'm so glad Hidden Love came into my life. It provided the HEALING and positivity that I needed. So warm, fuzzy, all the feels from start to finish.
I felt myself going through the motions of the FL as she experiences falling in love, heartache, then happiness of having that love blossom (reciprocated). So nostalgic, making you remember what it's like to fall in love for the first time. The chemistry on screen was like no other, you get so emersed into the story of the drama and feel almost like you're the one falling in love.
If you are looking for a happy, wholesome, sweet, make-you-cry-happy-tears type of drama, then this is the one for you.

Storyline was very refreshing and well written. I was a little skeptic with the time skips at first, but it actually all flowed very well. It was nice being able to witness the gradual "growing up" of FL--how she grew and matured from an adolescent young lady who is still naive and innocent to a fine mature adult who understand resposibilites and is able to withstand hardships. Being able to watch the main leads grow (especially FL) makes you feel a special bond to the character and you find yourself cheering them on throughout their journey of discovering love and navigating those feelings for the first time.

Thank you to casts and all production crew for this wonderful love story!

Read More