So much potential, blandly executed
I really enjoyed Just You, the Taiwanese drama this series is based on but unfortunately Be Loved in House: I Do just fell short of my expectations. All the elements were there, an amazing cast, interesting story and great set but the overall feel of the drama was off.
The side couple Zhao Gang and Si Qi for instance, got way more screen time than I was expecting. They were super cute, I'd admit, but their relationship was way advanced compared to Yu Zhen and Shi Lei that it made the main couples pacing seem way to slow. Moreover, maybe a bit nit-picky but, Zhao Gangs' café was always empty, and so the scenes filmed there felt awkward and unrealistic, at least to me.
Overall I liked Yu Zhen and Shi Lei's relationship, their chemistry was really good. But, the development between the pair just became tedious to watch, especially because we didn't really get to see them happy together (domesticated lol), I would have loved to see more of that towards the end. Individually though I think they are great characters that were portrayed well, the problems I have are with those directing rather than the actors themselves. Yu Zhen was a perfect blend of stubborn and soft, I loved his story and it was so nice to see Aaron embrace acting again. Shi Lei was super cute, and I loved that he was also able to be strong and lets face it, a bit cunning when he needed to be! Also, I loved Shi Lei's relationship with his mum and how accepting she is of him, and Yu Zhen was so adorably accommodating to her when she stayed with them.
Honestly, I would have liked to see more of Xiao Qian and Jing's relationship, because they added so much to the plot, I'm not a fan of BL's glazing over the straight couples interactions but hey, it is what it is!
I don't think Yu Zhen's ex really added much to the story, this is where the plot differs from Just You if I remember correctly and there are definitely other ways the main couples relationship could have developed. Saying that, it was the only surprising part of the story, so I appreciate it for this aspect at least.
I also didn't like the overuse of the theme tune, it got a little tiring after a while.
I'd say, go into this one not expecting much and then you'll be pleasantly surprised because even though the pacing is slow, both couples (Yu Zhen and Shi Lei and Zhao Gang and Si Qi that is) have amazing chemistry and there are some interesting twists and turns along the way!
The side couple Zhao Gang and Si Qi for instance, got way more screen time than I was expecting. They were super cute, I'd admit, but their relationship was way advanced compared to Yu Zhen and Shi Lei that it made the main couples pacing seem way to slow. Moreover, maybe a bit nit-picky but, Zhao Gangs' café was always empty, and so the scenes filmed there felt awkward and unrealistic, at least to me.
Overall I liked Yu Zhen and Shi Lei's relationship, their chemistry was really good. But, the development between the pair just became tedious to watch, especially because we didn't really get to see them happy together (domesticated lol), I would have loved to see more of that towards the end. Individually though I think they are great characters that were portrayed well, the problems I have are with those directing rather than the actors themselves. Yu Zhen was a perfect blend of stubborn and soft, I loved his story and it was so nice to see Aaron embrace acting again. Shi Lei was super cute, and I loved that he was also able to be strong and lets face it, a bit cunning when he needed to be! Also, I loved Shi Lei's relationship with his mum and how accepting she is of him, and Yu Zhen was so adorably accommodating to her when she stayed with them.
Honestly, I would have liked to see more of Xiao Qian and Jing's relationship, because they added so much to the plot, I'm not a fan of BL's glazing over the straight couples interactions but hey, it is what it is!
I don't think Yu Zhen's ex really added much to the story, this is where the plot differs from Just You if I remember correctly and there are definitely other ways the main couples relationship could have developed. Saying that, it was the only surprising part of the story, so I appreciate it for this aspect at least.
I also didn't like the overuse of the theme tune, it got a little tiring after a while.
I'd say, go into this one not expecting much and then you'll be pleasantly surprised because even though the pacing is slow, both couples (Yu Zhen and Shi Lei and Zhao Gang and Si Qi that is) have amazing chemistry and there are some interesting twists and turns along the way!
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