Maybe if you like melodramas?

I like the leads and find the supporting cast to be generally good but they weren’t enough to overcome clunky dialog (maybe it is poor translation), the cheesy premise of the series, or the stilted and unnecessary English dialogue. I can’t help wondering if some roles were miscast. It also seemed like there was a lot of dubbing which feels odd and smacks of poor production quality.

Xing Zhao Lin is attractive and funny and can sing, but it’s hard to watch him cry. Is that how he cries in real life? Maybe the clunky dialogue and awkward scenes make it hard for him to cry when needed? He does a good enough job with other scenes and otherwise conveys that he is hurt by his loss, but I just can’t tell if he is laughing or crying.

The way that they styled Liang Jie in the first episodes of the series seems too cartoonish like they miscast her in this series. She is so good in other roles and seems more comfortable as the series progresses that I can’t tell if it’s because her character arc brings her character more in line with her persona or if it’s the writing and directing.

Li Jiulin is an attractive and capable second male lead. He is well cast because it fits with his public image. He is a solid, versatile actor and isn’t really challenged by having to play a range of emotions in this role. He shows in Circle of Love that he has the ability to bring depth and range to a role.

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C-drama meets BBC quirky romantic comedy

Although initially I watched only for the chance to see a favorite actor, I grew to enjoy the show’s comfortable style and respite from the drama of real life. Decreed by Fate strikes just the right notes for me as a viewer making it worth my time to watch and rewatch because it feels a bit like The Princess Bride. It is a bit tongue in cheek subtly acknowledging the use of tropes which is refreshing and reminiscent of BBC comedies like Blackadder and Coupling yet with enough heartwarming moments to remind you that it is also a romantic comedy. There is humor mixed with a bit of drama, intrigue, action, and sexual tension. The screenwriting seems pretty good although this is difficult to assess since it’s in a foreign language.

Li Jiulin is a self-effacing, Asian Aidan Turner (from The Hobbit and the BBC series Poldark) complete with attractive physique, handsome features, expressive eyes, and engaging smile, so it’s easy to watch him melt hearts in this show. Despite his good looks, he usually comes off as a level headed guy unless his character requires otherwise. Chen Fang Tong presents a playful, forthright, and capable heroine. The writers have given her some great dialogue that lets her voice what the female audience is thinking about her costars. I also enjoyed watching Wu Chong Xuan and Jia Yi in their roles. Hopefully there will be a second season of this series where we can see more of these actors, their characters, and their story.

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