I liked the 2010 version of Summer's Desire and was looking forward to this remake, but I was sadly very disappointed. Although I liked Sophie Zhang (Xia Mo) and Qin Jun Jie (Ou Chen), Huang Sheng Chi (Luo Xi) seemed too young to play the present day character - and of course, just can't compare to Huang Xiao Ming so the odds were against him from the start.

Ou Chen and Luo Xi's actions were really problematic - manipulative, controlling, petty. It's difficult to say who was worse, but I couldn't root for either of them. I also frequently felt like I did not understand Xia Mo's feelings. I liked the addition of Simon and David (they were not in the 2010 version) as they helped humanize Ou Chen and provided comic relief, but Simon's storyline became too ridiculous in the latter half. There was a villainous character whose storyline was unnecessarily prolonged and then magically resolved at the end. Apologetically, I was not invested in Yin Cheng (the younger brother) or Zhen En (the best friend). The best character is hands down Pan Nan, who is both rational and loyal.

My other issue is with the storyline/writing. The last 5 episodes take such a rapid turn, it just felt too sudden and rushed. There were 36 episodes, plenty of time for things to develop at a pace that made sense! In comparison to the ending, the last few episodes just move way too quickly. There were also storylines that would be introduced and then forgotten or resolved inadequately.

The OST songs are still stuck in my head, but I just cannot recommend this drama. There's better out there.