Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

I am very surprised that I like “As Beautiful As You” so much. What cemented the 9.0 rating is the amazing chemistry and acting by Seven Tan and Xu Kai. They have proven that they are more than just good-looking idol actors.

However, there are a couple things that might prevent you from loving this:
1. This is a VERY business-centric drama. The main plot revolves around Artificial Intelligence and 3D medical device and printing industry. You can’t fast forward all of that, because you will then miss the intricacies of the business scheming, the character development and basically the whole main plot.
2. Slow burn romance. If you are expecting a cute and fluffy romance, you will have to be very patient. The journey is slow and full of emotional highs and lows, but it’s totally worth it in the end.

If you are fine with the above-mentioned two points, then you might enjoy this drama as much as I did.


What I Like:

1. Seven Tan & Xu Kai
I cannot sing their praises enough. I’ve seen many of their dramas in the past. I know Seven Tan is a good actress, but I don’t remember thinking she was awesome until this one. There’s so much growth in her character, and seeing how Seven Tan brings her character to life is a beautiful thing. I see controlled emotions, happiness/shock/pain in her big expressive eyes, and the subtle facial expressions so beautifully executed that she doesn’t need to utter a single word. Adding to that is her ability to dub her own lines very well. I believe has always done that, and it shows her experience in this area. Similarly, I’ve always been a big fan of Xu Kai and believes his acting is so much better than the projects he picks. He’s one of the actors where he can convey a myriad of emotions with his big expressive eyes as well. With a good script, these two experienced actors elevate themselves to a different level. They have so many good tension-filled scenes together before the characters get together.

2. Main Romance
As I said, this is a slow burn romance. But that doesn’t mean the leads do not have scenes together. They actually have many scenes together and the chemistry is evident, even though half of the drama is focused on their business relationship. I enjoy how But Han Ting (ML) guides and supports Ji Xing (FL) to make her own decisions, face her own consequences without always there to save her. Their relationship develops slowly and steadily. Once they get together, you can tell how they are meant for each other. It’s no wonder FL’s ex-boyfriend comes to the realization that he just can’t give her what she needs. The best part for me is not the cute and fluffy part. It’s the anticipation of the big blow out and confrontation. I knew it’s going to happen and I was DREADING it. When it did happen, I was heartbroken while watching Seven Tan and Xu Kai act their hearts out in those gut-wrenching scenes. That confrontation and the subsequent episodes are what cemented my 9.0 rating. The last 10 episodes of this drama is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

3. Backdoor scheming
I personally find the business part of this drama interesting. There are enough plot twists to keep me invested when in actuality, I really don’t know much about the industry. However, as I follow along, I can see everyone is playing chess. Who is a chess piece and who is the chess player? Who is the behind-the-scenes master controlling everyone? There are so many smart dialogs exchanged between ‘villains’ and ‘villains’ vs ‘the good guys’. The subtle and the not-so-subtle digs at each other, the condescending and fake congratulatory messages....all of this is exciting for me (but maybe boring for you). I wrote on a Feeds post and admired a scene between two ‘villains’ and their scheming inside a teahouse. That scene was so well-shot and acted. The lipstick mark on a tea cup, offered to the other. The subtle evilness going between them and the secret pact formed when he took that tea cup with a lipstick mark. The lighting, the tension, the meaning behind all this

4. Ji Xing’s path to success
In a way, this drama reminds me of Seven Tan’s other drama “Master of My Own”. Both are business romance dramas with a strong focus on her character’s journey to professional achievements and success. I enjoy following Ji Xing’s growth in “As Beautiful As You” more, partly because the male lead is there to support and guide her along the way. In “Master of My Own”, the male lead isn’t as supportive, but we do have a great female mentor. I think her challenges of starting her own business are realistic and believable. Just because you have the talent, ideals and drive, it doesn’t make you a successful entrepreneur.

5. He Rui Xian as Li Li
He Rui Xian is such a beautiful and sultry actress. She plays an amazing Li Lil, showcasing her sassiness, charisma, and a very free lifestyle. I also think He Rui Xian’s acting has improved a lot. There was a scene at a wedding when she was discussing marriage with her boyfriend. I can see the change of emotions in her big eyes from happiness, shock, disbelief, sadness, anger… all in 10 seconds. I was amazed!

6. Love the Mother/Son Duo. Love FL’s parents. Also like ML’s grandfather (wise, cautious but not too stubborn).


What I have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like

1. Enough of torture for Ji Xing
As much as I enjoy following Ji Xing’s road to success, at one point, I just had enough bad things happen to her. I feel so bad that time after time she’s put to the test. I feel tired watching her overcome all these challenges, and I wish for her to just get a breather!

2. Make Up
OK, this is my pet peeve. I cannot stand overly white and thick foundation, especially on male actors. I know Xu Kai has pale skin, but he is sickly pale here. Not only him, but all the other male actors don’t seem to look good at all. Luckily, the ladies fare better and don’t look as ghostly.

3. Loud Music
Another pet peeve of mind is super loud background music playing, especially when the actors are speaking.

4. Dubbing/Recording
I was praising Seven Tan for her dubbing, but unfortunately I can’t say the same for Xu Kai and for Gao Han. Xu Kai dubbed his own lines, but he obviously still needs a little more work and practice. Gao Han has a voice actor, but his voice and his acting don’t quite match. I also wish there’s more live on set recording, instead of mostly studio recording.

5. Gao Han and Luo Ze Kai
Something about Gao Han and his role (Dr Shao) doesn't quite gel with me. Maybe because of the more soft-spoken character he’s playing, or the ugly makeup or the dubbing or his hairstyle or his acting. Something is not right and I can’t pinpoint what that is. Luo Ze Kai on the other hand was fine when he’s playing ML’s best friend and confidant. His personality is livelier and he’s more comfortable. But when he plays the role of Li Li’s boyfriend, his personality changes 180 degrees. In the beginning, he is charismatic and sexy when he’s trying to seduce Li Li. Then the acting switches and he becomes boring, bland and emotionless.



This review is getting too long. Anyway, I would recommend this for you if you are fans of Xu Kai and Seven Tan, business plots and slow burn romance. It reminds me a bit of “Master of My Own” (business plot) and “Fake It Till You Make It” (business-heavy, and great leads chemistry but a very different type of romance).



Other Random Observations:
1. Xu Kai looks like a little boy when he’s playing basketball. When he doesn’t have to be the boss, his eyes change and the inner child shows.
2. Han Ting (ML) teaches Ji Xing (FL) how to fish; but Xiao Yi Xiao fishes for Li Li (2FL)
3. I also like the character development of Su Zhi Zhou - from a boy to a responsible man.
4. I might have shaken my head when the childhood connection was introduced.
5. Ji Xing’s cell phone case changes as she progresses to different stages of her career.
6. Interesting games of blowing cards and weighing soups
7. So many printed contracts and proposals for a tech company. Where are the tablets and e-signatures?
8. That’s one huge diamond engagement ring!


Completed: 8/5/2024 - Review #469