This review may contain spoilers
Watch this for Xing Zhao Lin!
I had put off watching this show for so long, after having been disappointed in the Korean version of it. I was happily watching along, glad that I finally broke down to watch it, enjoying the wonderful interplay between the main couple, when, at about episode 24, it went completely wrong. I forced myself to finish it, all the while wanting to throw something at the tv, until resolution FINALLY came in the last 20 minutes of episode 36! I’ll start with the good, so you don’t have to finish reading if you don’t want spoilers.CAST: Watch this show just for Xing Zhao Lin, if for no other reason. He plays Wang Xi Yi and is absolutely wonderful. In everything else I’ve ever seen him in, I’ve found his acting to be wooden, and his lack of facial expressions bothersome. He was literally the star of this show. He really loosened up with his expressions, and got to show his comedic, as well as his dramatic skills. The scene where he was making the rocking horse was spot on – you could really feel his love and his desperate sadness. The scene was beautifully filmed. In a room full of color and furniture and busyness, his acting kept you focused on him every second. The rest of the cast was good, but he was a standout.
CHEMISTRY: The chemistry between the main leads was stellar. A few excellent kisses that turned up the heat a notch, a lot of playfulness between them and it was just fun.
STORYLINE (of the first half of the show): I always like a good Cinderella storyline, and this one was enjoyable. He watched out for her from the beginning, building her up, doing things for her, etc. I also liked their communications through WeChat, when she didn’t know it was him. They were getting to know one another again.
Now for the stuff that just irked me no end - spoilers ahead –
CHARACTERS: Liang Jie as Chen Jia Xin was very good throughout, but her character took a sharp turn to the negative a little more than halfway through. I think the writers were going for strong and assertive, but she turned into someone that was just not very nice. Granted, at the beginning she was a bit of a doormat (honey, fight for your man, for Pete’s sake!), but I had a hard time figuring out why Xi Yi would love the new her when she was so bitter. The character of Dylan – I actually really liked the way he was written, as opposed to the character of Anna. Oh, my word, where do I begin? She was self-absorbed, delusional and to a certain degree, just downright evil. They threw everything into this character, each plot point was to serve to keep the main couple apart. And there were no consequences for her – other than not getting the man she wanted.
WRITING: I WISH there were more Asian dramas that would write a realistic couple with realistic problems, and have them actually resolve them by just talking to one another. That almost never happens. There is one hidden motive after another, just an endless stream of misunderstandings that could be resolved by communication.
ENDING: Why, oh why, do most of the Asian shows stretch out the problems, episode after episode (in the case of this show, over about 15 episodes), then only spend 15 minutes in the final episode for resolution? There are literally so few shows that spend a decent amount of time showing the couple after they get together (Legend of the Blue Sea is an example of an EXCELLENT ending). I know that angst carries the storyline, but we’ve invested in these people and would like to be given a little more. In the case of You Are My Destiny, we should have gotten to see into their future a little bit to know about future children (but not silly like Strong Woman Do Bong Soon). It always feels to me like they ran out of time and/or money and were told to just throw something together for an ending.
So, in general, I’d say that if you don’t have any other show that you’re dying to see and you want to enjoy some good acting by Xing Zhao Lin, watch about the first 20 episodes and then skip to episode 36.
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This review may contain spoilers
Was it worth it? Yes
I don't usually write reviews, but I felt inclined to for this one. I want to start by saying I have not seen the Japanese or Korean version of this show so none of my review is a comparison to that (though I plan to watch those at some point). The first half of this drama I found very entertaining. Was the storyline a bit silly? Sure. But the acting was decent and the ML and FL had good enough chemistry to keep me watching. It even made me cry during episode 24 (one of the few dramas to do that). However the second half of the drama does seem to drag, especially when her and Dylan go abroad. I found myself skipping through the episodes more trying to reach a happy conclusion. I found the Grandma delightful and Dylan was a decent second ML though I'm not really sure how much chemistry he had with the FL honestly. Anna was fine at the beginning, but by the end I was really over her. Overall, was it worth watching? Yes. Is it revolutionary? Not particularly.Rating for 1st half: 9/10
Rating 2nd half: 7.5/10
Would I rewatch? Probably
Would I recommend? Yes, if you have time and don't mind a slower romance.
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There should at least be one more episode
Now that all the episodes in the series have been released, I want to say that the entire cast did a great job, but I cannot say the same about the end, It is just too hastily wrapped up. They made 24 episodes on how the ML and the FL grew to love each other, and then another 11 episodes about how terrible they both felt not being able to put behind the past, a past totally manipulated by Anna. But what do you know, from the moment the truth came out to the moment the ML and the FL walked down the aisle it was all but just in half episode, quickly everything was fine, Anna was even in their wedding! To me, the ending is just too abrupt, they should have at least made another episode about how the ML and the FL confronted Anna, how all the family members who suffered came together after pain and anxiety. one more episode would have given the audience a satisfying closure.Was this review helpful to you?
Frustrating FL but for the most part pretty enjoyable series.
I think what I enjoyed the most from this series was both the acting skills of Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie and their awesome chemistry. They're definitely one of my favorite onscreen couples on Asian Dramas. They gave me butterflies in both romantic and sexy scenes, made me laugh in their comedic moments and ripped my heart out in their angsty moments. I think both JL & XZL showed their acting skills in this drama. Not only them but Anna's actress, Xiyi's grandmother's actess who was incredibly lovable in this role, and Dylan all were pretty awesome. Another good quality was the supporting cast. They saved the series in certain areas at times.As for the story, I ad my problems with it: sometimes it had incredibly big plots holes and IMO dragged way too much in the last 4-3 episodes but I loved the romance part of You Are My Destiny. iMO it was handled well and that beginning and middle part of the story will always be my favorite.
Now where I think YAMD lacked big time was in the main characters particularly Chen Jiaxin man was she was frustrating there were times where I really wanted her to grow up and grow a brain but she didn't. Instead, she got worse. Characters are meant to develop not regress. I really disliked her in the last 4 episodes and was finding it really hard to root for her anymore. There was a point where I didn't want her with Wang Xiyi anymore. Jiang Lie did the best she could= her acting was 10 but the writing really failed her :(. And Xiyi was equally frustrating but at least he grew up in the end, while she didn't not really.
I digress:.....
Would I watch this again? Yes. Mostly because of XZL & JL and the rest of the cast. I still like this drama no matter how frustrated I got.
Overall Rating is a 9.0. Despite it's flaws it still one of my faves and I find it enjoyable. It took me on an emotional journey, and for that it's one of my tops of 2020
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best version out of 5
I have seen all five versions of this story and this one is my favorite. This is a complete story that felt fairly believable, with good character growth and appropriate suspense. The production of this drama was done very well making it enjoyable to view and very aesthetically pleasing. The OST was good and the acting was done well by all the actors. If deciding to watch only one version of this story then I would recommend this one but also if you want to watch another version of a familiar story then you won't be disappointed in this one.Like all of them this has slight variations in the story to make it different from the others. It starts off with their relationship being a bit different. They meet and spend time together before the accidental night (versus in all other versions he is drugged and photographed as blackmail). The male lead takes longer to warm up to after their marriage than other versions as well but once he figures out his feelings and makes a decision then he stays firm and true to them. This version also has the best/ most heartwrenching scenes and the male lead really carries those moments very well. You get pretty annoyed with the female lead toward the end because her character growth goes from being too soft and pliable to too stubborn and unreasonable. But the male lead saves it and keeps you watching to see how far he is willing to go.
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This review may contain spoilers
The idea is there...
If you are a fan of arrange marriage, Cinderella or Ugly Duckling like stories..AND if you haven't seen the original 2008 one, THIS IS FOR YOU.
BUT, if you have already watched the ORIGINAL "FATED TO LOVE YOU" in 2008, it will be a love-hate feeling.
Let's start with what I like.
The CAST:
The Main Lead were cute. I like their chemistry. But I really like the guy who played Anson, the Grandma, the FL mom and the Aunt.
The Sweet Scenes. I really like how they added more scenes which shows how the ML slowly falls for the FL. I also like that they added a scene where he is assuring the FL that she is the one is choosing compare to the original one.
WHAT I DISLIKE
1. They cheated on Anna. Compare to the original one wherein it was really an accident and that everything looks it was planned by Destiny, in the 2020 version, they got drunk and had one night stand.
(Uhmm Don't use the reason that they were drunk and they don't know what they werr doing)
2. How Joe Chen portrayed the FL character is so spot on. She did look like she was a push over, you can feel pity on her since she didn't have friends, her mom and sisters only remembers her when something bad happens. At first, you don't really feel that they care about her at all. You can feel that the reason why she is a YES girl is because she wanted to be acknowledge on something.
BUT in the new version, the FL is well loved. Yes she was a pushover in the first few eps but after that, you don't feel that anymore. She has a loving mother and a Bestfriend, whereas the original she didn't have anyone except her dad who already passed away.
3. Dylan, I really love his character whether it was the Taiwan or the Korean version. I like the original that who was mistaken to be a priest by the FL. I also like that they showed the backstory of Dylan, who is looking for his missing sister and then he met the FL whi shared the same name. In the new version, it's not like that. I didn't feel Dylan's character at all (even if I'm crushin on the actor). And they even remove the part where the FL and his sister shared the same name.
4. Anna, I didn't feel any pity on Anna at all. Unlike the original version wherein, she lost her ability to dance because of an accident which she used so she can keep the ML beside her. In this version, I don't see anything that would make her want to keep the ML. The backstory and emotional trauma they used to buikd her story is not heavy enough to make me want to sympathize on her.
5. The PEN, gosh, it's one of my fave reveal. In the original, when the FL runaway because she thought that the ML didn't want her was heartbreaking. Added the fact that the ML found out that the pen that he thought was a gift from Anna was originally from the FL and she used her supposed Dowry to buy it for him. It was such a reveal that he realized he was really a jerk and decided to run after her.
But in the original, I think it was not given justice. I like that they added a story wherein it shows that the FL did a lot just to get the pen. But I felt that this was wasted.
6. The MOST heartbreaking scene was supposed to be when the FL had the miscarriage BUT I didn't feel anything. Joe Chen and Jang Nara did a great job showing despair and grief when they lost their baby. Up until now, I would cry whenever I see the the Taiwan and Korean version especially how good they show the emotion on those scene.
I just felt that the China one didn't really reach that expectation i had.
7. Tranformation. On the 2 earlier version, you can really see how they transformed from once nerdy looking woman into a confident lady.
In the newer one, there's not much at all. She has been transformed already even before she had the accident.
8. The REVELATION. In the original, it showed that the camera used to record baby Gs giving birth accidentally recorded the convo of the FL and Anna and how Anna apologize regarding the accident. The ML, his grandma and Anson saw it and that's how he confronted Anna.
But in the new one, it was like hey I know it not you its okay I forgive you. Thats all. Like it was not a big deal.
9. NO Baby G. Sad. I mean, Baby G is not a big character but still have taken part in the original story.
10. The story of the Island where the FL is from. TBH, in the new version, they can already remove it. It's like they just added it for the sake that it is part of the original story.
It is vital since in the original, the people of the island pleaded the FL to help them so they keep the factory. That she marry the ML so they can save it. It was important for me since, this gives added burden to the FL and gives her more reason to marry the ML.
I mean it's not that bad. I can see that the writer tried to make the story more realistic BUT that is why it is called YOU ARE MY DESTINY, it was Destiny who helped them meet from the accidental one night stand, and meeting again. The original version is still the best especially the story and the portrayal of the characters. I also liked the Korean version since they tried to make the story close to the original one.
I just felt that the newer version is a bit dragging. But I still would recommend especially if you haven't seen the Taiwanese one.
The original is more ROM COM, slapstick comedy which I think it's charm.
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This review may contain spoilers
Finally finished watched this drama after long waiting time. So excited seeing Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie in drama again. Their chemistry always so good... :)But toward this drama turn out a little below my expectation. Yes this drama makes me laugh & cry. But somehow i feel this drama not bring me the feeling that i hope. Hard to describe it...
Maybe what can describe my feeling is like cnguyen1031 say in her/his review. When i read cnguyen1031 review yeah now i know what lack from this drama... I think the drama should be longer so the character can develop more perfectly...
What i love:
- How JX change herself from a pushover to very confident and mature women.
- Zhen Zhu grandma & JX's mom who stand up for JX.
- Dylan for not being stupid man who only want to have JX but really care about JX feeling & happiness.
The most funny scene is ep 5 where Xi Yi (XY) find out about JX pregnancy & he got punish by JX mom. Really make my stomach hust from laugh... :D
What lack:
- When anna became the first Asian ballet that dance at paris why no news at all at China... In reality it's supposed to be the big news for china. Yeah maybe the writter don't want the attention more to Anna than to JX....
- The focus of the story only JX and XY, so Anna feeling toward her decision and everything is not develop enough, we can't understand her feeling only feel she's a selfish woman who only want everything for herself. We often forget she's a victim too afterall.
- It's seems no climax and anti-climax. Even when the accident happen or when XY & JX know Anna who responsible for the misunderstand between them or even when they get back together at the end. No climax there just something supposed to happen happen.
Re-watch: Hm... I think 1 time is enough for me
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Good chemistry but acting could have been better
Likes: Xing Zhao Lin + Liang Jie being paired up together again. The heart fluttering kissesDislikes: Zhao Lin's acting could have been a lot better in the emotional scenes. The last 4 or 5 episodes felt out of place...they should have wrapped things up earlier.
This is a remake of Fated to Love You. I've only seen the Korean version prior so it differs a bit story wise but the premise is the same. This is probably the ultimate OTP as this will be the 3rd out of the 4 times they've paired up for a drama. They have loads of chemistry together so I can't help but ship these two for eternity!
The main let down though was the acting, particularly Zhao Lin. While I think he's super cute, looks like a great kisser, and liked him in other dramas, in this particular one I could feel the limitations in his acting. The emotional scenes felt so forced that it was almost painful to watch. Good thing there weren't too many.
I also thought this drama was too long. They should have wrapped things up earlier instead of dragging it out in the last 4 or 5 episodes, but overall I enjoyed the drama.
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The Real Happy Ending
This drama is a drama that is quite heavy in terms of the premise and storyline. because 1/2 of the play is focused on the relationships and problems of parents - children and 1/2 is focused on problems of divorce and unintentional love. Even though this drama still has some shortcomings, but watching it made me realize that this is the type of drama that suits me personally. because there are many dramas that I have watched, even though they have happy endings, I usually keep crying and make me lose my mind for days. it's just this drama that really gives a happy happy ending. This drama seems to say "I'm done, thank you for watching me" and it makes me touched because this drama is a type of drama that is really sincere and willing to release the audience after the drama is finished, unlike some dramas that stay in mind until days and even weeks and occasional torture. This does not mean it is memorable or easily forgotten, but this drama is very memorable and very good because it does not want to torture the audience after watching. because there are some dramas that after watching it even though it was a happy ending but there were also some impressions left behind. different from this drama, which it left is really all about happiness which makes me really like this drama even though there are still many shortcomings in terms of the division of the story phase, plot hole and conclussions.Was this review helpful to you?
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strong start, great leads, good supporting cast, but ending seemed rushed.
Opinion for this drama will vary depending on if you've seen the original and the other adaptations. I have never watched the other adaptations and only vaguely remember the plot of the original. I did watch the original when it first came out and got about halfway through the series, but because of the wackiness and dragging drama, I stopped.The only reason why I started this drama is because of the two main leads who are also the main couple in The Eternal Love series. I had just started The Eternal Love and learned that they were also in this drama, so I watched both alongside each other, and they are one of those perfect couples who fit so well together. Their visuals, their chemistry, their scenes--just perfect. (Their real voices too! Always appreciate it when cdrama actors get to use their real voices.)
The premise is an old one, of course, since it's an adaptation, but it's been modernized to fit the times. The absurdity of some scenes and characters from the original was toned down and so everything felt more logical and more realistic. For example, there's a scene when a character accidentally goes viral on the internet, making her into a meme, and revealing the truth about her situation. That part was hilarious but also too real in today's times where anything can go viral.
I love the main leads. I love Wang Xiyi. I think in the original, he was more of an asshole, but in this one, he felt like a realistic guy. I never felt like he was a complete douchy guy, but just a guy trying to deal with a complicated situation. From the very first episode, it's shown that he has a cold exterior, but is a pretty kind person on the inside. So, that made him so much more likeable in this version and made me care about him.
I love Cheng Jiaxin so much. She's a bit old fashion and has low self-esteem, but so kind and caring. She's a good person and her growth into a confident person, though painful, was very good to see.
Unfortunately, for the supporting characters, other than the family figures, I didn't care too much for the supporting characters like Dylan, Anna, Anson, and Liu Siqi.
The problem with Dylan, as much as I liked him as this gentleman type, is that he makes very little appearances and his backstory and his plotline is sidelined until the end. So, it felt lopsided. I was interested at first and then didn't care very much.
Anna: decent at first and I did feel bad for her, but of course, later on, she was just too much. And then barely faces the consequences of her actions, so. Really didn't care for her, sadly.
Anson and Liu Siqi: they're the funny side couple and I do enjoy that dynamic, but they felt a bit too extra. Anson felt too much like a comedian, especially, that it was too hard to take him seriously when he's in love. Liu Siqi was chill, but since her storyline was tied with Anson, I had a hard time caring.
These four characters seemed like they were just filling in the archetypes and the plots rather than being fleshed out characters.
The best side characters are the family figures like the grandmother, the aunt, the cousin, and, especially Cheng Jiaxin's mother. The true MVP is Jiaxin's mother. One of the best relationships on this show is Jiaxin and her mother. The portrayal of a mother and daughter, a parent and child, is so good and complex and just really well done. The grief, the ache, the love--it's all there and acted so well by both of them. Their scenes are some of the best on this show.
As some other reviewers had mentioned, the last maybe eight episodes start to get a bit clunky. So, my recommendation is to enjoy the beginning and middle of this drama and then when it starts to get annoying later on, just fast-forward.
Overall, I still enjoy this drama very much, a lot more than I thought I would since I typically don't watch modern dramas. I really loved the main leads and the familial members. I also appreciate all the the info about pregnancy because, truly, people don't think about how much of a toll it takes on the mother and how much support she needs. I'm so glad that this drama continously emphasized how important it is for a pregnant woman to have support and good health and didn't praise a father/husband who was only doing the minimal work. Fathers/husbands need to step UP!
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This review may contain spoilers
I really enjoyed watching this show it had its up and downs, angered me, made me throw my phone but I still enjoyed it. The story is quite fun and light and we got a side couple. The side couple was definitely the best and at times I shipped them more than the main couple. The storyline is so confusing - yet makes sense.Anna is definitely very pitiful - she never really did anything and I guess that was also her weakness. I was so happy to see Jiaxin develop to become such a strong character and that was one of the most enjoyable parts. The main leads helped each other out to become a better people.
The one thing I am upset about is the ending - it feels rushed but doesn't at the same time. I feel like its just missing something other than that it was a great show.
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