Falling into Your Smile

你微笑时很美 ‧ Drama ‧ 2021
Completed
sharreb
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

CUTE

Cute guys. Cute FL. Cute cats. Cute story.

Controversies aside, the dramas works because its a complete package. As shallow as it is, its a casting of a lot of good looking people and make esports arena a place of idols looking peeps. Theres a lot of witty dialogue that makes you laugh aloud. Theres team spirit and camaderie among the esports team. Theres nice animation for the game fights. Theres good progress in the romance department between the ML and FL. Theres a lot of cute edits from the editor, point in case they gave a HP bar above FL when she was unwell/suffering from mestrual cramps. I thought that was really cute. And theres the cute cats that totally steal my heart.

Worthy mentions: FL's bestfriend is such a nice character, i love her sass and confidence. Little Fatty is a really cute character, i love him in d novel, i love him the same in the drama.

Kudos to the production team that did great post-production work here. Ive seen C dramas with good cast and story marred by poor editing which makes it hard to watch and follow. Not the case here, episode to episode flows very well, very easy to binge.

If theres things to criticize it might be the FL's acting range. Clueless, nonchalance or adorable those were fine but more emotional scenes need a lot of work still. But they make it up with good chemistry cause Xu Kai prpbably is her best onscreen partner thus far. While i was watching my husband kept pointing out how over their makeup was and how everyone is too white ^^ lol. Still this was a fun watch.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
DramaLOVER
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 12, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A True Gem that will always remain in my heart

First I'd like to start by apologizing for writing this review late. I created my account because I had to write a review for this drama and it would be a crime if I didn't. Second, I'm someone whose picky with her dramas. I'd drop a drama without hesitation if I find it dissatisfying and even if it's satisfying it takes a lot for me truly give a 10 for a drama.
Where do I start? I waited for this drama for almost a year. I watched Gank your heart and Go Go Squid and fell in love with e-sport romance dramas. But sadly there are only a few good e-sport dramas. I came across this drama while I was watching Gank your heart and have been tracking it since then. I simply believed this drama was going to be a good one and it did! I watched this drama while it was airing and you have no idea how frustrating I felt when the eps to be released the next day were postponed continuously. Basically I'm trying to tell you that this drama infected me ways beyond my imagination. I still watch ML and FL compilation on Youtube till this day.
This drama unlike most cause equally balances out the romance and e-sport. There was never a feeling like the romance was just a side thing and the e-sport was main theme or vice-versa. In terms of character, I fell in love with all the characters. The story depicted how each one of them had their own problems and sacrifices when they chose this field. And how they made it through it all together. Lu Si Cheng was a mature responsible strong character that loved to be naughty every now and then. Tong Yao is one the first female's to participate in this field and how she stumbles being a professional. The drama emphasizes on how e-sports isn't just about playing games. But instead how they had to work hard, suffered from injuries, criticism and how they bared the weight of expectations from many. It made me understand how no passion should be belittled. It terms of romance I'm speechless. This unlike the basic c drama where there's constant dazing or coincidental kissing etc. I loved that there was a different side to Lu Si Cheng that only Tong Yao saw and that Lu Si Cheng was direct with his feelings even if it meant being rejected. It felt like a realistic romance and it made me want it to be real. Lu Si Cheng is brought out as a strong stern figure through out the story but towards the end he falls. This part I truly love cause it authentically showed how that even the strongest figures could fall. The friendship between all the members made me feel envious. On top being a motivational and romantic drama it had a fair share of comedy as well. Comedy wise you will surely not be dissatisfied. As whole this drama means a lot to me that at one point I started forcing my friends watching it and playing the game as well. Will there be a second part? Do I want one? I'm not sure cause I don't how you can top of something better than this. I 100% strongly say that this drama needs to be watched by all. It would be a sin if you didn't. Lol! Anyways I might have explained it in a too elaborate way. Please bear with me. Cause like I said this drama is addicting and intoxicating that I had to pour all this out.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
kpyo_susabi
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 21, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 2.5
This review may contain spoilers

Female character annoyed me!

So this drama has a great plot, you will learn a thing or 2 about esports which is actually really interesting for the fact that many of us are not familiar with such topic. Male casts were all great but what really annoyed me was the female lead. This would have hit a 10 only if the female’s acting wasn’t so stiff. Her acting is way too stiff.. I tried my best to endure through the whole drama for the great plot and casting but it was a drag on for me. When they were kissing, it seem like she wasn’t in for it. Not everyone would understand me because everyone has different opinions.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Stefanie
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 7, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

THE BEST I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!

I dont normally post reviews. But I have watched this drama over a million times and cant seem to move on. I watched every BTS there is as well. Im so addicted! I love the story line.. the cast... the comedy... the romance. Everything about this is just PERFECT!

This has often been compared to Go Go Squid. But this for me is 10x better cause it has everything that Go Go Squid lacks.
#1. Tong Nian is a push over.. compared to Tong Yao who is a strong female lead. But still sooo cute!
#2. The game play and team work is awesome.
#3. Too many funny scenes!
#4. The romance is not forced. It even makes me think that the 2 have something going on in real life! (I hope so... haha)

REALLY THE BEST!!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
HAVOC
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 7, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

DON'T MISS GAMING GOLEM LORDS CONQUER THE WORLD STARRING A GIRL GAMER (INNOVATION!)

Woah. After Love Scenery, I had a huge c-drama hangover. I didn't feel like watching *any* full-length dramas—like at all. Then I remembered there was this one drama I was waiting for... or one of the dramas I've been waiting for... and here I am.

The YES:
1. No stupid-ass unnecessary breakup. YES PLEASE!

2. No chase. No lead really chases the other. You slowly see them fall in love with each other. There's no pestering either. It happens slowly but very clearly. It's the tiny moments you see as the viewer who knows they both like each other, while the characters are coming to the realization they like one another. It's very refreshing.
2a. The confession. Every drama usually wants to go with the super dramatic approach (fireworks, etc) when confessing. Not here. It was like a breath of fresh air seeing them just simply sitting there and have the conversation like adults. While dramatic confessions are great (don't get me wrong), this was—once again I say—very refreshing.

3. No cluelessness. It was subtle, but I loved the fact that the ML read the sign from the FL when she said that she didn't want him to go meet with his "blind date" partner for the *last time*. She said this when she thought he couldn't hear her. He did hear her, and I just love the fact that he read that signal. Usually, in c-dramas, I see people acting so delusional when signals are clear—and I hate that.

4. The lips moved. I repeat—the lips moved. That's it. It wasn't super out there, but they moved. And I'm loving these new dramas with lips moving. So less frustrating. Innovation!

5. E-sports/gaming drama! I love how many e-sports/gaming dramas there are. From veterans like Love O2O to zoomers like Love Scenery/Go Go Squid!/The King's Avatar, I've not met an e-sports/gaming drama I did not like! (Well, uh, *cough*, except for Gank Your Heart. I hated that. With a passion. Pei Xi punching me though is still on the table.)

6. The fact that I can say "you should watch this" and not have a solid "but" after. I'll explain. A lot of dramas I've also rated 8.5 stars, I can say "you should watch this, but [blank]." For this one, I can't think of an unarguable "but", except for the 1st and only point in "NO" section below... but even that, I'm playing devil's advocate. Like Go Go Squid!, I would say "you should watch this, but the first few episodes are so hard to get through you just need to push through." Another 8.5 rating that has a "but" is Intense Love. I love that show.... and "you should watch this, but the FL is very overly dramatic and childish at times." The only "but" I could find is quite weak and not a lot of people would mind it, so that's why I'll consider this "no buts". .... Actually, after about a week or two, I've decided that this definitely deserves a 9, c-drama wise. The fact that I keep thinking about this drama... and the *amazing* soundtrack... just proves how much I love this.

7. Can we talk about the soundtrack though?? Why did most of the songs slap so hard?? Unexpected, but very much welcomed surprise.

8. Team chemistry. All of it. All the members, even the substitute MID, the ex-MID and the glorified nanny.
8a. I feel the need to add in the totally amazing fucking scene as a point of YES. The scene... oh man, when they started singing during the last match... I fucking love the chemistry. I love it. Periodt.

9. I'm adding this on after my second re-watch... Hierophant can literally like slap me in the face, and I'd still beg. Like why do I fan-girl like a twelve year old every time he comes on screen? HUH?? HE'S TOO GOOD-LOOKING TO BE KEPT ALIVE. If there was any "antagonist" ever (if you can consider him one), he's literally my favourite ever. Like he's fucking everything. Hoping to see Wang Yi Jun starring in a drama eventually. I would eat that shit up right away.

The NO:
- I guess to be pretty nit-picky:
1. After they got together. The romance part felt sweet, yeah, but... Okay, so I know romance dramas tend to want to appeal to younger girls like pre-teens or you know, that demographic, but I wish it was more mature. I would probably say "eh" if these characters were like say in high school or early university, but these characters were fully graduated adults in a workplace.
1a. After my second re-watch, I want to say the "after" part actually feels very good. Like I actually love it, so really, you can discard the "NO" section—it doesn't exist.

Conclusion:
1. Chinese dramas are always so great at building up romances, so it's usually the execution of the romance that falls short. I guess this followed the trend in that way. (Edit: I WAS BRAINDEAD OBVIOUSLY WHEN I WROTE THE EXECUTION FELL SHORT. IT'S ACTUALLY REALLY FUCKING GOOD, AND I'M SORRY I EVER THOUGHT OTHERWISE.)
1a. But I'd still totally recommend this to anyone who wants an e-sports/gaming romance. 100%.

[09/04/2023]
On my third re-watch (whoops) I have more things to say:
1. This drama really touched on the public/fans aspect in a way that explained media today. The fact that you're in the public eye doing a craft you're good at suddenly means fans are allowed to form parasocial relationships with you? Demand apologies? Demand you not have a personal life beside gaming? No. That's extremely toxic, and you think these things about anyone in the public eye—you're not a fan. This drama tackled parasocial relationships well, in that yes, the artists appreciates your support and it's helped them achieve what they have, but you don't have the right to critique their personal life (relationships). The drama also demonstrates the power of social media. You could be completely in the right (ie. someone making up a fake story about you) but since you're the public figure, you're automatically assumed to be the worst. Tong Yao faced this frequently, and it's truly not fair. Once again, this ties back to the parasocial aspect.

You are not in the celebrities life. Leave them alone. You don't know them.

2. While I did learn about the huge controversy behind this drama, how Hierophant was made to be a real life LPL player, Faker, and how he was made to be the villain in the drama... I mean, I loved Hierophant. I don't think he was portrayed poorly in any way in the drama. I don't watch LPL, so I can't comment on the accuracy, but I do watch esports (Valorant specifically) and I do agree that it must suck to see your career dramatized, but at the end of the day... it's a c-drama. Huge respect to Faker.

3. Yes, I enjoy esports. Yes, I have certain Valorant pros I love to watch. But do I think I have a right to bash them online if they do badly? Do I think I have a right to bash their choice in relationship partner? No. I support them because I enjoy watching them play. Boundaries are clearly an issue for people these days due to social media, but it's important for fans to sit their ass down and be humbled. Shoutout to PRX! They lost in the finals, but I didn't hear any fans bashing them. I still love them and still do the fans. PRX something even apologized. They don't owe us anything but to play their best. #WGAMING.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
disneyboot9
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 5, 2025
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

A bit Overhyped & Rated

After being super dissapointed with the Cdrama "Everyone Loves Me" which one of my fav casts, Zhou Ye and Lin Yi, i was reccomended to watch this drama and tbh -- it wasn't all that

first my likes:
i liked that this drama showed a side of E-Sports i've never seen bfr!! i was those type of people, like Jinyang in the show, who found it odd why people are so obssesed with gaming for hours behind a screen. i heard there was a rise of E sports worldwide, which i expected, but didn't rlly know much about it -- mostly because i didn't rrly care lol. But this drama highlights that Esport why it should be taken srsly, and people truly love it and are skilled they should go for it.

I also loved how they showed the aspect of entering into the world of fame, and the problems that come with it, especially as a female gamer!

The second lead couple was the reason i continued. their dynamic seemed more realistic too me! they had there ups and downs and finally figured it out - they accepted each other and support each other and i was so happy when they got married :>

May be an unpopular opinion but i prefered Yang over Lu Sucheng - their relationship dynamic was a lot more natural and wholesome! i understand why she rejected him but he was a type of person who deserved a second chance :<

dislikes:
story pacing was a bit annoying at times.. i had to skip at times and i dont like doing that during shows.

acting of the main leads and some side leads was soooo bad, esp FL. she was so bland, even when she was in a relationship, same facial expressions & basically emotionless; i didn't like her at all!! her character development had ot be done a lot better --- they did the ML justice towards the end but again he was very stern and to me emotionless too!!

Main couples relationship was very awkward and at times not affectionate at all. im saying this mainly because of their acting but i didn't expect the romance to be like that. ML was the type who was very disclosed, and strict with rules no matter who they applied too and even himself but out of nowhere he starts fliriting with the FL??? it didn't make sense sometimes he was very flirty -- which got her attention obv -- then other times back to his same old strict and closed off self.. he seemed very odd too me and the confession was very random and out of the blue... they shouldve build it up a lot better from both sides!
personally they shouldn't have ended together at all !! he's a very protective and caring person when it comes it comes to his teamates because he's the captain, but that was just enought. his treatment to her when he protects her from the media, the trolls etc was super wholesome but it shouldnt have taken a romantic turn honeslty! she wouldve been better single, or with Lu Yue or with Yang!

animation for the gaming scenes was solid but i skipped almost all of it and the games too

overall, while it has some solid story plots & was def better then everyone loves me, i will not be watching this again.

PS this is my first review on here :P

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 30/31
DiemIvy
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 20, 2021
30 of 31 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This is the first drama that makes me watch it all over again every time that an episode is finish I just want to continue watching it or else I would be really curious on what will happen next! This is the first ever drama that I've been addicted. The story is really amazing it is not just about the game and love but also it includes friendship and trust. I really really like this drama to the point that I can stay awake just to finish this drama. This drama is so addicting to watch plus all the characters are really good especially cheng and yao the chemistry they have is very addicting to the point that we don't want to end it and i demand that this drama should have a season 2

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 24/31
Aynn
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 12, 2021
24 of 31 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Inspiring Love

Love the drama, good chemistry between actors. e-sport love.
Passion, friendship, trust, and sincerity are beautifully described in the story. I haven't reached the final episode, but I love how the directors captured the emotion and tense in the e-sport games. At the same time the message on cyberbullies, also been presented in a way where you can see that the professional players were being stalked by their fans to the extent of invading their private lives. I love the quotes by Cheng the lead character when he said: to the fans, if you are really our fans, you better have interest in our games and be at the site during our match but keep a distance of our private life.
Respect the stands and give them the freedom to breathe.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
queenpathetic
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 13, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 4.5
This review may contain spoilers

Eh. Could be better, could be worse.

So, I went into this show for the sole reason of supporting one actor Yalkun Merxat (Yu Ming). I will preface this review by saying that I do not like romance dramas, so I did expect to drop it after the second episode. But I did finish the show, so I will honestly review it. I really enjoyed the e-sports side of the drama, but I am upset that they basically spoiled the ending of the show (winning the championship), so I went into the show knowing no matter how many downs they had, and the fear of them disbanding they would prevail and win the game. Which took the tension out of watching the show. I do watch LoL streams for fun, so watching the games was like that. I did not like the CGI bits of them characters fighting since I want gameplay and not that, but that's whatever.
The two leads personalities were not to my liking. Normally I will tolerate them but their arrogance and the inconsistencies of their character development disappointed me. Cheng-Ge was a warm and caring person before Tong Yao joined the team, but he seemed to be cold after Yu ming retired. There was no actual reason for why that was a thing, but his development made no sense. I do think Cheng-Ge is a caring person, he cares a lot for Yu Ming (you can see it in the first episode, I am not lying), so everyone saying "he's cold and heartless" was so weird. Even after Tong Yao joined the team, you can see the way Yu Ming and Cheng-Ge talk to one another and he SMILES and LAUGHS with Yu Ming so that cancels out the cold and heartlessness. But once Tong Yao takes more lead in the team, he becomes closed off and acts like he shows no emotion, which is wrong. I could go off about my dislike for the Tong Yao character. As a female who games, she came off as a "pick me girl", and that rubbed me the wrong way the first episode. I understand that females are not respected in the gaming world, but the way she carried herself is what made me annoyed with her most of the time. I am a huge fan of strong female characters who do not change once they find love, and I felt like her development was also stagnant at times. They called her out for being abrasive and that never really changed.
The supporting cast is what made the show for me, and if it was not for them I would not have continued. Yao Chi ( Lu Yue) and Kevin Xiao (Lao Mao) stole my heart and really were the scene stealers. They had perfect comedic timing, played off the other wells and were able to show their range of acting with emotional scenes.
Now the plot, I must admit I skipped all the couple scenes having to do with the main CP if I knew the conversation did not lend itself to the plot. Even by doing it I understood the entire plot and the progress of their relationship. I would have enjoyed if the show actually opened up more about the team's backstories. A lot of them mentioned that their parents do not support them and Cheng-ge and Tong Yao have the privilege of having supportive parents while the others seem cut off from their parents because of this career choice. In retrospect, ZGDX is found family for those people. Yu Ming, Lao K and Lao Mao all mentioned they did not have a supportive family and they essentially ran away from home. ZGDX was a brotherhood before Tong Yao joined, and it was still evident when she was there. The members hung out without her and Cheng-Ge (he is a loner it seems during the course of the show except for the first 2 episodes) and you can tell how close they are. I WISH we could get a show that is pre-Tong Yao era (this is not a diss at her, but rather I want to know the dynamics of the previous team Yu Ming-era). It feels like everyone has their own cliques but we as viewers do not know why, we know why they are close but why? Why are Lao Mao and Lao K basically a couple? Why are Yu Ming and Lu Yue that close with one another? Tong Yao was only on the team for 6 months, and while they cherish her as a friend and a teammate I feel like the bond that is there for the remaining ZGDX team minus the main CP is extremely strong.
I think the plot touched on a lot of e-sports things that can happen, but kind of glossed over the nitty and gritty bit about actually being a professional sports player because they wanted to add the romance and the light-hearted moments. Overall, I would not watch it again. I think that it is what it is. An e-sports, romance drama. Maybe too much romance for me. Xu Kai and Cheng Xiao did well with what they had, but I know Xu Kai can do better acting-wise, and for Cheng Xiao's first role it was not the worst but I was not a fan of her acting. I frankly did not see a romantic connection between the two when it came to the romance scenes. I preferred them when they bickered as friends rather than as a couple. But I think the support ZGDX team stole the show. Yalkun Merxat, Yao Chi, Kevin Xiao, Gao Han, Sun Kia and Cui ShaoYang stole my heart in their respective roles.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
JoU3
4 people found this review helpful
Jul 23, 2021
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0

This drama is just romance and an invented game badly done

I tried to give this drama a chance but somehow I felt like this drama was made more for money than actual interest in acting, gaming and the plot in general.

The representation of the game is badly done, the game is suppose to be LOL kind which im familiar and the way they reprersent the game is pressing a bunch of keys which 1 its impossible cooldown and mana exist so no you dont type randomly and sorry people try and excuse the bad represention of them game by saying " its for entertainment" if they cant even represent something as easy as how are keys are meant to be pressed in a GAME then what a shit quality. Also they never explain what the game is about so this is why many people that rate this drama just ignored the gaming side and just love the romance. If you watch this drama for the actual esport which this is the main theme, you wont like this drama.

FL & ML acting

FL is bad a actress and then again people excuse it saying shes a newcomer actress. why is a newcomer actress playing lead role? her whole character , face and expressions are stiff , emotionless and has a meh face 24/7 . ALL THE DRAMA. I just couldnt like her character as much ,she was just boring. she would just make a gesture and then bam back to meh face again and again. I understand if IDOLS want to become actors but of course its dissapointing when they get lead roles and dont play a part properly just shows how the drama itself its just about money instead of finding the right person to fit and play the character perfectly. Xu Kai acting is good if watched him since The Legends and Arsenal Academy and he is a good actor and I know his character is meant to be a cold guy but I couldnt buy it. His cold guy version is just another meh face 24/7 the only thing that saved this two where the cute tropes and love scenes. Atleast for me the perfect representation of a cold guy is Le coup de foudre male lead. he is cold and acts perfectly as cold guy but sweet in the inside but Xu Kai just seemed bored and his corean speaking is bad and I blame the director for not even bothering on telling actors to atleast know the basics instead of just doing a voice over while Xu Kai is babbling nonsense and IT SHOWS.


Romance
atleast for me the romance between them was very random. She just enters the team and somehow bam xu kai likes her no scenes , explanation no reason? no friends first. nope he just randomly likes her and what creeps me a bit is his comparisons to the female lead to a child. why?idk unnecesarry? YES. Their romance scenes are pretty basic, hims grabbing her asleep , she trips and he grabs her, accident kisses all the basics combined.

I believe what made the drama watchable atlead for me is all the side characters, the second couple , the friends , the team . the funny scenes I loved everything but the main couple. The gaming scenes did not make me wow I have to play LOL. Also from the start I knew the bad news of the drama being a copy of a another copied book and also stolen stories from other players and they didnt gave permission to be used so I wasnt as excited from a start.

Like I said Gank your heart is the best gaming and romance drama and The Kings avatar is more esport oriented and well done gaming drama but this drama is just romance and an invented game badly done and to represent a game is so easy by knowing the basics and show how it should be used shows the lack of interest the director had on representing gamers and clearly shows why LOL was not originally shown in the game. The director knows nothing of games.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 21/31
Sara Lee
8 people found this review helpful
Jul 16, 2021
21 of 31 episodes seen
Dropped 9
Overall 6.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
This review may contain spoilers

Confused on the high ratings

This drama has been surprisingly highly rated and I am a bit confused on what aspect. I have not read the online book and maybe my opinion could be a bit different. In terms of story it is not too unique, it is a gaming drama which I have seen quite a few already. I actually get a bit bored on the gaming matches, the only nice thing about it is the 3D graphic when they are battling. But other gaming drama is much more unique it it's own way such as crossfire and Love 020. In terms of romance, Cheng Xiao is just a really bad actress. If it weren't for Xu Kai I would've drop this drama long time ago. Xu Kai does make up for her bad acting but the story and the romance doesn't. I can see Xu Kai being cold at first and shes somewhat interested in him but then afterwards she plays hard to get. It is just really confusing because she shown so much more interest in him initially and then afterwards she act like she doesnt' like him at all. It also doesn't make sense why Xu Kai all of the sudden likes her, theres not really a strong build up on that point. Besides shes the only female gamer? A few other things I don't like about this is that the recap is not at all that exciting, the music is dull, and the dubbing of the actors are horrible. I do not feel the excitement when there are cutsy love scenes, or wanting to watch the next episode. I think the director could've done better for this drama.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
keyboard
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 1, 2024
31 of 31 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

China needs more Esports dramas

This drama blew my expectations of what a Chinese drama could be. I didn't think an esports drama could be as good as Falling Into Your Smile. TLDR: The story could use some work with some points of the story being drawn out and some points being not as well explained, but I think the story overall was still really good. The acting, on the other hand, was lackluster but still better compared to some of the other competition. I think the music from WayV and Seventeen fit the theme of the story with perfection. What makes this drama stand out over dramas like Love 020 and Kings Avatar, however, is it's rewatch value because this drama has so many small details that you can miss. To any new C-Drama watcher, I definitely recommend this drama.

Story - 9/10
The story is quite good in general, however there are sections that aren't really explained in much detail. I find Cheng Xiao's character to be written quite poorly. I don't think there is quite as much character development in her. The only character development the story gets is with the Korean player defeating her in the game, however, the plot point really misses the mark towards the conclusion of the story arc. I don't think it takes away from the story quite enough to deduct points but its something that I marked down on my notes. I think the supporting cast like Lao Mao and Lao K could have gotten more screentime. They have some really funny bits but I feel like it could have been expanded upon even more, but when they were on the screen, it was absolutely excruciatingly funny. I also find the female and male lead to have really nice interactions throughout the story. That's why although there are some sections where the writing could have been better, the general gist of the story was well done and there was good, funny bits from the supporting case which deserves a 9.

Acting - 8/10
Cheng Xiao is a great singer. She's a great entertainer, but she doesn't belong in acting. I know it sounds harsh, but her acting felt out of place throughout the show in some places. I don't she shouldn't ever act again, but I don't think it was as polished in this show. With that said, I think she has a lot of potential to be one of if not the best singer turned actor in modern C-Drama history. I can see the potential in the emotional scenes. When they hit, they hit really hard. I think Xu Kai's acting was the same as all of his other roles. He has this cold hearted man turned nice role in the majority of his shows which I find somewhat peculiar. It doesn't take away from his role in this show since it fits the show perfectly and his acting was some of the best I have ever seen from him, and believe me when I say I've seen a ton of shows from him. The supporting cast was definitely the best casting and acting I have ever seen in a modern C-Drama, especially Xiao Pang. He has a really big range from being emotional in one scene to being cute to being hilarious. All of that said, the acting was good in general, but I think there are some points deducted from Cheng Xiao, but I definitely think if this drama was done in 2024, this category would definitely be better. Waiting for Cheng Xiao's next role, hope she proves me right.

Music - 9.5/10
The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful. I don't think there could have been another original soundtrack that could have beaten the one they had for Falling Into Your Smile. I also really enjoyed the features from bands like WayV and Seventeen making appearances. I think their songs fit each Esports team's main idea. If you read the lyrics, it adds extra details to how each team adds. I like the extra marketing effort with Everytime by WayV and FNATIC. I think it was really cool to see an actual esport team represent in an esports drama for one of the very first times, despite the drama surrounding it (I don't really know what its about so if someone could explain that would be great). I also thought the Chinese bands did a great job for ZGDX team theme which in Chinese was a really good sample of past music for gaming. The subtle hints to League of Legends were amazing and brought me back to League's hayday. The only reason why this category is not a 10/10 is because sometimes they overplay the music. I think the only reason why I don't have the songs from this drama on repeat is because of how many times they repeated them in the actual drama.

Rewatch Value - 10/10
There is absolutely no question with this. I know many people don't like rewatching this drama. To those people who don't like to rewatch this drama, you aren't a real critic. You don't recognize the best parts and small details in this drama like how you can see the FNATIC players stream and how he donated to the FL. There were many different small details that people could have missed. I loved rewatching this drama to find the small details that I didn't see the first or second time. I feel like more people would agree if they actually rewatched this. I think the wholesome love between the FL and ML were made to a ripe perfection that can't be matched.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Falling into Your Smile poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 8.6 (scored by 56,564 users)
  • Ranked: #415
  • Popularity: #113
  • Watchers: 97,481

Top Contributors

144 edits
79 edits
64 edits
64 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
820 titles 2040 loves 40
Chinese Modern Drama
364 titles 641 loves 1
No stupid BREAK UP *SPOILER*
173 titles 547 loves 534

Recently Watched By