Great Chemistry, Enjoyable Plot
I've only watched two other e-sports dramas - one was where the FL didn't even game, was whiny, and stalked the ML; the other was one where the FL was portrayed as this godlike, beautiful, gaming machine who nobody could defeat.This drama definitely surprised me, and I'm definitely glad I took a chance on it. The plotline was kind of stereotypical, but the FL was competent and smart, and the ML was charming and not the usual tsundere types you usually see. Both of them had great chemistry together.
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Women Power and Cutest Cats
First of all: THIS SHOW HAS CATS SO CUTE THAT IT WILL CAUSE YOU DIABETES !!!!!!!!Now, let’s get it started. It was my first time watching a e-sports show and i must say the graphics were so damn beautiful, and once they actually explain the rules you kinda of understand what’s going on. Although i must admit that I’m really bad at games so.
The important thing here was definitely the woman power, Tong Yao character is so rich and full. She’s so strong and her character development is brilliant. She showed everyone that games don’t have genders. Girls are as much powerful as boys, and games are for everyone.
The main couple is adorable, although in my opinion it took them so many episodes to finally be together, i understand that the point was probably to grow their feelings and learn more about their love, still for me who’s an anxious person, it was tooooo much timeeee, just kiss already.
The team work was also so precious, Tong Yao has everyone wrapped around her little finger. Her best friend is so supportive and i loved her character so much. Lao K, Yu Ming, Xiao Rui, Xiao Ping and Lao Mao are the best teammates and friends everyone could ever asked for. Lu Sicheng is so green flag, goddamn i need one like him. Both the character and the actor please. Lu Yue and Lao Mao are the absolutely funniest people ever.
Overall this show is amazing and it’s really worth watching, you are definitely going to fall in love with everyone. There are some parts that you can “skip”, if you are not into e-sports/games.
………Last but not least: shipped Lao K and Lao Mao so hard, they are soulmates so bad.
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I want to play this game .... Sweet Sweet Sweet!!!
I'm a fan of drama's like these... although there was only 1 that was like this... not similar ... however. Have to admit .. a better story line. That's ok... it's been years since Love O2O.It's nice to see how these type of games bring in different aspects of understanding among the older generation and the difference of stereotyping.
There was a few wake-up calls to those who assume you have to understand the game in order to be involved with someone who plays it. It was a pleasant surprise that there was a bit of education regarding that type of stereotype. Also letting those crazy fans out there with a few brain cells know that their actions are not only uncalled for ... but to focus on their own life before trying to become dictators of someone's life you have no rights too.
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People lose their s!@# over girl who plays video games...
Falling Into Your SmileGenre: Romcom, Gaming
Episodes: 31
Streamed on: Netflix
Plot Summary:
A girl plays video games. Girl is pretty good at video games. Good enough to join an esports team. Everyone loses their shit for about 30 episodes because a girl is playing video games. There’s also shared living and romance plot in there too.
Characters & Cast:
Main Characters:
Cheng Xiao ⇒ Tong Yao
Xu Kai ⇒ Lu Si Cheng
Zhou Yi Ran ⇒ Ai Jia
Rachel Wang ⇒ Chen Ji Yang
Best Of OST:
The OST seemed a bit meh, but it did it’s job trying to hype up during the times of tension and evoke emotion at the appropriate times, it’s just that nothing was particularly outstanding…
https://youtu.be/KhtaaH6-R8M?si=aoEWC4ozloCmFK5M
Gripes:
Netizens. They Suck. Also, I get "don't be a sleezy piece of shit", but I don’t understand feeling responsibility to fans… I guess I never will. Given that they kind of realise the short life span of an esports career, I think that they should have encouraged finishing school first.
Re-watch:
Would I watch it again?
Nah, not for me.
Would I watch it with my brother?
Nah, not for him
Would I watch it with my kid?
Hell no. I don’t care how much they romanticised it, I don’t think playing video games competitively is a healthy thing.
Final Thoughts:
Here’s the thing… I’m not that into video games. But I feel like the drama You Are My Glory did this theme so much better than this. I guess I think that it’s hard to revolve a story around competitive gaming and keep my attention. Maybe cut the gaming down and make it a 20-24 episode drama.
Rating:
6/10
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A lot of potential not fully used
While I agree with most of the criticism mentioned in more sceptical reviews, I was still able to enjoy watching this drama, mainly because I didn't expect much. So here's a heads-up on what to expect before you get disappointed:- E-sports will play a big role and the tournament games will create a lot of the excitement other drama series create differently. I am not knowledgeable enough to determine how realistic everything shown is. To me as an uninformed viewer, it did not feel false, unrealistic or exaggerated.
- There's only little explanation on terminology, so for anyone who doesn't know anything about e-sports, this might not be something you watch easily in-between because following might need focus. I recommend especially looking out for the scenes where they show who plays which character in order to be able to follow the animated scenes.
- From what I've read, it will be different than the novel it's adapting.
Due to the focus on e-sports, I, like many others apparently, felt the emotional side of the story to fall a bit flat. I liked that emotions didn't bubble up constantly, creating a lot of tension and drama and hasty decisions (which I usually find unrealistic and over the top anyways). On the other hand, that also made character and relationship development as well as reactions a bit hard to follow since as a viewer, we do not get a lot of insight into the character's way of thinking and feeling (not saying there is none, it's simply not the focus of the story).
Furthermore, I loved the fact that even the side characters fit well into the story and actually had various and complex relationships with one another instead of fulfilling one designated purpose . The team's dynamics for all the e-sports teams were so nice to see as they each differed and had their own "personality". Each team's dynamics was great and heart-warming to watch.
Speaking of chemistry, the comedic chemistry between all the characters felt great. Xu Kai did a great job of making his character seem interesting and complex despite not showing a lot of emotions openly. The character's dynamics allowed for a lot of comic scenes. The romantic chemistry, on the other hand, could not develop fully as the viewer didn't get enough insight into the characters. It was the romantic relationship issues that I disliked the most as they felt so constructed and weren't resolved well.
What is also playing a role for the story is the public opinion/ fan's influences, which some mentioned to feel exaggerated. I did not feel as it was too much, but rather realistic, especially in regard to the different reactions each character had. (And I say that as a person who doesn't use social media outside of their work because I don't like them and think they are playing a way too important role in our daily life.) I didn't like how certain characters dealt (or didn't deal) with this, though. Here, too, I agree with some of the negative reviews.
Towards the end, and that's where I deducted most points, we did get more of the typical drama moments that felt unneccessary to me as with the fan's and family's reactions, the e-sports games, the (side) characters' stories and the development of the romantic relationships the series had more than enough to create suspension with, which would've been a lot more inventive than the classic tropes it relied on.
Overall, we have a lot to enjoy on the plus side. It is up to you whether you feel like this series wasted its potential, as it didn't execute its positive aspects to the end, or if you are simply glad this series even has those points where other series fall flat immediately. I, personally, think the series would have had to be longer to be able to really follow through with all the different aspects it tried to show, while furthermore not accentuating the focus to where viewers would have preferred to have it. Rationally speaking after having given it some thought, I would rate this series 8/10, but from how much I felt entertained personally while watching, I'll give it a 9/10.
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Worth Watching(One of the Most Anticipated 2k21 drama)
This was a ligt hearted cheecky rom-com. It was quite interesting. I honestly loved the chemistry between the lead couple and the second lead couple. The ships formed among the players of team ZGDX was great. Especially the ship formed between Lao K and Lao Mao was adorable. The character of Lu Sicheng enacted by Xu Kai was great. It was like an ironclad wall falling for a puppy. Since I am a CS major, I knew abut the OPL server and the gaming world. For people who are boared of watching the same CEO romantic-comedy should definitely try this. This will take to to another world of games and you are really gonna enjoy it to the core. After this one, you will surely look for the dramas in the same genre. In this genre my first drama was LOVE O2O which I enjoyed although both of them are very different from each other. The only thing that is similar is the exceptional skills of the main leads in the world of gaming.Was this review helpful to you?
ITS A MUST WATCH!
I am very impressed with the story and cast. First of all A+ visuals are there in this drama. Lots of handsome boys and beautiful girls. Even if the visual is outstanding yet their actings are also appreciable. There is a sufficient amount of comedy, friendship and romance in this drama. As the plot is mainly about e-sports. I think a lot about e-sports has also been shown here. So overall everything is well balanced in this drama. The main thing i learned from this drama is that people who are interested in e-sports are not just internet addicts. For those people e-sports is their faith love and dream. I love the reactions of the boys when something happens between the male and female lead. I also like the fact that is being shown here that a girl is eligible to do anythingWas this review helpful to you?
Another thing, that I would like to mention is that I have no idea if this show is trying to advertise The Untamed. There were a few scenes where they had mention The Untamed, for example one part, there was a carnival for the games, and there was cosplay for The Untamed, one that episode there were also character plushes.
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Don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this!
The first female pro player & the renown team captain. Can they learn to work together to win the championship… and love?This was one of my very first Chinese dramas years ago. I kept seeing clips of it on YouTube & those little snippets drew me in. I knew absolutely nothing about esports (still don’t beyond what’s portrayed in dramas, tbh) but I still loved this show! It’s become one of my go-to feel good shows when I need a brain cleanse from drama trauma. The camaraderie & friendships are so fun. The team’s hard work & determination to win is heartwarming. And the underlying message of chasing your dreams no matter the obstacles you face is inspiring.
Of course, there’s the relationship between the Leads as well, duhhhh! *wink, wink*
They have a rocky start due to a misunderstanding & some preconceived ideas about each other (typical trope). As that fades, though, we’re left with the beauty that is them falling in love so deep that nothing comes between them. The outside world tries to rip them apart & claim it’s wrong for them to be together, but they just hold on tight & refuse to break.
Individually they’re both strong characters. The ML carries the weight of his team as their captain. He’s a more serious player due to his position, talent, & age. He comes across as cold & aloof, but he’s actually a very kind & playful person (though that side is generally only shown to the FL). The FL has lots of eyes on her as she joins this well-established & high-performance team. There are those just waiting to see her fail, ‘cause surely a girl can’t hack it in the boy’s world *insert eye roll here, please*.. She’s determined to prove them all wrong.
Together, as teammates, they have a mutual understanding & respect for one another’s talents. They work hard with the others to make their dreams a success, learning & growing as players. They stay true to themselves & remain resolute in their beliefs. They face each match with a determination to win.
Together, as lovers, they’re precious. I love how the ML always protects the FL (even when they didn’t really know each other yet.) The deeper he falls for her, the more protective he becomes. It’s not one-sided, though. She’s just as determined to protect him too, physically & mentally. When keyboard warriors attack her for being with him, it’s his reputation she’s more concerned with. At the same time, when the public strongly voices their objections, he unapologetically tells them their opinions don’t matter. I love this!
They have really great chemistry together that we get to witness in lots of scenes. Their first eye contact. Him comforting her after a loss. The drunk piggyback ride. The non-date dates. Taking care of each other when they’re sick. Their gaming interactions. The confession. The bus rides. The hand holding, hugs, & flirting. The yummy kisses. Their interactions are so cute, which makes me keep coming back & rewatching.
If you haven’t watched it yet, I say give it a shot even if you’re not a gamer. I’m not either & it didn’t at all lessen my enjoyment of this series.
_________\\__________//________
-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.23 💋
- Together : ep.21 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 🫶🏻
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The truth behind E-Sports
As a gamer and a fun of C-Dramas, this was a must watch for me. Honestly though I had no expectations, or to be exact I've read a few reviews from male gamers and was already looking at it in a bad light. On the contrary though, after starting watching it, on the first few episodes I already knew I would fall in love.The casting is mainly full of younger actors which was actually refreshing since the E-sports scene is mainly full of young adults.
I liked how through the story of Tong Yao we get to not only see a beautiful love story blossom but also see the reality and the darkest parts of the E-sports. How ugly fans can be, how people think Pro E-sports players are just young kids who like to game, etc. In that regard they did great at portraying all those ugly and beautiful truths.
I loved the chemistry between Cheng Xiao and Xu Kai. Also this drama is gonna feel all your needs for kiss scenes (lol so many asian dramas even forget of including one scene, this is not gonna be the case here)
I do believe the story started becoming a bit repetitive from a moment on, they could have delayed a few escalations, or actually given us some extra sub-characters deepen story moments, instead of having the same repetitive motives.
Also lets not forget how great the games graphic were! Honestly though as a gamer the only annoying thing was that they were playing a game that exists only for mobiles, in a computer (lol) of course they were kind of portraying the league of legends tournaments etc. Just probably were collaborating with the Onmyouji Arena(or whatever this other game is called oopsie).
Still for me it is highly on my rewatch list. I enjoyed it and made me feel the butterflies many times.
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I am joking (but not really). I have never understood the hype over him before this drama and now … let‘s say I have found a new love.
Initially I refused to watch this drama because of the controversies surrounding it. But 3 days ago I found myself bored in need of a rom-com and this has good reviews/rating so I picked it up with 0 expectations and I was not disappointed.
The plot is not much but it kept me engaged enough even though I am not really into e-sports. It was the characters and (OMG xu kai) that made me love this as much as I did. There were some eye-rolling moments and lines that made me sigh. I have made peace with the fact that they’re going to be cringy moments in every Chinese drama I am going to watch and I am fine with that.
The chemistry between the ML and the FL was off the charts and I liked their bickering. I only have one complain. I would have given this drama a higher rating if it were not for cheng xiao‘s acting. It was fine for the most part but at times, I felt like she did not show any emotions and here reactions were underwhelming. I am not hating on her I do like her as an idol but I think that she need more training before taking a lead role in a drama again.
Another highlights for me were the cats. The cute little one that they got later on I am in love.
Overall, it was a good drama. If you want something lighthearted with good characters, watch it.
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A good watch with a realistic view into the gaming world
This drama provides a good outlook into the world of e-sports , it is one of the few dramas out there with very few if not no cliche scenes. It doesnt try to hide its sponsors and has some very clearly an ad scene, which can some times break the wall of reality which many shows try to uphold. The acting and cast of this drama is pretty good i only found the scenes where they tried to speak korean a bit off. The music is not anything you will find catchy or unique atleast from my perspective. but from a pure story perspective this drama truly deserves the 9/10. Only annoying part is that it could have been realisticly 28 eps i felt the final few episodes were a bit draggy.Was this review helpful to you?
