Cute Programmer

Disappointing and Too Long

This had potential and fell completely flat. The writers failed. The story of a female programmer trying to make it in an all male code programming company was sometimes ridiculous. I had hopes that the FL would be shown as having not just a strong personality but intelligence too. The ML was supposed to be similar, but with some emotional past issues. This story line has been done before and much better. When the FL was dressing like a male, why keep the makeup so female and not even in the femboi category; mascara and eyeliner. They didn't even try to make the male part believable. Then later in the story the ML is supposed to be some super smart guy, but he doesn't even catch on to the female antagonist's tricks. Also the sister of the ML is so idiotic that mid way through this drama I had to fast forward or mute her parts. She showed no character growth, even in the end. Same with the FL's best friend; annoying and written like a moron. The parents of the FL were exceptionally annoying too, they were written terribly (supposed to be protective of their daughter, but was borderline verbally abusive). Her parents should've been supportive at least by the middle of the drama. I fast forwarded their parts too, because of how much they contradicted themselves. The theme music made me mute it all the time.

I did like the message of how females can conquer a male dominated industry, like code programming. The ML's best friend (Chen Yi Ming -actor: Yi Da Qian) was one of the characters I liked, until the end. The cinematography and locations were very well done, (with the exception of the in car green screens for the windows).

Overall the story is old fluff, that wasn't well executed. I wont be watching it again. 5/10

Read More

I wasted my precious weekend watching this terrible drama so you don't have to: part II

I'm embarrassed to say that I enjoy some Stubborn Male Lead and Misunderstandings but geez... This was too much.

It started off ok, even though the male lead has no clue of how disrespectful he is most of the time, but after episode 20, it was painful to watch.

They had this misunderstanding going on and while they were trying to fix it, they kept creating more misunderstandings. The female lead was being thrown from trouble to trouble and did nothing! While the male lead was being childish and had his development literally in the end.

I liked the actor, the female lead is so cute and pretty and showed her feelings pretty nicely, but what a terrible storyline.

[spoilers ahead]
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why did she agree with lying about the baby not being the MLs???? That was not only immature, but it was dishonest and idk if it is a crime BUT IT SHOULD BE.

Read More

Would have been better to end at 24 episodes

First off, I’m not a big fan of FLs who worship, adore and crush on MLs right from the beginning of the drama. I feel FL is instantly put at a disadvantage in the relationship, especially with the MLs who are Abominable Snowmen a.k.a. cold, indifferent jerks. Unlike Korean's Snowmen, Chinese ones never seem to melt enough to make me love them. So, right off the bat, I wasn't thrilled with the story line. But that's just me. If you don't mind this kind of FL, then that's not a negative.

Also, this drama seems to shine positive light on FL’s perseverance in pursing this guy. Uh, yeah, perseverance is a good thing, but I’ve seen too many C-dramas where love rivals, ex-girlfriends, etc. can’t seem to let go/give up/go away/get a life no matter how many times ML tells them he’s not interested or how many times he’s outright rude to them so I’m not sure I like the message that’s being conveyed. We've got enough psycho chicks in these dramas; we don't need to create real ones in real life. Sometimes, no, a lot of times perseverance is not enough to make someone fall in love with you, which we’ve seen over and over in C-drama love rivals.

MC had their cute moments, but honestly, I preferred Lu Jingwen, even if he was a playboy. I liked his teasing nature. What can I say? I just love rascals…as long as they get reformed and stick to one lady, which most do in these dramas, if they happen to be the ML.

As far as story and set go, at times, I wondered if ML had stepped out of Lucky’s First Romance into Cute Programmer because 1) it’s the gaming industry again and 2) the office space looked suspiciously like the office space in Lucky’s First Romance. Even some of ML’s attire looked like it came from that drama. That being said, I preferred Bai Lu’s character to Lu Li's. She was alright, but the adoration thing immediately made me dislike her character, which isn’t the actress’s fault.

And as always, I've got to mention the costume! Where do these Chinese costume designers come up with these outfits? Ok, FL is pregnant. She didn’t suddenly become a pilgrim (that ugly black dress with the white collar that was far too big on her even if they added padding for the pregnancy) and she suddenly didn’t become 80 years old! And what’s up with that blue sweater whose sleeves look like a shredded tissue? I can’t believe people pay money for such clothing!

Overall, it’s an alright drama if you don’t mind the hero worship nonsense. She does at least make him chase her and suffer emotional distress in the final episodes. Her coldness helped make up for the earlier worship although she suddenly lost any of her former cheerfulness to behave like a sedated nun....or pilgrim.

Read More

Holy, almost dropped this drama

This show was absolutely decent, can't get anymore basic than this. I don't even know where to start, I don't even know if there was any part of the show that I really liked. I got bored halfway through and angry the rest of the drama to the end.

Story :
The story was boring, a femlae cross-dressing as a male to get into a company that doesn't hire female programmers just so she can get closer to her crush she had for like 6 years?? and the fact that she does not even look like a boy. How does a boy wear eyeliner and long lashes and redish lips?? Although yes some guys look less manly than others but at least you can still tell their a guy, but in this drama. HELL NO! Also the whole relationship with the main leads is so off-putting. THe female lead loving this guy for like 6 years and this guy stops hiring female programmers because of one incident?a real mature. I hate how the male lead and female lead pretended to be in a relatisohnshpp and said not to reveal it but decided to forcefully kiss the female lead just to get his ex jealous like please, that is so long ago. I also hate bow the ex/love rival would not take a hint, she's soo presistant and adamint about ruining his relationship and then the main lead will get back with her, little does she know the main lead already fell in love with the female lead and you don't got a chance.

Music :
Music was forgettable, nothing really more to say about it.

Acting:
Okay I'm so sick of the main leads who are so blind towards their emotions. Like in this drama, Jiang Yicheng clearly like Lu Li but denies it everytime, like no wonder she ended up leaving. Like YIcheng is so oblivious to his emotions, he is literally like a little kid, throwing tantrums. But i guess since his dad was threatening him with his company and whatever but you clearly like Lu li so why not man up and admit it. Also the whole thing with Yicheng and his ex, like your already dating someone even if it's only like a contract relationship but still. Lu li told you if your gonna meet with the ex to bring her along, you do it once then never again, like so insensitive. Anyways now onto Lu li. I have never met a character as immature and childish as her. Holy, I don't understand how you can be so obsessed with him that you change your appearance just to work at his company. I do have to say she is smart when it comes to programming but that's all her brain can do. She cannot process other things, lie there were so many misunderstandings that could have been solved if she just realized it, also open your eyes girl Jiang Yicheng is a red flag. Now moving onto the main couple... HOLY the misunderstandings go crazy!!! I cannot stand it, I'm so surprised i made it to the end. Omg the way they argued about the littlest things, and how Lu li threw tantrums about each problem and never confronted Yicheng or even asked him. If they just sat down and talked it all out everything would be fine. Instead Lu li packed her things and dipped to another city which then made Yicheng realize he loves her?? Like a little too late. Also the way the supporting character, Yi ming was trying to tell Yicheng to clarify the misunderstandings and to talk with her, but yicheng never does, like it's so infuriating. The other cast memebers were alright, I kinda liked yicheng's sister, she provided comedy relief which is soo needed if you want to continue the drama and not drop it. Also that weird guy towards the end when Lu li is in another city, wtf why?

Ending:
Ok ok, the ending lowkey redeemed the drama. I love how Yicheng continued to fight for Lu li's love and didnt give up. The ending was good and I'm glad everything got resolved. Although it took a while for them to get there, at least they managed at the end which i think is worth. Also the second couple was so cute. Honestly all the couples were cute. Overall this was an okay drama.

Read More

So-So

Writing this review as I watch it.

Episodes 1-6 are great. The whole reason I watched this was for the build-up and FL being disguised as a guy to get into the company. Alright fine. But he found her out around episode 4 or 5. Pretty fast for a 30-episode drama, right? Right. But I could get past that, with the thrill of how he was going to handle it. Though, of course, things happen, and he confronts her, and thus starts the whole " Let me stay here and work for you " part of the drama.

That's fine too, but as you reach episode 7, there's already talk of marriage!? Between the families, esp the ML's family. That's okay too, like let them talk. But FL jumps at the opportunity without even the ML's knowledge. His family got him drunk on purpose to make this happen, and that's the most horrible behavior from parents. I've always hated the arranged marriage crap dramas do, not giving their ADULT children their own options in life. While I know this is very accurate for places outside of America, it still sucks. While I do enjoy when arranged marriage ' blind dates ' get the leads introduced, I hate where they've taken it in this drama.

Now, at this point, I'm already losing interest and starting to feel annoyed with the FL. She's cute and all, but even I find her annoying now. Just because you like someone, it gives you no right to force yourself into their life like you have a rightful claim to them. This drama had me laughing a lot. Now I'm dreading watching past this, but I must carry on. But I'll very likely be fast-forwarding through it now because things are being rushed and I'm not liking either lead atm. So far, the 2nd ML is the most likable.

She wasn't disguised as a boy long enough. They could have spread this concept out in a couple more episodes, and not with him bullying FL, but feeling her out. But no. They just jump the gun and get straight to it, and mind you, we have 22 more episodes, and from the comments I've read, it only gets worse from here with a lot of misunderstandings, ML being horrible, FL being dumb [but finally getting a backbone near the end], etc.

So while I will not spoil any more, this concludes what I wanted to say. Just a warning, from episode 6 it all goes downhill, with a small uphill from here :)

Good luck. You and I need it with this drama.

Read More

Girl chases after a jerk mostly ...

I have mixed feelings about this drama. The beginning was tolerable, because it’s the cute naïve girl that has a crush on the good looking guy who runs his own company. It was a cute secret crush / office troupe. I didn’t even mind the ugly boy wig the FL wore.

I’ve seen a lot of Xing Zhao Lin’s dramas, all of The Eternal Love series (1,2,3) and Lucky’s first love. I’m not a true fan of his acting style, but he is sure nice to look at. Also, it does seem he’s trying, I mean, I did get a tear here and there from him.

The drama was really angsty in the sense, there is a lot of the FL chasing after the ML. It’s almost 20 episodes of watching the girl drool and fawn over the ML who doesn’t treat her with kindness at all. He’s not a horrible character, but he chooses to omit certain things from the FL which could 100% clear up misunderstandings, but he rather “hurt” her and “protect” her than reveal his true intentions. It’s truly a difficult drama to watch.

The misunderstandings in the drama is probably the main focus and theme of the show. So if you like that kind of C drama style (very different from the slow slice of life, I am use to), then this is the drama for you.

I did LOVE the secondary characters. I loved the Best Friend and her childhood “brother”, I wished they had just as much camera time as the main leads.

The ML and FL did have great chemistry and I loved the way the actress dressed and her hair and makeup was very adult with thick eye liner and colorful outfits. I couldn’t believe she is 30! She looks like she is in her early twenties. I like her acting style and presence, but her character did no justice for her. I couldn’t stand how much of a pushover she was.

The last 10 episodes were my favorite because the pacing changed and I felt like I was getting all of my justice I was seeking! There were still very frustrating moments because that is the writing style, but I’m not sure I could have finished the series had it not been the last parts.

Overall, watch it if you like typical C drama rom-coms with angsty plot with typical misunderstandings and crazy ex-girlfriend.

Read More

A Lot of People Say This Is A Bad Drama But…

There are a lot of people out there criticizing the characters and plot of this drama, but I honestly don’t get why. If you have watched this drama, you most definitely know it’s name: “Cute Programmer”. This drama is exactly what it says in the title- it’s a lighthearted and fluffy drama, perfect for when you need that balance after you’ve just finished an emotional or heavy drama. Although the storyline can be a bit outrageous or confusing sometimes, with the many misunderstandings and conflict that happened throughout it, “Cute Programmer” still has a good foundation. I believe that with adjustments in the script and plot, this drama will definitely improve.

Read More

I looovveeee iiiittt

At first the thought that this drama is confusing but I enjoy it

First let speak about Xing Zhao Lin he is an extremely talented actor and he pull up every single seen in the drama and it wasn’t boring at all

Bambi was so robotic at the first episode adk if it because of the character her self or what but in last episodes she did a really great job and I was touched by the fact that she turn 💯 present stronger and I am in love with her character in the last episodes

The second couple they were extremely lovely and I love how the boy was nice to the lule and i wished that I could try his coffee 😂 and the girls tho OMG she was loud but funny at the same time

Read More

I thoroughly enjoyed it

I laughed and cried my eyes out throughout the drama.

I would like to say it’s my first drama watching ZXD acting but I’m definitely not new to XZL so I know acting wouldn’t fail in this one. But ZXD too, didn’t let
mw down, I don’t know why I kept focusing on how expressive her eyes were (to the point where I see that she’s wearing contacts) like how every end on the episode they end with a “teaching” I think the drama heavily teaches us about love and life which many other dramas do too ( totally appreciate it); I think the casts all did very well!

The storyline was good, the episodes weren’t too rushed. And to those who said that the title can’t be related… friends you guys can tell that the ML/FL is pretty cute right? And they are programmers. Game programmers to be exact.

And yes, I saw many reviews saying Lu Li is a doormat. This i totally disagree with. She did it for love and dreams guys..( please watch it again) and tbh, it wasn’t even to the point where she’s a doormat (I don’t even feel so!) Some drama FL have it worse?!

But anyway, I was hoping the had a sort of epilogue cause I was totally looking forward for some after knowing she’s carrying (yknow what). But alls good! I’m happy with the drama and now I’m off to the next one! Cheers to less sleep!


Ps I think the OST is pretty cute too! They included programming words in the lyrics (does this tie to the titles now?)

Read More

Honest Review !

This series is a fun, lighthearted watch with a pretty simple plot. The female lead has been in love with the male lead since college, and her feelings go beyond just a crush—she admires him so much that she studies the same course and tries to get a job at his company. The catch? His company doesn’t hire female programmers, so she disguises herself as a guy to get in. From there, the story follows how they eventually fall in love.

The plot is pretty common, but the chemistry between the leads and the funny moments make it enjoyable. That said, there are quite a few plot holes, unrealistic concepts, a lack of details, and parts that feel dragged out. For example, the idea of a company banning female programmers due to one past mistake is highly unrealistic and outdated. On top of that, her disguise as a guy is not convincing at all—she still looks like a girl, and the production could’ve done a better job with that. The pacing also slows down with a lot of misunderstandings, especially since the male lead doesn’t explain himself, and the female lead jumps to conclusions, which causes most of the drama between them.

The pregnancy twist could’ve been handled better too. Overall, though, it’s a decent watch and still enjoyable despite its flaws.

Read More

Thank goodness for good looking people...

As with most Chinese Rom-Coms, you will have difficulty trying to believe the storyline. We see effeminate men in BLs all the time and we have seen some amazing women pull off a guy part in past shows. This one - not a chance. She doesn't even try. And the director - surprisingly, just doesn't care.

She has the same irritating mannerisms all the women have in these type of shows (until their amazing transformation) but, since they think she is a man - it is overlooked and forgivable. If I was a woman - I would get pissed at the double standard.

She doesn't even bother to disguise her voice. Lazy. She doesn't do anything make up wise. Lazy. She fawns over her boss - openly. Lazy and risky - especially, in Chinese society. Get someone drunk (usually, off very little alcohol to move the story along). Lazy.

Thank god for fast forward. I wanted to see if she simply makes the "man" disappear as "she" takes over or, if they discover she is a woman and miraculously forgive her for lying, committing fraud, etc. Handled okay but, I would file this one in complete escapism and don't think about all the overlooked details.

Read More