A real gem - watch it!
I find many Chinese dramas either too melodramatic with overcomplicated plots and very 2-dimensional characters or the acting just plain awful. I don’t even bother to finish many of them - but this one (Hidden Love) is a real gem. Everything is just spot on - the casting, the acting, OST, the plot - it is faultless. An absolute pleasure to watch from start to finish!Characters have depth; the story flows naturally and it’s very well acted. Plus romance rush in practically every scene. It had me in fits of laughter (e.g. sibling rivalry), throes of despair (especially the first airport scene) and every feeling in between. So, so refreshing to find a C-drama that ticks all the boxes and left me feeling my time wasn’t wasted (which is how I feel about majority of c-dramas). In fact, I finished watching it and immediately watched it all over again. It’s that good.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Compilation of random thoughts I had while watching this drama:
1. Why don't I have an older brother with hot friends?2. Jiaxu is way too hot for his own good! Every time he appears on screen, my heart skips a beat; I forget to breathe; I go into a daze; and I keep smiling like a stupid fool who's too old for this shit!
3. Sang Zhi looked more mature when she was 14.
4. But Sang Zhi is still fine as 17 year old. Maybe a little too shy, or she could be like that because of her crush on Jiaxu, and I totally understand it.
5. I love Sang Zhi's petty fights with her brother. That's me and my brother and we still fight like that at the age of 26 (me) and 24 (my brother)...
6. For a moment I thought Sang Zhi at 17 is too much, but again I was kinda exactly like her except I never skipped cities just to see a guy I had a crush on (perhaps rich people privileges!)...
7. I love how considerate Sang Zhi's parents and brother are. If I would have even told my family about my first love and heartbreak in school, I would be dead.
8. Does the parents' generosity and good deeds get passed down to the kids? No! Then why should kids bear the burden of their parents' sins?
9. Again, I love the brother-sister dynamics. They are just too real!
10. Sang Zhi and Jiaxu's overthinking phase is very realistic. I am sure most people in their young age would have experienced it. Maybe that's why I am liking this drama so far, even though it's a fluffy romance (I am more into crime thrillers).
11. This is soooo cute..... I am constantly screaming and getting butterflies seeing Sang Zhi and Jiaxu interact with each other. This drama is like every girl's dream fairytale!!!
12. It should be a crime to make a guy look this adorable! How am I supposed to lower my expectations when someone could imagine such a person and put it down on paper? Where will I find someone like Jiaxu who can reach my sky-high expectation? Or does the writer wants me to be delulu forever until I die single?
13. I might die of diabetes before this drama ends!
14. I like how understanding Sang Zhi is. I would probably die of overthinking if I would have been at her place!!
15. I am going to cry myself to sleep after finishing this drama because it is making me feel single and lonely in 100 different languages.
16. Love that every action and reaction of people in the drama feels natural. Some people may not agree but when I imagine the type of situations portrayed here, I would expect people to react in the same manner, be it Sang Zhi, Jiaxu, Sang Yan, Sang Zhi's parents, or Jiang Ying. I was a little disappointed with Sang Zhi's boss coz I would expect a boss in the workplace to be more mature to keep personal and professional life separate.
17. I know I have said it before, but I truly adore the Sang siblings' relationship. Not everyone gets to experience it, but personally, I relate to it the most.
18. And slowly, I fell for Sang Zhi also!
19. I am so envious of Sang Zhi that she could ask someone to love her forever. A lot of us have lost hope in love so much that we don't expect it from anyone anymore. All we do is try to love ourselves to feel a little less lonely and somewhat content...
20. I think I can watch them for 1000 more episodes, growing old together, successfully overcoming all life problems, and living happily.
I ASAP need some advice on how to get over this series! Ahhh! It completely ruined me.
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I would recommend this drama to everyone! Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first, mainly because of the casting of young Sang Zhi. I felt it might have been better if they had chosen an actress who was actually 14. In fact, I think Zhao Lusi herself could have portrayed that part.
But then again, during puberty, everyone develops differently—some mature later than others. Also, nothing inappropriate happened when she was a minor; it was just an innocent, one-sided crush that eventually blossomed into a beautiful, mutual love when she became an adult.
When she was 14, they only met twice, and then they didn’t see each other for three years. They reconnected when she was 17 and interacted more often for a few months before parting ways again. So it’s not like he was watching her grow up since 14—he was barely present during those years, and even at 17, he was only around for a short time.
It’s very common for teenagers to have a crush on someone older, and in this case, the age gap was 4-5 years. Plus, it was his very first relationship as well. If the age gap had been bigger, or if the male lead had prior dating experience, it would have been harder for me to accept.
Overall, I can confidently say—I loved it!
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My Go to Drama
Just Love it💖 Duan Jiaxu Sang Zhi became a part of my life 💫 ......,............................. Bestest drama chemistry plot everything is best... Love love love love love love love love lovs love.. must watch.. chen Zheyuan most handsome cdrama actor... The osr of this drama is amazing just love itWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Fluffy, comfy and stress-free drama
This is my first time to comment and give a review here in MDL and I'm happy it's about Hidden Love. Here's my two cents.I haven’t really been INTO Chinese dramas until Hidden Love. I watched a few of them that are really eye catching but it’s very seldom. Hidden Love opened the doors for me to notice other notable C-dramas out there.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
What I love about it?
1. The storyline. Hidden Love mastered the art of portraying the spirits of youthful love, like those heart fluttering feelings when you have a secret crush on someone are SPOT ON. It transported me back to the early days of our relationship with my then boyfriend, now husband of which I can relate to the feelings Sang Zhi felt towards Duan Jiaxu because that’s EXACTLY how I felt towards my BF. Apart from that, I love that there are no evil 2nd leads in the story that would challenge the main leads’ relationship as well as there are no overbearing, overprotective parents/family members. I love how they wrapped up the drama with the best marriage proposal ever. Who wouldn’t melt with this line, “Six words. Only one person in a lifetime.” My tears just keep rolling here together with SZ and DJX.
2. The casts. From the main leads to the supporting casts, all of them did their parts exceptionally well. Kudos to the casting team on finding these actors who brought our beloved characters to life! Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan are the perfect Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu, there could be no one other than them. They will forever be immortalized in my system.
3. The OSTs. I think one of the things that made this drama successful are the OSTs played in the series. Seldom do I find a drama where I enjoyed almost all songs included in the official soundtrack. With Hidden Love, all songs felt comfortable to listen to even if I don’t understand the lyrics, the melody are relaxing and sets you in a mood. Zhao Lusi contributed two songs in the OST which I soooo love dearly – “I Just Want To Hide You Secretly” with Silence Wang and “I Have Someone I Like”. Victor Ma who played as Sang Zhi’s brother (Sang Yan) also contributed to the OST with his song “Be Your Light”. I couldn't tell which is my favorite because all of them are just sooo good.
4. The BTS. Their behind-the-scenes interaction can easily become a drama of its own. You can see how happy the atmosphere on set was. If the chemistry of the main leads is already top-notch in the drama, then their BTS is way beyond that which made me pine for them to be a REAL-LIFE couple. They are just sooooo amazing and comfortable with each other.
Hidden Love will forever be my “go to” comfort drama, when I just want to have a relaxing, happy viewing to cap a long, stressful week. As of writing, I am re-watching this series for the third time. And it never disappoints every single time.
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The cutest couple ever <333
For the people trying to get into Cdramas, this is the best one to start with!! The story is the cutest and also for the people concerned about the age gap: the ML doesn't fall in love with the FL until she is in college and he also doesn't watch her grow up and I think it's definitely worth watching. This is the healthiest relationship I have ever seen in a drama They are both such green flangs!!!! They don't leave each other in bad situations and stand up for each other I think your standards will be at their highest after watching it :')Was this review helpful to you?
a warm hug in a very cold day
A young love story put in a simple frame, but still shinning enough to win the one's heart!you may think that the only story is about Sang Zhi who falls in love with Jia Xu, her older brother's friend and he is 5 years older than her.but after watching a few episodes,you get to know those characters more and find out how is Jia Xu suffers from the consequences of a painful past that his family had, he works hard since highschool, and even after graduation, he doesn't fall in love with anyone, he sometimes feel guilty. But still he is very gentle with everyone, and when Sang Zhi come back to enter his lonely world when she is finally 19 , she is still secretly in love with him, feel sad for him, and still hoping him to notice her as a girl friend not a little sister. But what i really love about these two that no matter what kind of relationship they have, they were there for each other, they protect each other.
And then they both take steps towards eachother to show us a wonderful love story full of trust and caring.
I enjoyed a lot of watching their love grows, and the romantic scene was so soft and heart warming.
The chemistry between Zhao Lu Si (Sang Zhi) and Chen Zhe Yuan (Duan Jia Xu) is unbelievable and gave me many butterflies 💫
Another thing i appreciate most is the brother-sister relationship in this drama is so real, while i watched how Sang Zhi always acted with her brother Sang Yan (Victor Ma), i thought " this is how i behave with my older brother. very funny scenes between them. So i loveeeed her brother, he was such a caring friend too.
And i liked that this story was focused only on the leads only.
The music is so good too, i liked the intro, and my favourite ost is " be your light" which I'm listening to it in repeat now.
So if you are home after a long tiring day, or even feeling depressed and blue, you must watch this drama to cheer you up. It's like a warm hug in a cold day.
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fluffy, sweet, heartwarming, and so beautiful!!
Happy first anniversary to this super cute drama! I'm rewatching it now that it's airing on one of Indonesia's channels!i'm convinced that having a crush on an older sibling's friend is a common experience, and i'm not alone in this. Zhizhi is a cheerful and optimistic girl who is in love with her older brother's friend. Sang Zhi's story is like.. exactly what i've always wanted. seeing her grow up in this show totally feels like i'm there with her. Jia Xu is the dream boyfriend material and Sang Yan is the best big bro ever! those three are seriously unforgettable and i really love them.
i love how the story isn't too slow or fast, it gives the characters room to develop perfectly. and i love all the OST, i've been replay so many times! All the adorable stuffs fit Sang Zhi's personality so well, her family is so warm and her brother's friend group so fun. there's some conflict, sure, but it all works out in the end in the sweetest way. it feels pretty realistic too, how the characters' feelings develop, and the acting is on point!
seriously obsessed with this drama! Sang Zhi's life seems perfect and i know i'll totally rewatch it again. it's my comfort drama!
i reallt appreciate the lighthearted plot, the well-developed characters, and the heartwarming story. i also love the OSTs and the acting of the cast. i would definitely recommend this drama to anyone looking for a sweet and heartwarming watch!
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Perfect love and healing story
Even in my most favorite dramas I always had something I didn't like, there always were some flaws... but this story just PERFECTThis drama amazing in everything, its fully focused on main leads, but same time all other characters have their own charm (SZ parents, roommates, DZX friends, his boss and co worker), even if they had only a bit screen time, they wasnt just decoration or waste of time! And of course Sang Yan, I loved him as much as main leads ❤️❤️❤️ this drama has right amount of angst, to make this story more real and touching, but still be the most light, heartwarming, hilarious, comfort story ❤️
Chen Zhe Yuan and Lusi did so amazing job to bring this characters to life, their personality and relationship were so real, they always remind me my youth experience, how it feels be in love first time, first heartbreak, anxiety, excitement, comfort you can find in other person, acting was very realistic with many details and nuances, their chemistry made me feel butterflies and also made me cry.
Its also not just love story, one of the main theme is healing, forgetting and accepting❤️
I really not ready ay goodbye for this story((( there no drama like this, will miss them very much 😭
I recommend it everyone, just give it a try !
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Speechless
Production - paid a lot of attention to details and set was appropriately in synched with the scenes.Story - Light and simple that makes viewers reminisce about their youth: first love, family and school. This series madenme feel sorry for not having an older brother to bicker with and love me the way the sibling relationship was shown here.
Directing - well directed, smooth transition of story, stayed faithful to the origonal manhua story. It is well balanced romance, family, friendship and colleague relationship. It isnt just a story about first love but also family dynamics, cultural & societal impacts, relationships, struggles, and much more that were interconnected.
Wardrobe - this isbthe area that is most times producers limit the budget. It throws viewers for a loop when wardrobe doesnt match the scenes [next day or another day scene but same outfit worn by casts]. Appropriate wardrobe shows honest goal of providing best portrayal of story that assist viewers in being able to follow the story.
Artists - the entire casts worked harmoniously together. Zhao Lusi's versatility as an actress got shown here.
I paid for Youku subscription to watch this then found out thisbjs available in Netflix which I already have.
I dont regret it because the series is worth the subscription I paid. It is very good and worth watching. I plan to watch again in Netflix.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hidden Love: A Heartwarming Journey Through Love and Growth
"Hidden Love" is a spellbinding youth romance drama that captures the essence of love, friendship, and personal transformation. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the series introduces us to Sang Zhi and her secret affection for Duan Jiaxu, her brother's friend, as their relationship blossoms.This drama is a refreshing take on the genre, with a focus on heartfelt storytelling and character development. Sang Zhi's journey is portrayed with authenticity, avoiding the clichéd "love at first sight" trope. Instead, her feelings develop gradually, showcasing the realism of young love. Duan Jiaxu's character is equally well-crafted, adding depth and sincerity to the narrative.
One of the drama's standout features is its balance between tender romantic moments and the exploration of deeper emotional themes. The talented cast's comedic timing and chemistry add layers of enjoyment, making every interaction engaging and relatable.
Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan deliver extraordinary performances as Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, capturing the audience's hearts and emotions. Their portrayal is a testament to their exceptional acting skills, as they convincingly bring their characters to life.
Supporting characters, including Sang Yan and the parents, contribute to the richness of the narrative, making the world feel authentic and relatable. The drama's cinematography captures the essence of youth and adds a visual dimension to the storytelling.
While a few minor drawbacks like pacing and filter choices exist, they do not overshadow the drama's overall charm. The soundtrack complements the story beautifully, adding an extra layer of emotion to the scenes.
In summary, "Hidden Love" is a captivating exploration of youthful romance and growth. With its exceptional performances, engaging storyline, and genuine characters, it offers a heartwarming viewing experience that will leave you smiling, laughing, and cherishing the journey of love. Don't miss this delightful drama that invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of hidden emotions and blossoming relationships.
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My experience
I was Zheyuan's fan. Last year in June I heard rumors about #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi will be starred together in a drama called Hidden Love. I was so excited because of this.
Finally when they started shooting I couldn’t wait for the drama. I wanted to know the story so I started reading the novel "Secretly Secretly But Unable To Hide It". I found the story interesting. Somehow I had the feeling #HiddenLove would be a hit drama.I like #ChenZheyuan that's why i was eagerly waiting for #HiddenLove. I earlier watched #ZhaoLusi's works so I knew that she was a wonderful actress. She would slay as #SangZhi. My fingers were crossed. Hoping best for the drama. I was waiting for #HiddenLove from last year. I kept all updates so when it was confirmed that it was coming in June. I was like finally I can see #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi together. After seeing the drama I felt it was worth waiting for a year.Nowadays when I see people’s positive reviews somehow I feel proud. From the very beginning, I knew #HiddenLove would be a hit drama & Finally It's happening. People are loving #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi chemistry.
This was my story 😉💙
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