Editorials 
A hidden crush
I seriously adore this whole drama. Have lost sleep this week over the drama and really chose the express vip just to finish this earlier.This is really a feel good drama. The plot and story are just simple, but realistic. It is straightforward, and I really love the pacing of this drama. Best to watch when you want to just destress, and also not go through any heavy or so many twist dramas.
To those who are worried about the age gap and if they get together early on the drama. DON'T WORRY, the male lead doesn't develop any romantic feelings for the female lead during the early episodes and realize his feelings for her when she is an adult. The age gap isn't much, it is just a 5 years difference in the drama (much better than the novel version of 7 years.)
This whole drama felt so relatable, especially having a crush on an older person. Starting with admiration for the other person, before it builds up to be a crush.
Things I loved about the drama:
- This drama really focus on just the main leads' stories. Despite many side characters, they do not take up the spotlight so much.
- I LOVE THE SIBLINGS DYNAMIC. Seriously! The bickering between Sang Zhi and Sang Yan was just so funny and adorable. I love despite them bickering most of the time, they were there for one another.
- Chemistry between the main leads are just out of this world. Seriously I enjoyed every scene between them. They always made me feel so giddy and 'butterflies in my stomach' kind of feel in every episode. It's been a while that I have really seriously like a cp. Seriously need these two on another drama in the future.
- A very healthy relationship with the main leads. They also try to clear out misunderstandings right away, especially the ML when he started to pursue the FL.
- The music, all the songs played in this drama was so good. I couldn't help but repeat these songs on repeat right now.
- Only a few toxic characters, but they did not ruin my mood so much on the drama. Aside from the toxic characters, I love how the other side characters have such a positive relationship with the leads.
- As mentioned earlier, I love how they represented how the feeling of admiration would build into the feeling of having a crush on someone.
Let me say...
Chen Zheyuan really brought life to the gentle and hardworking gege Duan Jiaxu. To be honest, this is the first time I have watched his drama; and seriously I am hooked on his acting here. I love how he does his micro expression here in the drama. He really pulled off this role so well. He really gave such elderly brother vibes in the first half on the drama, in contrast to Song Yan he was a very gentle and sweet brother. And I love how he was able to relay the feeling of changing and developing feelings to Sang Zhi later on in the drama.
Now Zhao Lusi, she nailed Sang Zhi's role so well. Especially that she also had to pull off acting like a fresh high school student early in the drama. She made me believe that she was still in high school with how she acted here, and her voice really made her sound like one too. She was able to convey the feelings of looking forward to seeing your crush, the uncertainty when Jiaxu started to pin for her later in the drama, and other kinds of emotions (as much as I would like to go into details, I will refrain in doing so to prevent any spoilers). I also heard Zhao Lusi, did so many things for this drama and every details she have done for this was a success.
Just another thing, but Victor Ma did a great job as being Sang Yan. He was such a comic relief also to this drama. But seriously like I've said earlier, his dynamic with Zhao Lusi acting as his sister was so realistic. They really did a great job showing how siblings are in real life.
Overall:
This is really such a simple plot. But I really can't get enough of this drama. It really is such a feel good drama, nothing heavy. Currently I'm still going through withdrawals on this drama, and definitely re-watching this again because I really can't get enough of this. I may or may not update this review.
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Never knew the shine would light up my whole life
This is one of the purest love stories I have ever had the privilege and honor to witness. This series has instantly become one of my favorites. The production is simply beautiful. The music flows seamlessly throughout. All the relationships seemed so genuine. The actors convey the characters so well. The chemistry is undeniable. The story is not messy nor is there unnecessary drama. It is literally perfect. I only wish we could experience more because I am not ready for their story to end yet.Was this review helpful to you?
this c-drama is probably one of the best watches ever! definitely worth it!
to be honest, i don't really watch a lot of c-dramas because i find the acting and the overrall story kind of cringey (and im not saying this drama wasn't cringey - it definitely had its moments!) but 'hidden love' somehow kept me hooked from start to finish. i just loved watching their love blossom throughout the series.also, the zhao lusi and chen zheyuan had AMAZING chemistry - they definitely need to work together again! their acting made the story of sang zhi and duan jua xu so real!!
omg and the ost~~ i love the songs so much (i think zhao lusi actually sang two of the songs too?)
i'm still listening to them.
i miss the couple so much :((
might rewatch soon ~
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A lot of love
What a great romance Cdrama. I had never been the one who would watch on going Chinese drama until this one,Their love and relationship is completely diff from others with no complexity. It's simple but amazing, It's beautiful series. Just love all characters, Zhizhi's family, sang Yan ge, jiaxu ge, all their supportive friends. Just love this series so much more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. Love all episode. Both of them so great chemistry zhao lusi and chen zhe yuan. Hopefully hy another drama of two of them. Cannot move on from this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
The perfect love story!
This was such a beautiful story with beautiful people (and I don’t just mean appearances). Everyone was just genuinely good people. Even the villains aren’t villains, the one was emotionally scarred and the other was just blindly supporting her best friend. The relationships were so authentic but also beautiful. The siblings had the sibling rivalry but were also protective of one another. The parent-child relationship was so healthy, goodness! They express their opinions without being hurtful or getting angry. The roommates were such amazing and supportive friends! No jealousy or backstabbing! And the mains, oh the mains! Such a healthy relationship! It’s been a while since I saw a relationship without stupid misunderstandings or breakups. This drama really deserves all of its flowers!!!Was this review helpful to you?
An Unforgettable Gem in My Drama Collection
So, I just finished watching "Hidden Love," and guys, it's officially skyrocketing to the top of my drama list. I'm not even a hardcore drama buff, but this one? It's a game-changer. The story had me hooked from the get-go – emotions, plot twists, character development – you name it, they nailed it.Let's talk about the chemistry between the leads – off the charts! It felt so real, you know? Like, I was invested in their journey. The actors were on point, delivering performances that gave the characters depth and nuance.
And guess what? I'm already planning a rewatch. There's so much going on in the plot, and I'm pretty sure I missed some subtle details the first time around. The thought of diving back into "Hidden Love" is just too tempting to resist.
Bottom line, if you're into dramas or even if you're not, "Hidden Love" is a must-watch. It's got that perfect blend of a gripping story and outstanding performances that'll stick with you long after the credits roll. Trust me, it's a gem in the drama world.
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Young sweet love diary
Main Leads plays a great part to make this romcom a success story and cdrama., their chemistry is extraordinaire.... CZY and ZLS intimate interaction esp. their kissing scenes are so natural, they seems comfortable with each other , makes you think they're in a relationship for real. Off and on screen bts is evident of that, it shows how these two works together to bring this romcom drama to the next level, they make this story alive with their brilliant acting.OST , background music plays well in the background in each scenes and the song is soo good that it stays in my mind for awhile that I even have to play it from spotify after watching this drama. Such a perfect choice of music in every episode.
Production & Settings - it's an urban romcom drama where the settings is simply from home , schools and office and the entire Casts great acting also plays an important role to make this drama wholesome while keeping the focus on the main leads towards the development of their relationships.
Great Director plus a great scriptwriter / novel writer makes up this Hidden Love a brilliant show, the entire drama is definitely a breath of fresh air from having to watch costume drama , heavy plot action drama or even a mediocre romcom drama that always ends in a wedding... Hidden Love ending is quite different tho' it still makes you feel happy,, Zhi's wishes were all written in a stars, and it ends with fulfilling them all, all was revealed at the end to Jiaxu , which was quite heartwarming and touching.... and Jiaxu proposals and vows to Zhi was quite emotional , it got me crying, tears of happiness..
Overall if you like Feel Good modern urban romcom drama, this is your show :) One of the best cdrama in 2023 for sure. You'll be smiling in each episodes while your heart flutters from the sweet interaction of our main leads - Zhi & Jianxu. This story is truly a realistic drama, it brings back those good ol' days with your secret crush or secret admirer from high school or University days :)
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This review may contain spoilers
A well-done romance drama with age gap
Personally, I am not fond of these types of plot where there's a big age gap between the leads. However, I decided to give this one a shot because I've heard good things about this drama, and also the actors are some of my favorite chinese actors. And I'm glad I gave this one a go because the story was really written carefully and still preserves that sweet innocence of love.I love Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan's acting and chemistry. They are just so good and so natural in bringing their characters to life. No wonder their works in the industry are so popular because they are just that good at acting. I just have one tiny tiny issue with the casting though, and it's the child actress for the female lead. I think she's too young for a 14-year old. If they decided to cast someone as young as her, they should've also casted another actor to play the younger version of the male lead. Other than that, the rest of the casts are perfect.
The portrayal of the family of the female lead is so lovely. They are so good with gentle parenting. I think the parents should be set as a standard for any parents, especially in an asian household. The brother-sister dynamic is also hilarious. I love watching their scenes. They always give me a good laugh. Also, it's too bad we didn't get to see the brother having a love life haha that would have been the cherry on top.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with this drama and also sad when it ended. I've given this a 9.5/10 just for the tiny issue with the casting as I've previously mentioned. But this is definitely a must-watch drama this year 2023!
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Hidden Love
"Hidden Love" is an absolute gem of a Chinese drama that left me utterly enchanted. From the very start, I was drawn into the intricate world of emotions and connections that this drama masterfully weaved. What truly stole my heart were the leads, whose chemistry was nothing short of magical. Their performances brought the characters to life in a way that was both mesmerizing and deeply relatable.The entire cast deserves applause for their impeccable work. Every actor contributed their best, delivering performances that were both sincere and impactful. The seamless teamwork among the cast members created a harmonious on-screen atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling.
At the heart of it, all lies a concept and story that captivated me from beginning to end. The delicate manner in which the narrative unfolds allowed me to immerse myself fully in the characters' experiences. The drama's ability to blend emotion, suspense, and romance in such a balanced manner was truly commendable.
"Hidden Love" is not just a drama; it's an experience that resonates on multiple levels. With a heartwarming storyline and outstanding character portrayals, it's a shining example of how to create a captivating drama that stays with you long after the final scene.
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Pure Innocent love at its best!!
what a heartwarming love story ...the pure innocent crush of a girl was so beautifully portrayed... I also loved d fact that in the beginning when she was still minor they refrained from showing any romantic feelings from the ML.....it was just pure adoration for someone he considered a sister like younger friend ...the progression in the love story was so organic you can literally see the ML starting to develop feelings and also the exact moment when it transitioned from brotherly adoration to something more for him...I love how the FL was cute and childlike (not childish..huge difference) when it came to her loved ones but also knew where to take a stand for herself ...the acting the ost everything was sooo good! Definetly one of my all time favorites and one which I will watch multiple times !!Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best modern rom-com dramas!
I don't usually watch cdramas but this drama turned out to be so unexpectedly good. The last cdrama that I liked was Le Coup de Foudre, which was also a rom-com drama, I had loved the chemistry between the main leads there. It's the same reason I liked Hidden love so much too. The chemistry between the leads was so natural, they really felt like a real couple. I will say though that I found the first few episodes a bit slow, but the story picked up after San zhi went to university.I liked the way they showed the main leads relationship through all the stages. They didn't fast forward through anything and it made me root for them even more as the story went on.
They didn't focus much on the side characters in this drama which I initially wasn't too keen on but later appreciated a lot because I just couldn't get enough of the main leads scenes. Although I wouldn't have minded having more scenes of Sang Yan, he was so fun to watch.
The OST is so goood too. The vibes reminded me a bit of Our Beloved Summer. (Forever star reminded me a lot of V's Christmas tree. Both such great songs)
Definitely one of the best dramas I watched this year!
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Extremely cute
Firstly zaho lusi never disappoints in her dramas.This drama was really cute and so entertaining, i loved the dynamics and squabble between the brother and her. It made it feel so realistic.
I loved how the story unfolded.
Everything of this drama was on point,
The music was fitting and the fact we didn't spend a lot of time on incident was a bounce.
The ending was perfect and bright.
A definite must to watch.
All the characters were well matched and played their role absolutely perfectly
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