Finally A C-Drama I finished
It's so hard for me to find good Chinese dramas, so this was one of the rare ones that I watched from start to finish.The story is about a girl who falls in love with her brother's friend, who's 5 years older than him. Sounds spicy, and the trailer and plot made it seem like the couple will go through many ups and downs. But this drama was the complete opposite of dramatic. It was so sweet, without being cringe. This was one of the main reasons why I loved this drama. The guy was so romantic, sweet, and caring, without being too over the top. The girl may seem spoiled given her family background, but she was raised right: humble and kind. They complement each other so well!
The progression of how the couple grew to be together was so natural. At first, I thought the actress was too cutesy in having to play a younger girl, but I ended up being used to it, and it worked on her.
In real life, the age gap is only by 2 years, so I'm curious to know how it would be like if the age gap was further, to be more realistic. Either way, they had amazing chemistry, and I'm going to miss this cute couple.
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Made me watch cdrama again!!
It was fluffyy.. Sweet.. Stress and anxiety reliever for me.. I havent watch c drama in a very long time.. Last time mind you was "meteor garden" taiwan version.I love how they look together.. Love the story line.. Love the people around them..
Its almost like it was written and produce for lusi and zheyuan. Their chemistry was great..
And the bts shoot is a show on its own. Love it..
The ost is amazing as well.
And if i may say.. The outfit that the leads wore on this show is better compare to other cdrama.
Overall i love it.. I love it..
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A Heartfelt Journey of Love.
I finished watching the show, and it's one of the best ones out there. Everything between the leads is so sweet and organic, and how they overcome their initial awkwardness to finally. It's too real. Of course, the chemistry of the leads is electrifying and beautiful! One of the most gorgeous-looking pairs I've ever watched.Was this review helpful to you?
It will be the best drama you have ever watched
Believe me it's the best drama that you will ever watch. The actors chemistry was amazing. The songs are like cherry on the top of cake. Their lyrics , voices music , if you read the English translation of the songs you gonna definitely like it. I'm like 24/7 listening to the osts continuosly. It's addictive. I have already watched this drama 6 times. Imagine how nice it is. I have watched over 40+ Chinese dramas and 20+ Kdramas. This one hitted me different. The emotions these actors have put in the characters have made them alive. You will feel as if it's reality. The best drama forever. Must watch!Was this review helpful to you?
A MUST WATCH!!!!
the first cdrama i ever watched and it did not disappoint. i fell in love with the characters, the way every scene was shot, music, and even the little intro (which i typically tend to skip past). the progression was done so perfectly to where you would never be bored. the love story is so beautiful makes your heart flutter, a girls first love is so impactful and meaningful so they did a really great job of articulating that. highly highly recommend this show. (i’ve rewatched it about 6 times already 😭)Was this review helpful to you?
A Heart-Warming Romance Story
The theme of the drama, the soundtracks, the chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan were perfect. It'd be nice to see these couple in a drama again.The bond of brotherhood between San Yan and San Qi was so beautifully created that I couldn't help but be jealous. I think sibling relationships are always the same no matter where in the world they are, and the series handled it very well.
The love between Duan Juaxu and Sang Zhi is truly enviable. Even I had butterflies in my heart while watching the series. I'm afraid to give spoilers if I write something more about this gorgeous couple. LOL.
If you want to watch a kind, heart-warming, a little fun, romance youth series, you should definitely watch it. You won't regret it.
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No matter what, the first person who made our heart flutter will always be special<3
WOWW!! I don't care what others say about this drama being overrated because to me this drama is worth the hype. Everyone has different problems in their life and literally watch these drama to calm down their choatic mind and this one literally helped me heal. The amount of cheesiness was perfect, it didn't made me to cringe or left out. The most important thing is the male lead was not rich and arrogant/ portrayed to be someone who is beyond everything, he was just an ordinary guy trying to live a peaceful life with the person he loves. His/ her love was not exaggerated but still made us fall in love with the characters and made us believe in love. I always love a healthy and mature relationship between the main leads in a drama, yeah obviously i love angst but for this story, the amount of angst they added felt more than enough.Sang Zhi's love for Jiaxu is everything!! Everyone talks about Jiaxu being a green forest, yeah i totally agree but Sang Zhi is the whole lot of green universe. She is cute, beautiful (both inside and outside), matured, understanding. This made the story more and more adorable.
Okay if I don't stop here, i would just keep on simping for them. I WOULD NEVER HESITATE TO WATCH THIS ONE AGAIN AND AGAIN ❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
"Hidden Love: A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Family, and Growing Pains"
Story: 9.5/10Hidden Love masterfully blends romance, familial bonds, and personal growth into a narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. The story follows Sang Zhi (Zhao Lusi), a bright, witty young woman who harbours a long-standing crush on Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan), her older brother's best friend. The series transitions seamlessly between Sang Zhi’s adolescence and adulthood, capturing her journey from infatuation to a mature, heartfelt love story with Duan Jiaxu.
What sets the drama apart is its layered storytelling. Duan Jiaxu’s backstory—marked by family struggles, personal loss, and his quiet resilience—adds depth and emotional weight. The exploration of his trauma, paired with Sang Zhi’s unwavering support and growing maturity, elevates the narrative beyond a simple romance. These complex emotional threads make the story relatable and profoundly moving, touching the hearts of viewers.
From Sang Zhi’s point of view, the story captures her journey from an innocent, spirited teenager doing her best to get into university to a strong, self-assured young woman. Her initial feelings for Duan Jiaxu are tinged with youthful admiration and curiosity. As she matures, her understanding of him deepens, and she sees not just the warm, teasing exterior but also the shadows of his past—the weight of family struggles and unresolved trauma that have shaped him. Her quiet determination to stand by his side, even when he pushes her away to protect her, is a testament to her emotional growth.
For Duan Jiaxu, the story unfolds as a bittersweet journey of healing. Initially, he sees Sang Zhi as his best friend’s younger sister, someone he wants to protect but not get too close to. His own pain, stemming from a tragic family past and years of loneliness, keeps him from considering love as a possibility. He has many responsibilities he shouldn't have to bear. But as Sang Zhi grows older, her unwavering kindness and support begin to break through his defences. Duan Jiaxu is a complex character and he doesn't see himself as a good person. However, Duan Jiaxu’s eventual acceptance of himself and his feelings for her is a beautifully crafted arc of vulnerability and self-forgiveness, showing how love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Growing Feelings and Age-Gap Romance:
The drama does an exceptional job of portraying the progression of their relationship. The age gap between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu is handled with care and respect, emphasising the emotional maturity and mutual trust that form the foundation of their love. Their interactions are filled with subtle gestures and moments of unspoken understanding, creating a romance that feels genuine and heartfelt.
One of the standout elements is how the story contrasts their stages of life. Sang Zhi’s youthfulness brings light and hope into Duan Jiaxu’s world, while his steady presence becomes a source of comfort and guidance for her. Their love story grows organically, marked by milestones of mutual support—her helping him confront his painful past and him encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
The quote from Sang Zhi at the end of the drama encapsulates the essence of their journey:
“Our story began when he was 22 years old, and it ended when I was 22 years old. I healed the wounds of his youth, and he fulfilled my young first love.”
This poignant reflection underscores how their love story is not just about romance but also about growth, healing, and the profound impact they have on each other’s lives. IT WAS SO SWEET!!
Siblings and Side Characters:
Adding a layer of levity to the drama is the hilarious dynamic between Sang Zhi and her older brother, Sang Yan (Victor Ma). Their sibling banter is filled with comedic gold, providing a delightful counterbalance to the more emotional moments. Sang Yan’s protective but exasperated reactions to Sang Zhi’s growing closeness with Duan Jiaxu are particularly entertaining and relatable.
The supporting characters, including Duan Jiaxu’s loyal friends and Sang Zhi’s loving yet occasionally oblivious parents, enrich the narrative and make the world of Hidden Love feel lived-in and authentic.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan shine as the leads, delivering a chemistry that feels authentic and deeply heartfelt. Zhao Lusi perfectly captures Sang Zhi’s playful charm and emotional vulnerability, while Chen Zheyuan portrays Duan Jiaxu with a quiet strength and tenderness that make him an unforgettable male lead. Their relationship evolves naturally, and their romantic moments are both swoon-worthy and emotionally rich.
The supporting cast also deserves high praise. Victor Ma, as Sang Zhi’s overprotective yet hilariously petty older brother Sang Yan, adds a comedic flair to the series. The sibling dynamic between Victor Ma and Zhao Lusi is a highlight, brimming with playful banter and heartfelt moments that feel genuine. Meanwhile, the side characters, including Sang Zhi’s parents and Duan Jiaxu’s friends, contribute depth and humour, creating a well-rounded world that enhances the central story.
Music: 10/10
The soundtrack of Hidden Love is a perfect companion to the story, amplifying its emotional beats. Songs like “Silently” by Zhao Lusi herself and “One Hundred Ways to Say I Like You” capture the tender, bittersweet essence of young love, while instrumental tracks underscore the poignant moments with subtlety and grace. The music enhances every scene, ensuring that the emotions linger with the audience long after the episode ends.
Rewatch Value: 10/10
Hidden Love is a drama that invites repeat viewings. Its multi-layered plot, strong emotional resonance, and endearing characters ensure that each rewatch reveals new details to appreciate. Whether it’s revisiting the sparkling chemistry between the leads, reliving the comedic sibling moments, or uncovering the deeper nuances of Duan Jiaxu’s backstory, the drama holds up beautifully to multiple viewings.
Overall Value: 9.5/10
Hidden Love is a standout in the world of C-dramas, offering a perfect balance of romance, humour, and emotional depth. Its well-crafted plot, exceptional performances, and heartfelt music make it a story that lingers in the hearts of viewers long after the final episode. For anyone seeking a drama that delivers both laughter and tears while exploring the complexities of love and family, Hidden Love is an unmissable gem.
Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn romances or meaningful character development, this series will undoubtedly win you over. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience that resonates on a deeply personal level.
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Absolutely amazing
Hidden Love isn’t just a drama—it’s an experience that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you longing for more. Starring Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan, this story beautifully captures the magic of first love, the ache of unspoken feelings, and the warmth of finding someone who truly understands you.From Sang Zhi’s shy admiration to Duan Jiaxu’s quiet devotion, every moment between them is filled with tenderness and longing. Their chemistry is pure, electric, and deeply emotional, making you smile, cry, and fall in love alongside them. The breathtaking cinematography and soul-stirring OST only amplify the heart-fluttering moments, making this drama feel like a cherished memory come to life.
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A must watch drama
I just finished watching hidden love and I am sooo in love with it. I don't know where to start to describe it but this drama portrayed love in the most perfect way possible. Both characters' endless love for each other blew me, especially Sang Zhi's love, affection, persistent desire to protect and defend him made me so emotional. You just can't help but want to fall in love after watching this drama. Both Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu are so lovely, they have so much aura and great energy, both are so easy to love. Sang Zhi is a cute character but not in a cringy way, instead that cuteness was delivered in a great way, Zhao Lusi, Chen Zheyuan, Victor Ma and the rest of the cast did a great job at portraying their characters, you could feel pain, happiness, excitement and all other feelings in the deepest way possible. FL and ML have so much chemistry, and romantic scenes were delivered really well. There is no unnecessary drama in the show but instead it reflects real life issues. I just can go on and on and on but gotta stop lol. I don't know if I can move on from this drama but to those who haven't watched it yet, just go for it!Was this review helpful to you?
A light-hearted, beautiful, sweet drama to comfort your life!
This drama tell us the love story between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu troughout the years, from a brotherhood to a romantic relationship.This love story is extremely beautifully told, in all aspects. First: the development is slow paced (but not too much as to cause frustration) and respects each phase of their relationship. Second: the couple is mature and we aren't tortured with an imature relation filled with miscommunication. Love triangles, bad communication, breakups with dumb reasons... not in this drama! Even when the plot suggests some trouble coming into their relation, they were capable of communicate, protect each other, don't bend to other people expectation and put their love above all. Third: the love, respect and caring between the couple is evident from beginning to end, not only in words but in actions and even in how they look to each other. The scenes where they take care of each other in face of the various struggles of life are among the most beautiful and touching ones I had seen in recent dramas. Of course all this beautiful story would not be well portrayed if the actors hadn't done a wonderful job! Their acting were superb, their chemistry was incredible and their looks were a delightful for our eyes. To make everything even more appealing, a beautiful soundtrack completes the combo with the unforgetable Forever Star as a main theme. For you to not say that I don't have any criticism to the drama, I would love to see a better development to Sang Zhi's brother and Sang Zhi's friends. However I understand the focus were the main couple and these "flaws" don't affect the story, they would be just a savory plus.
A common criticism to this drama is about the age difference and the fact they know each other when Sang Zhi is underage. However the age difference is only 5 years and the drama never shows any romantic felling from Duan Jiaxu towards Sang Zhi while she is underage! The relation is 100% platonic and it causes a great suffering to Sang Zhi who firmily believes Duan Jiaxu will never be able to see her as more than his friend's little sister. So, if you were planing to watch but unsure due to this criticism, I say to you: do it! This drama is one of that gems: it brings you peace and confort and you know that, in the future, you can rewatch again and again and again when you are feelind depressed ou even when you simply miss them so much...
Enjoy this perfect drama as I enjoyed it (and as I keep enjoying as I rewatch from time to time :D)!
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THE BEST C-DRAMA I EVER WATCHED
I hadn't watched Chinese Dramas for so long (binge-watched S. Korean ones) but when I came across this drama (and its ratings), I decided to make a comeback to C-Dramas. I must say that that's the best decision I ever made till now because "Hidden Love" totally changed my perspective of C-Dramas (previously, I thought they were good but cringe). This drama genuinely captivated me from start to finish. However, as much as I adored it, there were a couple of elements because of which I gave it a 9.5 and not a perfect 10. But I'll write about that in the end of my review. Let me first tell you what actually made this drama so so so good!So, what truly made this drama shine was the exceptional acting. The main lead actors Chen Zheyuan & Zhao Lusi took their characters to a whole new level of depth and authenticity. It was as if they breathed life into the screen, making each moment truly memorable. The ML's (Duan Jiaxu's) eye expressions were to die for! The FL's acting was phenomenal too. The supporting characters also did a great job & that's why I gave the acting part of this drama a 10/10.
One of the aspects that made this drama stand out was its ability to create an immersive and heartwarming atmosphere. It felt like a warm embrace to me. This is where the drama truly excelled, portraying the delicate intricacies of relationships, friendships & emotions. I loved the bond between FL (Sang Zhi) & her brother Sang Yan.
Now, let's come to the couple of areas where the drama fell just shy of perfection (in my opinion). Firstly, the supporting characters (Sang Yan, Wang Ruolan & Jiang Ming) didn't receive as much screen time as I would have liked. While the main leads shone brightly, I wanted to delve deeper into the lives, thoughts, and emotions of the supporting cast. Providing them some more screentime could have added an extra layer of richness to the drama.
The second point that I found kind of strange was the sudden change of the ML's feelings for the FL. The ML admitted his feelings for the FL out of nowhere & it felt so abrupt that I couldn't help but notice it. While the chemistry between them was incredible & undeniable, I wished to witness the different stages of his emotional transformation more vividly – from initial denial and hesitation to eventual acceptance and determination. A more gradual progression would have made his character's growth of feelings even more compelling.
*Edit : Another thing which I was concerned about while watching this drama was that they chose such a young girl for playing the role of 14 years old Sang Zhi. Since there is a 5 years age gap between ML & FL, they should've chosen a girl who actually looked 14 instead of 8 so that viewers won't feel disturbed. Just remembered this point & wanted to add it but otherwise it's alright. Kindly continue reading the rest of my review below.
In conclusion, despite these minor setbacks, this drama remains a beautiful and emotionally resonant experience & it's far by the best C-Drama I watched. It enveloped me in a world of genuine warmth and heartfelt moments. The exceptional acting and the portrayal of intricate human relationships make it a must-watch. While it might not have been a flawless 10/10 for me, it certainly left a lasting impression on me ❤️.
(P.S. : I'm IN LOVE with the ost "Forever Star"!! ✨)
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