Hidden Love

"Hidden Love: A Heartwarming Evolution of Innocent Crush to Everlasting Love"

Hidden Love, a masterfully executed drama, fearlessly explores the complex themes of unrequited love and age difference, delicately avoiding any potential for discomfort or unease. The series deftly captures the essence of a young girl's infatuation and takes audiences on a captivating journey as it evolves into a passionate, enduring love between the lead characters.

The chemistry between DJX and SZ is nothing short of electric, igniting the screen with their palpable connection. From DJX's charming yet teasing remark, "You are not my girlfriend yet," to the heartwarming kitchen scene, viewers will undoubtedly find themselves enamored with SZ's transformation from a timid teenager to a courageous woman who unconditionally stands up for her man and their love.

The aesthetic choices throughout the drama evoke a sense of refreshing tranquility akin to a gentle summer breeze, punctuated by moments of conflict and introspection that add depth to the narrative.

An additional source of enjoyment lies in the endearing love-hate dynamic between Sang Zhi and her brother, Sang Yan. Whether it's the exasperation Sang Yan experiences while tutoring her or their playful banter, the on-screen chemistry between the two siblings is a delight to behold. Not to be missed are the scenes where Sang Yan fearlessly confronts SZ's bullies, transforming from a comical brother figure into a fiercely protective guardian.

Furthermore, the confrontations between SY and DJX showcase extraordinary performances that vividly convey a range of emotions. The actors' remarkable talent enhances the storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Hidden Love has undoubtedly secured its place as one of the standout dramas of the year, earning a spot on many viewers' re-watch lists. It skillfully blends elements of romance and comedy, intertwined with moments of conflict resolution, resulting in a truly engaging viewing experience.

For those who have fallen under the spell of Chen Zhe Yuan's acting prowess, exploring his other works such as "Mr. Bad" and "Our Secret" is highly recommended.

Note: This review is written by me, edited by ChatGPT for readability.

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Another great acting chop from Zhao Lusi - great script and good acting from Chen Zhe Yuan as well.

Hidden Love is another good act from Zhao Lusi. Sang Zhi falls in Love with Duan Jia Xu, the boy who often comes to her house to play games in her older brother's room. He is five years older than her. Sang Zhi had a crush on Duan Jia Xu when she was young, but they lost contact for some reason. After she graduates, she joins the university in the city he is in. During their day-to-day intimate and close interaction, they slowly fall in Love.

The story is cute, and ZLS did an exceptional job playing a teenage girl with a crush and Love, Duan Jia Xu, and into adulthood. The onscreen chemistry between ZLS and Chen Zhe Yuan is undeniably fantastic. Victor Ma did a good job at playing her annoying older brother as well. I love this drama and found myself rewatching it just like WRTW.

Awesome job, ZLS, and Chen Zhe Yuan. I give it a 9.0 rating.

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Not my typa show

Please refrain from reading this comment if you have not completed the series, as it contains major spoilers.

I typically do not find myself compelled to write reviews for dramas; however, the portrayal of the main characters in "Hidden Love" has prompted me to provide a less favourable assessment. My critique pertains solely to the character of "Sang Zhi" and not to the actress "Zhao Lusi", who has exhibited exceptional talent in her other drama works. I just couldn't stand to like how Sang Zhi presented herself in Hidden Love.

Pros
Although I've given such a modest rating, I would like to acknowledge several positive aspects of the series:
1. "Hidden Love" effectively explores and promotes healthy family relationships, particularly in the depiction of Sang Zhi's close bond with her brother. His unwavering support showcases a protective and caring older sibling. For example, he backs up Sang Zhi when she is getting bullied at school, ensures she is well at university, etc.
2. The series handles the age gap between Jiaxu and Sang Zhi with sensitivity and respect, emphasizing that their romantic relationship develops only when Sang Zhi reaches adulthood. There was also a lot of disclaimer throughout the show to emphasize that they are 5 years apart and establish their relationship on a legal and ethical foundation.
3. Sang Zhi's willingness to stand up for Jiaxu - for example, when the antagonist poured water on Jiaxu, she demonstrated her commitment to protecting her man by pouring water back.
4. Sang Zhi handled herself really professionally during her internship, even though her supervisor gave her a hard time.

Cons
1. The primary concern I have with the series centres around Zhao Lusi's portrayal of Sang Zhi as a 17-year-old, which often felt incongruous with the character's age. It almost felt like she was stuck in a 10-year-old's body. For example, there was a scene where she wanted to eat a lollipop and asked her brother's friend to open the wrapper for her - this is what ticked me off. A 17-year-old should reasonably possess the skills to open a lollipop wrapper independently. How are you 17 years old but still need someone to open a lollipop wrapper for you? This inconsistency was particularly vexing, given the more mature portrayal of Sang Zhi at 14 by the younger actress. It raises questions about whether Sang Zhi's affluent upbringing resulted in excessive pampering. Perhaps she came from a rich family so she was babied throughout her life but this still makes absolutely no sense to me. At age 17, she possibly never washed the dishes or her clothes and that's ok but the inability to open a lollipop wrapper appears far-fetched. Another example is the scene where Sang Zhi's brother takes her out to hotpot while her parents are away for a wedding and she is caught playing "fort" at home...

Given that this drama had such high ratings, I really wanted to give this drama a second chance to see what the hype is about. The initial 7 episodes wherein Zhao Lusi portrays Sang Zhi as a 17-year-old were cringe-inducing and prompted me to skip ahead to episode 8, where a 2-year time skip makes her transition to adulthood.

2. Shan Zhi's character demonstrates growth in maturity by the age of 19, making her interactions with the main lead during their early stages of romantic development more enjoyable. However, the relationship takes a downturn once they officially start dating (in ep 17/18). There were several cringeworthy moments I just couldn't stand, such as the moment at the roller skating rink when Sang Zhi felt compelled to notify Jiaxu of her intention to kiss him, which disrupted the flow of the scene. This action appears overly contrived and unrealistic, as spontaneous gestures of affection are typically more natural in romantic relationships. It's also a little bizarre for someone to say "I'm going to kiss you today" - it should usually happen naturally, at the right moment, right? I get that she wanted to respect Jiaxu by giving him a heads up but he already showed affection in the previous episodes that it is safe to assume Shan Zhi can do the same without asking Jiaxu for consent. There were also a lot of weird moments where she was getting flustered for no apparent reason. I mean, c'mon, your mans chilling in full long-sleeve pyjamas at home (and also considering y'all been dating for at least 3 months now)? It's not like he's lounging around shirtless in his boxers on the couch. It just doesn't add up to me.

3. The whole lack of communication in this show is really something else. I mean, in any decent relationship or interaction, good communication is the key to building those deep, meaningful connections, right? But seriously, there were so many times in the series where it felt like Shan Zhi couldn't get her thoughts across to Jiaxu. Let's talk about that KTV scene, for instance, when they randomly bump into each other after two years. There's this whole mix-up with her friend's sweater and some cigarettes falling out, and she tries to explain it to Jiaxu, but he's just not buying it. I mean, come on, at that moment, it felt like she could've laid it out better, like, "Hey, I accidentally grabbed my friend's sweater, and it's an exact copy of the one from KTV, so that's why this whole thing went down." You know, just to clear the air and avoid any misunderstandings. Another example is when they are in Jiaxu's car and Jiaxu asks Shan Zhi if she has any feelings for him and she literally did since the beginning of her childhood, but she replies with "no" because she was shy. I mean, she could've said something flirty like "don't worry about it" with a smirk (?) again, just my opinion. And then, when they were dating, it felt like they never had any real, deep conversations.

While Hidden Love strives to depict an innocent love story, it ultimately falls short due to numerous unrealistic and cringe-inducing moments found during the start of their relationship. As they progress further in their relationship (a year in), that's when I start seeing more improvements and fewer cringe-inducing moments - which is why I think the drama deserves +1 point higher than mid @ 5/10.

I know a lot of ppl gave a much higher rating for this drama so please don't be offended. This is just my opinion.

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Heartwarming Love Drama

Hidden Love is a captivating drama that takes viewers on a journey through the stages of love, showcasing the growth and evolution of its characters. From the charming performances to the heartwarming storyline, this drama is bound to leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

One of the standout elements of Hidden Love is the exceptional talent of the child actress portraying the female lead. Despite a slight age gap, her portrayal of the character's childhood phase was endearing and believable, capturing the innocence and charm of young love. While some viewers may have preferred a slightly older actress for the adult role, it did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the drama.

The bickering relationship between the brother and sister in the teenage part of the drama was a delightful addition. It added a layer of fun and humor, making those scenes enjoyable and entertaining to watch. The interactions between the siblings were refreshing and added a lighthearted touch to the story.

As the drama progresses into the university phase, viewers are treated to a mesmerizing display of ageless romance. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the slow-paced development of their relationship keeps audiences engaged and invested. The steamy kisses and romantic gestures from the male lead were unexpected but greatly appreciated, adding a touch of passion and intensity to the story.

One aspect that stands out in Hidden Love is the female lead's perceptiveness regarding the male lead's hard work to provide for their future. Her appreciation of his efforts highlights a mature and understanding relationship, further deepening the connection between the characters. The drama's emphasis on love, understanding, and family bonding creates a relatable and heartwarming experience for viewers.

Moreover, the male lead's determination to become worthy of the female lead for marriage adds a realistic and relatable aspect to the story. It showcases the growth and development of the characters, highlighting their dedication and commitment to one another.

In conclusion, Hidden Love is a remarkable drama that successfully captures the different stages of love, from innocent childhood to passionate romance. With its charming performances, delightful humor, and realistic portrayals, this drama is a must-watch for those seeking a heartwarming and engaging storyline. Each character contributes to the overall beauty of the narrative, leaving viewers captivated until the very end.

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A wholesome drama to make your heart flutter

Cute, this cdrama is utterly adorable and there's no other way to describe it. Normally I don't gravitate towards contemporary cdramas, I'm a historical/Xinxia girl, but I will watch almost anything with Zhao Lusi in it so I decided to give this one a go. And I'm really glad I did, I loved it so much.
Story:
So this drama follows Sang Zhi starting from middle school and going into college, all revolving around her relationship with her older brothers best friend Duan Jiaxu. Personally, my least favourite part was when she was a minor. I wish it'd started with her in college and shown brief flashbacks to them meeting when she was a kid because though the age gap isn't massive and the relationship only begins when she is an adult, it's kind of weird to start a romance show with the fl being a middle schooler and the ml being in college. This is the only thing I don't particularly like about the show, idk I just don't really care for the teenager crushing on the adult trope. I love their romance and I ship them so much but I just wish they'd changed that. So that's why it gets a 9.5 instead of a 10. But besides that, I absolutely adore this show. Sang Zhi is such a fun, sweet protagonist and I love her relationship with her brother. Also as a Love like the Galaxy watcher, seeing the mom again but as a good parent this time was so lovely. As for the romance, it is so sweet and healthy. Coming off a drama where the Ml repeatedly betrayed and hurt the fl, I was in need of a Ml like Jiaxu. He is responsible, he is respectful, he is protective, he is the perfect boyfriend. His only problem is he needs to have some self respect, why he wasn't filing a restraining order against Jiang Ying was baffling. After I paid that debt and told her to leave me alone but she didn't, I would have made sure she couldn't be closer than fifty feet to me or my loved ones for the rest of my life.
I know they'll be making a drama about Sang Yan and unfortunately it seems they won't be casting Victor Ma so I don't know if I'll be watching or not because this version of Sang Yan is the best one so I can't imagine another person playing him. Speaking of actors, they all did phenomenally. As I said before, I will watch almost anything with Zhao Lusi in it so I'm very aware of how incredible of an actress she is. This drama was no different, she did amazingly. Chen Zhen Yuan also did a very good job, this was my first drama of his and I was very impressed. As for the side characters, I wish we'd seen more of Wang Wang, especially about her relationship with the athlete. After the confession, what happened? Are they dating? Did he say no?
Overall I really enjoyed this drama and I think it's really good for any beginners or people who love romance dramas. I'm really happy I watched it and I hope you will watch it too

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Not fluffy as it's seems *hidden gem*

I start this show just for fun it was like I'll watch ep or two but it's really really good
The one thing that kept bothering me that the young actress was toooo young to convince me that she is in love..
The FL luci wad really good at acting she made me cry laugh feel frustrated all those emotions at same time
The ML was good at acting and as you keep watching his portray as cool not cold person will make sense his background and struggles

The older brother was so funny caring annoying typical brother_sis relationship

The reason I gave the story low rate that I kept worrying about the young child.and the story itself isn't a new one


But it was the most realistic

*Spoiler*
The scene at airport was really heartbreaking anyone who had been in one side love will have felt her pain

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I don't even like cdramas SO WHY WAS THIS SO DAMN GOOD

listen I would be the most happiest woman on earth if someone like duan jiaxu was mine. THE DUDE IS SO FRICKIN FICTIONAL CAUSE NO MAN LIKE HIM EXISTS. I absolutely love how when he realized he liked her he didn't go into no stupid stage of denial like "oh she is my best friends sister I shouldn't have any feelings for her" blah blah! THE MAN FELL AND THEN KEPT FALLING HARDER. i bloody love green flag men.
And regarding the female lead? I found her absolutely adorable when she was drunk and crying over her crush. like pls stop making me wanna squeeze your face through the phone.
what do I do now this show is over?

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Best chinese drama I've ever watched!! ??

If you are planning to watch this, you definitely should try it. The story, characters and how they act through every scene. I felt every scene, first heartbreak of a young girl and a young boy who is struggling because of his past and making sacrifices to make ends meet. I can't express how much I love them. There are so many lessons to learn through their story.

Chen Zhe Yuan and Zhao Lusi are so good at portraying their characters. Their gestures, facial expressions and the way they look at each other makes me feel that they truly love each other in real life. Their CHEMISTRY is 10000000/10!!! 🩷 It almost feels like they're real. This show has no boring parts, all scenes are worthy of your time and worthy to rewatch as well!!! Also the bonus scenes at each episode are so cute 😭😭😭

Duan Jiaxu and Sang Zhi ❤️

I hope they'll get paired together again for another drama, I'll watch that drama if it happens.

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Cute and Refreshing Drama

The storyline is actually quite typical but the casts and products in this drama (the stuffed animals, their outfits, the freaking frog phone case!) make the drama so so cute! Zhaolusi really embodies Sang Zhi so well (they're both lovely and cute and sincere). Her transition from high schooler to college student is very convincing. This is my first time seeing Chen Zheyuan but he really gave me a good impression in this drama. Especially during those scenes where he was touched but didn't want to cry in front of Sang Zhi. Two thumbs up to the cast and production team! A very refreshing watch. Can't help but smile throughout the drama.

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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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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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