Hidden Love

It's a good watch if you're mindlessly bored

The drama was kind of dragged out in my opinion..... Like I didn't need 15+ episodes of the FL pining after the ML just for her to reject his advances when he was interested in her...... Also the FL was spoil and selfish and I didn't like how she was unconcerned about everything else in her life besides the ML. Also I thought the acting for the FL was terrible in regard to the intimate scenes between the male and female lead. You could tell that she was uncomfortable being physical with him from her hesitations and facial expressions. Anyways.... like I said if you have absolutely nothing to do you could watch it I guess.

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You can feel the emotion so well

personally I never really watch dramas where the girl and the boy were like siblings and they grew up to fall for each other (ex.21,25. go ahead) but I started to watch this one and I don't regret it one bit!!!! The story is amazing and the way they show the emotions and how their story connects through the OST ,the objects used in the drama and their past is amazing they connect everything together so you know how special their relationship really is and how deep they are into each other's lives all the things the main lead gives to the girl all have a story behind it and how their relationship was at the moment and how it grew (ex.the dog when she was in HS to the bracelet when she was in uni) they show how their relationship grew with such good emotion that it feels like you're the one in their place it's amazing!!!

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The hype is killing the enjoyment.

When one's expectations are set to perfection, the show fails to deliver. The show has a high rating, but it felt underwhelming to me. The story is mellow-stress-free, and I failed to feel the astonishment it promised.

I would first like to discuss what I enjoyed. Visually, the drama is enticing, and the cast is beautiful (and I emphasize BEAUTIFUL). The show has no actual conflict, and whatever minute disputes we see are either superficial or short-lived. I also liked that initially, it was strongly communicated that the feelings were one-sided (younger FL to older ML) and were not reciprocated until they were seemingly mature enough (they tend to focus on the age difference a lot, personally, I don't care much; I understand since maturity level changes drastically at this age it can be uncomfortable for many). Also, I would especially like to applaud the actress portraying young SJ's, Zhang Xi Wei; her performance stole my heart! The banter she had with her brother is among my favourite scenes.

Adding to that, I would have appreciated, it if there were more scenes with the brother and slightly more focus on other relationships. If such scenes would have replaced the everyday interactions, which were monotonous at times, between the ML and FL it would have added a bit more to the comedic parts. All the characters are well rounded, but not all characters go through a proper development arc or are even given the screentime for us to discover a bit about them. ML and FL, are both shown to have friends and coworkers. Still, we never learn anything more about these side characters apart from the caricature they are supposed to portray. Generally, I do not mind seeing characters as just 'the smart one, 'the hopeless romantic one', but when all the characters are just that, the scenes without the ML and the FL feel too bland and tedious. I did end up skipping a lot of these scenes.

Now, speaking a bit about the story and direction. As I said before, it is a stress-free drama. I generally watch such dramas to escape my stressful real life, and on this account, the show delivers. It is enjoyable for viewers, especially the younger audience. My 19yo niece is in absolute awe of this show. I would think it is a mature story for people below 25 and a cute fluff for people above 25 (although I could be wrong, it is just my opinion). Either way, one cannot go wrong. For me, though, the alacrity was disjointed, and the main reason for this was the way the FL in her high school years kept talking and acting like a baby. This infantilizing of the character is especially unconvincing after seeing her as a child. She is a witty and funny character, but all of it is lost too suddenly; I would have loved it if some of these personality traits were carried into her adulthood. Her university personality is still better and she does start acting like an actual human adult eventually, but one has to go on till ep7 with an unpleasant babyish acting. But the actor is not to blame here; it is solely the fault of the direction and the production.

If I had seen the show before reading the reviews and comments, I would have given it an 8/10. But the way the reviews make it sound brought my anticipations way too high, and then the drama failed. The storyline is not new but rather an updated version of what most fluffy romances are, albeit with better visuals. The acting is above average, and the worry-free storyline does leave much to desire. So, is it a trailblazing perfection? No. But is it worth watching? Yes, and it is enjoyable for what it is, a simplistic warmhearted easy-going-romantic drama!

PS: I had been watching this drama for a while now, so please excuse my grammar. :)

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(In my best Yoda voice) “Feel the Love!”

Once in awhile a show comes along that just tells a simple story really well. No fuss, no unproductive theatrics, just the basics.

This show is all about the love story between a handsome dude and a beautiful girl 5 years his junior. Their association started when the girl was in junior high and she developed a crush on him when he was introduced as his older brother’s roommate in college. The ML played the "brotherly" role for years until the FL comes of age and he started to have romantic feelings for her. That’s how the show portrayed his side of the story and we shall leave it at that.

The Show took its time to recount their early meetings and how the girl crushed hard on him and going through all the highs and lows of an unrequited love. The Show really hits its stride when they meet again by chance after the FL finished high school and went to a college in the city where the ML is working. Their chemistry is a sight to behold.

As I mentioned in other reviews, in a romance drama, you want to ship the OTP and watch them overcome adversities and fight foes arm in arm. More often than not, dramas will have them fighting each other due to some weak plot twist and go through a breakup or two just to "spice things up". I am thankful that the writer heard my prayers and there is none of that in this show.

Instead, there are lots of playful teasing and plenty of heart fluttering moments and bonus skinship. Their deep love for each other should be distilled and bottled for sale. There are challenges but they are handled with aplomb by our OTP. The writer seems to have gone out of her way to collect all manners of relationship challenges and then set about resolving them in the most positive ways. Each obstacle serves to reaffirm their love and make their relationship stronger. There is little fuss and definitely nothing can come between these two lovebirds. There are no real antagonists and a circle of good friends cheer them on. This type of honest yet heartfelt love story is rare in today’s dramaland. I, for one, give thanks.

The leads are perfect for their roles. ZLS was born to play the lead. I believe this is her first high school drama and she did it with ease. She looks cute and vulnerable in her high school scenes. She then blossomed into a beautiful and radiant young woman in her college years. This goes double after she is in a committed relationship. CZY is handsome and showed a lot more maturity in his role. He played the big brother role well but his take on a devoted boyfriend is next level. He is loving but respectful and always caring. He will make any girl swoon. Their scenes are always worth watching and their chemistry is off the chart. You can really feel their love and commitment especially in later scenes when their resolve is tested.

However, it is not a perfect show. the FL uses a breathless, higher pitched voice when she was playing her younger self and it can be unpleasant to the ears at times. Most of the support casts are from central casting. Their subplots are largely superfluous.

Hidden Love is a sweet, fluffy romance with little angst and few stress points. It is not going to win any awards but this is a show that you can rewatch with guilty pleasure. If you have Romantics Anonymous on speed dial, then you will be doing a happy dance. However, If you want to watch a show with complex plots and matching level of angst and intrigue, then you should have stopped watching 24 episodes ago.

For me, this show has a permanent spot on my rewatch list.

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"Moonlight stars in your eyes, never knew the shine would light up my whole life"

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Trying hard to be coherent because I just finished watching THE MOST AMAZING SHOW EVERRRRRR!!!!

Okay, okay. (Deep breath) So.

Acting, music, cinematography, story, pacing = 10, 10, 10, 10 ,10 ,and more 10.
Honestly, I'm in love. This show is perfection.

Story:
The FL meets the ML when she's 14 years old. He is her older brother's college roommate.
Within moments of meeting him she conns ("cutes") him into pulling a caper with her, to get her out of trouble at school. Endeared, he goes along with her scheme.
They see each other periodically as time goes on. She falls in deep crush with him. He is endeared by her, and treats her very well, like a kind and protective older brother.
When she's a freshman in college they get the chance to spend more time together.
He falls in love. She's still in love. They live happily ever after.

That's the plot summary, without too much detail or spoilers.
(I'll add a more detailed summary with spoilers at the last part of this review.)

There is some deeply emotional content in this story, related to the difficult past of the ML. But it's sad, not toxic. In fact, this show has almost no toxicity (aside from a minor character with very little screen time).
It's hard to call this a "feel-good" romance, due to the emotional (gut wrenching) impact of what the ML has had to overcome. Some of those scenes flattened me. But! The romance itself is very sweet. The family and friends surrounding the ML and FL are sweet. And the ending is definitely sweet. So there's that.

The music is fantastic. Two of the songs are going into my playlist asap.


The pacing of the story was great. I didn't feel bored. The story did not drag. Everything was seamless.

(Kudos to Zhao Lu Si. I saw her in "Dating the Kitchen" where she pulled off a sneaky, sweet, and hilarious character, as well as in "Feel at ease Mr. Ling" where she's a bold, take no prisoners, strong FL. What she gives us here in "Hidden Love" is something completely different from what I'd seen before and she pulls it off to perfection. )


What I loved about the story (beware of spoilers!!!!):

* The brother/sister relationship of the FL with her older brother.
There's nothing new about the antagonism (friendly...mostly lol) between older brother/younger sister. He "bullies" and she takes full advantage, etc.
But this show pulled it off to perfection. They had me on the floor in the first 20 minutes of episode 1 with how they went at each other. Adorable and extremely funny.
The parts where the older brother sticks up for her (90% of those times are on the sly) are heartwarming.
He is very protective of her and cares for her deeply.
I just loved them.

* The non-toxicity of the side characters.
This includes the parents. They handle their concerns regarding the FL/ML romantic relationship in the best possible way. They are such supportive parents. And genuinely good people.
Also, the friends. Both the FL and the ML have a terrific groups of friends.
In particular, the FL has this one college roommate who falls in deep crush with a fellow classmate. Said classmate initially pursues our FL (she rejects him). In other dramas this would have called for the roommate to turn vicious, catty, etc. etc.
She did not. Despite knowing that her crush was crushing on her friend, she continued to be a kind, true friend to our FL and I love that for them both.

There is one toxic side character, from the ML's past. I don't excuse her at all. But an explanation for her behavior is given. The matter is resolved. And her screen time is limited. (Her impact on the ML is significant and their relationship is a very long one, but it's 98% in his past and not shown on-screen.)

*No second male lead or second female lead. The story doesn't call for it so I'm happy we didn't get any interlopers just for added drama.

* How kind the ML and FL are.
They are both genuinely nice, good people.
Their instinct is to help others.
It's just so nice to see good people on screen :))

*How unspoiled the ML and FL are.
His past is beyond heartbreaking. Given what's he's been through , and is still shouldering, it would make sense for him to be cold or uncaring. But he's not. His heart in open and unspoiled.
The FL is the baby of the family, spoiled and cherished by her parents and and older brother. Her upbringing has been comfortable, with no hardships. One might expect her to be self-centred, demanding, or weak. She is none of those things. Her heart is open and true. She is strong in her convictions, and not afraid of working hard to follow them. She is ready to give to others, and make sacrifices. She is a very kind and selfless person. Utterly unspoiled.

*The caring and devotion of the ML and FL to one another.
No matter which part of their story we see, back when she's a young teen up to when they're both adults and dating, these two will go out of their way to care for each other and make the other happy. It could cost them a little, a lot, or nothing. But their first instinct is always to care for the other. It's beautiful to see.

*How the ML treats the FL.
This here is the ultimate. The core of why I adored this show so much. Why it touched me so deeply.
So, when we meet the ML and FL she is 14 years old (a very young 14) and he is 19.
He's an only child, mature beyond his years, who is carrying a very heavy burden- both financial and emotional.
Yet he takes on the "older brother" role as if he were born to it.
He meets this young girl. With one sentence she manages to endear him. So he decides to help her get out of trouble at school, despite the time/effort it costs him or the potential blowback that might fall on him.
Every subsequent time he meets her, he goes out of his way to be nice to her. Giving her little gifts, making sure she is taken care of and comfortable, solving problems that are beyond her, sparing her embarrassment, and encouraging her. He spends thought, heart, time, and money (which he has very little of) on her. Completely selflessly. Waaaay before they ever start dating and he falls in love.
What struck me was how intuitive he was. There were time when he understood her, and took care of her, better than her actual brother did. It was incredible to see, how kind and caring he was, and how innately he understood her.

Then they started dating.
Now, at this point in time, he's out of college, is 24/25 years old, been working for 2 years. In other words, a fully grown adult.
While she is a college freshman, just getting her toes wet.
And he knows this!!!
Consistently, he behaves in ways to make sure that she gets the full experience of youthful "first love". Though he can't actually be her campus sweetheart he promises her (and follows through!) on giving her as many "first young love" moments and milestones as possible.

He is infinitely patient, never demanding, and never patronizing.

He lets her set the pace of their relationship from day one, and he respects her and her choices!

1) He confesses to her, but tells her "let me pursue you", not "let me date you". This gives her the right to say when (and if) they actually become a couple.

2) Initially she is a bit overwhelmed with physical intimacy. As soon as she pulls back he makes sure to stop. She explains that she's nervous. Thereafter he tells her in advance whenever he wants to initiate any contact (even hand-holding) and gets her explicit consent before proceeding. (This stage doesn't last long; she overcomes her nerves pretty quickly, but it just goes to show (again!) how well he understands her, cares for her, and respects her.)

3) She knows how difficult his life has been and how heavy a burden he still carries. More than anything she wants to take care of him and protect him. In an effort to do so, she doesn't share with him two ongoing hardships that she is experiencing. Instead, she tells him everything is fine, in order to spare him. (And in order to prove that she is an adult, capable of handling her own problems.) When he finds out about everything he doesn't rush in to save her, despite desperately wanting to (though he does handle one of the issues that directly relate to his own past). Also, he doesn't blame her for not sharing, or coerce her (emotionally, guilt-tripping, or in any other way) into sharing more in the future. He just requests of her to lean on him more and to give him more of her trust. Very, very respectfully done.

4) He is never condescending. There are many times, in many ways, where we see that he is indeed five years older than her. There is a gap of life experience. Each and every time, he always waits on her, or takes a step back for her- coming down to her level. All the while never for a moment being condescending or superior. (I just love him!)

* The confession at the end of ep 23, and the beginning of ep 24.
They were both crying and I was crying along with them.
As soon as I finished the last episode I went back to rewatch those scenes... twice!
I'm an avid drama watcher (chinese, korean and english) but I seriously cannot recall any other show giving us a confession like this one. The emotional wallop!! I'm still in my feels hours later.

Rewatch value = 1000/10. (Seriously, I just finished 25 episodes of this and I'm ready to start again from 1 right away. I have NEVER had this happen before.)

So, yeah....I love this show.
And I hope you will too <3

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She's 17, and acting like a baby

Am I the only one who finds the girl's acting in the series as off??! She's 17 but acts like a 3 year old child, making it hard to buy into the on-screen relationship between the main leads. It feels like the guy is dating a kid, and her immature acting messes with the credibility of the show. She could do better by showing a more grown-up side that matches her character's age, which would have made the series more believable and enjoyable to watch!

It's such a pity because the story and concept of the series is awesome, and also all cred to the rest of the actors who did an amazing job!

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What to expect from c dramas lol?

First of all I don’t watch Cdrama , cause it’s always silly kiddos , but about hidden love, everyone was taking about it , so I wanted to give it a try but what the heck?? I think the people who are planning to watch it based on it’s rating please don’t waste your time and ruin your mood , the people who are giving rating are 90% Chinese and all kids , it’s a drama for 13,14 years old kids literally, even when I was 14 I didn’t even watch this kinda silly things but its an another Chinese drama with 00 story , female leads acting is 00 ,the male leads acting was good but what’s the use?? The total drama is 00 🤦🏼‍♀️

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super cute couple

the drama was truly outstanding un unforgettable experience from start to finish it combined a gripping story with exceptional performances that brought each character to life in a way that felt raw and real the cinematography was breathtaking. with stunning visuals that drew you into each scene making every moment feel immersive and vivid. the soundtrack was equally impressive. perfectly matched to the emotion of each scene. heightening the drama and adding depth to the storytelling. overall. the film was masterfully crafted. leaving a lasting impact and reminding viewers of the power of great cinema. it's the kind of movie that resonate with you long after the credit.

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