This drama is like a warm blanket on a rainy day: cozy, romantic, but a bit too sugary. The plot is predictable, the characters are unrealistically perfect, and conflicts are almost nonexistent. Everything feels so naive that at times you crave a bit more depth or surprise. But if you're looking for a light story about first love without unnecessary drama — it's a perfect fit.
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A great slice of life romcom
If you like light fluffy romcoms you’ll love this drama. It’s got some gorgeous main leads too. I was a bit worried about the age difference and whether or not there was anything inappropriate between them when she was young. Fortunately there was nothing at all to worry about. The male lead never made a move or even saw the female lead as anything but a friend until she was in college. She may have been crazy in love with him since she was little but he was clueless about her feelings and just had brotherly feelings towards her.Storyline:
The is more of a slice of life type of drama where it focuses more on their day to day lives and interactions with one another. It’s not one of those fast paced action filled thriller type of dramas. I like that it takes its time fleshing out each character so you know why they behave the way they do. It’s an excellent storyline I really enjoyed. The side characters were really interesting too, especially the female leads big brother. Their relationship was so complicated and funny too. And the male leads friends were quite entertaining and funny too.
The acting:
I really have no problem with any of the actors. They all did a great job, sometimes even bringing me to tears. The male leads life was very, very difficult. He did a phenomenal job of portraying his characters emotions. The female lead was so sweet and charming, you can’t help but cheer her on. Overall, the whole cast takes you on a great emotional journey with them.
The romance:
It seemed to take forever for the leads to get together. But once they were together they were so sweet with each other. There’s lots of kisses and cuddles in this drama. And it’s not just for a short while, they’re together and very romantic for several episodes which was very satisfying. I thought they were well matched with great chemistry.
Final thoughts:
The cons of this drama is its pace, it’s very slow and laidback which some may not like. It also takes a good while for the leads to get together which is frustrating. But the great storyline, the main leads chemistry, the phenomenal acting and the great side characters make this drama well worth watching.
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Sweet and Comforting, but a little Too Perfect
If you’re in the mood for a soft romance that feels like a warm hug, this drama totally delivers.I absolutely loved the main couple in “Hidden Love”. Seriously, every glance and tiny gesture between them made my heart flutter. Their chemistry felt so genuine that I caught myself grinning like an idiot during their cutest moments. The drama really showed those awkward, hopeful and sometimes bittersweet feelings of first love which I found it super comforting. Honestly, it’s the perfect drama to binge when you want something cozy and heartwarming.
That said, there were definitely a few episodes where I felt things dragged, especially in the middle. I sometimes just wanted the story to pick up the pace. As much as I adored the leads, I honestly didn’t care much for the side characters or their subplots as they just didn’t grab my attention. Plus, some plot points were really predictable, so if you’re hoping for big surprises or unique twists, you won’t find them here. And honestly, the drama is so sweet and conflict-free at times that it almost feels too perfect, like does anyone’s first love really go this smoothly?
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A Sweet and Comforting Romance Full of Warmth
Hidden Love is the kind of drama that feels like curling up with a favorite book on a rainy day—gentle, warm, and quietly joyful. It beautifully portrays the journey from a youthful crush to a heartfelt relationship, capturing all the little details that make first love so unforgettable. The pacing is relaxed, allowing viewers to savor the sweetness of every glance, smile, and moment shared between the leads.Zhao Lusi once again proves her strength in romantic roles, bringing a natural charm and vulnerability that makes her character instantly relatable. Paired with Chen Zheyuan’s calm, grounded performance, their chemistry radiates sincerity and tenderness. Supporting characters add depth without distracting from the central love story, making the drama cohesive and wholesome.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that emphasizes warmth over conflict, Hidden Love is a beautiful reminder of how love can grow naturally, softly, and sincerely.
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Super sweet drama
This drama is the kind of show one watches when they just want something happy. It gives off similar vibes to When I Fly Towards You, except this show felt more modern and vibrant.First of all, I loved how respectful the FL's brother's friends were to the FL! And also how protective her brother is of her... it's just so sweet.
Second, though there are some misunderstandings that happen between the OTP sometimes, it doesn't last for long, and there definitely isn't any cheating or love triangle involved. That was so refreshing to me after watching tons of dramas where the FL has to literally fight off other ladies just to get the ML.
Third, this is a she falls first but he falls harder love story... which is one of my favorite tropes!
Okay, moving on the OST - this is quite possibly the best OST I have ever heard. I have high standards when it comes to music, and let me just say, this matched my standards perfectly.
I would definitely recommend that y'all give this show a try! You won't regret it :)
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Lovely and slow paced
I really liked how slow paced this drama was!Sang Zhi is adorable, and to be able to accompany her through so many important life phases helped me connect with her story.
I really like how the storyline developed, how they became good friends and then fell in love. Duan Jia Xu was a gentleman, and always had as his priority to make sure she was well and taken care of.
This drama felt comfy and warm, and, of course, very romantic.
I totally recommend it!
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My 1st Chinese Drama
The cinematography in this was quite something. I loved their use of bright colours and the cozy decor in the houses, esp Sang Zi's room back home, her dorm room, and the eventual house she n JiaXu got.JiaXu is honestly the greenest flag of all green flag men out there. His attitude and treatment of Sang Zi from when they 1st met till they started dating and after was just perfection. Aside from JiaXu, Sang Zis' brother was so cool n hilarious -also so hot. Their portrayal of the sibling relationship was so good. I envy them.
While I quite liked it, it's a slow cozy drama...which generally aren't my type, esp when they have this many eps. I'd lose interest if I tried binging it. Also, the angst in those last 3 eps... So slow, so boring. Did not enjoy it. That's why the plot gets an 8.5 - so, it's not them, it's me
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Please- A little empathy
I feel like I have to speak up for Jiang Ying...yes, her. Almost every review is so angry even savage. But look at what happened to her. She loses her dad because his dad drove drunk and KILLED her father. There are some moments of anger, yes, but her eyes nearly always show an unimaginable pain. I saw an animal in a trap sometimes. Also, give credit to Xu Shi Xin as it was her acting that provoked these responses from everyone. Trauma can create monsters out of any of us. Please care about others. Peace.Was this review helpful to you?
A Quiet Triumph of Romance
After watching all 25 episodes of Hidden Love (2023), I can confidently say it stands out as one of the most tender and emotionally genuine romantic dramas in recent years. The relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu unfolds with subtlety, warmth, and a quiet emotional depth. Zhao Lusi portrays the innocence and emotional growth of her character with remarkable authenticity, while Chen Zheyuan brings a calm, mature presence to the screen. Their chemistry is natural and compelling, giving the story its emotional core.The writing avoids melodrama and instead focuses on small, meaningful moments that reflect real emotional development. The show's aesthetics—soft lighting, a gentle color palette, and a fitting musical score—enhance the romantic tone without overwhelming it. Hidden Love is a story told with grace and sincerity, reminding viewers that love doesn’t need loud declarations to leave a lasting impact. It’s a drama that resonates quietly but deeply.
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Zhao Lusi gives one of her most heartfelt performances as Sang Zhi — innocent, awkward, yet full of sincerity. She perfectly portrays the emotional shift from a shy teenage crush to the slow realization of real, mature love. Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jiaxu is equally impressive, balancing warmth and restraint with a quiet charisma that makes every small gesture meaningful. Together, they create a relationship built on friendship, care, and emotional growth rather than instant romance.
What makes “Hidden Love” special is its patience. It takes time to let the characters grow, showing us that love doesn’t happen all at once — it’s something that evolves through understanding, distance, and time. The drama avoids unnecessary conflict and focuses instead on healing, communication, and the courage to confess one’s feelings honestly.
The cinematography is warm and intimate, filled with sunlight, gentle colors, and nostalgic details that evoke the sweetness of youth. The soundtrack — soft, sentimental, and full of quiet longing — enhances the mood perfectly.
At its heart, “Hidden Love” isn’t just a romance. It’s about growing up, learning to love yourself, and finding someone who sees you even when you’re trying to hide. A heartfelt, comforting story that lingers long after it ends — like a memory you’ll always smile about.
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A Hidden Romance That Will Steal Your Heart
"Hidden Love" is a C-drama that has captivated audiences around the world with its sweet story, charming characters, and undeniable chemistry. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance that will make you sigh, laugh, and feel the thrill of first love, look no further!The plot follows Sang Zhi, who falls in love with Duan Jia Xu, her older brother's friend, from a young age. What begins as a childhood crush blossoms into a mature and profound love as they grow older. The beauty of "Hidden Love" lies in how it explores the evolution of this relationship, portraying the stages of innocence, teenage confusion, and ultimately, the realization of genuine love.
One of the drama’s biggest draws is undoubtedly the main couple. Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi is absolutely delightful, perfectly capturing her character’s innocence and growth. On the other hand, Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jia Xu is charismatic, protective, and radiates a tenderness that makes it impossible not to fall for him. Their chemistry is electric—every glance, every small gesture conveys a deep connection that pulls the audience fully into their story.
Beyond the stellar chemistry, "Hidden Love" stands out for its warm and comforting tone. While there are moments of heartache and misunderstandings (as with any romance drama), the series maintains a generally positive and optimistic atmosphere. Sang Zhi’s family dynamic is especially endearing, bringing moments of comedy and unconditional support that enrich the story.
The cinematography is beautiful, with vibrant colors and settings that perfectly complement the show’s romantic mood. The soundtrack also deserves special mention, featuring catchy and emotional songs that elevate every scene.
In short, "Hidden Love" is a must-watch C-drama for any fan of the romance genre. It's a sweet love story, well told, with outstanding performances that will leave you smiling and your heart full of warmth.
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Good but not great
Cute fluffy drama. Good chemistry between the leads and cute sibling relationship between Sang zhi and her brother. The very realistic portrayal of siblings was my favorite part of this drama! Main complaint is ZLS portrayal was too exaggerated. She spoke in such a slow baby voice it felt like she was developmentally delayed. Especially weird because the child that played her younger self was so smart and quick-witted and then suddenly when she grew up, its like she lost some IQ. ZlS portrayal was very cringy at times. The director did an amazing job giving us shots of CZY that felt alot like your dreamy first crush and he certainly acted and looked the part.Overall the story is cute with good chemistry but the female lead acting too juvenile can be annoying to watch.
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