Hidden Love

偷偷藏不住 ‧ Drama ‧ 2023
Completed
icedmatcha
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 8, 2025
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I LOVE ITTTTT

this was so cozy and TBH it changed my perspective on relationships. the way they’re each other's constant support system throughout the whole story is so SOOOO 🫶🏻 watching their bond grow made me realize how important it is to have someone who truly gets you and is always there for you.

duan jiaxu didn’t deserve anything that happened to him. he’s such an amazing person and i’m so happy sang zhi was there to show him his worth and helped him heal. it was so heartwarming to see how she brought out the best in him ❤️‍🩹
Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 4/25
Maria
22 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2023
4 of 25 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 5.5
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 2.5
Rewatch Value 2.0

Nothing special

I heard so much about it so thought to watch
Drop after forest twenty min
The young girl who played Zhao lusi is v young May be 9 or ten. And it becomes creepy to see her fall in love

When Zhao lusi is 17 why she talks in whining voice. , have the director been to ny high school girls in grade ten and 11 don’t talk like this , ny one seen going for high jump with cap?
She hurt her leg and they carry her on back what happened to wheel chair?
so far male lead is the only saving grace I might watch till they grow up but if it’s still same I might drop

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 5/25
maryam
9 people found this review helpful
Jul 18, 2024
5 of 25 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 2.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 2.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Boring, overrated, non sense, Childish, not funny at all, why modern cdrama all are so boring without any sense?! Nothing can make you to be excited for the next ep. All the time I was wating for something engaging happen but nothing. I watched so many cliche drama that make me smile but not this one! How could a serie be this boring?!
Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 5/25
Natenate128
15 people found this review helpful
Jul 11, 2023
5 of 25 episodes seen
Dropped 1
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 4.5

Another show rated highly because the actors are pretty?

I watched about 5 episodes and dropped it.

It's a decent show with decent acting, but I found it borderline unbearable for the following reasons:

1. It's PAINFULLY slow and uneventful. If you're looking for a fun, nice pacing, eventful show that will stir your emotions to really get hooked on, to me, this definitely isn't it. I can definitely see this show being compressed into a 10-15 episode show.

2. The demeanor, especially the main girl, is almost annoyingly reserved, quiet and shy. Basically, the poster girl that they want to portray in China. This is their ideal girlfriend / wife material, very different IMO from how it actually is.

3. I follow the news of how China actually is now, just makes it harder to stomach. They basically want to pretend to the rest of the world that their lives are filled with beautiful houses, an extremely peaceful and secure existence, with beautiful people. It's made to be visually pleasing for the rest of the world to view, but there's not much going on. A big facade to the chaos and mayhem that's actually over there, especially for regular people. If you watch the news, it's anything but that. I know a lot of these Asian dramas kinda do the same, but I think it's ESPECIALLY true due to how horribly they're actually treated over there now and in the last few years.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 4/25
jk-gor
13 people found this review helpful
Dec 13, 2023
4 of 25 episodes seen
Dropped 5
Overall 4.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 2.5

Moral and ethical decision

It is outrageous that people rate story as 10.
The big ethical and moral issues is in promoting or encouraging very young underage girls that is ok for them to be in love with much older guys. In real life that can be very troubling if they encounter unethical person who will take advantage of them. Once ethical doubts is created, its hard to like relationship between two actors, story becomes unpalatable. I do not have problems with love stories between adults, but involving underage children is no go.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 5/25
bookwormie
8 people found this review helpful
Mar 6, 2025
5 of 25 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Boring and hyped

I honestly don’t understand the hype around Hidden Love. This drama is painfully slow, predictable, and lacks any real emotional depth.

Zhao Lusi’s character, Sang Zhi, is frustratingly boring and weak. Meanwhile, Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan) is bland and lacks depth—his only personality trait is being the “nice guy.” The supposed “slow-burn” romance feels forced rather than natural, and their chemistry is nothing special.

On top of that, the pacing is atrociously slow. Episodes drag on with unnecessary scenes that add nothing to the story. The drama romanticizes unhealthy relationship dynamics, making it even harder to enjoy. If you’re looking for a well-written, engaging romance, this is NOT it.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Teenie Tine
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 1, 2025
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I love this movie !!

This movie is so beautifully made and so many talented actors & actresses.
The two main leads are so talented and the chemistry between the two works so well its so believable and realistic!!
After I watched this movie I had to purchase the DVD and I even fell in love with the music so I just had to buy the CD as well. The soundtrack to the movie I also highly recommend.
I can say that I have watched this movie at least ten times already and I love it so much that I know I will be watching it many..many more times again!!
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Dropped 8/25
Miiee00
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 9, 2025
8 of 25 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Boringgg

Just another boring and hyped drama by zhao lusi. But i can say she looks a bit better here than in now because she hasn't had a nose job yet. The male lead is super hyped which i cannot understand. He's not even as handsome as zhang linghe. He's just a 5 out of ten. His acting is so bad, too. Zhao lusi, at least, can act. No chemistry between the leads and boring female. Not funny. There's nothing to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
fishoill
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 17, 2024
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

sweet, warm, and realistic, just right, but not 10/10

In comparison to all other Chinese dramas I've watched, this drama offered an unmatched sense of realism. I felt like I was watching a natural love story unfold. Like I watched a real relationship develop from an outside friend's perspective: starting as a harmless one-sided crush on an older brother's friend and realizing a genuine affection and support for each other as they got older.

I think the key to this wasn't the acting, I felt like the acting itself was acceptable and good, but nothing jaw dropping. The main player to this real-feel was the story and writing. Having watched many Chinese dramas, I'm no stranger to the crazy schemes, plot holes, dramatic side characters, and unrealistic "has it all" leads. This drama still has a ML with a devastating and traumatic childhood, it still has a sort of crazy ex, still has a ML as a top new-face in the tech field, all of these are cliches, but this drama does it right. It adds just enough cliche to keep the viewers engaged and the story going, but never too much that it becomes unreal. The stories they presented us with, how the characters acted at their respective ages, and how the characters reacted to serious situations, were all very possible in the real world. We see the characters face adversity in their careers, family, finances, balancing the many parts of their lives, and etc. However, when we are shown these struggles, we don't see big schemes, dragged-on arcs, and the introduction of meaningless filler side-character stories. We get scenes about a character's emotions, conversations between the leads, and unspoken thoughts. This drama nailed showing, not telling. I think 95% of Chinese dramas fail at this. Things happen, but everything remains fairly calm. Just like in our real lives. I was able to appreciate how the leads built a relationship from support and trust only because I felt their problems were real. Their relationship, their conversations, their moments were all so entirely heart-warming because I felt touched for them.

The cinematography was also much higher quality than any other contemporary drama I've watched. Every scene felt intentional and just right for the moment.

My only qualm with this drama was the age-gap. True, a five-year age gap is really nothing. However, I will always have a problem with this part of the story because of one reason: the leads had an established brother-sister dynamic since the FL was young, to the point that the FL had the ML saved as older brother 2 on her phone. The drama doesn't emphasize much about the ML's change in perspective on the FL. It starts off as the ML seeing the FL as a naive little "kiddo", his words exactly. This is kinda set for a while, and as an audience we don't really know when he started seeing her as an adult. This distinction was never made clear. And I fear it's because he still partly saw her as a child even while he was pursuing her....this is where I think it's a little weird. Once they get into a relationship, they settle really well into it and I don't see their age gap as a problem anymore. It's the transition that was hazy. How can a grown man go from seeing a girl as a silly naive young kid to seeing her as a potential romantic interest that fast? The drama lacks here.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
XS33
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 3, 2024
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

An okay drama

LIKE

The hilarious Sang Yan

When Sang Yan and Jia Xu went to buy something for Sang Zhi - lol

DISLIKE

Got bored in the middle

I prefer watching dramas with ups and downs that's why it's called 'drama" as I need it to be dramatic

MUSIC

Nice but not to my liking

REWATCH VALUE

Five for now
Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 1/25
Xukaixoxo
8 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2024
1 of 25 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
The drama 'Hidden Love,' featuring Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan, captivates audiences with its profound storyline and exceptional performances. The strong on-screen chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan creates a captivating intimacy, immersing viewers in the emotionally charged narrative.

Zhao Lusi portrays her character with deep emotion, breathing life into every scene. Her subtle yet expressive facial expressions enhance the authenticity of her character's emotions, allowing the audience to feel every sentiment she experiences. Chen Zhe Yuan delivers an outstanding performance, presenting a complex and profound character. His character's courage and sincerity forge an emotional connection with the audience.

Beyond the stellar performances, 'Hidden Love' boasts an intriguing and intricate plot. The well-paced and surprising storyline makes each episode eagerly anticipated. The well-developed characters engage viewers in a colorful emotional journey.

The director and production team deserve commendation for their brilliant direction and visually stunning presentation. The beautiful cinematography and well-chosen locations add strength to the drama. The authentic costume and set design contribute to a strong historical atmosphere.

Furthermore, the carefully selected background music intensifies the emotional impact of each scene. The harmonious blend of visuals, sound, and acting makes 'Hidden Love' a captivating work of art that leaves a lasting impression.

With all these merits, 'Hidden Love' splendidly delivers a drama worthy of appreciation. Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan not only impeccably portray their roles but also take us on an inspirational emotional journey. The drama not only pleases the eye but also touches the heart with an unforgettable storytelling beauty.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 1/25
Agro19
22 people found this review helpful
Jun 28, 2023
1 of 25 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

The best

A very good script. I've read a book before, which itself is a ready-made script. Most of the scenes require great ZL and CH acting skills because the scenes are shot close-up and quite intimate. note that in each episode not much happens, the scenes are long and based mainly on dialogues between the main characters. This is a movie about how people should talk to each other. A beautiful story about growing up and maturing feelings - from youthful infatuation to true, difficult love.
I like the acting of the actors. on their faces you can see all the emotions that are tormenting them, and their minimalistic gestures are very eloquent. And the internal dialogues of both ZL and CH are quite new. in other dramas you can also meet, but not as often and not as funny. Her thoughts are great. I recommend to everyone

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Hidden Love poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 9.0 (scored by 72,977 users)
  • Ranked: #65
  • Popularity: #58
  • Watchers: 128,372

Top Contributors

115 edits
76 edits
36 edits
35 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
798 titles 1990 loves 36
Chinese Modern Drama
364 titles 623 loves 1
Live Action Shoujo Manga
254 titles 415 loves 8

Recently Watched By