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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May be a minority
Definitely prefers the novel and audio drama way over live action. I really like the story plot of Hidden Love. Hence, a little disappointed on the live adaptation.Not sure why, but I feel the drama does not give off the same feelings and emotions as compared to other adaptations. May be a little too kiddish to watch. Definitely not easy on ZLS to act out different stages of life for Sang Zhi in the drama.
IMO, no hates on the actor, but I do not favor as much how Sang Yan's role is being acted out in this drama. Too much of a character change?
Regardless, if you like the plot, please read the novel / listen to audio drama.
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The Later episodes along with good PR saved this show and made it what is
Let me start by saying I don’t think it’s a bad drama. The later episodes were okay, but the first part…..like the first 12 episodes? EEEEYUCK!!!!Everything about those first few episodes rubbed me the wrong way. I know a lot of people are going to say, “But he didn’t like her then.” “It was just a one-sided puppy crush,” blah, blah, blah. While that is technically true, the story is being told from HER point of view. I’m not in his head the way I’m in hers. I’m not insinuating anything, but it’s still something to think about.
Outside of that, I hated and frankly felt completely uncomfortable with how the writing purposely created situations that allowed the two of them to constantly end up ALONE together in small, enclosed spaces. Yeah, nothing inappropriate was actually done, but some things just don’t sit right with me.
The slow-motion shots whenever she stared at him, the romantic background music, the way it was portrayed as though she’s the only one who “gets him”… If it’s supposed to be a one-sided puppy love, what was the purpose of turning these regular interactions into romantic scenes with slow-mo editing and a sentimental soundtrack?
And it went on for like 12 episodes……..basically half the whole show. One or two episodes would’ve been enough. Then they could’ve done the time skip to college, which would’ve felt much more appropriate.
There’s nothing wrong with age-gap relationships, but in this case, those first few episodes just weirded me out a bit. Even though I know the male lead wasn’t in love with her or romantically interested in her at the time, the way certain scenes were edited where she’s in her school uniform and he’s in regular clothes, clearly emphasizing their age difference, paired with her baby voice and his much more mature one just left me stunned.
Those scenes weren’t doing what they were supposed to. They were clearly meant to come across as innocent and from a place of admiration, but the editing intentionally made them feel inappropriate. I honestly would’ve preferred if they had kept a little more distance between them and not made them seem so close or familiar during that stage of the story.
Anyway, I think the directors made some very questionable choices there.
Then HE was the one who confessed, and I was just like… Okay, when did you suddenly start seeing her as a woman instead of that little girl you used to tutor?
I just wish I had never started this drama. I don’t have a problem with it as a whole, but those first few episodes left such a bad impression on me that I couldn’t stop thinking about them. Even when the story moved on and became more tolerable, I kept getting pulled back to those early scenes and feeling uncomfortable all over again.
So no, I didn’t hate the entire drama. The later episodes were okay. But because of how strongly I disliked the first part, I spent the rest of the show overthinking things and getting disgusted whenever my mind drifted back to those early episodes.
VERY WEIRD.
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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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the best cdrama I watched
this is lowk the best cdrama I have watched so far , I have watched few others but either skipped a few eps because it got boring but this one is quite interesting and I got invested in the plot in h the starting itself.also the cast of this is better than any other cdramas, they look good together and their chemistry is amazing on and off screen too .
the ost is also good & also this is brother’s best friend trope 💅🏻
( this had to be the best one ☝🏻 )
I have rewatched it thrice not the whole but few eps.
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Cuteness overload!
I thought this one was so cute! It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it made me smile and kick my feet, so it was a win for me. I do think some people are overhyping it a bit, but alas, it’s all subjective! The leads were adorable and their chemistry was great. Thank goodness for that, because this drama doesn’t really have a plot; everything relied on the main couple's dynamic. Without that chemistry, I’m pretty sure I would have dropped this. ☺️💕‼️Was this review helpful to you?
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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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