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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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!!
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏💐👏
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
An okay drama
LIKEThe 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?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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
Was this review helpful to you?
Not sure why this is rated so high
I saw a clip on YouTube and was immediately put off by the FL's voice sounding like a baby. She was so whiny!! Ugh. How is that attractive to a guy? The story is not believable at all. I do like the actor that played the ML though. It's too bad he got such a bad script. Sadly, I'm crossing this one off my list of his dramas to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Sweet romance done well.
'Hidden Love' boasts a deceptively simple premise, masterfully executed. Before delving into the finer details, let's start with a spoiler-free overview:Sang Zhi's childhood crush on her brother's close friend, Duan Jiaxu, initially results in her heartache. However, their paths unexpectedly cross again, prompting Duan Jiaxu to question his own emotions. Thus begins a captivating tale of endearing longing.
While the "she fell first, but he fell harder" trope isn't my personal favorite, I can't help but admire the impeccable craftsmanship of this love story. The development of their relationship avoids feeling contrived, a pitfall common to such simple premise dramas. The credit goes not only to the skillful acting but also to the engaging script, which seamlessly weaves banter that ignites their chemistry.
My main qualm with the narrative stems from the peripheral storylines that felt more like endurance tests than enjoyable diversions, along with the unnecessarily grim backstory of the male lead. A tragic backstory is welcome, but this one felt forced. Additionally, the character of Jiang Ying, the daughter of the man the male lead's father killed, was extremely unrealistic. While she did catalyze delightful interactions between the leads, her portrayal seemed detached from reality.
Another area of concern lies in the handling of the "parents" subplot. Mainly because neither lead really spoke to each other about the problem their parents had besides the fact that the ML has less money which, as the viewer, wasn't the problem I cared about. It's perplexing how the two protagonists avoided addressing the elephant in the room – the implications of their relationship's origins. Specifically, they never spoke together about how their relationship could be perceived due to the circumstances of them meeting. ML seems to just accept punishment which implies he agrees its wrong, rather than explaining that when she was young, he never saw her in that way. I think this could the reason it was critiqued by some people, if they could've just had him say 'but when we first met, I really didn't see you in that way' clearly, I think many controversies could be avoided. (I understand that it is implied he doesn't see her in that way, but I personally would've preferred it to be said specifically, especially with such a sensitive topic).
Despite these reservations, the pacing of 'Hidden Love' remains a standout, especially within its genre. Although the narrative takes a somber turn towards the end, the moments of tenderness shared by the leads effectively balance the tone while driving the story forward.
Turning to the acting, it's a commendable aspect of the show. Both leads opted against dubbing, and if they did use it, it was seamless. Zhao Lusi's portrayal is a breath of fresh air, her meticulous attention to mannerisms allowing her to convincingly embody different ages. Chen Zheyuan's performance as the mature and protective yet not overbearing or creepy boyfriend is equally praiseworthy. The palpable chemistry they share adds to the authenticity of their bond.
As someone not particularly drawn to music, I must applaud the drama's soundtrack. It's one of the rare cases where I found myself listening to the OST even after the show's conclusion.
In summation, 'Hidden Love' is an exceptional drama characterized by stellar performances. The dialogue exudes wholesomeness and believability, with the chemistry between the leads emerging as the series' crowning jewel. While a few narrative aspects could have been refined, the overall experience remains truly captivating.
Was this review helpful to you?
Formulaic with weird paedophilic groomy vibes
When I saw the synopsis for this I knew it was going to be a teen drama replete with unrealistic behaviours and a female ingenue character that bordered on vacuous. I still gave it a go because I found out the lead was none other than Zhao Lu Si from 'Who Rules the World'. However, even having her as the protagonist couldn't keep me on.Firstly, I have no idea why CDramas, or Chinese productions in general, always edit the characters' voices. Women always end up sounding like a chipmunk. Is that sexy? It's certainly not mature. Definitely not natural. Zhao Lu Si's lovely timbre in 'Who Rules the World' is reduced to a squirrel's that sounds like they have a perpetual cold in 'Hidden Love'.
Secondly, there is no life to Sang Zhi at all except when she decides to say or do something manipulative; if she puts half the energy she has in those moments into her studies, it might seem interesting. As it was, a childish, spoilt younger sister protag who has a crush on an older brother's friend and doesn't focus on her own education, dreams and ambitions was too formulaic and mundane a teen drama. Is Jia Xu the only friend Sang Yan has? Is he the only guy she's ever met and known all her teenage life? Will he be the only one there is? Surely, realistically not. And using an actress that's younger than the fourteen Sang Zhi was meant to be, when she first meets Jia Xu, didn't help with the whole groomy vibes too.
Dropped it after first episode as couldn't gel with the characters and didn't care enough to see their journey. Hidden Love did not utilise all of Zhao Lu Si's talents, not even a tenth of it. Disappointing. Only nice things to note were the food!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watching this
It looks fine, they look cute... I don't know but i feel something not good watching this show , the show is hit because they caste popular actors ...If you want to watch something most funny, best drama then definately you should watch ‘ My Unicorn Girl ’ i will never forget how much i laughed watching this series this year , i always regret why i didnot watch this before....
The plot not always does makes sense but chemistry and acting also friendship is so much good & overwhelming
Another in historical drama : i will recommend you Love between fairy and devil , i love this series
Was this review helpful to you?
KESAN INDAH DARI HIDDEN LOVE
Perbedaan umur di drama ini bener² dikemas bagus sih menurut aku. Timeline & tempo mereka untuk sampai jadi pasangan / pacaran itu pas semua. Jeda 2 tahun ga pernah ketemu tuh nge-highlight perubahan besar pada Sang Zhi di mata Duan Jiaxu.It gives him a lot of space to see her as a woman now, not a little kid he used to care for. And that's also probably why -gak butuh waktu lama utk Duan Jiaxu falling love with Sang Zhi.
Jalan ceritanya gak bertele². Sat set sat set. Inget kata Duan Jiaxu, "aku akan mencintaimu secara ugal-ugalan". Maksudnya di sini, "If a man wants you, he will come to you no matter what." Contohnya : masalah kekhawatiran ortunya Sang Zhi tentang hubungan mereka, segera dia atasi dengan akal sehat. Bukan malah jadi penghalang hubungan mereka.
Actingnya 💯 especially Zhao Lusi, Chen Zheyuan, & Victor Ma. Chemistry...!!! From couple, siblings, parents, friendship. All are ❤.
Relationship mereka juga sehat, green flag energy tingkat dewa... 🔥 Gak cuma bucin uwu²an doang. Jadi secara personal mereka sama-sama growth. 😍
Ada beberapa pelajaran / pesan moral yang bisa diambil dari drama ini. So, pinter² ambil hal positifnya.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
