Go Back Lover

Needs more communication

I am not finished with this yet. The guy is a really good actor from what I can tell and can't wait to see him in other drama. I don't think the issues with the FL is her fault but her character and how she was written annoys me a little. Like she keeps not communicating with the male lead or they both don't communicate there issues with each other and just puts things past them without talking about it. And then move on happy and then agian of course issues come up. It is just annoying. Then the man is so sweet to her and she just rude and cold back. I don't like it, why would a guy like that. Idk if my taste have changed in dramas I don't think so but this is just annoying. It is cute but not overly cute. It is a one time watch nothing like admist a snowstorm of love, love me love my voice, lighter and princess and sunshine of my life which are some of my top top dramas.

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Ryan Ren only one resion I watch this love story drama

I like Ryan Ren is so ossam story is good but i wach this drama only Ryan Ren 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💐🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰all actors are so good you must watch this drama is good story acting ☺️😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 just watching i am and so far drama butterfly in my stomach I want please Ryan ren do main lead but future became new drama his do main lead please

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Chemistry in on another level...

I liked the show.. and you can feel many emotions when watching.
Kisses are top notch not typical chinese dead fish kisses.
There are some segs scenes also 😅😅 and something new.
I liked the fl attitude and also there was a big valid reason of not getting beck together what is very rare in dramas.. as a girl who thinks big , watch big dreams can feel why she broken up with him...
Ml was actually did great justice of his role i liked him in LLTG and i was hoping to see him in ml what is come true...
Ml's parents were so funny😁😁. Especially his mom 👩 😍 ❤️ i liked her ...
Support leads also did best..

What I hate...
I hate her dad part it wasn't necessary... and also i didn't like that villain lawyer girl's nonsense... she was a totally psycho.. and that divorced friend of fl and her love life was unnecessary... otherwise it was ok ok ... you can watch only one time
.

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Young couples need to grow up

In a reality TV show, 6 high school friends meet: 1 couple of ex lovers, 1 divorcing couple and 2 "shy people" (FL3 divorced from a toxic husband and very introverted ML). 2 challengers are joining the cast, rivals in love.

+++ A great CL, (Li Yun Rui in his first role as Main Lead & Xu Ruo Han) very cute, with great chemistry (and lots of kisses :)
+++ 2 very cute 2ndary romances
+++ Really appropriate and enjoyable OST.
+++ Unusual production (very standardized format of episodes: flashbacks / past; current period; interviews)

### A little “dramaland” at times
### repetitive episode format
### FL's behavior (reluctance) sometimes irrational
### unfriendly challengers.

=> Pleasant series, which demonstrates the talent of Li Yun Rui (˘ ³˘)❤
*********************************************************************
Ds 1 émission de télé-réalité, 6 camarades de lycée se retrouvent : 1 couple d'ex lovers, 1 couple divorcé et 2 "shy" (FL3 divorcée d'1 mari toxique et ML très introverti),. S'adjoindront au casting, 2 challengers, rivaux amoureux.

+++ Un great CL, (Li Yun Rui dans son 1er rôle de Main Lead & Xu Ruo Han) très cute, avec une belle alchimie (et bcp de kisses :)
+++ 2 romances 2aires très mignonnes
+++ OST vraiment appropriées et agréables.
+++ Réalis° inhabituelle (format très standardisé des épisodes : flashbacks / passé ; période actuelle ; interviews)

### Un peu "dramaland" par moments
### format des épisodes répétitif à la longue
### comportement de la FL (réticences) parfois irrationnel
### challengers peu sympathiques.

=> Série agréable, qui démontre tout le talent de Li Yun Rui ( ˘ ³˘)❤

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A new view of Love in a different kind of romcom

8.25

I was really cautious coming into this drama. I saw the 7.7, but it was Xu Ruo Han that made me want to watch this drama. More on that later.

Story:
-most of the character development are of the fls (in the mcp, 2cp, 3cp, old couple)
-cute sismance
-pretty funny in places, but could also bring you close to tears as well
-taught many lessons
-many over arching themes (I wish they would send it home just a bit more)
-surprisingly very good dialogues
-slight pacing issues. First 10 ep weren't that interesting
-not too easy to binge, but still watchable
-gotta a tad boring at times

Main CP:
-they were together for half the drama (which I like)
-no break up (during our point in the time line) as of 2024 drama time
-plenty of skinship
-not afraid of getting into bed

Shen Xing Ruo
-surprising well written
-some people said she was being irrational when it comes to breaking up. I was kinda offended by that statement. Maybe because I have divorced biological parents, or maybe because I also have trust issues, or maybe because I also have a mentally ill parent (but she has 2), I feel like she was completely rational.
-she follows her brain, not her heart because she doesn’t trust her heart (similar to myself)

Lu Xing Yan
-has a funny mom and dad 😂
-hopeless romantic but tries to hide it
-slightly 2 dimensional

2cp:
-hilarious
-I didn’t have much hope for them in the beginning, but a lot of dramas only show the part they fall in love, not 7 years later, so I found it really interesting
-they ended up being adorable

3cp:
-2 socially awkward people together!
-they are soooo cute
-surprisingly a lot of drama in their relationship
-grew and learned together

Shi Qin (Female in 3cp)
-talked a bit about divorced women and their struggle
-found her ex-husband scary, liked how they showed that

2nd lead people who wanted to get with people who they weren't supposed to be with
-I'll try not to spoil, but...
-"villains" were humanized. They had issues and common sense. One of them was actually going to therapy (you don't see that in Dramas too much. One of them, as soon as they realized that the CP was happy together only when they can actually be a couple, they backed off because they have common sense.

Note: from reviews, people say there was a lot of scheming in this drama. To be honest, I didn't mind it (and I'm the kind of person that really hates that sort of thing). Like the scheming made sense and were eventually dealt with in an extremely good way. They were also plot pushers, so without those bumps in the road, the cps might not have gotten together,

Acting/Casting
-Xu Ruo Han's acting has improved a lot. Since Perfect and Casual, instead of just sweet and cute, she can now act a far bigger and complex range of emotions
-Li Yun Rui didn't impress me. Like his gazes were nice, but I felt like I didn't get to see much emotion.
-there chemistry was acceptable, but it wasn't that fiery. When you'd see them, you'd just think of how cute they are (which isn't a bad thing)
-rest of the cast did pretty well
-3cp can't really kiss tho...
-decent chemistry in 2cp

-the mcp's styling is fire. They looked so good!
-wish they drew the eyebrows a bit darker tho
-flashbacks were done really well. They did it at the start of each episode, so it didn't feel random. There was also a little interview (as part of the TV show) at the end of each episode, so you were able to understand what was going through the character's mind

Music:
-ost was pretty good, but it just by itself would be an 8.5.
-I don't really like English music in Dramas, but they were seriously good
-the instrumental music throughout the drama was really good, which was piano -says the pianist aka me
-the ending theme song was so good.

-You and Falling in Love (especially the latter) gave serious Taylor Swift vibes. As a retired swifty, I thought that was pretty cool and brought on such a mood.
-Stupid Us is really emotional and just a really good song
-从开始到最后 was really cute and emotional. "习惯你的习惯！"

Rewatch:
-this drama is the kind that you watch once
-but if I had time 6 months to a year from now, I'd still watch it

Overall:
Pretty good drama. I recommend you watch this drama as if it was made in 2022 or 2023 (it gives those time's vibe). If you're used to 2024-2025 dramas and dislike dramas from 2019-2023, I would watch this if I were you. I feel like this drama could have gotten at least 8.3 if it was released in 2022 or 2023. So, don't trust the 7.7 and watch!

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Sloppy

This is a pretty mediocre drama, despite having a decent plot, a good mix of drama, depth and fluff it still falls flat due to annoying elements, sloppy badly handled predictable twists, a whole lot of boring scenes. Taking away focus important scenes in favour of cheap twists.

A bit like being served fast food in a 5 star hotel, or gourmet dishes served on paper plates in a crowded stadium it just feels wrong and sloppy. The flavours are there, the ingredients are top but while some parts are overcooked or even burnt it is still frozen in the middle....

As I love the leads, I love one of the second couples, I even loved the second female lead in the beginning.

There are a few scenes that are pure gold where they talk about family, divorce, and obsession. Where they actually show a slightly different angle of the broken family then I am used to seeing on screen, with scenes that reminded me of the less happy moments of my childhood, and while I almost started ot get my hopes up by the end of the twist/plotline all had been ruined... Or at leas I found it hard to relate.

The intimate scenes between the leads are top, top, tastefully made and delt with really well, however the introverted couple definitely stole the show, and honestly the third couple came in with a bang and while I love the bickering trope this was done so badly and annoyingly that I had to skip their scenes just to be able to finish this.

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A delectable find

I am more period/ ancient costume drama fan. I rarely like modern dramas but the few that I have liked I have thoroughly loved and have become part of my constant rotation dramas. I was not expecting to like this at all and a lot of people bagged it as boring and loses focus midway so imagine my surprise that it became one of the few modern dramas that actually made me laugh, cry and even have butterflies whilst watching. It has definitely entered in my rotation of series to watch for life much like Something in the rain.

Loves ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The acting was superb from everyone. Outstanding 1st couple, 2nd couple and 3rd couple. 1st couple ML and FL were just sizzling on camera. I have to commend Li Yunrui his acting is beyond what I expected from a person who doesn't come from an entertainment background. His face nuances in the different emotions he portrayed were so subtle. The facial changes from expectation to disappointment were a fine line so fine that I can only call it master class performance. No over acting for LiYunri. Then there sizzling chemistry between the two leads. Their love was like the ocean so calm and explosive the next. He made me believe that he was down bad for the FL and one line even says he was a lapdog for the FL and it was so true he portrayed that part so well.

The 2nd couple were just fun to watch. Loved the 2nd Male lead crazy when he was constantly fighting with his "wifey". He was such a good best friend, friend and very interesting husband. I thought he matched the crazy of his wife who was out there. They are the crazy best friends you don't want to take anywhere. A well written couple.

The 3rd couple were just the sweetest pies. Natural introverts who just clicked with each other. The rest of the supporting cast was amazing including the ML company partner.

2. I loved the use of flashbacks weaving into the story. Instead of giving us a complete school drama that morphed into their adulthood like most Chinese dramas this one weaved the school past with such delicate finesse. I did enjoy those snippets into their high school.

3. I can't commend the story enough. It is a love story that we all dream off but rooted in reality. Somewhat a slice of life drama. I loved the flawed characters especially Shen Xingrou',s father. Some father's are really that selfish. He thought only of himself and his happiness and didn't realise how much damage he was doing to the rest of his family. And the man never repented of his ways. He affected his daughter so much in the way that she views relationships that I ended up at one stage not liking how she wanted to be loved but was not willing to compromise. SX kept saying to LX you should make your own choices but babey if you knew you didn't want to get married why would you date a guy who clearly wanted the security of marriage and busy blocking other girls/ women who could give him what he needed. SX definitely pissed me off because in a lot of ways she was exhibiting the selfishness of her father but lacked self reflection. I did agree with Lawyer Zhang that SX did not deserve LX who gave his all for the relationship. However I understand why she did what she did and her choices which did not make them and her any less annoying. 2nd couple and 3rd couple I loved all their stories I can't complain. Story is so well written especially the FM/SX whom I knew I had to like but I disliked some of her decisions which is a sign of a well written FL.

Commending the writing episode 11 is a such a hoot and I was bawling my eyes out at episode 20. This drama made me go through the motions. And I didn't see lawyer coming like it was pity for a person that I was rooting to be loved and get all good things she ended up being that cruel. The juxtaposition of 2 people with difficult lives and their responses was something that I appreciated. The writing was soo good that the only downside was they did not give me the wedding. I would have loved the wedding between the ML and FL. Through in pregnancy and a child for the grandparents and I would have been in heaven. ML mum was just a hoot. She was too funny and I loved the interactions between her and her son. They felt like best friends more than child and mother. She looked forward to her son dating SX/FL that her antics were crazy.

3. Loved the pacing of the dramas, directing and lighting.

4. I definitely enjoyed the unique concept of am ex dating show being the anchor of the love story.

5. I don't have much negatives about the drama except the FL who would get on my nerves with her unbending attitude. She does have character development which happens in the last 2 episodes.

This has now become my second modern romance drama that I have added to my rewatch dramas. The drama has a lot of rewatch value. And I enjoyed the OST which was perfect and right for each piece of mood or feeling. They were trying to convey.

Stellar cast and drama. Very good story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I don't normally give dramas 10's this is one of the very few that I have genuinely loved and given a 10. A definite must watch.

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3 second-chance romances recommended only to those who like this trope

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

After finishing this drama, I wasn’t quite sure if I liked it or not. In the end, it’s a decent, modern drama about second-chance romances. I was also unsure of Xu Ruo Han’s acting. Coupled with how she spoke her lines, I find her acting inconsistent. It’s my first time seeing Li Yun Rui as the main male lead, and I think he did pretty well and fit in the modern rom-com category.

Second-chance romance is the main reason why I decided to watch “Go Back Lover”. The drama did a good job in showcasing three different second-chance romance couples using a reality tv format. All 6 leads are flawed in their own way, and have to overcome certain challenges. In the end, I like who they have become.

Our main couple, Sheng Xing Ruo (FL) and Lu Xing Yan (ML), have the most complicated relationship. I enjoy following their relationship from high school to reuniting after a 5-year separation. There are frustrating moments when I feel that Sheng Xing Ruo is giving off mixed signals, or Lu Xing Yan is too smitten and acts like a lovesick puppy (OK, I do like his loving and longing looks). I think the chemistry is decent and I’m glad to see quite a bit of skinship and kisses.

The second couple is the bickering ex-es who started off the show with a dramatic divorce ceremony. Their chaotic energy could be too much to handle, but they also lighten up the show with their hilarious and silly moments. Because of how over-the-top they are, I think their screen time is just enough.

The third couple has the least screen time but they are also the sweetest and most adorable. But you have to endure how shy they are with each other in the beginning, in order to enjoy the end result. Xia Hao Ran (as He Si Yue) has the cutest puppy look with a little pout, but at times he looks a little emotionless. I’m most pleased to see Chen Zhu grow to become a more confident woman.

Despite enjoying these couples and the reality tv show format, there are moments when the pacing slows even for a 24-episode drama. The taping of the show is interesting, but the content is not. They have the most boring dates! How can they mix and match the couples with unexpected guests, yet there’s no excitement? They need better producers for the TV show to drum up some fun twists and turns.

There are a few annoying characters to stir up trouble. For the most part, they aren’t too bad. The ‘villain’ in the end seems a little over-the-top. This drama also is less fluffy/rom-com than I initially thought. “Go Back Lover” actually covers a few serious topics not listed in the tags. Without diving deep into who suffers what, the drama talks about domestic violence, suicide, childhood trauma, parent disapproval, and mental health. None of these topics are discussed in detail but if you are sensitive you should be aware of them.

Overall, this is a decent, somewhat short modern drama. Nothing jumps out to say this is the best, or the worst. It’s very average and I will only recommend “Go Back Lover” to those who love second-chance romances.


Completed: 10/25/2024 - Review #503

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Feels too unauthentic and fake from the start, with a weird progresing story and bad character

The drama feels to fake that i cant even relate at all, weird after weird plot story progression that didnt make sense.

The FL here is a Toxic and Redflag of the entirety covered by trauma and delusional way of thinking that she is always the victim of everything.

The Idea of the starting plot story is really interesting despite not new, i can imagine how they would really hate eachother despite havin an obligation to be together for the sake of the program. But what the hell, despite whats happening the Ml is too normal and forgiving and lack of anger and emotional reaction from the problem. The FL character writing feels like a justifiable wrong decision makin and victim mentality with trauma as a cover.

Ep 9 is the peak and revelation of the problem and show how toxic FL are.
Ep. 10 is the revelation of how weakwilled the ML are.

And the support ccouple is easliy skippable.

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