WANNA BE / HELLO MODEL: Simple yet deep, straightforward, fast paced mature romance drama.
"Wanna Be / Hello Model" is a hidden yet beautiful drama that explores the complexities of the modeling industry through the eyes of its compelling characters. The story revolves around a famous supermodel, portrayed by Cici Wang, who finds herself in a life-altering accident that forces her into a three-year hiatus. Upon her return, she grapples with PTSD while meeting a witty and ambitious fishmonger, played by Daddi Tang, who is also facing the challenges of a hereditary eye disease. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to a journey of self-discovery and resilience.The storytelling is refreshingly straightforward yet deeply engaging, ensuring that there are no dull moments.
Each character is richly developed, with even the side characters adding their own unique charm to the narrative.
The female lead, portrayed by Cici Wang, is a captivating blend of intelligence, beauty, and complexity. Initially cold and distant, her character gradually reveals layers of vulnerability and warmth as the series unfolds. She possesses a delightful mix of laid-back charm and fierce savagery when necessary, making her both relatable and intriguing. Her work ethic shines through, and I can't help but admire her stunning wardrobe—her wavy long hair and chic outfits perfectly reflect her profession as a model.
On the other hand, the male lead, played by Daddi Tang (Tang Xiao Tian), is equally compelling. He's witty, ambitious, and refreshingly straightforward, never one to be taken for a fool. His ability to stand up for himself, even in front of the female lead, adds depth to his character. With his kindness and cuteness, you'll find yourself rooting for him throughout the series. Their dynamic is fascinating, as their personalities complement each other; they share similarities yet maintain distinct differences, creating a captivating on-screen chemistry.
The romance between the leads is definitely my favorite aspect of the show, just as I anticipated. Their relationship is beautifully mature, characterized by a directness in expressing their feelings rather than dancing around them. Initially, they start off as bickering enemies, providing plenty of cute banter and humorous moments as they constantly challenge each other. As the story progresses, they transition into mutual friends and colleagues who support one another in their professional lives.
The development of their romantic attraction is natural and engaging, featuring flirty moments that gradually evolve into a deep connection. Their chemistry is electric, filled with tension and those delightful butterflies that make every scene captivating. What stands out is the mutual effort they both invest in the relationship; it’s refreshing to see both characters looking out for each other and providing support without one feeling more invested than the other. This dynamic makes their journey all the more rewarding to watch. So far, they are undoubtedly my favorite couple this year!
The acting is impressive, and I must say, it’s my fourth drama featuring Tang Xiao Tian, and the second where he takes on the male lead role. I sincerely hope he lands more lead roles in romance dramas because he truly excels in them. His eye acting is phenomenal! As for Cici Wang, I'm definitely going to keep an eye on her future projects; she’s really talented.
In summary, this drama checks all my boxes: it offers a simple yet profound narrative, straightforward and fast-paced storytelling, a natural buildup of romance, interesting and complex characters, and great sizzling chemistry between the leads. The acting is top-notch, and the original soundtrack is beautiful. Plus, with each episode being only 30 minutes long, it perfectly caters to my attention span. I highly recommend this drama if you're looking for a simple yet beautiful romance story!
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BEST ROMANCE CDRAMA OF 2025 (for me)
I completely don't understand why this show has such as low rating (7.6) on mdl... the rating initially deterred me, but I'm glad I decided to watch it in the end!Story: The story already caught my eye, because I haven't seen a show about modelling before. It follows our superstar model Han Yijing, and our fishmonger-turned-model Jia Fan, through all their highs and lows. The main couple was seriously so cute.. their romance was undoubtedly the best part of the show! So mature, so wholesome, and nothing could break them apart. They never had any petty fights or misunderstandings, and both were willing to do everything for the other. Their scenes will make you squeal, kick your feet and binge the entire series at once. Trust me!
Acting: I haven't seen either of the main actors before, Cici Wang and Daddi Tang, but both were fantastic! They played their roles so well. Cici Wang was so gorgeous as a superstar model, with her tough outside-soft inside personality. Daddi Tang was equally stellar, down-to-earth , filial and selfless (thank god he cut his hair in the first few episodes..) I'll definitely be looking out for more of their shows.
This was definitely my top romance cdrama of the year! I was super surprised, because I was in my wuxia-xian xia phase, but this drama completely stole my attention. It's truly a must-watch! Just ignore the mdl rating,,, it doesn't deserve such a low score.
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Wanna Be - A "Wanna be" Good drama.
I'm pretty let down by most Chinese storylines, and this one was no exception. I have to admit, the cast is nice to look at. They’re all attractive, even if the characters they portray can be pretty irritating. Whenever I watch Chinese dramas, it feels like they love to depict an unrealistic world.The male main character is always portrayed as weak and constantly getting hurt. He never seems to handle his responsibilities well, often showing up late or not at all, yet he keeps getting chance after chance. In reality, we rarely get more than a couple of opportunities.
I only felt a connection with the female lead because she’s really charming, and that’s about it. The characters spend the entire show crying over the same issues. The so-called villain doesn’t seem like a true villain to me; his goals don’t really seem to harm anyone. I don’t see much character development, except for the female lead.
So, thanks for casting such beautiful faces—that pretty much sums it up.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm not impressed.
The first half of the show is quite good, maybe just barely a 7-7.5, but it's increasingly bad later on. It's honestly quite difficult for me to understand how the director and the writer of the amazing `My Fated Boy` could produce a drama of such low quality. Sure the leads had acceptable chemistry, but the whole model business is not that well researched or interesting to begin with. While the genetic eye disease thing could have been worse, it's still pretty damn bad. Chinese TV cannot deal with stuff like this. Then there is also the awful aunt/mom, they spent 5 episodes on making her -basically- Cruella & then another 5 on her redemption ark, It's needless to say I'm quite displeased with that. It's a shame, because normally I like noona romances, but it's difficult to enjoy the second couple? here, when I did not like either of the two characters.At the end of the day this show is mostly ruined by the bad writing in the second half. I wish I had stopped watching around e18, but alas..
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Unique, inspiring drama with LOTS of eye candy
Just finished Wanna Be / Hello Model.This has been a unique, nice steady drama with very BEAUTIFUL tall people. FL -> gorgeous. ML -> so tall! SML -> tall and gorgeous! The chemistry between the main leads was amazing, they know how to passionately kiss but also tenderly care for one another. The audience really ends up rooting for them and sharing in the joys / pains /struggles throughout the drama.
What's great is that this is NOT a drama with LOTS of drama! haha... Of course it has drama, but is measured and feels more realistic we see what the characters experience, how they are affected, how they cope, how they encourage and support each other. There's the building and development of various friendships, old and new. There's no one nasty person who stays evil the whole time. Everyone is human with flaws and we learn to see whole of them - even characters who start off as unpleasant. By the end, they're not so bad, just human.
Main couple - their relationship grows and they really do support each other but in alignment with their personalities so it's not the way we would expect like in other dramas. Love how the male lead's character is not typical - very refreshing. The female lead is kinda badass. Both are bold and cool.
Costuming - some were great, some not so. But overall, very fashion. I am wondering whether some of the casts are actually models as well.
Overall, this is been a story of overcoming obstacles, self discovery and strength as well as working out relationships - plutonic, familial, romantic. I guess it is a healing drama and yes with a Happy Ending / Beginning...
And it ended beautifully with a beautiful song -
Like a bird flying over a deserted wasteland
dreamed of too many what if's, what if you loved me too
Like a star falling, igniting the spark within
don't let us drift apart, like clouds meeting the sky
Oh, dream can we get a little closer
when the passion resurfaces
Let me be your shining point, finally standing before you
Daydreams come true, holding you in my heart
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