Smile Code to Bug Code
This drama has a great cast, an interesting premise and a bunch of representation that could have made this a masterpiece...It starts out pretty fun but then it just takes a huge dive in what I assume a search for depth but just ends up boring, packed unnecessary never ending monologs and gestures that had me ruling my eyes over and over again... making it almost impossible to finish .
the story could have just ended after 15 great episodes but no they had to go an try to find some kind of justice balanace whatever thing to it... Girl chased biy, now boy must chace girl... Boy was broken and depressed, now girl must be broken and depressed... full circle nonsense annoyance...
But i made it to the end...
Was this review helpful to you?
Story Lags But A Fresh Concept
Shen Yue and Lin Yi did a marvelous job with the drama. Specially, how Lin Yi, acted here. We could see his character transform, see him gaining feelings. The chemistry is not like the most top notch I've watched but its definitely good. I also think that this concept is fresh and really good. The supporting actors also did a really good job.One thing however I must say is that instead of dragging the timeline and making it boring, they could've gone with lesser episodes.
However, its a good drama and I definitely recommend. (I might not rewatch it tho )
Was this review helpful to you?
The basic idea was okay. A stand-up comedian (Gu Yi - Shen Yue) who supposed to make everyone laugh, met an audience who cannot expressing his emotion at all, including laughing (Liang Daiwen - Lin Yi).
What I enjoy:
- The basic idea
- The music
- Good character development of Liang Daiwen
- Gu Yi for some early episodes
- Gu Yi - Mei Xia relationship
- Jacqueline's leadership.
What I don't enjoy:
- Gu Yi as a stand-up comedian not funny at all. I have hard time to understand her jokes on stage. But I have to say some (so little) of her jokes did make me smile.
- The lighting and overall visual (how they called it? Cinematography?) was so depressing. Yellow, orange, dark, blurry, and crowded. I believe they want to say something through that kind of editing. I think it's like "show, don't tell" thing. I can understand some, but also can't understand the rest of it. But it's indeed cinematic.
- Some character really don't need their own story to be take part in this drama because it really doesn't affect the main character's story. Can the just be supporting characters that support main character's journey? I don't need their life story to be showed like a whole new drama. Like Guan Xing Xin - Yu Dule and Jacqueline - Hwang Wenda. Especially Jacqueline. I like her as Gu Yi's boss. But her reason to lie and break up with her boyfriend in the past doesn't make sense to me.
- Plot progressions relatively slow. So many 'spoil the mood' scenes. Too many dialogues that failed to make me interested so I need to skip so many scenes, especially Xing Xin - Dule and Jacqueline scenes. I they just make it to the point, I thing 24 episodes are enough rather than 34 episodes with so many unnecessary uninteresting things.
- Yes, it's boring. There, I said it. Not because it's not good. Maybe just because it doesn't suits me. But I still managed to complete the episodes to see how Liang Daiwen overcome his situation with Gu Yi's help.
Finally. I know many people will not agree with my opinion (especially with so many good reviews that makes me want to watch it too). But I think, whether you like this drama or not like it, in the end, it depends on your personal experience and understanding to the world of this drama in detail. 😉
Was this review helpful to you?
half of it very engaging
a good drama considering that few Chinese dramas manage not to become stupid or trivial. Up until half the episodes it was really engaging, but then it started to get boring. maybe because I realized that I really don't like how the male lead acts. It doesn't convey anything to me and as long as it played the part of an ice lolly I didn't notice it! leaving him aside, I would have preferred a different continuation, not to mention the fact that the drama started to get very sad. it continued for too long and became a bit useless.Was this review helpful to you?
A Beautiful, Unexpected Emotional Journey
From the very first episode, I found myself completely invested in this series. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think a slow-burn romance would be my thing, but this show proved me wrong in the best possible way. The heart of the story lies in its exploration of alexithymia—a condition I don’t often see explored in dramas, especially with such depth. As someone who studies psychology, it was so refreshing to see this nuanced subject handled with care. The romance itself was touching, yes, but it’s the way the show balanced love with self-discovery, patience, and emotional growth that truly won me over. The series teaches us that love isn’t always easy or immediate, but it’s a process. I loved the idea that love, when mature, should soothe and bring peace, not cause turmoil. That moment where Guyi begins to understand this lesson, especially after LDW leaves for Dalian, was such a turning point, both for the character and for the story.I honestly can’t say enough about the acting in this drama. Lin Yi’s performance was understated yet incredibly powerful. His character’s internal struggle was conveyed so effortlessly that it was almost painful to watch at times—there’s a real subtlety to how he portrays his emotions. But what really took me by surprise was Shen Yue. I’ve always liked her, but this role as Guyi felt like a whole new side to her as an actress. Gone was any trace of her previous roles (I’m looking at you, Chen Xiaoxi), and in her place was a fully fleshed-out character who felt real and raw. Shen Yue nailed every single emotional beat, and it’s clear that her acting has leveled up. And let me just say, she was absolutely stunning on screen, especially in the more emotional scenes. Her tears were almost poetic in how they flowed, and her smile—wow, her smile! It’s like she glowed. The transformation in her performance from start to finish was nothing short of remarkable.
And let’s talk about chemistry—because Lin Yi and Shen Yue? They were magic. Seriously, their chemistry was something special. I don’t know if it was the perfect blend of their acting or the way their characters were written, but there was a natural ease to their connection that made every scene feel so authentic. It wasn’t just about the “romantic moments” (though there were plenty of those). It was in the way they looked at each other, in the quiet pauses, in the unspoken understanding between them. This kind of chemistry doesn’t happen by accident, and it really made the series so much more enjoyable. I caught myself rooting for them, even in the small moments.
A huge shoutout to the soundtrack as well. The OST was perfectly chosen, with tracks that enhanced every emotional beat. I found the intro theme particularly captivating—it had this effortless quality to it that I just couldn’t get out of my head. What I really appreciated was how the English lyrics made it accessible, giving the series an added layer of universal appeal. The music never overshadowed the drama, but it always felt like the perfect companion to the story. It’s the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you long after the show ends.
This is one of those series that will definitely get a second (and probably third) watch from me. I’d give the rewatch value a solid 10/10. It's the kind of drama you turn to when you want to feel comforted, to reconnect with the characters, and to experience the beautiful chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue all over again. It’s a show that stays with you, and I have a feeling I’ll be coming back to it again whenever I need a pick-me-up.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Journey Into the Complexity of Love and Healing
So here’s my honest review about the series: If you're looking for a series that makes you pause and think long after the credits roll, this is it. From the very start, this drama set itself apart with its honest, unflinching portrayal of the emotional intricacies of love and personal growth. It doesn’t follow the usual formula of instant chemistry or love at first sight. Instead, it takes its time—building the characters, their struggles, and ultimately, their healing process. This isn’t just a romance; it's a thoughtful exploration of what it means to truly understand and accept yourself and others in a relationship.The narrative is grounded in an uncommon theme—alexithymia—an emotional condition that most people are unfamiliar with. The series doesn’t just brush over this issue; it makes it a core part of the story, delving into how it affects not just the person living with it, but also the people around them. This aspect of the show was a real breath of fresh air. As someone who’s always been interested in psychology, it felt rewarding to see such a complex topic handled so respectfully and with real depth. But beyond that, this show speaks to something universal: how we love, how we cope, and how we grow. There’s a quiet power in its exploration of how love, especially mature love, should bring peace rather than anxiety or turmoil. It’s a beautiful, cathartic message, one that lingers long after you finish the series.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the acting. Lin Yi, while initially playing a reserved and somewhat enigmatic character, brings a surprising amount of depth and vulnerability. His character may not wear his emotions on his sleeve, but Lin Yi’s ability to convey complex emotions with just a look, a pause, or a single gesture is something to behold. You don’t need words when the acting is this effective.
However, what truly stood out was Shen Yue. Many people know her from previous roles, and while she’s always been a capable actress, here she steps into new territory. Her portrayal of Guyi was nothing short of stunning. She completely transformed into her character, making Guyi feel like a fully fleshed-out, real person with strengths, weaknesses, and emotional complexities. Watching Shen Yue move between moments of strength and vulnerability, quiet contemplation and intense emotion, was like watching an artist at work. I also have to give a shoutout to her beauty in this role. There’s something about her presence on screen that’s almost ethereal, particularly in her emotional scenes. Her tears were so hauntingly beautiful—each one carrying the weight of her character’s internal struggle.
If you’re a sucker for that perfect couple dynamic, this show delivers. The chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue is palpable, but what I loved about their relationship was that it felt earned, not instantaneous. They didn’t rush into each other’s arms; instead, their connection built slowly, grounded in mutual understanding and respect. Their moments together were quiet and understated, but that made them all the more powerful. There was never a moment where I questioned whether they “belonged” together—everything just clicked, naturally. The unspoken connection between them, in the quiet glances and subtle gestures, was more than enough to carry the emotional weight of their relationship.
The music in this series also deserves a mention. The soundtrack complements the tone of the show perfectly—there’s a softness to it that feels almost meditative. It never overpowers the scenes, but it enhances them, especially during the more emotionally charged moments. The opening theme, with its smooth, English lyrics, set the stage right from the beginning. Music like this doesn’t just add to the atmosphere; it becomes a part of the emotional fabric of the story.
What really makes this drama stand out is its depth and richness. It’s a show you can revisit, not just for the romance, but for the lessons it offers and the emotional journey it takes you on. I have no doubt this is a series I’ll return to when I need something that feels both comforting and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t just entertain but stays with you, challenging your thoughts on love, healing, and self-acceptance.
If you’re looking for something that goes beyond surface-level romance and dives into deeper emotional territory, this series is a must-watch. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a beautiful, soul-stirring experience.
Was this review helpful to you?
Storyy is sooo slow
Despite the talented leads, there’s zero chemistry between them, making their relationship feel flat and unconvincing. The story drags painfully with unnecessary filler, and the pacing is unbearably slow. At 34 episodes, it’s way too long—this could’ve been wrapped up in 16 or 18 episodes instead. It was kind of challenging to get invested. I usually finish a drama in 2-3 nights but this one took me more than a week. I just dont feel the need to binge watch this drama. If you are thinking of giving it a try, I’d suggest you skip it unless you are a big fan of the actors here.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
the theme will expire if you keep going in circles
let's start off with the bad things about this drama. leads' story lines went in too many circles for my liking. this could've cut the series by 10 episodes at least. however, SY and LY acted the hell out of these characters. it's probably the best acting that i've seen from both of them. surprisingly, i enjoyed the side couples' story lines. the other story line that should've been shorter, was her mother passing away. k!lling an elderly person has become a standard so it ends up giving NOTHING to the story. the music was really off putting at the times. they were targeting international audience but it fell flat. i would've preferred if they used already existing english songs.also, this drama have so many incredible one liners "the harder i work ,the harder i will fall", "the snacks will expire if you leave them out for too long", "it's your business if you you wish to stay in the past but i'm not obligated to wait for you in the same place" etc
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Lin Yi & Shen Yue of course here I come… once again MDL had a confusing summary, let me tell u the story with my version.Story about Gu Yi (GY), a woman who works at a magazine who also does stand up comedy at night. One day, GY met a handsome man who wouldn't smile hearing her jokes. Intrigued by this aloof handsome man, GY introduced herself to the man, Liang Dai Wen (DW). From then on, GY learns DW suffers from alexithymia or simply explanations as “emotional blindness”, meaning DW simply doesn't have many emotions. His psychiatrist suggest DW watch a lot of drama, or go watch stand up comedy to learn more about feelings or emotions, that's the reason DW ended up at the club where GY performed.
Slowly, DW & GY get closer to each other. And from GY, DW learned many emotions & uncovered the truth about DW's own past that made him alexithymia in the first place. But this is not only about them, this also about the struggling urban youths living in Shanghai, their work dynamic, work struggle, etc… So in the end this also about DW, GY and all their friends are thriving not only in love, but also family dynamics & making their dreams come true….
That's pretty much the story without giving the spoiler. Now what I like and don't.
What I like:
+ The dynamics between DW & GY. How they manage & finally admit their own feelings for each other.
+ Jacqueline. Oh she's an amazing mentor & woman.
+ Wang Mei Xia. GY’s mom is one amazing & interesting woman.
+ Xu Guan Rui, how he respects GY & by all means still not blindly love & want own GY for himself kinda type.
What I don't like:
- The stupid GY at first. How she stupidly & blindly falls & gets closer to DW. I mean I scream so much damn time to my screen that man not only him, just move away please….
- The relationship between Yu Du Le (DL) & Guan Xing Xin (XX). It's just heavy on DL side, he deserves a better woman than XX.
- Guan Xing Xin. I didn't understand this woman till the end. What the writer wants with her. It's like they created this complicated woman, just for our ML not alone in his mental sickness, but not created enough information for us, cause she's not the lead.
Well in the end this just another drama on my list.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Smile Dropped
I want to preface my review by saying, I know starting a drama after reading its plot and being prompted by the plot to go for it, you definitely watch the whole thing with certain expectations.I expected this drama would be about a personality transformation. How the transformation would be presented and how it would unfold was the unknown.
That being said, I waited more than anything for ONE very huge moment, every new episode the ML and FL relationship was growing I was holding my breath for it and this is where I got the BLOW.
If you haven't guessed it , I was waiting for the first ...smile. The ML first smile. I mean the whole thing was about a SMILE!!!
It came, but it was not special , it didn't appear in a slow motion or a close up or unforgettable setting. I can't even tell when it happened. I just found myself seeing it appear more and more.
The first smile from the ML was drowned and was inserted somewhere convenient after some tense situation and a reunion that felt too rushed .
It felt like I watched the whole drama about someone who couldn't express himself emotionally and once they got "unblocked" and cured that part was not special anymore. It was ordinary.
Once he became unblocked all the new emotions appeared all at once so the transition just killed the drama for me.
I have to be honest after episode 30 , the show was over. I fast forwarded the last 4 just in case something special happened but I could have stopped and it would have been perfect.
The acting was good. Was it extraordinary ? Some parts yes, especially in the beginning for Lin Yi. Chemistry between the 2 actors didn't work for me. I would put them together as siblings or very good friends but their cute moments with the FL smiling for no reason all the time annoyed me a bit. She felt surprised most of the time by him kissing her, and it felt weird and unnatural to me. Lots of kissing but most fell flat or unnecessary.
This drama was very promising but the storyline got lost somewhere and the smile became irrelevant.
That was my disappointment.
Was this review helpful to you?
Psychology lesson disguised as an average trope filled light romance
Lin Yi seems to be on a mission to raise awareness of disabilities through his choices of drama projects, like ALS with Angels Fall Sometimes, and now alexithymia (emotional blindness) with Smile Code. Unfortunately it's difficult to blend public awareness messaging into a drama & not turn it into a 34 ep long instructional video. Angels Fall Sometimes worked because of the storytelling & perfomances of Landi Li & Lin Yi.Lin Yi plays Liang Daiwen, a successful accessibility designer who is unable to recognize emotions & unable to laugh at jokes. Early episodes suggest a childhood trauma resulting in a deep suppression, for which he is receiving treatment & counseling, & is recommended to go watch stand-up comedy. He navigates his relationships only through the visual/verbal cues of others, as he's unable to access his long suppressed feelings.
Guan XingXin, a long time friend of Daiwen, is a secondary role, but acts as stark contrast to Daiwen in that she is one who fully lives for her emotions. In the beginning, more energy is put into her story arc than the FL, Gu Yi.
I've seen sparks of Shen Yue's comic talent in her previous dramas, enough to see that she does have good timing & can be very funny. However, Gu Yi, who is supposed to be a popular comedian at her local comedy club, delivers pretty sedate G-rated jokes. Her face doesn't even change expression on stage. In fact, Shen Yue seemed to be downright uncomfortable in the role & didn't really settle into it until much later. Not until halfway did some of her comic spark come through with a funny dental accident. (Incidentally, Shen Yue seems to have gotten her teeth straightened; she is quite beautiful regardless.) I didn't really expect a Jimmy O Yang or Ronny Chieng level performance, but the character of Gu Yi had neither edge nor depth & Shen Yue also couldn't pull much out of her. And perhaps there's not too much you can make fun of in China due to the censors ("satire without malice") so maybe I'm missing the point completely if it's too subtle. Lin Yi should've had the least challenge by keeping a straight face, but he also was not able to convey any subtle notes of expression when Daiwen's emotions start to surface, which would've required a master level performance.
The leads' characters largely remained a blank slate as they simply went through the motions of the usual line up of tropes: living together, a lot of drunk piggy-back rides, bandaging scrapes & nursing fevers. The relationship develops rather inexplicably for the first 10 episodes. Why does the FL fall for someone who gives no emotional feedback? The dialogue is simplistic & turned into a mechanical Q&A, like an infomercial, whenever addressing alexithymia. The psychology always felt like a completely separate storyline, rather than integrated.
By the 11th episode there's a slight shift in tone with the arrival of Gu Yi's mother, who is an unexpectedly calming & insightful presence. Gu Yi seems to take Daiwen as her charity project as it's not quite believeable that she truly loves him, but nonetheless she slowly breaks through Daiwen's shell to help him feel once more. However, after trying so hard to understand him, she decides to stop trying after he makes a breakthrough with therapy. What follows is the formulaic parade of romance tropes as Daiwen pursues Gu Yi, which seemed to be the only consistent element of this show.
The show is visually surreal at times, with dream-like soft focus shots & dark, cramped interiors. It was difficult to see how these shots added to the story, except to illustrate that the story itself was also blurry & cluttered. Is it about alexithymia? Is Gu Yi the central character or Daiwen? The arcs just didn't seem to balance. The show overall was unappealing to look at, and the story didn't develop any cohesion until the final 1/3 when it just simply focused on the romance.
For a show about emotions, it doesn't delve too deeply into any character's mindset, while offering very dry psychology lectures. If it was about disabilities, that topic was given only light treatment as well. All in all, it just ended up being an average romance.
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. While I'm not usually a fan of slow-burn romance, this one hooked me in, especially since it explores the topic of alexithymia, which is rarely discussed in media. As a psych major, I was thrilled to see this element portrayed so thoughtfully. The series also offers valuable life lessons, such as how to love patiently, how people cope with loss differently, and what mature love looks like. Watching this series, I realized that love should have a calming effect on us, not cause turmoil. This idea is perfectly illustrated through the character of Guyi, especially after LDW goes to Dalian.
Acting:
The performances, from the lead cast to the supporting actors, were outstanding.
Lin Yi's portrayal of his role is stoic but layered, and I loved how he conveyed confusion despite not feeling everything his character was going through. You can truly see his depth and skill as an actor.
As for Shen Yue, I have to say she’s the MVP of the series. Her portrayal of Guyi is the reason her character reached a 50M popularity index. Shen Yue has improved so much—before this, she always had a bit of Chen Xiaoxi in her roles, but here, she completely owned the character of Guyi. Her emotional range, the nuances in her performance, and even the subtle changes in her tone were exceptional. I also have to mention how mesmerizing she is on screen. When did she become such a beautiful crier? The way her tears fall looks so aesthetic, and her presence is captivating. Honestly, I don’t remember her looking this beautiful before, especially when she smiles!
Chemistry:
Lin Yi and Shen Yue's chemistry is a solid 10/10. I’m not exaggerating, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen such natural, genuine chemistry between two leads. Their connection was palpable, and it really added to the charm of the series.
Music:
The OST and background music were also a highlight, especially the intro! The songs are easy to follow, and the fact that they’re in English makes them even more accessible and engaging.
Rewatch Value:
I’d rate the rewatch value a solid 10/10. This series is such a comfort drama, and I know I’ll be coming back to it. I’ll definitely crave the chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue again, and I can’t wait to experience it all over.
Was this review helpful to you?
