Smile Code

RECOMMENDED C-DRAMA WITH AN INTERESTING PLOT

Trust me, I've rewatched this drama approximately 5 times now, despite the fact that not all episodes have yet been released. Except for episodes 1-2, they all made me laugh a lot. It's a good drama with a unique plot and concept, and it deserves to be noticed more. I swear, I've been excitedly looking forward to their new episodes, every day. There's nothing else I could say because I absolutely just love it! The storyline, the casting, the chemistry between the two main leads, and the plot are all absolutely PERFECT to me. Last but not least, this is definitely worth watching <3

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Strong start let down by far too many episodes and a sluggish second half

When I first started this drama, I was enjoying it a lot and became hooked really quickly. I was super invested in the story, but this is yet another example of a cdrama suffering from far too many episodes for me, and by the half way point I was ready to give up (and honestly probably would have if I hadn't paid for the subscription just to watch this and it didn't have one of my favourite actors in it).

I was invested in the lead romance to begin with, but it got to a point where it was getting dragged out so much and it felt like they just kept going round in circles with each other, and the "drama" between them got annoying really quickly, so by the time they actually officially got together it honestly didn't really feel satisfying for me anymore. I liked the dynamic between the two characters together once they were officially in a relationship, but by the time it got to that point I just wasn't really that invested anymore.

It also honestly just got really quite boring for me in the second half. There were far too many episodes in this drama and I think if it had been around 16-20 episodes it would have been much more enjoyable, because there honestly wasn't anything all that interesting happening in the second half and it started to drag quite a lot.

I was a big fan of the casting overall - Lin Yi is an actor that I am already a huge fan of and I think he did a great job with this character, and I've also seen Shen Yue in a couple of other dramas and thought she also played her role really well. The other characters I also felt were cast well, and I didn't really feel dislike any of the casting.

The OST was also decent, but not necessarily my favourite OST of all time and I most likely wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it or include the songs on my playlist.

Overall this was okay, but I definitely started to get quite bored and was just kind of disappointed with the drama overall in the second half - especially since I had been anticipating it quite a lot - and I can't see myself rewatching it since it honestly felt like quite a chore to even get through the entire 34 episode run the first time.

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Great leads chemistry with an interesting premise, but lacks other well-written side stories.

If you are a romance lover, then “Smile Code” is worth checking out. The premise is interesting in depicting a male lead with alexithymia aka emotional blindness. It reminded me of “Love and Redemption” where the female lead is deprived of her six senses. In the case of our male lead, Liang Dai Wen, developed a psychological trait/condition and has difficulties in identifying, understanding and expressing emotions. As you can tell, this poses a great challenge in having romantic relationships.

Gu Yi, female lead, is quite the exact opposite. She is full of life, full of emotions and energy. In fact, it was quite hard and embarrassing to see her ‘throw’ herself in Dai Wen’s direction and being somewhat clingy to him. This girl has the patience and understanding of a goddess, and is in no way deterred from Dai Wen’s coldness and hard words.

If you like opposites attract, this is an interesting watch. Shen Yue and Lin Yi have great chemistry together, even during the earlier episodes when Dai Wen is a robot. Their scenes are cute and feel natural. Throughout the development of their relationship, I believe in them and really root for them. Despite some rough times (and you know there will be due to Dai Wen’s condition), their challenges feel realistic and acceptable. I have to say, the only time I cringed a little is during the few episodes when the ‘robot’ Dai Wen comes out of his shell and starts learning cheesy pick up lines from his assistant, idol dramas and god knows where. Towards the last quarter of the drama, their romance is sweet and fluffy, and I also feel the love they have for each other. Their relationship is healthy and communicative.

The other romances don’t take up too much screen time. Even though I like the setup of the romance between Yu Du Le (Zou Ting Wei) and Guan Xing Xin (Zhang Tian Ai). But unfortunately, the chemistry is lacking. I don’t think Zhang Tian Ai’s acting is matching that of Zou Ting Wei in the more emotional scenes. The more mature couple takes up even less screen, even though they have better chemistry than the other couple. I guess when you have two veteran actors, they make the best of their little screen time. I also like Xu Guan Rui as the ‘third wheel’. To me, he’s dreamy and caring, and really wants what’s best for Gu Yi (professionally and personally). He might display animosity towards Dai Wen, but I chalked that up as he doesn’t know of his situation, therefore, cannot comprehend why Gu Yi never gave up and continues to stick by Dai Wen’s side. Once he knew of the situation, he apologizes and admits his poor behavior. I think it takes character to man up and own his poor actions and words, especially in front of a love rival.

Despite loving the main romance and the reason for a solid rating, the drama is longer than it should be. There are times when the plot is not moving much, and all it does is showing the day-to-day life of the couple and their friends. Don’t expect a business drama, but I do love the mentor/mentee relationship between Gu Yi and her supervisor, Jie Kui Lin.

It also doesn’t have a central focus on stand-up comedy like the recently aired drama “Later, I laughed”. The jokes in “Smile Code” are not as good, and stand-up comedy does not play a very important role in this drama, aside from a place where people gather, and a very minor plot in the end, which I dislike since it’s quite uncharacteristic for the female lead to get in trouble this way. She’s a senior writer/editor, and has been working for years. There’s no way she would fall for such a scheme, especially after consulting with his best friend and boyfriend. But I guess they need her to do so, in order to resolve another situation.

Oh, how can I forget the lovely, sweet and memorable Wang Mei Xia (FL’s mother). Not only do I love the mother/daughter relationship, I also love the friendship between her and Dai Wen. There’s not enough scenes of Mrs. Wang Mei Xia. She’s like sunshine shining on some of the more boring moments.

I would recommend this drama only for those who are fans of the lead couple, cute romance or interested in checking out a drama about alexithymia. Otherwise, “Smile Code” doesn’t have enough meaty and well-written plotlines to keep viewers interested. I did have a mostly enjoyable time binge-watching it.



Completed: 1/3/2025 - Review #533

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Shen Yue does it again

I've had this on my to watch list for a while, I think. But then I watched Mr. Bad and Shen Yue's magic worked its way to me.

The story, plot and overall script in itself was not exactly a original trope, but the way the crew chose to lead the story was very refreshing and new. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat because not once I deduced what was going to happen. The trope maintains itself up until a certain point and when it breaks, the results are incredible.
Casting choice was so on point. Shen Yue's acting and cuteness was very much needed for her role as someone who makes people smile. But then, I have yet to see someone cry in such a beautiful and heart wrenching way. For a drama that has a title like "Smile Code" I sure cried a lot through out.
Lin Yi is wonderful. His chemistry with Yue and how he portrayed his character's problem made it so much more believable. The pace of the story made sense too: if you have someone that can't feel emotions, expecting that his relationships evolve in 15 episodes is just ridiculous. It has to make sense and the way it was conveyed made so much sense. It's slow and then it picks up, you have setbacks, you have breakthroughs.
This story will make you cry, laugh, yearn for something that may seem untangible, get so pissed off that you have to hide your tv remote control. Do not miss the chance on a beautiful story just because people's expectations of it weren't achieved due to their own misconceptions.

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Another Revelation of Shen Yue's underrated acting

Smile Code , i never underestimate her acting skills and im so in heaven seeing Yueyue's so many beautiful scenes of her lughting director should be professional to give their main lead a beautiful shots especially in romantic genre .
as GuYi she's a woman inlove with a man suffering from Emotional blindnes - lack of facial expression but the feeling is there and in his case it was PTSD ..she can feel that Liang feel something special for her but she wants it to be said like a confirmation . people like words than action , and here comes the boss of him and im sure she's the villainess in this series !
Feel good Romance ❤️

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Rom-com with a slice of life!

When I saw the teaser, I was hesitating whether to start watching the series or not. Because it seemed a bit gloomy.

Then I watched several few episodes and got hooked. I started the series because the fact that Shenyue and Linyi are well known as best friends. I wondered how will they act as a lover. And to be honest, it’s better than I expected.

Both the leads showed much improvement for their previous works. They recited the lines in a more natural way. And not to mention all the spontaneous reaction which I believe were ad-libs.

What I like the most about the series, though it’s rom-com, it didn’t get trapped in “dumb” storyline. All flowed really well.

Oh, and I like the acting of Zou Ting Wei and Ophelia Yang. They acted their character really well.

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A VERY HONEST REVIEW ABOUT SMILE CODE

If there’s one thing this drama does incredibly well, it’s taking you on an emotional roller coaster. It’s the kind of show that keeps you on the edge of your seat, where just when you think you know what’s coming, it pulls you in a completely different direction. One moment, you're on the verge of tears, heartstrings tugged in every direction, and the next moment, you're laughing out loud at the unexpected comedic relief that sneaks up on you. It’s a rare balance that most dramas fail to achieve, but here, the tone switches seamlessly—heart-wrenching emotional moments are followed by humor that catches you off guard, creating a truly dynamic viewing experience.

A Story About the Ups and Downs of Love

At its core, this drama is a beautiful depiction of true love—and not just the romantic kind. It’s about how love can challenge you, heal you, and transform you. It’s also about patience: how true love waits and how it calms you down when the world feels chaotic. Guyi’s journey, in particular, encapsulates this theme perfectly. She learns that love isn’t always about grand gestures or instant gratification; sometimes, it’s about learning to trust, to communicate, to understand each other in silence, and to be there for one another through thick and thin. It's the kind of love that grows slowly and steadily, much like the relationship between Guyi and Liang DaiWen—it's not always smooth, but when it clicks, it feels like everything falls into place.

The roller coaster ride doesn’t stop with just the main romance, though. The show does an incredible job of keeping you guessing—just when you think you’ve figured out a character’s path or the direction of the plot, it throws in a twist that changes everything. The drama moves seamlessly between heart-wrenching emotional moments and surprising comedy, making it unpredictable in the best possible way. You’ll be laughing and crying in equal measure, and that’s part of what makes this series so engaging. The unexpected shifts keep you hooked, never letting you settle into a predictable rhythm.

A Friendship That’s Unbreakable

While the romance is central, one of the show’s best aspects is the friendship—specifically, the unwavering support that Guyi receives from her male friend, Yu Dule. If you’ve ever wished for that one friend who’s always by your side, through thick and thin, Yu Dule is the epitome of that loyalty. He’s the kind of friend who isn’t afraid to speak the truth when needed but is also a pillar of support when things go south. Yu Dule doesn’t judge, doesn’t waver, and consistently shows up for Guyi, reminding us how important it is to have someone who has your back no matter what. Their friendship was one of the series’ heartwarming highlights and served as a reminder of how powerful platonic love can be. Yu Dule is the kind of male friend we all need in our lives.

A Story About Self-Discovery

Another fascinating aspect of this drama is its exploration of alexithymia, a psychological condition that affects a person’s ability to identify and express emotions. This theme is rarely tackled in dramas, and the show does a beautiful job portraying how alexithymia can affect relationships, self-awareness, and personal growth. It’s refreshing to see such a sensitive topic handled with care, allowing for moments of profound emotional exploration. This added depth gives the story more layers and makes the romantic and personal growth arcs even more powerful.

Impressive Performances Across the Board

Now, onto the acting. The emotional highs and lows in this series wouldn’t have been as impactful without the incredible performances by Lin Yi and Shen Yue. Lin Yi is perfectly cast as the stoic yet deeply conflicted male lead. He carries the weight of his character’s inner turmoil in such a subtle way that it makes every emotional moment feel earned. His ability to be emotionally restrained, yet still convey so much, is a testament to his acting skills.

But it’s Shen Yue who truly shines in this series. Her portrayal of Guyi is nothing short of transformative. She takes this character from being a typical love interest to someone you genuinely root for, someone whose growth and emotional journey you can’t help but get invested in. Shen Yue’s chemistry with Lin Yi is undeniable, but it’s her nuanced performance that truly carries the emotional core of the story. She feels every joy, every heartbreak, and every moment of growth with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to be moved by her.

The Perfect Balance of Music and Mood

The soundtrack of the show perfectly complements its unpredictable nature. The music doesn’t just add to the emotional atmosphere—it enhances it. One moment, the OST can leave you feeling deeply moved, and the next, it’s setting the stage for a fun, lighthearted moment. The fact that the intro theme is in English makes it easy to connect with, and it somehow feels both familiar and refreshing. The music doesn’t just serve as background noise; it becomes a character in its own right, helping to carry the emotional weight of each scene.

Final Thoughts: A Series Worth Watching and Rewatching

This is one of those rare dramas that manages to capture the full spectrum of emotions—from laughter to tears, from heartache to joy. It’s an emotional roller coaster that never feels forced, and it’s a series that keeps you on your toes with its constant surprises. Whether it’s the calming effect of true love, the unpredictability of the plot, or the loyal friendship that anchors the characters, this drama offers something for everyone.

And above all, it’s a series that leaves you with a lasting impression, one that makes you reflect on what it means to love deeply, to wait patiently, and to always have someone in your corner. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a drama that mixes laughter with tears, romance with friendship, and depth with lightheartedness.

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