Not the typical Idol Drama
This is not the typical idol drama because it showcases complex emotions of people and depicts the reality of life for people with different situations. As a viewer of Shen Yue’s dramas, I can vouch that her acting improved so much. Her lines and emotions are well delivered. There are just a few times that I did not get her punchlines, but maybe it got lost in translation. But overall the comedy scenes will really make you laugh and the sad scenes will sometimes make you cry. The cinematography, shots and color grading are movie like, the OSTs are all great and above all she has amazing chemistry with her real life bestie Lin Yi on this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
SMILE CODE
In my opinion, this drama is a new drama that is different from the others, starting from the setting, storyline, and very good cast.Because from this drama we can also learn not to treat people the same, learn to understand not to just judge someone badly, sometimes the one who doesn't seem to care is the one who is fighting tooth and nail to put in the effort :')
Was this review helpful to you?
A lavish show
Everything about this show is “elevated”. The setting, the sets, locations, the photography, the directing… everything is top of the line in an underrated way (the wallpaper magazine references shows this show was written and created by fancy/tasteful people).This said, it correlates to the choice of actors as Lin Yi is as always elegant (and very tall!) and can portray the character superbly… just look at his eyes and micro expressions and you can feel how cut off Liang Daiwen is feeling at experiencing things and how distant from regular/mundane emotions he is; and then, there’s Shen Yue, really a long time no see in a drama and she’s AMAZING in this role. Gu Yi is a vibrant, vivacious and funny girl that’s cute, proffessional and has a sarcastic sense of humor, but is also moved by the limitations the ML lives with in his daily life. She acts as the viewers avatar in dealing with the emotions brought up….
This show is very pleasant overall and a surprise as to how good it is (so far, on episode 9. I binge watched all of it)
Was this review helpful to you?
Shen yue is amazing in this drama
I often get bored with cdramas as I rather watch kdramas but this drama smile code has gotten my attention from episode 1 from the very beginning I love both Shen yue and LinYi’s acting together the storyline the production it is amazing they really deserve a high rating score you can tellThey put they’re 100% into this drama I don’t get why Shen yue doesn’t get much hype because she’s such a great actress she deserves way more constant Dramas she really got way better in her acting you can tell she’s been working hard on her work.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great Drama storyline and actors
A lot of fans had been waiting for this drama for a long time and it’s disappointing to see that we tv didn’t promote as much but Shen yue and linyi have so many fans that love themThat no matter how many people try to
Bring them down they will make it to the top especially shen yue she deserves more praise and she deserves to be more famous and loved in china she’s a beautiful queen she’s so down to earth she shines like no other actress all on her own no matter what people try do so to bring her down this drama caught my attention
Since episode 1 I love it so much it’s exactly what I expected from this two great actors hope they give her way more attention and dramas
Was this review helpful to you?
The quality is like movie.
Each eps is more better day by day
The cinematography, acting of casts, dialogs, story, visual are all good.
The comedy and sweet moments are just right.
All characters have important roles. Supporting characters are not just patches
The drama also raises issues that occur in everyday life.
Such as: stigma of women, dynamics of office life, relationship between daughters and their mothers where they usually want to look strong and fine.
I love Guyi and her Mom is cool!!
This drama looks like it was done with heart and attention to detail.
Was this review helpful to you?
please continue to support SY and LY.
idk, it's getting interesting for me haha. i can't wait for the next epsiodes! YY has good chemistry as well with the 2nd ML. ngl that 2nd ML is kinda cute haha. Why some are rated this low? I remember last time, I've watched a cdrama, it's not good at all and it's boring but the rating is 8.5 or 8.7 which is shocking for me, like? And some cdrama's were good that I've watched as well have that rating which was low. why is that? anyways, let's go shen yue!🫶🏻Was this review helpful to you?
SCREW Y'ALL ANTIFAN WHO GIVE LOW REVIEWS!!!
Your hates doesn't cover the fact that this drama us another MASTERPIECE. From the story plot, cinematography, visuals, acting, ost, and most of all the actors, everything is just perfect and admirable. Thank you for this drama, I'm somewhat like Daiwen era before, I've never butterflies after keep on facing this freakin' academic papers! You recued me and finally I have something to get obsessed of. ARRGH! I JUST LOVE THIS FEELINGGGGGGG. I LOVE YOU YUEYUE AND LINYIWas this review helpful to you?
A must watch
I've always wondered why the cdramas here are rated less than they deserve. This is my first time leaving a review on this website. Smile Code deserves recognition and a higher rating. I mean what can't you love about this drama? Their chemistry alone deserves 10/10 and that for me is the most important thing when watching a drama. Another plus is the cinematography! Every episode seems like straight out of a movie scene.Was this review helpful to you?
A Mesmerizing Slow-Burn Romance That Will Steal Your Heart
If you’re looking for a romance that lingers long after the credits roll, Smile Code might just be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. This slow-burn series isn’t built on flashy drama or whirlwind passion, it’s a deeply human story about love, growth, and connection, told with breathtaking visuals and quietly stunning performances.Visuals & Atmosphere:
Set against a moody, visually arresting backdrop, Smile Code crafts a world that’s as immersive as it is evocative. The cinematography is a masterclass in tone, neon-lit corridors, soft shadows, and painterly framing that elevate every emotional beat.
Acting:
At the heart of it all are Lin Yi and Shen Yue, whose performances breathe life into characters that feel imperfectly, beautifully real. Lin Yi, as Dai Wen, delivers a quiet powerhouse of a performance, his internal conflict are portrayed with remarkable nuance. Shen Yue, as Gu Yi, wears vulnerability like armor. Her raw, open-hearted portrayal makes every moment resonate, grounding the story in emotional truth. Together, they create a dynamic that’s tender, aching, and believable.
Story:
At its core, Smile Code is a meditation on the messiness of love, especially between two people still learning how to be whole. It’s a story that embraces imperfection, showing how connection is built not through grand gestures, but through small acts of kindness, courage, and emotional honesty. The pacing is deliberate, allowing relationships to simmer. The main couple’s longing is palpable, spoken in glances and the quiet ache of what’s left unsaid. Just when you think you’ve settled into their rhythm, the second couple brings a fresh spark, offering a parallel journey that’s equally compelling and emotionally rich.
Music:
The soundtrack is the emotional undercurrent of the series, never overpowering, always precise. Whether underscoring a moment of heartbreak or quiet joy, the music deepens the emotional resonance, making each scene feel lived-in and memorable.
Conclusion:
Yes, Smile Code is a slow burn. It takes its time, especially in the first eight episodes to build its world and earn its emotional payoffs. But if you stay with it, you’ll be rewarded with a romance that’s tender, grounded, and profoundly moving. Watching these flawed, resilient characters fight for connection is satisfying and healing. If you’re drawn to love stories that celebrate vulnerability and emotional growth, Smile Code is a must-watch. Give it a chance, and you might just find yourself looping back to episode one, ready to fall in love all over again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Smile Code as Happy Pill
The story was beautifully written from start to finish; I couldn't find any scenes that were off-key. It was delivered exceptionally well by the actors, and their emotions were top-tier. I love everything about this drama. Someone may find it odd for me to say it, but these are my thoughts, and this kind of story is my cup of tea. I love how humorous and emotionally driven the story is. And most importantly, the OST—my god, it is so good to the ears! I love the beat so much. Highly recommended to anyone who gets songs stuck in their head (LSS).The Cast
The Main Cast
First of all, I love the way Shen Yue acts; it was very natural. Maybe I'm biased because no matter how well the plot is written, if the actors aren't really my vibe, I can't survive the drama—that's my preference, and yours is basically yours, so there's that. As she portrayed Gu Yi, I loved it so much; the way she acted, her emotions, were excellent. Every time she smiled, I smiled—that's how her actions resonated with the audience. When she was sad and forlorn, you'd feel it too. The way she delivered her jokes to Ounce was very funny, and you'll find yourself smiling throughout her performance.
And then, there's Lin Yi as Liang Daiwen, and wow, what a man. This is my first time watching him, and I love the way he acts too; it was natural, and he's very handsome. I like how he gradually evolved to be a proper human, transitioning from being robot-like to feeling things human do in daily life—that was the best transition his character went through. They both perfectly fit their roles, and their chemistry is thousands of percent top-tier. I couldn't ask for more; they're perfect for the role.
The Supporting Characters
They're as vital as the main cast, and I was also rooting for them in every episode. The Ounce and Nextmonday respective casts were lovable too. The touch of comedic and emotional drama is so good; it balances the viewers' feelings. As for me, I'm pretty much sold on the comedic banters between the mains and the supporting cast. It will keep you entertained. Although it's not all pure serotonin, the emotional aspect also fueled you as a viewer. You'll wonder how the characters dealt with their past traumas and current situations, how they coped with the loss of someone important, someone they loved and cherished. And the plot caters to it beautifully. There were no loopholes or unanswered questions left loose.
Conclusion
I love how the characters gave justice to their respective roles; it was all fully packed. See it for yourselves if this is your liking. Nonetheless, for me, this drama deserves higher ratings because it made the viewers happy, and you'll also get to learn a lot of lessons along the scenes, be it coping with past traumas, learning to accept the reality that losing someone is inevitable, having a reliable partner in every aspect, being independent, standing by your own beliefs, and loving someone with all your heart without losing yourself along the way.
Smile Code has its own perks and is highly recommended to someone who loves comedy and a hundred-percent touch of romance. It's worth the time spent. A drama that's dear to my heart. My Robotcat couple! Kudos to all. 💯🎬💕
Was this review helpful to you?
Soft Launch. Strong feeling
Smile Code is a quiet revolution in the language of love, healing, and the human spirit. It doesn’t need grand gestures to leave a lasting impression. With her luminous presence, Shen Yue anchors the narrative, delivering what may be her most mature and grounded performance to date. And despite the height, her chemistry with LinYi is unimaginable.For long-time supporters like me, seeing Shen Yue in Smile Code feels like watching a flower finally bloom after seasons of quiet strength. From her early days as the girl-next-door in A Love So Beautiful, she has grown into an actress capable of profound emotional subtlety. In this drama, she doesn’t just play a role—she lives it. Every silence is meaningful, every expression loaded with layers. It’s the kind of performance that whispers instead of shouts, and yet you feel it in your chest.
The film’s direction and cinematography are breathtaking. Every shot is filled with soul. The lighting is soft yet intentional, guiding the viewer through moods and memories with seamless grace. One standout sequence at The Ounce Bar captures many emotional scenes, the setting is just perfect.
If you find the earlier part boring, take note, Smile Code doesn’t rush its storytelling, and that’s its magic. It invites you to pause, feel, and reflect. It celebrates the quiet strength found in vulnerability and the grace in simply being present as portrayed by each character. And at the core of it all is Shen Yue, whose artistic evolution shines through with every scene. For fans and newcomers alike, this film is both a gentle reminder and a heartfelt reward: beauty is in the softest of details—and in the smiles we choose to share.
Was this review helpful to you?
