Chemistry? As artificial as plastic.
The plot? A classic case of Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V.Our ML’s family member gets killed, and he’s back for revenge. Out of a quarter billion women around his age, who does he fall for? The enemy’s daughter, of course(here they are childhood sweethearts so one more clichè comes free) And—because fate has a wicked sense of humor—she’s conveniently average-looking. Chinese writers, I feel for you; creativity has officially hit saturation.
It follows the same age-old pattern: ML hides his identity, regrets it later, and oscillates between holding and leaving the FL—all in the name of "protecting" her. No new tricks, no fresh twists, just déjà vu in HD.
Now, onto the cast.
Dai Gao? The man can do no wrong—except here. I’ve seen him as a king, a bodyguard, an army general, a boxer, a model, a gangster (kind of), and now, a company chairman. And let’s be real—he absolutely devours that rectangular-framed, clear-glass, three-piece suit aesthetic. YUMMY. But his acting? Surprisingly... mid. Why? We’ll get to that.
Jin Zi Yuan is a solid actress, but she just didn’t bring her A-game. She thrives in period dramas, where she fits like a glove, but in modern settings, she sticks out like a misplaced extra. In this role, her expressions were rigid, and her dialogue delivery felt about as natural as a scripted reality show.
Now, their chemistry—oh boy. If childhood friends are supposed to have an unbreakable bond, these two must’ve had severe amnesia. Lovers? Barely. Their dynamic felt like an arranged marriage where intimacy exists, but it’s as thrilling as watching paint dry. This is precisely why Dai Gao’s performance didn’t shine—there was just nothing to work with.
As for the rest of the cast... well, they exist. Overacting galore, as if none of them attended even a single acting workshop.
And the background music? Or should I say, the complete lack of an impressionable soundtrack? A final nail in the coffin.
So, should you skip this drama?
No, no—watch it. But only if your expectations are lying comfortably six feet under.
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Thai vs Chinese
I saw the Thai version Hua Jai Sila first and I felt that had a better storyline and was tied together so much better than this version.The only reason I watched this version was cause of the actors. I liked them in other shows and wanted to see how they would take this show. Overall they did a good job.
This version just felt like it was very low budget with little effort. It definitely could have been way better. It felt extremely rushed, but it did get the whole story within 24 episodes. Definitely recommend Hua Jai Sila over this.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heart of stone ❤️ of ?...Chinese version of Hua Jai Sila...
Chinese version from thai drama...Adaptations sometimes shine and sometimes doesn't, well for this version the plot was very similar to thai plot only with little Chinese common twist and turns.
While watching this i definitely started remembering the Hua Jai Sila's plot and Their ML's and FL's strong, forcefully and possessive love story.
In this version there was lacking of the possessiveness which was there in Hua Jai Sila from ML towards FL, although in this series he was brought up to hate FL but couldn't help himself and fall for her.
In most of thai dramas there is always scenes of forcing FL but in Chinese versions we don't see that often, was accepted but face expression were lacking a bit in the cast.
Plot was very similar to thai version, the twist was the indirect involvement of FL's father in crime which ML's stepmother committed and FL's father tried to protect everything till his last breath, FLs and MLs being enemies plot.
Music is good.
Only thing, this is a short mini series so can watch although I was waiting for its full version but couldn't stop myself and started watching all episodes.
Overall it is nice for those who want to the adapted version with Chinese plot twist.
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Revenge/Angst? YES. Actual Remake? NAH.
I'm writing this review for one reason and that is to let people know if you're a fan of the Thai Drama "Heart of Stone" and come into this expecting a "Chinese Remake" of that drama... you're going to be sorely disappointed. Other than it having revenge, hidden identity, and a single "boy in water, drowning" scene there are quite literally NO other similarities.The drama is ok but nothing special.
> Great acting from the ML (I felt his pain for real)
> Forgettable FL.
> A few sexy/steamy scenes sprinkled in.
> Mediocre bad guys. (the clencher for a not-so-great drama)
> Failed promise to deliver a "remake".
All in all... mayyybe if I hadn't anticipated "Heart of Stone" I could have enjoyed it a bit more but the mediocre FL and mediocre bad guys really brought the rating/enjoyment down a bit for me.
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Watchable only thanks to Dai Gao Zheng....
The story was not much, there are a dozen similar stories like this. The supporting characters were not interesting at all and often the characters acted completely without a brain. You know that someone is after you, that someone wants you dead and you walk around outside without security... completely illogical.I basically only liked the series because of the incredibly charismatic and gorgeous lead actor. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have watched it. So I recommend watching it only if you like the main actor, otherwise it's quite a waste of time
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Cutie patooties?
ml’s basically a snack and fl’s the whole vibe, don’t @ me.lol so like this series is so extra but in a hilarious way, honestly i was lowkey dying. Xiao Lang’s entrance was so savage, like he’s out here flexin that “i js woke up like this” vibe, and Su Ming Yu makin a comeback like “look at me now" basically lol. the love story? total rollercoaster full of cheese but i loved it, and let’s js say love ends up saving the day which is kinda cheesy but still fun. the plot got more holes than swiss cheese but whatever. i gotta say, i really liked the song they played — don’t know much about music, but it’s that turn-up energy. overall, it’s a whole mood — dark past, revenge, love, all that stuff — served with a side of “wait, what did i js watch?” energy. about the Thai ver don't know it honestly.. if ur into chaos, cheesy moments, and questionable plot twists, then yea, i’d say give it a shot — it’s a wild ride u won’t forget (or maybe u will, but that’s part of the charm).
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This review may contain spoilers
Almost
This drama is usually why I don’t watch these short episode offerings. Giant holes, over-acting, leads who have little chemistry, and a lot of abusive treatment of women that gets swallowed or ignored completely.First let me say that the ML has outstanding visuals. Truly. Out standing. They played on that a lot.
There was very little chemistry between the ML and FL. It was kind of like watching two introverts trying to get to know each other in a room full of strangers who were staring at them. The ML is a voracious kisser and the FL does the dead fish lip kiss for the most part. I was awkward to watch.
The excessive use of the ML’s name by the FL about drove me crazy. Every other sentence (insert his name) was used in the FL’s dialogue. I could be wrong, but even in countries where honorifics are used the use of (insert his name) was over the top. (insert his name)
I will give the ML credit. He had the angry revenge filled stare down to a tee and did a good job initially when he has his ‘heart of stone’, but the second that happened the script and production ruined his vendetta seeking persona and turned him into an overly emotional 12 year old in one quick episode.
Even the bad guys (with the exception of the hired assassin with the ball cap) were overacted and sadly missed the mark by a mile.
The only surprise to me was the real villain in the drama. Sister was a nut case and she played it well for the most part. Either the script or directing had her wound up to display her crazy mind way too early and didn’t giver her enough space to truly express her twisted mind as she could have.
There were also issues with the hit and run scene of the ML’s former housekeeper. When the ML went to spot in the road where she was hit, the bl**d stain was orange. its shape was oval. Bl**d gets dark when exposed to oxygen, not orange, and especially not on hot pavement. And puddles aren’t perfectly shaped. AND…if a person is hit by a heavy object flying down the road at them they aren’t going to collapse is a semi-fetal position still clutching their purse. If a scene like this must be included, there are better ways to display it.
The OST was a bit monotonous too. The same few lines over and over throughout every episode.
On a second positive note, I will have to keep an eye out for more dramas with Dai Gao Zheng (ml). I saw him in Rainkissed Fate previously. He has the potential to be a good actor if he can get some good scripts sent his way.
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