Did I Just Fall in Love with C-Dramas?
Speed and Love was my first-ever C-drama, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.At first, the Chinese language felt a bit unfamiliar since I’m used to Korean dramas (my only previous exposure to Chinese was through anime). But that feeling disappeared very quickly. These 29 episodes flew by, I completely binge-watched it, and at no point did the drama feel tiring.
The pacing is very well balanced. There’s a lot of romance for romance lovers, plenty of intense and emotional moments, and something I had never seen in a drama before: car racing. I had never come across a K-drama with this theme either, so this was a fresh experience for me. The racing scenes are surprisingly well done and add excitement and tension to the story.
The ML is a solid 10/10: acting, presence, chemistry, everything works perfectly. He completely pulled me into the story from start to finish. Coming from the K-drama and K-pop world, I sometimes associate certain vibes with people I’m already familiar with. Because of that, the ML occasionally reminded me of Yeonjun (TXT) in terms of personality and styling, and visually there were moments that reminded me of Seungmin (Stray Kids). This isn’t a comparison or a judgment, just a personal impression shaped by what I’m used to watching, which helped me connect more easily with his character.
The FL, on the other hand, had moments where her slightly childish behavior annoyed me a bit. That said, it’s clearly part of her character (she’s even described as spoiled by her own mother), so this feels more like a personal taste issue than a flaw in writing or acting.
The couple’s dynamic is one of the strongest points of the drama. They’ve always been very close, even before fully acknowledging that they are not blood-related siblings. Neither of them wanted to break that bond at first, which I found genuinely beautiful. But of course, when chemistry speaks louder, feelings become inevitable, and it feels natural rather than forced.
There were frustrating moments, especially when the ML chose to distance himself “for her happiness,” ending up making both of them miserable instead. Was it a stupid decision? Yes. But it’s also part of the drama genre, and the six years they spent apart carried real emotional weight for both of them. Thankfully, their reunion and mutual understanding at the end made the journey worth it.
Another thing I really appreciated: no forced love triangle. Even though there are potential love interests on both sides, the drama never turns that into unnecessary conflict. This made it much easier to believe in the couple and stay emotionally invested in them until the very end, and I never stopped rooting for them, despite everything that happened.
I genuinely liked all the characters, including the ML’s friends, who were interesting and well-used in the story. Nothing felt dragged out or pointless.
I started this drama thinking it would be an 8/10, halfway through I was already at around 8.5, and by the end I was debating between a 9 and a 10. In the end, I decided to be honest with myself. This drama has everything I personally enjoy: romance, action, intensity, emotional moments, light comedy, and great pacing. The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 for me is the FL’s childish side, which simply isn’t my personal preference, not a problem with her performance.
Final score: 9.5/10
A drama that completely hooked me from start to finish and made my first experience with C-dramas incredibly positive.
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A Rollercoaster of Romance, Family, and Drama!
“Speed and Love” is a masterpiece of modern C-drama storytelling! From the very first episode, you are drawn into the lives of Jiang Mu, the innocent and pampered younger sister, and her gifted older brother, Jin Zhao. Their bond, family struggles, and personal journeys are portrayed with such depth and authenticity that you can’t help but root for them.The drama flawlessly balances heart-pounding romance, gripping suspense, and touching family dynamics. Each episode leaves you wanting more, with plot twists, emotional moments, and character growth that feel natural and compelling. The leads deliver exceptional performances, and the chemistry between characters is simply magical.
Whether you’re a fan of romance, family drama, or suspense, this series has it all. “Speed and Love” will make you laugh, cry, and cheer, sometimes all within a single episode. By the end, you’ll feel emotionally invested in every character’s journey.
Verdict: A perfect 10/10 – every episode is worth watching! Don’t miss it. 🎬💖
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wattpad as a drama but not exactly done well..
Unfortunately once again Esther Yu's character is the same cutesy childish like vibes...honestly every drama i hope she takes on something new but....I feel like in historical dramas its still okay like Love Game was really good but somehow in modern dramas its hard to watch...Ok that aside I thought of watching for Heyu and also cause i saw many spoilers for their chemistry online. The plot is really average but the drama is made for a visual feast. The biker/racer guy with a cute girl kind of vibes. But yea even with the visuals I soon got bored of the characters.
They get together in ep 15 but it feels like the director just decided to put all the sweet moments in 2eps, like cliche scenes after cliche scenes. I guess if you are a fan of the actors it is cute to watch!
I dont have much comments on any of the side characters no one was interesting...
Her fits are nice but seemed very unrealistic. Her motive to give up a life in canada and suddenly stay with her bro was also a bit...? cause at that time its not like she was dying in love with him...
anyway not my style so dropping...
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This review may contain spoilers
When ‘Not by Blood’ Isn’t Enough: A Deeply Uncomfortable Siblings Romance
Drama that has received surprisingly positive reviews, but for me, it was deeply uncomfortable and ultimately unwatchable.The story centers on a “not-by-blood” siblings-to-lovers romance. The ML was adopted by the Jin family, and the FL was born later. They grew up as siblings until their parents divorced and never saw each other again. Years later, as adults, the FL learns that the ML was adopted and immediately flies to see him.
While the drama technically removes the blood relation, it completely ignores the psychological and emotional reality of the relationship. These two characters grew up as brother and sister, and that context is never meaningfully addressed. No one in the story seems to mind, nor the viewers who rated this positively. There is no internal conflict, no moral hesitation, no boundary-setting—nothing.
What disturbed me most is how the romantic and physical tension starts in episode 1, literally the day the FL lands. There is zero transition. Let's bear in mind that the FL’s entire memory of the ML is of her childhood brother, yet overnight the overly skinship didn't matter. There is no gradual shift, no self-reflection, no struggle with the idea that flirting with the person you grew up calling “brother” might be wrong or, at the very least, confusing.
The show treats this shift as if it’s the most natural thing in the world—brother one day, romantic interest the next. The FL doesn’t hold back at all. There’s no conscience, no hesitation, no acknowledgment of boundaries. It feels less like a developed romance and more like the characters were simply waiting for a technical loophole to justify their attraction.
The most repulsive aspect for me is the constant use of childhood flashbacks showing their innocent sibling bond, immediately followed by scenes of overt flirting and intense skinship in the present. The contrast is jarring and unsettling. By episode 13, when they are openly all over each other, I had to stop watching.
I’ve watched dramas with sibling-like relationships turning into romance before—Go Ahead, for example—but those stories handled the transition with care, emotional growth, and moral awareness. The characters didn’t behave as if they were itching to jump into bed the moment a non-blood-related excuse appeared. Side note: In Go Ahead, the characters were not related by blood, not adopted siblings, and not legal siblings. They were neighbors who grew up extremely close and formed a found-family dynamic, while still having their own parents and separate family identities.
Speed and Love lacks that sensitivity entirely. It romanticizes a relationship that, while legally permissible (?), is emotionally and psychologically twisted, without ever questioning itself. For me, it crossed a line on multiple levels, and no amount of chemistry or production quality could make up for that.
Final verdict:
If you’re comfortable with sibling-coded romance that skips moral reflection and emotional realism, you might enjoy this. If not, this drama will likely feel disturbing rather than romantic.
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Esther is so beautiful in every single scene. I really can't stop looking at her because she looks so stunning in this show. But she is not just a pretty face; her acting is also very amazing and feels so real. She brings so much charm to her character, making the story feel alive. You can really feel her emotions in every part of the drama. She is truly a great actress who makes this show very special to watch.
And can we talk about how handsome Heyu is? He has such a strong screen presence and his acting is top-notch. He perfectly captures his character's emotions, making it impossible not to fall for him. The chemistry between Esther and Heyu is just perfect. Both of them are not only good-looking but also very talented actors.
If you are looking for a great drama with amazing visuals and great acting, you must watch this. My long wait was not wasted at all!
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Another overestimation ...
I think there is a serious problem with Chinese modern dramas, this drama is a cliché Chinese modern drama that appears everything menstruation... Fireworks... The heroine's young behavior... Why do Chinese writers like to make the female lead look like a fool? The role of the female protagonist here is young, so it doesn't have to look young in all clothes and speech... For example, why does she make a baby voice even when the oil splashes while she's cooking? It's so repulsive, it's too much... Others say their chemistry is crazy.... But the chemistry I feel is forcedThe person who made this drama should have focused more on their story instead of spending time on the visuals.
If this drama receives high ratings, it would be an insult to other highly-rated dramas.
I guarantee that if this drama ends with a happy ending, it will get high marks.
MDL people are tolerant of Chinese dramas.....But I don't
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A Light and Enjoyable Watch
The story is light and fun to follow. The OST is nice to listen to, and the visuals are beautiful—I really like the color tone of the cinematography. The actors did a great job, and the chemistry between Jiang Mu and Jin Chao is strong, it makes you smile without realizing it.Jiang Mu is cute and adorable, but she also has a cool side. She’s a navigator, knows a lot about cars, can do taekwondo, drives a pink truck, drifts, dances, sings, and even cooks. She’s truly a multi-talented female character.
I hope Esther Yu is always happy, continues to be successful, and is surrounded by kind people and good days.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's so bad... but so good? What sorcery is this?
It's a typical romcom cdrama but with a STRONG Thai flavor. The "vibe" kinda reminds me of the Thai drama "Pit Babe," but Speed and Love is much more mild (even though it tries to be a tad bit risqué at times).Let me start by saying, He Yu is absolutely stunning. When I saw him I was like, "Who is this guy?" Then, after a quick bio check, I realized he featured in "Dashing Youth," but somehow I can't remember him? Anyway, I'll never forget who he is after watching Speed and Love. And my god, the chemistry between him and Esther Yu was electric (by cdrama standards, that is).
Speaking of Esther Yu, I want to start by saying (for the thousandth time, lol) that I LOVED her performance in "Love between Fairy and Devil." I thought the role matched her strengths as an actress really well. But... after watching a few of her other shows, including "Love Game in Eastern Fantasy" and "My Journey to You," I'm still convinced that she isn't a particularly versatile actress. Whenever she's placed in a serious role, she resorts to a type of "wooden" performance style and never quite seems to be immersed in the role. To counteract this, she sometimes slips out of character back into her main (and most successful) persona, which is the extra bubbly, innocent, almost childish character that embodies a specific Chinese trope (particularly when it comes to their taste in women). Anyway, that's basically what happened in Speed and Love. She slips out of character a few episodes in and embodies the pouty, irrational, child-like persona, which made the romance aspect seem less mature and feel a bit clumsy, almost? I'm used to watching cdramas, so I was able to tolerate it... but as someone who also watches Thai dramas, it really felt like Speed and Love missed some major opportunities to push the envelope in the spicy department (which is the show's main appeal, obviously). The storyline is weak, but judging by the 8.5 rating, people clearly don't mind! Like most romcoms these days, the show starts off strong and then fizzles out midway. So don't expect consistency. But it's worth a weekend binge with snacks. 7.5/10
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The swoony romance made me forgive a lot
The romance in this drama took me by surprise by how swoonworthy it was. The episodes 1 to 16 were simply amazing with some of the most butterflies inducing scenes I have seen in dramaland. I will definitely remember it for a long time. I must admit that the second part of the series was less good with some noble idiocy trope that I wish could have been avoided. However, even if this is one of my pet peeve, I had much more leniency for the main lead that I would usually have...Proof that I was completely smitten by He Yu. Indeed, I totally fell under the actor's charm.I am not sure that I would have loved as much the main lead as a character if he would have been played by a less charming actor, the role was reaĺly swoony but also kinda reckless and selfish, even when doing things to "protect" the heroine. He did understand stuff by the end and still was amazing in many romantics scenes but still, I know that I would have probably nitpicked much more usually. The combo of fighter / car racer / obsessed gege was definitely the winning combination to make me forgive everything.
I would recommend this to people that are looking for a swoony romance and that do not mind noble idiocy.
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Addictive AF!
This drama felt like watching the sun glow hot in the afternoon, then watching it set as a gust of cold air takes over. Eventually, the clouds disperse, the moon rises with stars shining brightly, and we end off with a quiet sunrise.------Overall impression------
This drama left me feeling all the shades of love. First love, longing love, true love, fated love, last love, passionate love, friendship love, etc.
From the beginning, the tone of the story felt different from all of the C-dramas I have watched. Immediately, from the colour grading, acting, relationships between characters, and even the decision to set the story in Thailand first, it felt uniquely different. I was skeptical of the dynamic between the leads due to them being “siblings,” but almost right away the drama assured me that although the characters remembered each other as brother and sister, that memory was from over ten years ago.
As much as the main leads cling to that past relationship, they cannot help but acknowledge that they are now essentially strangers getting to know each other little by little. In truth, they are simply a man and a woman falling for each other.
By the end, I felt that the story tried its best to keep the pacing intact. There were definitely creative choices that could have been better in terms of what to cut and what to keep. I do not know much about Chinese censorship standards, so I will leave it at that. Still, I am grateful to the editor, director, actors, and producer for achieving something cohesive and genuinely sweet.
-------Emotional impact---------
The moments that affected me the most were:
1. When Mumu found out about ZhaoZhao’s underground boxing match. Her facial expression genuinely surprised me and pulled me in.
2. Episode 15, and honestly every kiss scene after that.
4. ZhaoZhao’s accident and Mumu’s desperation to know whether he was okay.
5. Sad and serious scenes like ZhaoZhao and his mother-in-law
The ending felt satisfying, but I still wanted more. I needed extra scenes of their post-marriage life.
------Main couple and romance-------
The chemistry between the main leads is hard to describe. It felt like I needed to give them privacy while secretly peeking at them. It was like watching a real couple being sweet, but instead of feeling annoyed, I felt like Cupid appreciating his own work.
------Character development--------
The main characters played their parts well. This is something viewers have mixed opinions on, especially regarding Esther’s portrayal of 19 to 20-year-old Mumu. Personally, I understood her approach. Mumu was spoiled by her mother growing up, and while some viewers disliked her voice, that feels more like personal preference than an acting critique.
Her higher-pitched, small voice was used to show Mumu’s cunning side, how she uses cuteness to get ZhaoZhao and others to accommodate her. That said, there is room for refinement. Referencing performances by actors like Park Bo-young or Shin Eun-soo could have helped shape this portrayal further.
Mumu grew up accustomed to having things done for her, which explains her dependency. Over time, we see her become more independent, though her life still centers around ZhaoZhao. Her dream of astronomy was once ZhaoZhao’s dream, and she rejected many potential partners because of him.
ZhaoZhao’s character has more depth and is more thoroughly explored. His decisions toward Mumu are driven by his sense of “a man’s dignity” and the high standards he stubbornly upholds. What makes his arc satisfying is his gradual realization that it is okay to loosen that grip, to be vulnerable, and to let Mumu choose him even if he is not the “perfect” man he wants to be.
The supporting characters are not treated as accessories. San Lai, in particular, stands out as the true big brother of the story.
------Plot and pacing------
I have not read the original novel, so I cannot judge the adaptation fully. However, the editing does have issues. Some scenes could have been easily shortened to make space for others that were cut. For example, the scene where ZhaoZhao teaches San Lai how to drive was far too long and could have been reduced to a minute.
The climactic accident would have benefited from more tension in the scenes leading up to it. Showing more of the underground crime world could have increased the impact, though I understand this is not that kind of drama.
-------Themes and meaning------
I loved the consistent use of sun and moon symbolism. It made the romance feel more intentional and poetic. Ultimately, the story emphasizes that they are both human beings making a conscious choice to be together.
-------Production and atmosphere------
The cinematography was excellent. I was initially skeptical due to the production changes, but the final result deserves praise. Thailand was captured beautifully, and the contrast with China and Vancouver was handled thoughtfully, making each place feel distinct and well-represented.
-------Comparison and context-------
This drama did not feel like a typical C-drama. It felt slightly inspired by Wong Kar-wai films, mixed with 2000s Korean romantic films, and a hint of Taiwanese cinema.
-------Personal reflection-------
This drama felt like a gift to end 2025. It was blissful, heartfelt, and genuinely lovely to experience~
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*Side note: Some viewers may dislike Esther’s voice, but it is something she grew up with and is part of the persona she shares with her fans. Disliking it is fine, but hurting or shaming someone over something that was never meant to cater to you is unjustifiable.
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Great Chemistry but its still incest
From the initial trailer of the drama, we might think he is walking toxic red flag baiting as well as mentally torturing her (I have not read the book)but in reality is one of the greenest flag in the cdramas I have watched. He does not say no to her. Lets her do whatever she wants and protects/saves her when she gets into trouble. He does not control her or stops her from doing stuff.It would have been great if they were childhood sweethearts/neighbors but no. Jin Zhao was adopted by the dad when Jiang Mu's mom was still pregnant with her. They both grew up as siblings. He even asked her when did she realize he was not her blood brother implying it was not common knowledge that they were not related. They could have changed some parts of the story like they do with time travel / transmigration dramas. Otherwise it should have been open knowledge that they were not related i.e. from the beginning itself the parents should have stitched into the kids brains that they were not brother and sister. They could have pulled a 'Go Ahead'.
And for the FL's clips, I liked two of them only because it matched with her outfit. Rest all were a horror show. One of the clips in my view looked like an upside down cockroach. At first I did not like Esther Yu's acting because of this forced cuteness. I personally hated her but then I watched 'A Journey to You'. She was Awesome in that. Her best work yet! I honestly think it should stop taking such extra cute roles for a while.
For the FL and ML chemistry, it was fire!!! We could feel the yearning through the screens!! I had to block out the incest part in order to enjoy those scenes.
OST is on repeat !
Honestly if the incest part was changed, I would have given it a 10/10 . But its a maximum 8 from my side.
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A truly conclusion to 2025 dramas
Speed and love brings a solid conclusion to 2025 dramas. Was it perfect? No. Was it an awesome watch? Absolutely. “Speed and Love” was just plain addicting to watch.Pros:
* Chemistry — Rarely do we see a pairing like this. Rarely do we experience chemistry at this level. I would rewind scenes that left me breathless. Every touch, every kiss (and there are MANY)—each has you holding your breath or grinning like a kid. Esther Yu and He Yu’s chemistry is just another level. I don’t know how else to do it justice
* Street racing — Okay this aspect was so freaking cool. I loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat. The race scenes were so awesome, and the undercover in the underworld aspect was thrilling.
* Characters to love — This had a great ensemble cast. In fact, I was bummed when the time jump happened and we had to say goodbye to them, proof of good writing. Plus, our leads develop excellently. I was annoyed with Jiang Mu (FL) at the beginning because of she was written so kiddish, but by the end of the drama, we have an incredibly strong and loyal FL who you just can’t help but love. As for Jin Zhao—don’t get me started. He is just one heck of a ML.
* The production — The quality here was top notch. The OST, cinematography, stunts, location in Thailand, costuming… all of it screams big budget.
Cons:
* Time jump/separation — Look, I can handle a time jump trope. But this… This almost ruined the whole show for me. Episodes 21-24 are so painfully sad and infuriating that it’s hard to process. While I understood his motivations, I was so disappointed in Jin Zhao for making Mumu wait that long without any indication of what was going on then convincing her friends and family to lie to her about him. Then when they’re back together in the same city, it’s three episodes of heartbreak.
* Jiang Mu at the beginning — (If you’re an Esther Yu fan, feel free to disregard what I’m about to say because I totally respect you opinion.) Jiang Mu in the first 10 or so episodes was rough for me to handle. Esther Yu’s “baby voice” was in full effect. Then the writers did her a disservice by throwing in some elements that almost infantilized her character. It takes a bit before we see her mature.
* Losing the racing aspect — After the time jump, we find out that all the bad guys got what they deserved… off camera. OFF CAMERA. Like what?? We didn’t even get to see much of that huge race we spent the whole show preparing for. This annoyed me big time. The racing and investigation part of this show was one of its biggest strengths. After the time jump, it’s all gone.
Overall, I did really really enjoy this. I’m not Esther Yu fan, but I will admit she impressed me in this. Her performance in the last fifteen or so episodes was just great, and I enjoyed seeing her range. Also the “sibling” aspect was handled well. Very rarely did I get the ick lol. “Speed and Love” falls prey to a meloncholy and draggy last quarter, but they do give us a happy ending, and when they’re reunite, it’s absolutely amazing and romantic and everything you’d hope to see.
I definitely recommend.
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