Mini C-Drama extended to full length one with more budget
The leads' chemistry is unmistakable and probably that is what kept me hooked onto the show for 13 episodes--the ML's smouldering look and his overall performance is sincere, so is FL's--I actually like Esther Yu.But the plotline is convoluted and not necessarily in the good way--it seems to be going nowhere and though individual scenes are nice--there doesn't seem to be any story arc that might want me to keep watching the show--when there are other shows (korean as well as chinese) with better plotlines waiting for me to watch.
After a point--the show reminded me of the mini c-dramas with a hot male lead--fight sequences--etc. but the sets show limited budget--compared to which this show does have bigger budget and the cinematography isn't bad. Probably given the length of each episode, the makers could have made this a 10 episode show or an 11 one at most.
To use an analogy from the show itself, the show's progress is like the patterns the FL makes when she learns how to 'drift'--high speed and potentially exciting but staying in the same place running not in circles but in oblong shapes.
The songs are good and I like several of the side characters and definitely the leads' performances but that alone cannot save the show.
So sadly I had to drop this show.
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Speed and Love is a refreshing drama that blends passion, ambition, and romance in a way that feels both energetic and heartfelt. Set against the fast-paced world of competition and dreams, the story explores how love grows when two driven individuals cross paths while chasing their goals.
What stands out most is the chemistry between the leads. Their interactions feel natural, filled with quiet tension, warmth, and emotional depth that slowly pulls you in. The drama doesn’t rush the romance; instead, it allows feelings to develop through shared struggles, misunderstandings, and moments of support.
The visuals and pacing perfectly match the theme—dynamic when needed, yet soft during emotional scenes. The soundtrack complements the mood beautifully, enhancing both the intense and tender moments without overpowering them.
Beyond romance, Speed and Love also touches on self-growth, perseverance, and the cost of following one’s dreams. It reminds viewers that love isn’t just about grand gestures, but about standing beside someone when the road gets tough.
Overall, this drama is a great choice for anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance, strong character development, and an inspiring atmosphere. It’s engaging, emotional, and leaves a lasting impression without relying on unnecessary drama. I wish you all the best for the drama speed and love team. Thankyou for this masterpiece.❤️💕
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Not quite like any other Cdramas
Possibly one of the most exhilarating cdramas I've ever watched and pretty different than popular modern cdramas like The Best Thing and The First Frost.I heard many critcisms regarding Esther Yu's acting but I'm just so glad I started this drama regardless because she was so so good, every emotions was right on spot, He Yu nailed his character too.
I would recommend this to anyone who is new to cdramas and kdrama fans
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This review may contain spoilers
Purely disappointing
Here’s a corrected and more polished rephrased version while keeping your opinion and tone clear:⸻
I’m giving this drama a low rating mainly because of the FL. If you’re a fan of Esther Yu, you might enjoy this drama. To clarify, I don’t hate Esther Yu, and I haven’t watched all of her dramas. However, I don’t like her acting. It feels like there’s no improvement—she consistently portrays her characters as childish and overly cute, which doesn’t suit the storyline. Her acting also doesn’t match the depth of her character, and she maintained this childish behavior until the final episode, which I found annoying.
I also don’t understand how people see chemistry between the ML and FL. I actually liked how the ML portrayed his role, but the FL’s acting ruined the overall storyline for me. There’s also a part where the FL goes to Thailand to see her brother. At the beginning of the story, she develops romantic and lustful feelings for her adopted brother, which I find inappropriate.
Some episodes also seem like they were cut or rushed. Overall, I don’t feel that Esther Yu was suitable for this role. Given her resources, I think she would benefit from investing more in acting classes.
In conclusion, I liked the story and the ML’s performance. However, if you’re already familiar with how Esther Yu acts in her previous dramas and feel the same way, you might want to skip this one.
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A Drama Worth Watching — But Only After It’s Complete
I can’t understand how quickly each episode flies by. I made the mistake of starting this drama before it was fully completed, and honestly, it’s been really hard to wait for every new episode. After Moonlight, Esther Yu truly proves her versatility she leaves behind her childish mannerisms and delivers a performance that fits her role beautifully. The male lead is impossibly cute, and all the supporting characters have done a great job as well. Overall, it’s a fantastic drama. One piece of advice: don’t start watching it before December 29th, because waiting for each episode is incredibly difficult.Unbelievably good. I honestly don’t know how or when I will get over this drama. I absolutely loved He Yu and really hope Esther continues to take on roles like this in the future. Ending could have been better - just 1 more episode but a MUST WATCH
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Zhao Zhao & Mu Mu Lasts Forever
On the surface, this is very much a Wattpad-core drama. And as someone whose teen years were spent in Wattpad stories, I have zero complaints.This story healed me in so many ways. I didn’t mind the time skips or separations because even in the gaps, all I could feel was their love for each other — her patience and perseverance, and his care and tenderness. At the root of every decision they made, they always had each other at the centre.
It had its flaws, the biggest being the cuts. I don’t know why certain scenes were cut, and I honestly wish each episode was at least an hour long. That’s the only thing that really put me off.
But its perks outweigh everything for me. The story was about Jin Zhao and Mu Mu, but also about cars, racing, friendship, and family. They dealt with what they were given incredibly well. The characters felt alive and gave life to the story — gave it its soul. Usually, dramas that give me butterflies do it in soft pink hues, but this one hit differently. It gave me butterflies that made me yearn and tear up because of how tender Jin Zhao’s love for Mu Mu was. And she, come hell or high heaven, never faltered in her affection for him.
Also, big props to San Lai for being the friend he was to both of them. He deserves his own person, honestly.
I’ll remember this story forever, and I really wish it was longer.
I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, but it left its mark on me the way a masterpiece does.
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Bankable stars and romantic scenes can’t save this series from inconsistent characters ?
The director, known for previous successful dramas like "Love Is Sweet " and more..., had set high expectations.Visually, the series is undeniably appealing. The styling, and aesthetics are well done—even “hot” at times. Both leads are attractive and have good on-screen chemistry. Esther’s acting, while often repetitive, suits a broad audience with her naive, childlike, and bubbly charm. However, her range is extremely limited in nuanced, emotional, introspective, or demonstrative scenes. Still, she fits her role visually; she looks beautiful and very young. A lot of effort has clearly gone into the visual aspect of the show.
From EP1 to EP 13
Yet, one of the most striking issues lies in the characterization of the main heroine, which feels completely inconsistent. She refuses to accept her mother’s decisions about her personal life—which is understandable, perhaps—but at the same time remains cold toward the woman who is kind to her, the stepmother. Her father, although shown only in a limited and underdeveloped way (which is disappointing), appears to be caring in the past despite his flaws: he cooks for the children, shares a passion for cars, and spends time with them. He feels more human than the mother, who struggles to accept another boy in her home. The heroine, meanwhile, never takes a moment to talk to her father, understand what’s happening, or reflect on her place in the family.
Up until episode 12, we see a girl who comes to live with her father’s family after years apart and settles in as if this is completely normal and her place is legitimate. She doesn’t seem to consider whether it’s convenient for the family or if she has the right to stay. At just 18, she decides, “I’m staying here…” without consulting anyone. Her only focus appears to be her boyfriend and her teenage romantic impulses.
Her behavior towards the male lead is particularly immature—like a spoiled 9-year-old: “make me tea, cook for me, I don’t like this, bring me that, drive me there,” and so on. She claims to stay “to help him,” but what exactly does she offer? Her actions revolve almost entirely around romance, instead of using the opportunity to connect with her sister, family, or contribute in a mature way. Perhaps her character will develop later, but I personally wanted to see these essential traits early on to understand, empathize with, and support her.
There are also subtle moments that struck me as surprisingly sloppy in writing: for example, a scene where the female lead is drunk with a friend of the male lead, and the male lead comes to pick up the girl, leaving the other girl almost" unconscious" without saying or doing anything. So Everything in the series centers ONLY for the main female lead. It’s an incredibly small, human detail, yet it speaks volumes in the context of a film where every second should help the audience understand a character.
The chronology of events is also confusing. When did her love first begin—at nine years old? The timeline is unclear. Did it happen later, perhaps instantly under the shower, as the show suggests? Similarly, the male lead’s intentions are barely conveyed, with only one line to explain his feelings, yet their interactions suggest something very different. A romance allegedly starting when he was 13 seems implausible, especially given the complex family context. The story asks the viewer to suspend disbelief to accept these developments. From the very first episodes, there are many highly provocative adult scenes, and at the same time, there are brother-sister relationships or depictions of a vulnerable young girl, which is unsettling
Overall, the plot emphasizes romantic drama at the expense of consistent, believable character development. I suspect the series will follow predictable patterns: a few kisses, some tragic obstacles, and time for the heroine to grow—possibly during university—before exploring mature relationships.
By “visual,” I specifically mean styling—wardrobes, looks, cars, the city—rather than directorial choices. The styling is very successful. Lighting, however, often misses the mark; for instance, please avoid that whitish glare on the male lead’s face in close-ups. The racing scenes are well-executed but may feel technically weaker compared to Western standards. For comparison, even the “Fast & Furious” films, despite being commercial, display strong action dynamics cinematography, and big budget
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Really enjoying it
I get what people are saying about her baby voice,i also hate it but i just look past it. The visuals are amazing its like a feast for the eyes 🥰🥰 the funny thing is there are so few shows that i have found so visually appealing and one of them was MJTY which also has esther yu 🤣 she wasnt as bad on there though because she plays an assasin. Anyway the male lead is so perfect for this drama like his sharp jawline and perfect hair makes every scene so beautiful. Her outfits are so freaking gorgeous and even though its so unrealistic that she can have a new outfit everyday and look so perfect i just love how they dress her up in the show shes literally gorgeous. I love his bad boy persona too im just wondering why hes not fighting anymore? They only show him racing lol but anyway i hope the show isnt like the novel PLEASE FOR GOODNESS SAKE 😭😭😭 i rate it a 9 for now because unlike most modern cdramas i havent had to fast forward AT ALL like every scene is watchable and not boring. Yes they made her too unbelievable learning how to drift and drive so easily but its whatever they always do that for the leads. Like the male lead is a fighter,a racer,gorgeous, a genius and also not a playboy....come on....🤣 but for the visuals and how they didnt make us wait 25 episodes for the romance im keeping my review at a 9. I'll update it when i finish it if it doesnt deserve that rating anymore.Was this review helpful to you?
An exciting, adrenaline-filled Wattpad-style series.
“Speed and Love” is exactly what it promises: a cliché story, in the purest Wattpad style, but told with such energy and passion that it is surprisingly exciting and addictive. It is not a complex, innovative, or life-changing plot, but it perfectly fulfills its objective: to entertain, quicken the pulse, and sweeten the heart.One of its greatest successes (apart from taking place almost entirely in Thailand) is that the plot genuinely focuses on the world of car racing. It's not just a decorative backdrop; racing is an essential part of the story, and even the cars are presented as secondary characters, with their specifications and the personality of each driver, adding a layer of authenticity that will be greatly appreciated by motor racing fans.
Esther Yu shines with her unique style. For those of us who are already familiar with her work, her voice is not a problem, but a distinctive feature. In addition, her wardrobe and the evolution of her character are a strong point: she goes from being an impulsive girl to someone with greater determination and maturity without losing her essence.
He Yu pleasantly surprised me. This is the second work of his that I've seen and the first in a modern drama, and I must say that he conveys a convincing and charismatic masculinity. His portrayal as a pilot is impeccable, and yes, he looked extremely handsome on screen. His chemistry with Esther is palpable and carries much of the romance.
The pace is fast, romantic, full of tension (both emotional and on the tracks), and keeps you interested episode after episode. It's the kind of drama that doesn't require a lot of mental effort, but hooks you with its adrenaline-fueled scenes and sweet moments.
In short: If you're looking for a light, predictable but highly entertaining story, “Speed and Love” is a safe bet. It's pure Wattpad entertainment: fast cars, intense romance, charismatic protagonists, and an ending that leaves you smiling. Perfect for weekend marathons or to clear your mind after a hard day.
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THE WAIT THAT NEVER DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!
I just loved everything about this drama and everyone in this drama! Gonna be my one of fav for lifetime!!!!Speed and Love is a gentle, emotionally grounded C-drama that chooses sincerity over spectacle, blending the world of racing with a soft, healing romance that unfolds at its own unhurried pace. Rather than using speed purely for thrill, the drama treats it as a metaphor for life—how some people rush forward fueled by ambition, while others learn that slowing down can be just as powerful. The leads are written with maturity and quiet depth, and their relationship grows through mutual respect, encouragement, and emotional safety instead of unnecessary misunderstandings or toxic conflicts. What makes the drama stand out is its calm storytelling; it doesn’t shout for attention but slowly pulls you in with warm visuals, reflective moments, and conversations that feel real and heartfelt. The racing backdrop adds motivation and symbolism rather than technical intensity, keeping the focus on personal growth, self-belief, and finding balance between dreams and love. While the narrative may feel predictable and slow for viewers who crave high drama, that very softness becomes its strength—Speed and Love feels like a comfort watch, soothing and reassuring, reminding you that love doesn’t always need to be fast or dramatic to be meaningful; sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones taken steadily, with trust and quiet devotion.
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Strong Chemistry, Beautiful OST, and a Satisfying Adaptation
I initially wanted to watch Speed and Love (Twin Tracks (双轨)) because I like Esther Yu (虞书欣). I have watched almost all of her works, and I truly enjoy seeing how her acting career continues to grow and improve. Later, I started reading the Twin Tracks novel, and I feel that Esther Yu and He Yu (何与) are perfectly suited to portray Mu Mu and Zhao Zhao. Their physical appearance and character traits closely match how the characters are described in the original novel.At the beginning, they fit very well as brother and sister. As the story progresses, their relationship naturally evolves into one filled with strong attraction and deep emotional connection, eventually becoming lovers.
Their chemistry is exceptionally strong. The way they gaze at each other feels deep and sincere, while their smiles and tears clearly reflect the main cast’s growth and improvement in acting skills. From the very start, I felt this drama would be successful because it closely follows the novel’s storyline. Importantly, many key scenes and dialogues from the novel were not removed.
Although some plot points were added or adjusted, all the major highlight scenes from the novel are still present in the drama (even though some scenes were cut and the number of episodes was reduced).
The drama version also offers a softer and happier ending compared to the novel, which is quite bittersweet.
The locations, characters, and overall atmosphere are almost exactly as described in the novel. I especially appreciate how the drama portrays Jin Zhao’s expressions and emotions more vividly and with greater emotional depth than in the book.
That said, I did notice a few editing inconsistencies that become more obvious upon rewatching. These include changes in hand positions (such as in the apple-holding scene), incorrect clock movement (the observatory scene), inconsistent handwriting (the Chinese New Year scene), and other minor continuity issues. At times, it feels like the crew focused heavily on acting and camera angles, but paid less attention to detailed continuity. For example, there is a night scene followed by an exterior shot in daylight and then a return to night again. Another slightly unrealistic moment is when Mu Mu appears not to carry her phone while wearing a thin, short dress, even though she had it earlier. Some scenes in the middle to later parts of the drama could have benefited from greater attention to detail. However, the outstanding performances of the actors successfully draw attention away from these flaws.
Overall, I sincerely hope this drama wins awards as recognition for the hard work of the entire production team, especially the cast, whose performances fit their roles so well. The car and motorbike racing scenes, action sequences, and romantic moments are all very engaging and emotionally touching.
I’ve also grown to really like the CP of Esther Yu and He Yu. I even feel they would make a great real-life couple. Esther consistently creates strong chemistry with her co-stars. She is very sociable, approachable, and charming, which makes her easy to connect with on screen. At the same time, she remains highly professional with all her male leads, making it hard for anyone to truly “chase her heart.”
I had previously watched He Yu in another drama where he showcased his singing skills along with a cute, younger-brother image. He is clearly talented, though somewhat underrated. Starting from this drama, I believe he will gain more recognition as audiences see his versatility. He successfully presents new sides of himself—as an older brother, a sporty and cool character, and even in challenging action scenes. I believe his career will continue to blossom.
I look forward to seeing a future collaboration between He Yu and Esther Yu again ;)
Last but not least, I really love the OST. The music and songs are beautiful, meaningful, and perfectly complement the story!
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