Speed and Love

boring drama - an excuse to show the hotness of He Yu

It's a simple love story, but very uneven.
The very choice of the main couple is oddly conceived. He is a walking ideal: physical attributes 10/10 — looks, build, sex appeal — your knees just go weak. On top of that he’s a one-man band: fixes everything, can cook, a master of car racing, a master of boxing, intelligent, easily solves math problems, likes to read. Girls throw themselves at him, but he remains faithful and is mainly interested in pampering his beloved. He is also honest and morally impeccable. People like that simply do not exist. His only “flaw” is that he wants to carry all burdens himself and has a slightly excessive need for self-sacrifice.
By contrast, she mostly provokes irritation. She isn’t stupid, can be clever, and can also make sensible choices. She is stubborn, but also open-minded. However, what stands out most are her unbearable mannerisms: her way of speaking, her facial expressions, and her capriciousness typical of a seven-year-old child. This is annoying and downright uncomfortable, because in the context of a love story it evokes associations that go beyond the limits of what is legal. It is hard to believe that such behavior could appeal to anyone who does not have a tendency toward perverse acts.
The problem of childishness brings up the actress who plays Jiang Mu. If it were not Esther Yu playing this role, would the effect be equally irritating? It is hard to say how much her characteristic way of speaking and making “rabbit in the headlights” faces creates the character, and how much is required by the script. In any case, Jiang Mu is definitely far too childish in her mannerisms, which is one of the biggest flaws of the drama.
The second flaw is the entire background of the story, which is simply boring. Supposedly everything takes place in the criminal world — illegal car races, illegal boxing matches, smuggling — but despite all the dangers the creators failed to create any real tension. The viewer does not feel intrigued or emotionally engaged in these events. In fact, the content of the first 20 episodes could easily be squeezed into five with no loss to the whole.
It only becomes more interesting in the second part, which takes place six years later. The fact that most of the characters who six years earlier functioned in some semi-legal underworld are now doing well and leading fairly law-abiding lives only confirms that the realities of the first part were not believable. In the final episodes we also see a more adult, more mature Jiang Mu, who - in this new version - is much more palatable.
The central topic in this second part is to lead Jin Zhao to discover that carrying burdens alone and lying to the person he loves “for her own good” was a mistake. Once this problem solved, everything ends with a cute happy ending.
In summary, most of the footage is just an excuse, a backdrop for showing off the fantastic shots of He Yu — his looks and his really good acting. A plus is also the large number (for a Chinese drama) of passionate kisses.
Anyone who likes admiring a beautiful body and a handsome face expressing moving emotions will have a lot of pleasure, though they will probably fast-forward through quite a few scenes.
Someone who wants substance from dramas — an interesting story, action scenes, and the like — will probably be bored and disappointed.

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Just go for it

If you don't wanna read you can jump into the drama..just go for it.
I don't usually write reviews but i definitely do read them before watching a drama and it really helps. That's why I'm writing one here..
For this drama you don't even need to read a review just go for it ..it was a whole rollercoaster journey for me as i watched it after all ep were dropped as i didn't knew about its airing schedule and just read the first review i saw and decided to start it.

I really loved the acting storyline and the leads were superb for their roles. Other than the leads the roles that really fascinated me and i really loved were ..Sanlai and Lin Sui i really liked their roles and others did an amazing job as well.

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IN MY OPINION

For me, this drama stands out as an exceptional piece of storytelling, providing a captivating experience that perfectly complements the conclusion of our year alongside another gem "Shine On Me." The quality of the acting is nothing short of remarkable it evokes a strong emotional response that is incredibly satisfying to witness. The cast has managed to embody their characters so fully that their performances go beyond mere acting it feels as if they are genuinely living and breathing the complex emotions of love, pain, longing, happiness, and sadness. You can see these sentiments reflected vividly in their eyes making it a truly immersive experience. However, while this drama is undeniably great I felt that the pacing between episodes 21 and 25 was somewhat rushed. During this segment, certain narrative details seemed to be present merely for the sake of filling the time, lacking the weight and significance that they could have carried. This left me with a sense of emptiness, as if the writers could have devoted more attention to the smaller nuances that would have enriched the story.

The original soundtrack (OST) is absolutely phenomenal I find myself listening to it daily, as the melodies linger in my mind haunting and wonderful all the same. As both a drama and music enthusiast, I place a high value on a good OST, and this one truly stands out as one of the best I've encountered.

My journey with Esther Yu began back in 2019 or 2020, I believe, when I became introduced to her through my affection for Lisa. Over time Esther has shown remarkable growth and resilience, particularly in facing criticism regarding her speaking style and performance. Admittedly, I was part of the initial wave of negativity directed at her but as I started to explore her work in different dramas and witness her immense talent in singing and dancing I came to recognize just how far she has come. Today, I can confidently say she is a gifted actress and singer deserving of all the applause she receives. Similarly, I’ve had the pleasure of watching He Yu in various dramas, where he typically played supporting roles, and it brings me great joy to see him gaining recognition for his work. He is indeed a fantastic actor and while many others could fulfill his character's role his portrayal feels distinctly unique and resonant. It’s as though he completely embodies Jin Zhao and Jin Zhao embodies him.

One thing I truly appreciate about this drama is that it allows not only the lead actors but also the supporting talents to shine brightly. Their performances did not fall flat instead, they demonstrated their utmost potential, contributing significantly to the overall quality of the production.

I wholeheartedly recommend this drama! It is simply that good, and I believe many viewers will find it just as delightful as I have.

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Post Drama Withdrawal! Updated.

Emotions

I love Esther Yu, and this was my first time watching He Yu. I truly enjoyed the character he played. I’m a big fan of boxing, martial arts, and race cars—especially Funny Car racing—so this story stirred up a lot of memories for me right away.

The one thing that frustrated me was the way the writer shaped the character Esther Yu played. She came across like a “female badger,” constantly setting Zhao up to feel sorry for her or teasing him with arrogant, negative gestures—always testing him. I genuinely disliked that part of the script.

However, Esther Yu brought the role to the screen so convincingly that I kept watching because of her. Her performance was so strong that I almost stopped watching out of frustration with the writing alone—which only proves how excellent she is as an actress. Even when I didn’t like the script, her talent held my attention.

I kept going, though, and when Zhao was injured, it hit me hard. It brought back painful emotions about my own son’s motorcycle accident, and that really struck home.

In the end, I still gave this drama a 10. If a storyline can make me want to stop watching because my emotions are all over the place, then the writers and actors did their job. That kind of impact isn’t easy to pull off.

I only wish Esther Yu had been written as a stronger, more physically powerful female character—seeing her do martial arts or real fighting scenes would have been incredible.

Update: I’ve now watched it four times back-to-back. I genuinely cried during the accident scene and felt how deeply the two characters love each other. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I kept going back to rewatch — not wanting to miss a single detail, especially the way Esther Yu and He Yu kept looking at each other. It made me wish we all knew love like that. It felt real…
deeply real.

2nd Update: I hope this doesn’t stop me from watching either of them in future dramas, given how strongly I feel right now. I went through something similar with Yang Zi and Deng Lun in Ashes of Love — my mind simply couldn’t separate them from those characters. Seeing them in other roles felt like it would break something precious. It took time, but I eventually snapped out of it. That’s what happens when you stay true to a drama you absolutely love — it settles into your heart and refuses to let go right away. It's called "post-drama withdrawal".

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Rush of Romance That Hits Straight to the Heart

Speed and Love stands out not only for its romance but for how thoughtfully it is crafted. The characters feel alive and purposeful, especially the male lead portrayed by Jin Chao. His character balances intensity and vulnerability with ease confident on the track yet emotionally restrained off it, making his growth deeply satisfying to watch. The female lead complements him perfectly; she is strong, grounded, and emotionally intelligent, never reduced to a mere support role but instead serving as a catalyst for mutual growth.

The director deserves praise for maintaining a tight narrative pace while allowing emotional moments to breathe. The storytelling is deliberate romantic tension is built through subtle glances, silence, and timing rather than overused tropes. This control keeps the drama engaging and prevents it from feeling rushed despite its fast-moving theme.

Visually, the cinematography elevates the entire experience. Racing scenes are dynamic and immersive, capturing speed and adrenaline without sacrificing clarity, while intimate moments are framed softly to emphasize emotional connection. The contrast between high energy action and quiet romance is beautifully executed, reinforcing the core theme of balance between ambition and love.

Overall, Speed and Love is a well-directed, visually compelling drama with strong character work proof that a romance can be both thrilling and emotionally resonant

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The Chemistry That Took Over My Brain

Speed and Love is the kind of drama that sneaks up on you and then completely takes over your heart. What starts as a story about speed, competition, and ambition quickly transforms into something deeper about healing, trust, and finding love when you least expect it.

The biggest strength of this drama is the chemistry. It’s not loud or forced it’s magnetic, natural, and impossible to ignore. Every shared glance, quiet moment, and emotional exchange feels real. Their connection grows organically, making you root for them without even realizing it. This is the kind of pairing that lingers in your mind long after the episode ends.

The characters are beautifully written and well developed. They aren’t perfect, and that’s what makes them compelling. You see their struggles, insecurities, and growth, especially as love becomes both a motivation and a challenge. The emotional progression feels earned, not rushed, which makes every turning point hit harder.

Visually, the drama delivers. The racing elements add excitement and intensity, perfectly balancing the softer, emotional scenes. The pacing keeps you engaged, blending adrenaline with heartfelt moments that give you butterflies and, at times, a tight chest.

Most of all, Speed and Love makes you feel. It’s the kind of drama that makes you smile like an idiot, replay scenes, and think, “This is why I love watching dramas.” It’s not just about speed it’s about hearts learning how to move forward together.

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Cinematography

I really love this drama, and as an Esther fan, watching Speed and Love felt very special to me. From the very first episode, something about it just pulled me in. The chemistry between the leads didn’t feel loud or forced; it was calm, natural, and quietly intense, the kind that grows on you without you even realizing it. Every glance, every small reaction felt meaningful, as if the characters were speaking through their emotions rather than words. Both leads gave such strong performances that it never felt like acting—it felt like real people living real moments.
Esther truly shined in this drama. Her expressions, her voice, and even her silence carried so much emotion. She portrayed vulnerability and strength so beautifully that it was impossible not to feel connected to her character. The male lead matched her energy perfectly, and together they created a balance that made their relationship feel genuine and comforting. Their journey wasn’t just about love, but about understanding, growth, and choosing each other again and again in quiet ways.
The visuals made everything even more magical. The Thailand locations were breathtaking, and the cinematography captured the beauty of every place with a soft, dreamy touch. The backgrounds, the lighting, and the calm pacing made the drama feel warm and soothing, like something you want to revisit when you need comfort. Esther’s outfits also stood out—they were simple yet elegant, fitting her character perfectly and adding to the overall aesthetic of the drama.
In the end, Speed and Love isn’t just a drama I watched; it’s a story I felt. It stayed with me long after the final episode, and that’s what makes it truly unforgettable.

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First time watching a racing based drama and I’m hooked

First, I’m into cars so when I saw the trailer and synopsis about the drama I set a reminder to watch this and it’s better than what I’ve expected (in all c-dramas that I’ve watch, I really set my expectations low so I will not be disappointed).

What I really wanted to point out is that the setting was in Thailand, but its like, doesn’t say much about it. It’s like all of the people in Thailand were chinese-speaking and didn’t integrate much of it —they tried speaking in Thai but please, can the actors and the extras match the lips and the audio huhuhuhu it was so awkward while watching it 😭 I know they dubbed it because of the noise and all but yeah just my few pieces hehe

Another thing is that when Zhao and Mu were like in the driving scene, when MuMu was the navigator? (the one with emotional talk) I’m no race car driver but when they were talking, it’s like ZhaoZhao is not driving, the hands doesn’t move 😭 I know these are just little things but when little things are piled up, it becomes big.

But the actors tho? Especially, San Lai & Jin Zhao, they are damn great!!! The fighting scenes of He Yu? It was amazing! ✨

The cinematography when there’s like a racing competition was excellent, too!!! I was not expecting that level of production cos girl I am hooked every race scene AND THE SOUNDTRACK??? I LOVEEEE 💗

Lastly, I’ve been reading the novel and there’s some changes that I liked is that when MuMu and Snakey had the heart to heart talk? I AM WEAK WITH GIRL FRIENDSHIP I DEF LOVE THAT THEY MADE SNAKEY THE ONE WHO REVEALED SOMETHING NOT THE CRAZY FRIEND. The other scenes should not have been changed but oh well, censorship and all I think. It’s still a good watch tho.

and I think that’s all hehe will continue to watch tho because it really exceeded my expectations but probably will not rewatch it, but can watch some clips tho when it appears to my fyp.

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Performative and lame

Halfway through episode 8, and I decided to drop the show. I really love Esther a lot, and don’t mind her cute characters at all, BUT even if she is supposed to be 19 in the show… some of the things Jiang Mu does to get close to Jin Zhao are too much for me. It’s a little cute at first, but after a while it’s just annoying. The people who say, “Well, that’s how it’s written!”, … you need higher standards, because Jiang Mu is borderline infantilizing herself, and it’s just not that cute to be honest! (And just because it's written that way, doesn't mean that it's good!) Also, sometimes the styling is too cutesy, Esther is a gorgeous, gorgeous woman, but she does not pass as 19, so some of the hairstyles and clothing just look a little too young on her.

While I really do like the cinematography, the OST, and the use of colors to help with storytelling, I just… don’t feel the vibes at all. This show feels so performative, every shot is meant to make everyone look cool, hot, and sexy—but in a way that feels disingenuous and fake. Like, you can tell that this is a show and that their actions are being directed and filmed, it’s not immersive at all. Also, it’s corny as hell: “I hate cream the most”… girl. WHO put that in the script!? The fight and race scenes are cool, but at the same time… eh, I don’t know. Since everyone is acting so “cool”, it ends up looking lame as hell to me. This feels like a really badly done web drama with a run-time of 5 minutes per episode. Some of the characters feel like caricatures, i.e., Wan Qing, the “baddie” girl bullying people, but lowkey just ends up looking embarrassing and desperate; Jin Zhao, the bad boy with a soft heart; the racer dudes … Lin Sui and Liang Yan Feng, who act and look like wannabe posers; Na Na… I don’t know, she’s just weird AND her advice sucks; the step-“mom” is also weird, I don’t like her (sorry, this just turned into a rant!🤭) It’s the end of the year, and I just don’t have the will or patience to dedicate my time to something half-baked and performative like this show. It’s good when you want to turn your brain off for a little, but it’s just too corny to withstand for me right now. Bummer.

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It's surprisingly enjoyable.

I was somewhat skeptical about this one. But after I started watching, I really enjoyed it. Everything is so unique about this drama. A large number of episodes were filmed in Bangkok, Thailand. The cinematography seems really good.

The acting is also good so far. Jiang Mu's character is quite different from her other previous works. He Yu is also doing great as Jin Zhao.

It's really sad many people are giving low ratings without even watching the drama. I'd probably give this drama round 8 till now, but seeing the reviews, I decided to give a 10.

Anyway, if you can get past the sibling thingy, then it's an enjoyable watch. Quite different from mainstream Chinese dramas.

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