This review may contain spoilers
Mastered what few can was exciting and thrilling yet deeply emotional and romantic
Speed and Love is an absolute standout for me. There were a couple of very minor elements that weren't entirely to my taste, but they were so insignificant that they didn't impact my rating at all. This is easily one of the best dramas I've watched in recent years, delivering a perfect mix of high-energy action, heartfelt romance, and nuanced family drama.One aspect that impressed me in particular was the extraordinary work by the hair, wardrobe, and makeup teams in portraying the characters at different ages. It was hands-down the most convincing de-aging and aging I've ever seen in a drama. Esther Yu as Mu Mu looked so convincingly youthful in the early episodes that I genuinely thought they had cast a younger actress, despite recognizing her from other projects. The transition to older versions felt completely natural—huge credit to everyone involved.
Some viewers have critiqued Esther Yu's early portrayal of Mu Mu as overly cutesy, silly, or clingy, but I feel that's missing the cultural context. In many modern Chinese dramas, characters in their early 20s are shown as still very sheltered and childlike under heavy parental influence, which reflects real societal expectations rather than any acting misstep. Esther Yu perfectly captured a character who is both intentionally youthful and younger than the actress's real age. I have seen other series with her in them such as "Ski Into Love" but I expect a certain percentage of women would be that way in reality in a cultural context where young women are expected to remain pure, be careful about interactions with the opposite sex, and so that "cutesy" behavior aligns with that well. I think you either don't mind it or you do. For me, so far, I have liked many of the series she has been in so she must pick good roles.
The chemistry between Mu Mu and the male lead was electric—truly sizzling without ever feeling gratuitous or overly sexualized. I also adored the friend group; the male lead's best friend was especially endearing toward Mu Mu. He clearly could have been romantically interested in her if she wasn't his best friend's love interest, but that just increased the romantic tension. The whole garage crew treated her like a treasured little princess in the most charming way. The stepmother was a refreshing standout too—genuinely kind and supportive without being pushy or overbearing, which is rare for that archetype.
The early adrenaline-fueled sequences involving boxing and racing brought thrilling excitement, giving the first half a distinct high-octane energy that complemented the more emotional second half beautifully.
Mu Mu was a wonderfully balanced female lead who asserted herself firmly when needed without ever going overboard, while the male lead's growth made it clear he would become a devoted partner who had truly learned from past mistakes. Their shared thrill-seeking streak shone through in a hilarious, perfectly fitting ending that felt earned and true to their personalities.
This drama has it all and executes every element with heart and polish.
Spoilers
One slight disappointment was the choice to have the family and the male lead's best friend withhold the truth about his condition after the accident. The "we're doing this for your own good" trope isn't my favorite, but it was thoughtfully redeemed later when Jin Zhao stressed that true partners face difficult things together rather than alone. The only small missing piece was Mu Mu directly confronting the others and receiving proper apologies, but that felt minor in the grand scheme.
I thought it was a bit odd the relationship between her besties wealthy cousin and Jin Zhao was interesting and I could never quite figure out what the cousin's intent was. It was clear he admired Jin Zhao and wanted to race him. Or have him on his race team. But he almost seemed romantically interested in him. Which was weird because early on they said he was a playboy. And then for like a second he seemed interested in Mu Mu. He became a close friend with Jin Zhao but there was definitely something strange with it because they never showed cousin being a playboy after that, nor having a relationship, just seeming a bit jealous when Mu Mu and Jin Zhao were first back together.
I appreciated that Mu Mu didn't grant instant forgiveness upon their reunion. She gave him some much-deserved emotional distance—what my family calls "pickle jarring" him (from Lilo & Stitch, where she punishes friends by trapping their dolls in a jar)—for all the pain his absence caused. He earned that brief cold shoulder, yet she didn't drag it out unnecessarily, which kept it realistic and satisfying.
It was touching to see Mu Mu genuinely try moving on with other dates, only to realize no one else measured up. I also wished for more explicit scenes of her father and stepmother fully embracing the couple's relationship, given the layered but ultimately positive dynamic around the father's alcoholism (portrayed compassionately as a disease rather than a moral failing).Mu Mu's evolving bond with her younger half-sister felt authentic—starting with understandable jealousy (especially over the sister's easy closeness with the male lead) before warming into genuine affection. The Canada arc was pure emotional gold. Seeing the male lead decide he wanted to marry Mu Mu and travel there for his mother's blessing was beautiful, especially after the early heartbreak of his mother initially distancing herself and only staying involved because young Mu Mu expressed interest in him. The moment she finally acknowledged projecting her resentment toward his father onto him and embraced him fully as her son was profoundly heartwarming and cathartic—one of the most gratifying payoffs in the entire drama.Once the male lead fully committed, his growth into a thoughtful, devoted husband was unmistakable. I also loved that he channeled his thrill-seeking nature in safer ways without returning to racing, while the final motorcycle getaway—"eloping" after their wedding party got too drunk and slept through their planned wedding—was both hilarious and perfectly in character. Denying everyone the big fancy ceremony as playful payback was such a fun, fitting capstone to their arcs.
Finally, to address some viewer discomfort with their living arrangement feeling quasi-adoptive (the father treating him like a son, Mu Mu viewing him as an older brother figure), and thus weird later when they became romantically involved. They were not blood related. And he was never fully adopted into her family. Her father treated him like a son, she acted toward him like he was an older brother and he treated her like he would a younger sister. It was more friends to lover vibe to me. Especially since they were not even living together for many years after the parents split. I thought it was handled appropriately and never crossed into anything inappropriate.
Everything came together so well that this drama remains a 10/10 for me—highly recommended!
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Tension ALOT of tension
I've seen other works of the FL and this one is the one I most love. Great acting both the FL and ML.The plot was very good. The tension oh my GOODNESS it was everything. The trope felt like right guy, wrong time. After the time skip of FL growing up in Canada, thats when it felt like right guy, right time.
She wasn't even 20 when they met, so I really liked the times skip. I wanted to see how she act when she's mature. San Lai looked soooo handsome after cleaning himself. Both FL and ML did a good job in this drama 10/10⭐️
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 (Perfection)
I’ve now finished Speed and Love, and honestly? I have nothing but perfection to say.
This drama is everything I love wrapped into one story: bad boy × good girl, tension, longing, heartbreak, healing, warmth, and deep, genuine love. It made me cry, smile, ache, and fall in love all over again. The emotional beats landed every single time.
The romance was beautiful — not rushed, not shallow, but heartfelt and sincere. The tension between them, the sacrifices, the misunderstandings, the quiet pain, the way they kept choosing each other even when it hurt… it was done so well. Every emotional moment felt earned.
The male lead’s tough exterior hiding so much vulnerability paired perfectly with the female lead’s warmth and sincerity. Their chemistry was unreal — natural, intense, and comforting at the same time. Watching them together felt safe and emotional, like being wrapped in a blanket while also having your heart squeezed.
The story wrapped up perfectly. No unnecessary dragging, no disappointing ending, no loose threads that ruined the experience. Of course, I selfishly wanted more episodes — because I didn’t want to let them go — but that’s only because the drama was that good.
This is one of those dramas that makes you wish you could erase your memory just to watch it for the first time again. It left me feeling full, emotional, and completely satisfied.
I loved everything about it.
I would rewatch it in a heartbeat.
And I will be thinking about this drama for a long time.
Final verdict: A flawless 10/10. One of those rare dramas that just gets it right.
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Decent, Flashy and Fangirl-Friendly
It was a decent watch overall but it definitely didn’t live up to the expectations I had before starting it...The script, directing and especially the editing held this drama back from being truly good for me.
The first few episodes were hard to get through, though things did improve later especially once I adjusted my expectations and settled into the show.
One of the biggest issues was the editing, particularly in the middle portion of the drama. Scenes would abruptly cut to completely different moments that seemed to take place days later, with little to no explanation. This made the story feel disjointed, created noticeable plot holes and repeatedly broke the immersion for me.
On top of that, there were directing and logical issues throughout the drama some scenes simply made no sense and felt like they existed purely for emotional impact rather than storytelling consistency.
That said, the drama wasn’t without its charms. The chemistry between the leads was genuinely enjoyable, the overall theme had potential and the car racing scenes were one of the highlights! A big part of my fangirling came from the fact that the plot reminded me strongly of the Wattpad-style romance novels I used to read as a teen. Making it kind of a nostalgic watch.
Visually, Speed and Love was definitely a feast for the eyes and consistently delivered when it came to aesthetics, making it easy to keep watching.
When it comes to this cdrama my biggest surprise was definitely He Yu! This was my first time seeing him as a ML and both his performance and visuals stood out. I genuinely hope to see him in more lead roles in the future.
Would I recommend this drama? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something visually appealing, chemistry-driven and very fangirl-oriented and you’re willing to overlook the problems it has, then it can be a fun watch. ^^
Would I rewatch it? Probably not. Once was enough for me and if I ever miss parts of it, I’d rather visit FMVs than sit through the entire drama again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Captivating Contemporary C-Drama with Fantastic Chemistry Between the Leads
Speed and Love is all about semi-forbidden romance, fast cars, hot male lead, and a good story that’ll have you tearing up. And it’s definitely worth the hype. I watched it as soon as the final episode aired—because waiting? Not my style! I am a bing-it kinda girl.Let’s dive in. Everyone's been buzzing about this drama for He Yu‘s Zhao Zhao, and honestly, that’s exactly why I started watching. I totally get it. He is the rugged, bad boy kind of a guy you instantly fall for. Side note: It's refreshing to see a trend in Asian shows where male leads actually look masculine and fit and a little bit like they’re from the wrong side of the tracks—quite a shift from older dramas where the men often appeared to look like they were afraid of going to the gym, had to have a college education, wear only acceptable clothes, and a lot of other things I won’t list. Anyway, Zhao Zhao has been occupying my entire Instagram feed for the past month.
As for our female lead, I like Esther Yu, so I have nothing but good things to say. I find her talented despite being consistently typecast for bubbly roles. Don’t get me wrong; she’s great in those parts, but I wish we could see her versatility shine even more. She needs to do more things like My Journey to You.
However, I do understand why she was cast as Mu Mu. In Speed and Love, her youthful charm fits the character perfectly, at least at the beginning of the drama, and she does evolve as the storyline progresses, which adds depth and we also get to see her acting abilities. I think this was done deliberately to showcase the age difference between the leads.
Speed and Love incorporates all the romance tropes I love.
Step-siblings to Lovers: While they aren’t biological siblings, the dynamics add angst.
Age Gap: The slight age difference between the leads brings a different flavor to their relationship dynamics
Opposites Attract: The classic bad boy/good girl vibe is alive and well here, creating a compelling push and pull between the characters.
And of course, we can’t overlook all the fast cars and crazy driving
Things I loved:
I appreciate that the show focuses solely on the main couple, without unnecessary side plots or additional romances.
The stunning Thai scenery adds to the drama's vibe, and while I enjoyed the bromance between Zhao Zhao and Drunk, I sometimes found myself torn between rooting for them or for Zhao Zhao and Mu Mu. Then I reminded myself—this is a Chinese production! 😂
The comedic elements were spot on, providing plenty of laughs throughout the series.
In terms of skinship, the show excels—there are plenty of cute and steamy moments between the leads. Long gone are the days with a single dead fish kiss at the end of the drama. These two ate. Literally. Each other.
Really good cinematography.
Did I mention? Zhao Zhao?
High quality driving and fighting scenes. Almost Hollywood level. I was surprised considering I hardly ever see those in Chinese dramas.
Things that I did not enjoy as much or they baffled me:
I had some issues with the pacing. The transition between the first and second arcs felt uneven. Too much time was spent on the Thailand arc before the mood shifted drastically, leaving me feeling like I was being pulled out of one narrative only to rush into another just as the series neared its end. C-dramas often stretch out their stories—yet here, they needed more episodes to give each (and I mean second) arc to give it the attention it deserved.
I also found some medical inaccuracies hard to overlook, particularly in the episode where Mu Mu and Zhao Zhao part ways in Thailand. If he had multiple broken bones and a spinal injury, I can’t accept the fact that he could just stand up there in front of her, hiding his pain to make sure she doesn’t know the extent of his injuries. (And please do not give me that crap that love made him do that just for the sake of her. sanity ) While I can suspend belief for love stories, a little grounding in reality goes a long way. I kept on asking myself how he could stand and then sit down in front of her if later on it’s shown he can’t even walk.
Further into the drama when Mu Mu and his doctor talk about his difficult recovery he was still going through, I expected that Mu Mu would be helping Zhao Zhao with whatever medical needs he still had. But as soon as they got back together, he recovered. Unless there was some inaccurate translation they had made it sound like he hadn’t recovered yet when they reconnected, I can only explain this by lazy writing or lazy editing. It didn’t really affect my enjoyment but it was a glaring inconsistency. I think this was a missed opportunity for the writers. This is one of those shows that actually could use a few more extra episodes.
In conclusion:
Speed and Love is a solid contemporary C-drama that deserves all the praise it’s receiving. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking (as a cinematography enthusiast, I give major kudos to the camera team), the color grading is top notch, the acting is great, all the stunts performed well. The small flaws I noticed here and there (like strange/poorly written dialogues at the beginning of the drama) didn’t affect my opinion that this is still one of the better C-dramas. The plot is streamlined, free of unnecessary subplots or antagonistic characters with excessive monologues.
And let’s be real—it’s all about He Yu! The boy is going places. I’d never seen him in anything else before Speed and Love. I’m looking forward to see what else he’ll have coming out soon.
If you are looking for an exciting contemporary C-drama with great chemistry and high production value, I totally recommend. Enjoy the ride!
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This review may contain spoilers
You might suffer a little in tje middle and dont trust those who says esther yu acted bad here
So i have finished this drama a long time ago i basically watched this during my exam it was so good that i risked my exam to watch this it became an addiction since the first episode the story the cast the main couple the bgm and the songs everything was so good before watching this drama esther yu's skii into love and when i fly towards you were first on my drama list now speed and love became my favorite of them all amd please dont trust those who says esther yu cant act they are just spreading hate towards her since i have watched this drama i wanna say that esther yu aka jiang mu acted a little childish during her story in thailand where she was 19-20 she acted comfortably infront of jinzhao but then after their separation and during her time in china where she was 27-28 she acted more maturely 🍬🍬Was this review helpful to you?
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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Truly loved it ?✨ This drama has my ??
After Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, Lighter and Princess, and The First Frost, Speed and Love has officially been added to my list of most-favorite C-dramas.The love standard in this drama is on another level. Honestly, in today’s time, where do we even find love stories like this? The patience, the deep love, and the care they show for each other—even after separation—just touched my heart. Uff… I absolutely loved it.
This drama is a must-watch if you truly understand and appreciate meaningful love stories.
I especially loved Brandy and Mu’s Thailand scenes—his house, his garage, and that soft, sweet background music. Everything felt so calm, intimate, and cozy.
Those moments melt my heart every time and make me fall in love with the scenes all over again.
Brandy was just so cool, handsome, and effortlessly charming.
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Post Drama Withdrawal! Updated.
EmotionsI love Esther Yu, and this was not 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. The character she played is she always asked question and tested him. I genuinely disliked that part when she found him towards the end, making him walk.
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 9 times. 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. That kiss though... several kisses where He Yu engulfed Esther lips... I never viewed that Chinese Dramas. I was like... whoa there buddy... so cute, I too, blushed and hid my face. All I know this wasn't a regular Chinese Drama for me... This was some real stuff right here (little slang used).
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".
3rd Update: Lawdamercy, this is the only drama that calms me down and makes me smile. I know this is a story but dang, I wish all men were like Zhao Zhao!
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Compelled to write a review because it's that good.
For me this drama is on a whole different level. So as a regular CDrama watcher, I didn't have much expectation, just a few romantic scenes, a change of heart, and a little bit of action, but damn. I was flabbergasted by SAL—the plot, the cast, the OSTs, everything.About the cast:
Esther Yu—I see people hating on her unnecessarily. She is the perfect cast for SAL. She can do both—a mature grown woman and an immature teenager. I think the director knew exactly what the story needed.
He Yu—Imagine anyone other than him playing Jin Zhao, CAN YOU? That's it. He is irreplaceable. He is the whole package, and as the director said, heaven decided on Jin Zhao.
Ignore the negative PR. Just go and watch it. It's that good.
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From Daydream to Drama
Speed and Love follows the lives of two siblings whose paths split early and collide again years later. Jiang Mu, affectionately called Mu Mu, grows up sheltered and adored, while her brilliant older brother Jin Zhao, affectionately called Zhao Zhao, is forced to grow up fast. When Mu Mu is nine, their parents’ divorce sends Jin Zhao and their father to Thailand, effectively severing the bond between the siblings and placing them on two very different life tracks. Years later, Mu Mu learns a life-altering truth: Jin Zhao is adopted. Determined to reconnect, she travels to Thailand alone, only to discover that the elegant, gentle boy she once knew has transformed into a rough-edged young man shaped by street life, underground racing, and boxing. His world is fast, dangerous, and wildly unfamiliar to her.Instead of backing away, Mu Mu steps forward. With her natural warmth, empathy, and quiet determination, she gradually integrates into Jin Zhao’s life and their father’s new family. As Jin Zhao’s co-pilot and emotional anchor, Mu Mu becomes his perfect navigator, both on the road and in life. Seeing him trapped in a cycle of danger and self-destruction, she resolves to pull him out and bring him home. Fate, however, has other plans. An accident separates them once more, forcing Mu Mu to shoulder responsibility for the family while carrying forward their shared aerospace dream. Years later, after graduation, Mu Mu returns to China, where destiny gives the siblings one final reunion in Nanjing—this time as changed adults, shaped by love, loss, and longing.
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: the chemistry is chemistry-ing. From the very beginning, Speed and Love thrives on its leads’ electric dynamic. The cute, heart-fluttering moments between Mu Mu and Jin Zhao were plentiful and dangerously addictive. Every smile, lingering glance, and quiet moment felt intentional, making it impossible not to root for them. Add in a surprisingly lovable ensemble cast, and the drama quickly becomes something you emotionally settle into. Visually and stylistically, the drama delivers. The fighting choreography and racing scenes were exciting and well-shot, giving Jin Zhao’s world an edge that contrasted nicely with Mu Mu’s softer presence. Costume, makeup, and hair were consistently on point, and I especially loved how the outfits subtly evolved to reflect different phases of the characters’ lives. Thailand-era Jin Zhao and China-era Jin Zhao almost feel like two different brands of masculinity, each with their own charm and appeal.
What makes this contrast even more compelling is why Jin Zhao feels so different in these two phases of his life. Growing up poor, his body was his only asset, his pride, and his means of survival. In Thailand, Jin Zhao’s sense of masculinity was rooted in physicality through racing, fighting, and endurance. When the accident took that away from him, it did not just leave him injured. It stripped him of his identity. Losing his strength meant losing the one thing he believed made him worthy, which explains both his physical and emotional withdrawal and why he chose to leave Mu Mu for six years. In his mind, he had become something broken and unfit to stand beside someone as pure and promising as her. What makes Jin Zhao’s character arc especially satisfying is how he rebuilds himself afterward. In China, he forms a new identity through intellect and stability by continuing his studies, opening a café, and creating a future that no longer relies on brute strength. His masculinity shifts from body to mind, from survival to purpose. Thailand Jin Zhao was defined by what his body could endure, while China Jin Zhao is defined by what his mind and heart can sustain. Once you see this shift, his choices feel less frustrating and far more tragic.
That said, the Thailand setting itself was… questionable. The city often looked overly staged, almost theatrical, which broke immersion at times. Supporting characters also felt oddly out of place, with an overwhelming number of Western extras when Thai or more Asian-looking characters would have made the setting feel more authentic. There were also noticeable technical hiccups, like the camera slip in episode 10 during Lin Sui and Mu Mu's drifting lesson, and unnecessary lighting movements in certain scenes (looking at you, garage scenes). The editing didn’t always help either, with obvious skips that made the story flow feel jumpy.
Story-wise, let’s be honest: this drama is basically a y/n daydream turned live-action. One of Speed and Love’s biggest strengths lies in how perfectly Esther and He Yu embody two completely contrasting vibes, bringing Mu Mu and Jin Zhao to life. Much like Mu Mu, Esther feels like a ray of sunshine, radiating purity, innocence, youth, and quiet resilience. In contrast, He Yu mirrors Jin Zhao’s aloof, bad boy, street-hardened masculinity with effortless ease. This sharp contrast is exactly what hooks viewers, especially hopeless romantics who live for the bad boy good girl dynamic. It creates that addictive tension that keeps you watching episode after episode. Their personalities clash in the most delicious way, and the slow-burn pursuit in Thailand was peak tension. Both characters yearned deeply, just in different ways, and their love felt passionate, almost combustible. I found myself cheering Mu Mu on more than once, mentally yelling, “YES, YOU GO GIRL, GET YOUR MAN.” The romantic payoff? Worth it. Episode 15 was unbearably cute, with tension so thick it practically filled the room. The kissing scenes were filled with longing, desire, and raw emotion.
That is also why, personally, the latter half of the drama did not give me the same adrenaline-pumping fangirl energy as the first half. When Jin Zhao’s personality shifted from dangerous bad boy to more golden retriever energy, some of that edge was inevitably lost. I will admit, I came for the bad boy good girl trope. Still, I stayed because beneath the change, Jin Zhao remained hungry, aloof, and devastatingly soft only for Mu Mu, which kept their romance emotionally satisfying. Episode 26, right before that moment, deserves special mention. The push-and-pull, the hunger, the barely contained passion—absolutely feral. That pre-boom-boom scene rivals some of the best in recent C-dramas (yes, even that Wei Shao and Man Man scene).
However, the drama does stumble when you look too closely. Jin Zhao being in Mu Mu’s life since before she was born makes the romance slightly uncomfortable if you overthink it. Despite not being blood-related, the fact that they’ve been in each other’s lives since day zero makes them feel like siblings—but oh well. This is definitely a “don’t dissect too hard” kind of show, though ironically, dissecting individual scenes actually deepens your understanding of the characters’ emotional states. Mixed signals, but we move. Some creative choices were simply unnecessary. The bathtub scene felt random and incomplete, likely a casualty of censorship. Instead of enhancing intimacy, it felt awkward and out of place and would have been better cut entirely. The ending also felt rushed. After reuniting following a six-year separation, Jin Zhao is shown struggling physically, only to magically recover within two months and sprint like nothing ever happened. For a modern drama, that was a glaring realism issue. And for a story filled with nonstop yearning and timeless love, we really deserved a proper wedding celebration at the end.
One thing the drama absolutely nailed was its OST usage. Every track felt purposeful and iconic. You could practically predict the emotional tone of a scene based on which OST started playing—whether it was yearning, passion, ambition, or romance. Few dramas manage to assign musical identities to emotional beats this clearly, and Speed and Love deserves credit for that.
In the end, Speed and Love knows exactly what it wants to be: a fast-paced, emotionally charged romance driven by yearning, passion, and contrast. It isn’t perfect. It’s messy in places, rushed toward the end, and occasionally indulgent in fantasy. But its strength lies in its vibe, its leads, and the way it makes you feel. Sometimes, that’s more than enough. This is an easy-to-watch, kind of cliché drama that makes you fangirl, giggle, cry, laugh, and yearn. If the pseudo-siblings angle doesn’t make you uncomfortable, this drama is definitely recommended!
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This review may contain spoilers
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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