Speed and Love

Overhyped

I decided to watch Love and Speed purely because the male lead was ridiculously handsome and honestly, that was one of the few consistent highlights for me 😭
The female lead really tested my patience. She felt so out of touch with reality like, he was literally explaining why his life turned out the way it did, and she just kept pushing without actually listening. For someone who’s supposed to be 19, the babyish behavior was too much. I genuinely feel like the drama would’ve been better without her she didn’t add much beyond kissing the ML and wearing cute outfits.
Her mom? Easily the main villain.
And the relationship dynamic… yeah, that part was uncomfortable. I tried to make peace with it by telling myself they fell in love as kids, but the flashbacks made it worse because you could clearly see them as innocent siblings before everything changed. It just didn’t sit right.
Also, can we talk about chemistry? Because ML had way more chemistry with his best friend and even the second male lead (Drunk) than with the female lead. And the second female lead?? I don’t know why she ever thought she stood a chance she was annoying, and her whole family treated ML terribly.
The storyline was all over the place. They’re supposedly poor, yet he has luxury cars just sitting around?? And the roads are magically always empty during high-speed driving scenes no pedestrians, no consequences. I was actually interested in the case they were solving, but even that got rushed.
One positive though: I really liked the stepmom.
After episode 15, I finally started to see why people hyped the drama those kiss scenes were HOT 🔥 I won’t lie. And the post time skip scenes were actually funny. The mind games had me laughing, especially her still wearing his necklace like girl… move on 😭
But overall? Disappointing. After 2 years away from C-dramas, this is what I came back to? The hype did not match the experience for me at all.

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a roller coaster..loved It!!

this drama is made up of 3 parts and each provides a specific vibe you can enjoy.

at the very beginning I was laughing my ass off cause the drama was so cringe I couldn't take it seriously.

these 2 almost "step brothers" are separated during childhood and end up having different lives never really leaving each other's heart.
once grown up they reunite and find out their bond wasn't a "familiar" one but a sexy one.

the first episodes feel like a standard "step bro" porn video. I kid you not. they thirst over each other even thou the FL finds out the are not blood related literally at the airport on the way to meet her Step bro for the first time after years.

maybe it's just me but it was so cringe I laughed for episodes.

after this part we get into the core of the drama which has a more "fast and fury vibes".

if you were there for the first "f&f" movies you know what I'm talking about. neon lights, hot girls, illegal racing , the whole "family" spiel.. It was really enjoyable and a bit nostalgic.

the third part is a complete romantic drama.
we put aside the adrenaline and dive into grieve, love. suffering.

this drama has something for everyone.

this drama is super enjoyable up until the 20th episode. I get that they have to explain how things developed, what happened in those 5 years the protagonists were apart but it dragged for so long. I skipped like crazy. so many flashbacks, so many long scenes, they film the actors walking in the Sunshine for minutes at the time....

the best part of the show is the main male lead. man can this guy act. he was good and I mean...Gooooood

esther yu? I love her but I see her limits as an actress. so far I watched like 3 dramas with her as a main lead and she always ends playing the naive, clumsy, awkward girl. I don't know if she is being type casted or if this is her range.

please watch it and enjoy.

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Speed and Love don't mix

I'll start with...Speed and Love just don't mix. Once the action, pretty cars and dreamy Thai setting was gone so was most of my attention.

They had the tools and the cast to make a better story but the first half they focused on the action, rather than consistency with the plot. Then the 2nd half they did a 180* and focused solely on the lead's emotional journeys. As a viewer, I never recovered from the whiplash. I guess reading the novel would help here but the drama as a stand alone story was frustrating. My main beef being that it takes the whole show for Jin Zhao to learn how to respect and trust Jiang Mu enough to allow her into his life. He also has no problem asking their family and friends to lie to her face...for years! And they all agree to it. Both of her parents are terrible people as well. Her father ignored her for years, became a drunk, and really only took an interest in Jin Zhao's life. Her mother hid the fact that Jin Zhao had been trying to call her when they were children when they separated. And then hid her illness from her until the most inconvenient time to reveal it arose. I was unimpressed with how manipulative, needy and unrealistic Jiang Mu's character was in the beginning. But after Jin Zhao's accident she grew on me. Mostly because I felt bad for her. Almost everyone in her life lied to her and never took her seriously, including the man she loved. But bless her heart, she forgave every single one of them.

The side characters were interactive scenery at best. No one really gets their own separate story and I was fine with that. I really liked San Lai as a brother type for MuMu until he agreed to lie to her for Jin Zhao. I liked Lin Sui too. I want him to make me a drink out of his Ferrari 😂 then give me a ride. NaNa, Wan Qing , Feng Zi and the other racing people didn't get enough screen time for me to care about them. Both of MuMu's step parents and step sister were sweet though.

But at least where my mind wasn't pleased, my eyes were. The physical chemistry between Yu Shu Xin and He Yu was electric. Whenever they were in the same room it was fireworks and butterflies.

And as a car enthusiast I enjoyed that part of the first half. They did their research and most of what Jin Zhao, Lin Sui and Jin Qiang said wasn't complete nonsense.

The acting also wasn't bad. If you're not a fan of YSX's babyish characters she's pretty toned down here and did well in the emotional scenes. And for playing a man of few words, He Yu managed to make me tear up a few times. That intense stare of his gives me chills...in a good way.

Happy to be done. I highly doubt I would ever rewatch this but if I did I would stop at ep 19 for sure.

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When the sun and moon shine together

I literally have no words to express how much I loved this C-drama. Ever since it was announced, I was dying to see it. The story totally grabbed me before it even aired, and once I started watching, there was no turning back. It easily became one of the best dramas I’ve seen all year. The plot just pulls you in, and honestly, every single element—the characters, the romance, the OST, the cinematography—was perfectly crafted. I’m just so happy I got to experience this story day by day. I usually never watch Cdramas while they’re airing, but I just couldn't wait, lol! No regrets, even though I’m a little sad to say goodbye now.

I have to say, He Yu absolutely killed it in this drama. It’s my second time seeing him, the first was My Fated Boy, and even though he was super cute in that one, Jin Zhao is on a whole different level. And can we talk about how HOT he looks here?! I literally held my breath every time he was in his "bad boy racer" era. His soft era was nice, but the bad boy vibes? Simply superior. (//ω//) There’s so much depth to his characters. Even after everything he’s been through, he still kept his heart of gold. He’s so naturally kind and caring—honestly, the ultimate green flag. I just loved and will always love this man 4ever! ♥

As for Esther Yu, I’ve been a fan for a while. I know some people aren't into her style, but I really like her. Her character, Jiang Mu (Mu Mu), might seem a bit immature at first, but I loved her character development. We started off with a very innocent, unbothered, loving, and cute girlie, yet we ended with a mature, loving and subtle cute lady. Also, the outfits and styling deserve a full review of their own because they were beautiful! One thing I’ve always loved about this character is that she isn't your typical shy girl—she’s the complete opposite! I absolutely loved how she could keep up with Jin Zhao. I mean, from now on, whenever I hear the word 'Focus,' I’m always going to think of her, lol!

Which brings us to the chemistry... and wow, they really delivered. Their scenes left me speechless more than once. The amount of times I kicked my feet and giggled frantically because of these two is actually insane. AND THE KISSES?! I was obsessed with "hungry" Zhao Zhao. (〃ﾉωﾉ) The yearning and the way this man loves Mu Mu made me want to be loved like that, too (I mean, who wouldn't?). The way Jin Zhao’s intense, hot stares met Jiang Mu’s innocent gazes... honestly, I GASPED every single time.

I honestly have no complaints about the supporting cast! Even with their limited screen time, they delivered exactly what was needed to make this drama a total gem. I wasn't expecting to see Mike Angelo! It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and I loved his character along with Sanlai Ge and the rest of the crew. The OST is beautiful, and the action scenes—the racing, the boxing—were incredible. This drama delivered exactly what it promised, and I’ll definitely be rewatching it. I’m also planning to read the novel because I heard it’s even better since the drama had to cut some things out.

Conclusion: I honestly wish I could erase my memory just to rewatch it all over again for the first time. I’d watch it forever if I could! This drama is 100% worth it, and I’d recommend it to anyone with my eyes closed. 10/10 ✧

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Drama of the year!

I've been waiting for this drama for a few months to come out and I'm glad that it didn't disappoint me.
The cast is amazing! Yu and Esther had such a great chemistry and the roles fit them really well! I also like the fact that He Yu chose his own outfits and used his driving and drifting skills for this drama, not a stunt double. Mike was noticeable for me as well and did a great job. OSTs were great too, especially the one at the end of every episode.
Overall, I loved every single episode and how the characters developed by time and there was so boring moment.
I already feel so empty after finishing this drama. I'll miss it so much.
Bye Zhao Zhao and Mu Mu!

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Weird premise and pretty cringy.

Where do I start….Okay I’m all for a good childhood sweetheart trope but these two literally grew up together. He took care of her as a baby (probably even changed a few diapers) so it’s pretty weird to me. It would’ve been better if the writers made it into a slow burn romance with him realizing later on that he loves her romantically. But noooo, this guy was yearning for her all these years (he even carries a keychain around stating that he’s yearning for her). It just doesn’t make sense.

Acting wise I think the ML is giving his all. He’s got the smolder down and it’s electrifying but Esther Yu - WHYYY. I know a lot of people think her baby voice and childlike expressions are cute but to me, it seems like she’s trying too hard to keep up with this facade. I think someone like Sun Zhenni or Lu Yu Xiao who are naturally cute would’ve been a better choice to cast.

I am on episode 16 and trying to hold on because of the ML and Mike Angelo (he’s fun to watch).

Also, why is the ML always so sweaty while everyone looks cool as a cucumber??

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great cinematography but the story falls a bit flat for me

I'll start this off by saying that I have not finished this show (very close to dropping as well..) but I do plan on getting through it since it was very recommended. I'll maybe updates this review when I've finished.

Overall, so far at least, I really enjoy the cinematography and it being set in Thailand for sure adds to the aesthetic elements. The scenes are pleasing to look at and they have this vibe that is pretty calming?? I'm not entirely sure how to describe it but it's easy to watch and you don't have to overthinking it much.

However what my main cons are with this show is how the romance between the FL and ML are almost overly romanticized at a point?? Like before they got together those moments were cute and had lots of tension but after it just became flat and repetitive. I suppose if you're really into those type of "hot" scenes then you'll really enjoy the show. But for me personally, these scenes get redundant and lack the emotional essence that cdramas usually have.

(01/04/2026 update)
So I finally finished the drama and will say it turned out better than I expected during my previous check in. One thing I didn't really like though was how everyone just pretty much FL in the dark during the 8 years they were apart?? Like not a single person around ML thought like hey maybe this isn't what FL wants.. Idk, I'm just generally not a fan of these "I'm not good enough for them/they deserve better" tropes when clearly like VERY clearly the FL is not the type of person to want to be left in the dark over something like this. Also wish they showed a bit more emotional depth in the resolution part cause it feels a bit rushed almost?? like they showed their moments apart and the sad moments + "explanations" but I feel like FL got over being lied to for a whole 8 years WAY too quickly. (Maybe it's just cuz I would've been a bit more salty if I was her..)

I do appreciate how MuMu has a more mature/grown vibe in the second half of the show. While I did enjoy her younger personality in the first half it did feel a bit awkward watching her in certain scenes... (just personally not my taste) so I'm glad they were able to show a bit more of a mature side of her (but I mean she also is a lot older so it's kinda expected).

Honestly though, I'm reading my old review and not much has changed. There were less eyecandy moments in the second half than I thought there'd be (and I'm also lowkey thankful for.. don't shoot me), but as soon as they got together again it also go boring again... like they're cute but it feels more like I'm third wheeling (and not in a good way if yk what I mean ;-;). I personally love emotionally heavy and deep stories so though this show was romantic, it was pretty surface level to me and lacked a lot of depth that I find interesting and resonating to watch. But then again, if this is your time of thing, I'm not here to judge you.

Also, right after the car accident, I feel like the plot started to get really confusing?? Though it felt more like an editing/post production error rather than the story itself (since I mean the story is pretty obvious and like you can expect what happens). But a lot of the clips felt really choppy and they'd have the "1 month later" clip but then it just made no sense?? Idk I feel like a lot of the scenes were jumbled there and I even had to rewatch them to make sure I wasn't missing anything so.. Ig if anyone can explain why MuMu was still in thailand after the 1 month later clip even though she said she was going to head back to visit her mom asap? and like did Jin Zhao just magically heal in the one month since I thought he was struggling to even stand properly, let alone meet up with her at some balcony cafe thing (I lowkey thought it was a dream at first too since it like showed a clip of him sleeping and it like zoomed out of his head so I was like oh maybe he was just dreaming about letting her go since she kept texting him even in canada but like if they "broke up" idk if girl would be doing that?? like cuz i swear it felt like she still saw them together but they stopped talking idk im so confused. But also like they give flashbacks to that moment so I'm pretty sure it's not a dream??) Anyways if anyone can explain that part to me that'd be great bc I was confused asf.

I know a lot of people aren't big fans of Esther Yu (some of yall drag her way too hard tho like chill out) and I can understand why her acting might not be everyone's taste but, especially with these types of characters, I really can't think of another actor that could give off the same essence that Esther did with MuMu. I will say though, when I first watched the teasers and trailers, I was hoping for more a mature ML/FL kinda dynamic but also not entirely surprised since it's an Esther drama. Would love to see her play more diverse characters though like her character in MJTY (?? I haven't watched it yet but apparently she's and assassin in there so I will fs have to binge it sometime soon).

Overall I'd give it a 6/10. if I was just rating the cinematography and vibes alone, it'd def be a 10, but a lot of the moments just lacked depth and the story wasn't all that interesting (and in fact quite cliche) for me to give it a higher rating. I did start watching the show in 2x speed towards the end and it was really funny so

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