Deep Affection Eyes

It lacked the essence of storytelling without Realising it in the midst of excellent cinimatography.

Chinese dramas can be so blah and lacking sometimes. Not always but sometimes and this is one such instance! like 10 episodes in and still I don't know and I don't care, and I do not care enough to know and i still do not get where they are heading, cos it is taking forever to head anywhere! There was no central conflict that was strong enough from the start to keep you going. Like it is just so blaze and empty feeling you may as well not be watching anything and feel the same. The kisses are good but not enough to save the blahness of it all. There was literally one funny part (for me) and that was it lol. I thought cdramas had begun to overcome this issue of lacking something crucial but alas. The characters (FLs especially) also always have a type of non-dynamic way of being and as a result they are sort of one way, one look, one face, one emotion, one vibe way of acting. Not up for a rewatch though it is all modern and chique. I managed love ambition but that was saved by the fact that Zhao Lusi ate. She played a more dynamic character than usual. It also had a central and clear moral conflict that we had to watch the FL work through episode by episode. It reminded me of the best albeit old family kdrama Seoyoung my daughter where she lies to get married and then has to go through the process of losing it all and finding redemption. From the start we can see the trouble in the horizon and are just waiting to see it all crash. This one just had a pile of characters nobody cares about and even the FL and ML are not intriguing enough for the audience to be truly invested or really interested in their plight. It lacks in essence which kdramas tend to get right from episode 1. Dramas are never about about cinematography, wardrobe, beautiful faces but first and foremost is about the drama and essence captured through already excellent story telling. The other things then complement it. I have a whole rant for jdramas too but let's leave it here lol

I wonder if I am the only one that has noticed this issue. I just had to rant at this point.

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couldn’t find the depth

I have nothing against the actors and am, in fact, a fan of the FL. She’s so cute and pretty.

However, the show became so boring quickly that I couldn’t continue watching it. I wanted to watch everything and see what the backstory was for the ML and what the future would be for the ML and FL. However, I couldn’t continue watching because the plot was dragging along and nothing much was happening. I really liked the FL’s best girlfriend though. She was so feminine and cute.

Once again, I have nothing against both leads. I would like to find out their backstories and the ending but … I have no patience to drag it out with them.

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Good overall but nothing unique - I still loved it anyway :)

Please bear with me as I have not written many reviews and usually do not manage to watch shows within the same year of release but I hope this helps:

I want to start with a general overview which will include some possible trigger warnings (SPOILERS) so please only read if you don't mind knowing these bits

TW: This drama includes a very graphic depiction of a car accident, mention of sexual assault and child abuse
Happy Ending?: Yes
Redemption: None for the main "villain"
Tropes: This is a Noona romance with the classic misunderstood "bad boy" and many classic misunderstandings and links to the past that could be easily resolved with communication

Cast

I really enjoyed the cast in this drama and thought they all fit their roles well and did a great job. I am quite enjoying seeing more of Zhang Yu Xi and found she had amazing chemistry with everyone. I loved the grandmothers and found their characters written just perfectly for this drama. They all conveyed emotions well and there were several roles providing comic relief amidst the more tragic story lines

Story

The story is nothing new but I really liked that the "villain" of the drama became who she was for fully understandable reasons. it did not feel like it was just a quickly written excuse. And like with many traumatised people who did not receive the help they would have needed, reason and rational thinking does not always apply. I thought this was well portrayed and while quite OTT it followed internal logic and did not seem like a simple add on.

I did struggle a bit with the initial reasons for the FL to want the ML other than "we need them to date for the story" so this part did seem overly forced and rushed but once things settled into the main part of the story it worked well.

Length

I found the episodes were about the right length and while the drama could have been a few episodes shorter it did not feel entirely unnecessary and all worked well.

Ending

I do like my happy endings so I was pleased that the characters followed their paths. I did quite like that the "villain" did not suddenly have a changer of heart and remained consistent with her own character. Some dramas tie things up overly neatly and while it was a little bit like that at least there was no unrealistic sudden insight and permanent character change for her.

Overall I will likely watch it again in a few years and see if i notice things I missed but won't put it into my all time favourites. It is a nice romance for those who love some trauma healing, Noona romances and mild angst

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Beautiful emotional sensual and healing!

"Deep Affection eyes " masterfully weaves a tale of two individuals, each carrying their own emotional burdens, who find solace and connection in an unconventional relationship. The narrative follows a woman who, after leaving her job, returns to her hometown and is drawn to a man haunted by past traumas. Their connection transcends mere attraction, delving into a deep emotional understanding that fosters mutual healing.

The show's strength lies in its portrayal of their interactions. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, expressed through sensual moments and subtle gestures that keep you hooked. The direction pays meticulous attention to detail, capturing every glance and touch, making your stomach flutter.

The female lead shines with her resilience, despite her traumatic past. She is a character who is not afraid to speak her mind, and stands up for herself....Ps I love her wardrobe.

The male lead, though seemingly gloomy and withdrawn due to his past, is revealed to have a warm heart, defying the typical "cold" male lead trope. Supporting characters, like the female lead's vibrant and supportive best friend, a single mother, and the second male lead, who provides comedic relief, add depth and balance to the narrative.

The acting is also amazing.. Zhang Yuxi delivers a performance that feels authentic and compelling, while Bi Wenjun demonstrates significant growth, elevating his portrayal.

The show's focus on emotional depth and the characters' journey towards healing makes it a captivating watch for those who appreciate mature, sensual romance.

For modern C-drama enthusiasts seeking a fresh yet familiar experience, "Deep Affection eyes " is highly recommended.

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Happy, feel good, must watch

I absolutely loved this series. It begins as a simple love story which I loved, loved, especially with the insane chemistry between the ML/FL lead. Then the storyline gets even better with unexpected twists and acts. This series has pretty much everything, love, romance, bit of sadness, comedy, love of family, loyalty and friendships. I loved the whole crew/characters, aunties, grannies, school friends, and of course the beautiful male and female lead and their slowly evolving love for each other. Thank you for the great entertainment and giving us, viewers a happy, feel good time. Thank you all. I will definitely rewatch this many times in the future

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Surprising gem

I was apprehensive at the start , but when I started watching, it turned out to be surprisingly well done! Definitely give it a chance ! The storytelling made you care about these characters( all of them, not just the leads) and helped you feel the warmth through the screen. The chemistry was palpable and both leads pulled off a great job, the fl ,especially, showing lot of improvement from her previous works. Another thing that stood out was how well it was shot, every frame perfectly situated. In some shows the pace starts dragging after leads get together but not in this one. Will definitely be rewatching sometime.

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A beautifully crafted love story with an unforgettable atmosphere.

Story
I found this story incredibly captivating. The 26 episodes felt just right; neither rushed nor dragged. The love story, along with the hidden layers of the plot, was beautifully expressed. It’s a wonderful narrative that truly deserves more recognition and appreciation.

Acting/Cast
Bi Wen Jun’s performance was outstanding. He portrayed his character with such depth and nuance, and his expressive acting really pulled us into the story. He has immense potential, and I genuinely hope he gets more opportunities to showcase his talent. Zhang Yuxi also did a fantastic job, perfectly embodying her role. The chemistry between the leads was undeniable, overflowing and heartwarming. I sincerely hope we get to see them work together again in future projects.

Music
The music selection was excellent and clearly well thought out. Each track enhanced the emotional tone of the scenes and kept the audience deeply engaged in the drama.

Rewatch Value
I’ve already started rewatching it. I just couldn’t accept that it was over. It’s one of those rare dramas that truly draws you in and makes it hard to let go.

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Don't Judge a Drama by Its Rating

Deep Affection Eyes is such a hidden gem! I honestly didn’t expect to love it this much, but it completely surprised me in the best way.

The acting is emotional and genuine — you can really feel the pain, love, and growth of the characters. The dialogues are beautiful, not over the top, just perfectly written to touch your heart.

The cinematography and locations are visually calming and fit the storyline so well. Every scene feels warm and meaningful. And the OST? Pure magic! It captures every emotion so beautifully — I've been listening to it nonstop.

This drama deserves way more love than it’s getting. Sometimes, numbers don’t show the real worth of a story.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves slow, emotional, and healing romances. 💙

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Loving Deep Affectionate Eyes.

I don't post about things at all, but I had to jump on the bandwagon and reiterate everything others have said about how truly great this series is. A complete dark horse for me. I hadn't even heard of it or intended to watch it (I usually hate modern cdramas), but was bored and needed to find something on Viki to pass the time. Lo and behold, I have been completely obsessed every since!
Like others have said: it is just so charming and well-written. The chemistry and naturalness of the lead couple is so, so good. They look great together, but play off each other so well. Bi Wen Jun is perfect as the brooding ML. And Zhang Yu Xi is wonderful as the sassy FL who manages to find a way into his heart. From their perfect banter to their more serious moments. All of it is just a treat to watch, and far superior to other modern dramas that get so much hype due to their idol casts.
Then there is the delightful cast of supporting characters. Their unfolding side stories are both touching and humorous, and add so much richness to the whole story. Particular shout-outs to the FL's bff and her precocious son (I love the way he is wiser than all the adults around him!), of course, as well as the bar-owner childhood friend and the ML's grandma, who is a hoot. There are really no characters you wish were not in it.
The small-town setting is also a character in itself. It's not like the usual ones that are so picture-perfect and cosy. There is some realistic grittiness to the setting, which totally amplifies the cool vibe of the romance.
I really hope this series gets more and more viewers and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in watching a great modern drama. You won't regret it.

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