Passionate Love (2023)

Sadomasochism drama for you

The only reason I watched this is He Xuanlin. I really hate sadomasochism theme, but I kept holding on, along with any kind of curse words.

As the synopsis written, Lin Wenyu is the FL. Her real name was Su Wenyue, the daughter of Su Mu. Su Mu was the lieutenant of Duan Xunchu's father. Xunchu's parents thought of FL as their own daughter, so she lived in Duan family's house since she was a kid. Bcos of the close relationship between the parents, Wenyue was engaged with Duan family's oldest son, Duan Xunliu. However, one night, enemies barged into Duan family's house and killed everyone. Wenyue and Xunchu managed to escape and lived together. Wenyue lied to Xunchu to make him leave the city. Seven years after they got separated, they reunite. This time, Xunchu's mission is to make Wenyue, now Wenyu, to pay for his family demise. Then, after they resolve their misunderstanding, together they try to find the truth.

MUSIC
Tbh the music is just so-so, not memorable. Sometimes it is too loud. I don't like the opening song too.

CHARACTERS
Lin Wenyu/Su Wenyue
Our FL is a few years older than ML so she sees him as her own didi. She owns a apothecary and known for her beauty and skills as a doctor. An elegant, smart, brave, kind hearted and forgiving woman.

Duan Xunchu
The ML who vowed to make the killer of his family suffer. Therefore, he loves and hates Wenyu. He started to love her when they lived together for a few years after the incident. That's why he was in agony when Wenyu said his family was killed by her and her father. He came back after successfully becoming a general known as Iron Blood. After he comes back, he makes Wenyu lives in hell. He treats all women like trash.

Song Wanzhen
As usual, we have the delusional spoiled rich brat. She is the youngest chikd in Song family, so she acts as she pleases. A perfect match for Xunchu. Anyway her father tries to tie her with Xunchu in marriage, but Xunchu successfully avoids it. She always tries to bully Wenyu and she hates Huaining bcos he is not her real brother.

Song Huaining
The adoptive son of Song family. Somehow he doesn't remember anything before he was saved by his adoptive father. He is kind, gentle, well behaved. Although he is few years older than Xunchu, they became friends. Sometimes he has a severe headache, so Wenyu often comes to treat him.

ACTING
He Xuanlin is undeniably great. She is the reason that kept me watching.
Gao Mingchen got his first lead role, but as a red flag. He did great though. Some of you might think he looks more like an angry teenager. What do you expect? Xunchu lost his childhood and has been hiding from his enemies until he finally gained power. His mind is full of revenge, but he can't help feeling jealous to Huaining. He is conflicted between love and hate to Wenyu.
For the SFL, what kind I say? The easiest role in a drama is playing a spoiled rich brat.
For the SML, he fits his role. A gentle man shrouded in mystery. But sometimes he is lacking in expressions.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS
Tbh, I freaking HATE the ML. He is a disgusting piece of shit. He keeps treating FL like a trash on the first half of the drama! He hates her, but also cares for her. After choking her, then he gives her his coat or treats her wound. He is always jealous everytime Wenyu gets close with another man, then he will drag her along the road. Sometimes she doesn't defend herself and lets him do as he pleases. I think it is bcos she feels guilty for his suffering after they got separated. Once he finds out she is innocent, all he says is "From now on, I will make up for it. I'm sorry". WHAT??? That's it?? Everytime I see him choking her, I always scream "I will fry you, pig!" If I were Wenyu, I will never forgive him, or at least I will make him pay for it until I feel satisfied. I won't get swayed by his gifts, sweet words, etc. But anyway, Wenyu is too kind and forgiving. She accepts him right away.

SUMMARY
Would I recommend this? If you are fine with sadomasochism theme, you might want to try this. The leads have great chemistry. The mystery is predictable, so viewers just have to watch how the story goes and how the leads handle the situations. This is a short drama, only 10 minutes each episode. You can finish binge watching it in less than 3 hours.

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Guilty Pleasure for sure!!

"Passionate Love" is not that very much of a fitting title. But the mainleads very natural chemistry is instant and clear and i was surprised to find that these are the same actors that co-starred in the very tragic "Love & Bid Farewell". I remember how awed i was by their chemistry despite him being the second male lead in that one. There is something very earnest in Ming Chen`s acting, he is not only beautiful looking but he is raw talent on-screen and the way he gazes at his heroine, the very stubborn and tough Wen Yu portrayed by the very talented actress Xuan Lin. They are a magnetic force together and i definitely want to see more of their projects together. Until now they have co-starred in four dramas together, they seem to be close in real life as well, hmm.

If you find hard-core angsty, action packed and intense romance set in the Republic of China, add in revenge and hatred mixed with loving. This one is perfect for you. Its a classic in the genre.

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