See Your Love

Is it too soon to say that this was one of the best series I've watched this year? ?

I know it's early but It's been a good start to the year.

This story took me completely by surprise, as I was expecting just a romantic comedy. But I ended up coming across delightfully tender characters overflowing with affection!
The relationship between Yang Zi Xiang and Jiang Shao Peng is one I found to be very warm in my heart. Despite them being at odds at the beginning of the show, seeing how their relationship developed emotionally and physically was very nice. The small things that they did for one another and the simple touches that they each shared were so cute and nice. Тhere is a level of respect and understanding that shines between the two that made them feel more than just compatible. The dysfunctional family, deafness, the fiancée ... they showed how deep their love was that they knew their final decision was one is born of trust and want.
I really loved how mature these boys were.They may have made mistakes but they owned them and made adjustments.
They communicated.I appreciated it because the story needed it.
The secondary characters were written beautifully, and i loved the family of Shao Peng.
Where it fell down for me slightly was that there was a some clichés and the acting at certain moments. But that's just me, and it's a small thing, because overall it was a really good time.

A genuinely dramatically, romantic, fun and fluffy!
And that ending was too cute!

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A few nice ideas, heart-warming relationship and a talented actor are its saving grace

Somehow I managed to complete this series, but in all honesty it was a hurdle, occasionally made sweeter by the acting of Shaopeng’s actor and cute moments of the main couple. In general, though, this drama was one hot mess. The pacing was all over the place, the entire mafia plot was cringe-worthy and the second couple – after original “bang” of a beginning – had almost no development (and the one they had was so predictable, I stopped caring halfway).

Even Shaopeng and Zixiang – as much as they were the saving grace of this show – had some of the most ridiculous chemistry “building” I’ve seen in the couple of first episodes. The amount of time these boys fell into each other’s arms due to some sort of accident was the largest I’ve seen on any BL. One episode could have three such events. I understand it's a genre trope and I get it that it's an easy shortcut to develop attraction, but the creators really pushed it too far for my liking.

The show is beyond silly, the writing and plot are all over the place, with some developments making no sense whatsoever. Case in point being, Jonathan and Zixiang are initially really cautious about their hide-out remaining a secret only to later on allow a self-proclaimed assassin just move in with them. And that’s not even the worst of it. The creators really left that for the very end, with a subpar soap opera grand finale on the roof top featuring guns and ultimatums and dramatic sacrifices. I’m seriously just wondering: was it necessary? Couldn’t we just keep See Your Love as a heart-warming story of finding love, self-acceptance and understanding (be it between lovers or parents), without this forced gangsta plot?

So, if I disliked it so much, why did I even finish this drama? Well... originally I stuck with it guilty pleasure style. Then I gradually developed growing appreciation for Jin Yun’s acting as Shaopeng. This never changed and even became bigger in the second half of the show, culminating probably around episodes 8 to 10. I truly wish all the best for this kid’s career, hoping his potential will not go unnoticed. The role of a person who couldn’t speak is challenging enough simply bcs of the very fact that one big part of the way most of us communicate our emotions is completely taken away. I do think Jin Yun did a really good job tackling this challenge.

Speaking of second part of the show, once the two main protagonists actually got together and stopped tripping and accidentally falling into each other’s arms, their interactions were actually really cute, touching even. Like that beautiful moment with Shaopeng feeling the vibrations of Zixiang’s adam’s apple while saying his name or the very fact that Zixiang started learning sign language because it was Shaopeng’s language.

I also appreciated some of the themes the drama tried to explore (usually not indepth enough to my liking, but points for trying, I guess). Shaopeng’s struggle with self-acceptance and society’s dismissal as well as the heartbreaking subplot of his never realized love between him and his female friend were nice ideas. I wish they were presented within a better setting and explored deeper.

In the end, a talented, promising actor, a few good ideas and some beautiful scenes between two main protagonists do not make for a good series as a whole, when they’re accompanied by really poor quality surroundings. Sadly, See Your Love was one of the weakest BL dramas I’ve watched in recent months and I can’t in good conscience give it a high rating, when shows like The On1y One, Our Youth, Love in the Big City or even Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo were released around similar time.

Generally, if someone asked me around ep 9 or 10 what I thought abt See Your Love, I would’ve said that the show gets better towards the ending. However, the arrival of Zixiang’s cousin and the following focus on this mafia plot dragged it down at least one whole star for me (and I don’t care if the cousin has Nat Chen’s face).

Still, Jin Yun’s acting alone probably earned 1,5 star for this drama, with at least another half going to the great chemistry between the leads in the later episodes of the story. Coupled with a few good ideas and scenes, they were enough for me not to go with a completely abysmal rating. If not for them, however, I would’ve dropped this show way before its ending.

Oh, another (this time positive) thing. The title’s really nice, once you’ve watched the final episode and the scene with Shaopeng and Zixiang confessing feelings while standing on opposite sides of the street.

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Cute, warm, funny, and mature

I absolutely loved this series! That’s not even up for debate. From the opening scene of episode 1, I wanted to jump in and smack the ignorance right out of the interviewer grilling Shao Peng. The show had me hooked from the start!

One of my favorite aspects was watching the main couple’s relationship evolve. Their chemistry was so strong, it practically leapt off the screen. Jonathan and Xin Jia were hilariously cute together! However, I do wish the writers had given us more insight into their life in the States instead of leaving so much up to viewer assumptions.

On the other hand, I found myself confused by Nat Chen’s character. Why are you upset that your brother loves you? And why can’t you just accept that he doesn’t hate you? This dynamic felt under explored, and I think a bit more focus on these moments could have made the story even stronger.

Despite a few things I wish had been showcased better, I truly enjoyed watching this series. It’s definitely one I’ll be recommending!

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A Complete & Marvellous Treat for Your Senses and Soul

Some series make me write a review, and "See Your Love" is one of them. And all because of good, nay, wonderful reasons.

Why?

Because in one word, this series is wonderful. Amazing. Beautiful. Heart-warming.

There were many moments in the series that made me gently place my hand on my heart, and I felt genuinely happy and grateful that someone created this series, and I got to watch it.

So, what is so special about it?

The simplicity, honesty, clarity, and yes, the power with which the characters are portrayed, and interact with each other. When they love someone, you can see it, and feel it in their eyes, and on their faces. Their bodies also tell you the same thing! There is no conflict, and no doubt! It is an amazingly satisfying feeling. What adds to this feeling of deep satisfaction is the fact that the characters do whatever it is that they are doing, completely. They don't hold back. And that brings in a sense of immense power, and passion.

So, let your heart connect to, and enjoy, this marvellous audio-visual treat that is full of verdure and vitality.

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I've never needed to hear you say you love me

The notion of expressing your love through more than words holds just as much, sometimes more, meaning than saying the words I love you. These thirteen episodes were a brilliant representation of that.

Romance can be plot driven, but more often than not it is character driven, through and through. The character writing and development gets a perfect, beyond perfect score from me. Often we see two flawed characters help each other grow, but it was so pleasantly surprising to see two characters, one who is seemingly imperfect and in his and many other's opinion, useless and another who is seemingly perfect, seen as strong and invulnérable by everyone around him, help each other grow out of the boxes they've set for themselves.
Because love can mean seeing the best in someone, but also getting to see someone in their worst moments.

It was refreshing to see Zi Xiang push himself, better himself, and at the same time see Shao Pang realize that he does not need to be strong and happy all the time. The two of them helped each other grow into more vulnerable yet fulfilled versions of themselves and I loved watching them just communicate through all the issues that cropped up along the way, because thankfully, misunderstandings can actually be solved by good communication.

The second couple were interesting as well, they complemented each other's energy very well and provided each other with what I think the other person was looking for, one for safety and comfort, another for someone to match his energy, someone solid and persevering.

The plot was a little uneven at times, but for the most part was very well written. The plot points about discrimination in the workplace based on disabilities and the conversation surrounding the 'normalcy' of disabilities were especially poignant, relevant and well written. Since it was mostly a character and romance driven plot, the chemistry between the leads would be the focal point to get it to work, and yes, the chemistry was flawless.

Overall, it was an incredibly sweet and genuine love story that had me crying more times than I anticipated I would because their story genuinely moved me. So many moments that made me sigh in happiness, so many that caused me to hold back a choke or two just witnessing how happy the two of them were. Be prepared for a ton of emotions and go for it.

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A heartwarming and sweet story of a love that beats all odds

I didn't have any big expectations before watching this, but just like most viewers I was pleasantly surprised (and satisfied).

POSITIVES (for me):
• Quite simple story and plot but effectively showed a 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 imo.
• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 ftw! Who doesn't like BLs that depict a caring and supportive love between the leads?
- Main leads also had some depth, character development, and moments of misunderstanding, vulnerability, communication and reconciliation.
- I especially loved a certain emotional moment of Zi Xiang repeatedly saying Shao Peng's name (you'll understand it's significance more if you've seen the drama).
• 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. Agreeing with similar comments I've read, I love that they showed Shao Peng being able to find someone who accepts him for who he is, including his disability and the challenges that come with it. The show also didn't make the character's disability disappear or lessen by the end, giving a message that disabilities do not hinder anyone from experiencing stuff that physically healthy people "normally" experiences and that includes love.
• The 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 is chemistry-ing! Despite a more wholesome overall vibe, the show didn't shy away from showing our main leads having romantic moments and that includes dates, holding hands, forehead bumps, kisses, and intimate scenes. The acting and directing was able to make me feel that they deeply love and care for each other, making me genuinely wish for their happy ending.
- Speaking of chemistry, even the second couple oozes them lol. Their dynamic is more on the "spicier" side, and honestly if they would have a side-story/special episode/s I'd eat that up lol.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲. I especially liked the moments with Shao Peng's dad and mom as well as the second couple.
• Main characters had their own motivations outside of the relationship.
- They also didn't feel like typical uke/seme stereotypes at least to me.

LESS POSITIVE/MIXED FEELINGS (and some personal gripes):
• I felt 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.
- I couldn't really understand why the cousin(?) was after Zi Xiang (or maybe i just wasn't paying enough attention and missed something. I guess i ended up not caring enough about him or his motivations 😅). I wish we saw more of his background and maybe a flashback on the incident that happened when he and Zi Xiang were kids.
- The resolution with him was also done a bit too simplistic imo, but i honestly don't know how they could have done it differently and i don't necessarily dislike the way it happened.
- The ex-fiance didn't really serve much purpose other than drive some development for the main couple's relationship. That or i missed something again.
- I was ready to hate on Zi Xiang's dad for being a strict perfectionist, but then they went with the "he's only strict cuz he cares for you" route and i ended up unsure how to feel about his character. He was pretty much the reason why Zi Xiang has a kinda low self-esteem and acts a bit "rebellious" so im not completely convinced with how they justified his character.
- They also showed a potential third couple(?) but wasn't able to expand more on them.
• 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱. Not necessarily of the main leads or the side couple/family members, maybe more of the background characters. But tbh it didn't bother me too much bc they play little role on the story anyways, im fine as long as the main characters' acting are good enough.
• Some 𝗸𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 of falling, catching, princess-carrying and looking straight into each other's eyes for romantic effect. Might be considered cliche for some but idc i love me some dreamy shoujo anime-like moments lol.
• 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 aren't the best and can be improved more. It gives a bit more of a lower-budget production vibes, however the story and chemistry overshadows it for me.
• Despite having genres such as "crime" and "thriller", those aspects weren't really a main focus and more of a backdrop for the characters and story. Personally it wasn't a big deal for me, but some viewers may expect to see more of those genres and not have those expectations met.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
A recommended watch if you're looking for a heartfelt romance and relationship. It has good chemistry from both the main and secondary couples. It also has a respectful depiction of a character with a physical disability. Some aspects of production and acting performances can be improved and some side characters may not be compelling enough. I gave this one a solid 9 for the romance and chemistry, inspiring and uplifting message, and good rewatch value.

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Love doesnt need any words

One things this series proved to me was that love doesn't need words. Actions can say so much more.

I loved the way they didn't just use the, people who are deaf can read lips. Zi-xiang learning sign language so he could communicate with Shao-peng made me so incredibly happy. It showed how much the relationship between them ment for Zu-xiang.

Shao-peng having suporting parents, not only in his relationship but also in him being deaf. And Shao-pengs father standing up for them against the men he respected the most (Zi-xiangs father).

I also like the other couple, Jonathan and Wang xin jia. The way Xin Jia tried to get Jonathan killed but failed miserably every time had me smiling. And Jonathan seeing it as a game made it so much better. I was happy to know that Xin jia wasnt really part if the gang making it a lot easier for him to leave that place and life behind.

The only thing I regret is not seeing Yang Zi Chen being held accountable for his actions. He tried to get his nephew killed even though Zi-xiang saw him as a role model and brother. And all that because he was afraid of losing but also felt like he was never good enoug.

All in all an amazing series and definitely worth watching. High expectations and definitely not for nothing.

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A really sweet BL that gave me butterflies

Shaopeng and Zixiang have both been called “useless”, but for very different reasons. In the business world, Zixiang is seen as a good-for-nothing nepo baby. In the eyes of society, Shaopeng is regarded as abnormal.

But what is ‘normal’? And why should we live our lives according to the expectations of others?

Hearing and listening are not the same thing. Not everyone can hear, but they can certainly listen. And they can certainly communicate meaningfully too, although in ways which may not be the same as others.

Social commentary aside, I enjoyed every minute of the romance between Shaopeng and Zixiang. They had me screaming, kicking my legs and replaying some scenes.

Even without spoken languages, the magic is in their gestures and how they look at each other. It’s how Shaopeng seizes every opportunity to kiss Zixiang (man goes all in), and how Zixiang tiptoes to bring his arms around Shaopeng’s neck (they have a very cute height difference haha).

As the both of them learn more about each other’s world, they find the courage to be their most authentic selves. And gradually, their universes expand to accommodate each other.

Other BL reviews: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/

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