Speed and Love: More Than What Meets the Eye
I have been watching C-dramas for a long time, but this is the first time I feel compelled to leave a review, because Speed and Love truly deserves a strong and fair rating. Many viewers were probably drawn in by the so-called “intimate” scenes, but beyond that surface appeal, this drama offers so much more. There are several aspects worth appreciating, especially its emotional depth, storytelling, and overall production quality.Admittedly, the plot may not be to everyone’s taste, as it involves the two main leads growing up like brother and sister before eventually developing romantic feelings. I honestly don’t know how realistic this is in real life, but that is precisely the point of dramas. They are fictional stories. It is unfair to project personal discomfort onto the actors, who are simply fulfilling the roles required by the script. Hate should never be directed at them for that reason. Regardless of this fact, the drama adaptation was successful in not focusing heavily on the "adopted" sibling relationship and instead drawing out the emotions behind it, such as how they became each other’s place of solace and source of strength and inspiration. The complexities of family relationships are portrayed with sensitivity, and it was satisfying to see proper closure, particularly with Mu Mu’s parents eventually finding happiness in their own lives.
Another strong point of the drama is the sense of friendship among the cast. Even the antagonists are given room for growth, with remorse shown toward the end. Jin Zhao’s journey, in particular, was rewarding to watch. His persistence ultimately leads to his vindication, making his arc emotionally fulfilling. As for the romance, the love between Jin Zhao and Mu Mu is sincere, deep, and unconditional. It is touching in many ways, and I believe this is why the drama resonates with so many viewers. Many of us have felt or hoped for that kind of love. The way Jin Zhao takes care of Mu Mu reflects what many people wish for in a partner. You are truly lucky if you have someone like that in real life, but sometimes reality may not be that kind.
From a production standpoint, Speed and Love stands out as a top-tier drama. The racing scenes were executed exceptionally well, and the cinematic effects elevated the overall viewing experience. One of the most striking aspects of the cinematography is its dynamic use of motion and camera movement. Racing sequences feature tracking shots, low-angle perspectives, and rapid cuts that effectively convey adrenaline, urgency, and competitiveness. The camera mirrors the speed and intensity of the characters’ lives, allowing viewers to experience speed not just as a theme, but as a physical sensation. The attention to detail is evident throughout, and the direction makes the emotional flow of the story easy to follow while adding depth to the characters’ journeys.
In terms of acting, I believe they chose the perfect cast for each role. He Yu undoubtedly gained a breakthrough role with Jin Zhao, and for good reason as he truly embodied the character. I can understand why the scriptwriter and director chose him for this role, and we should be grateful to them for discovering such a talented actor. His serious gaze, restrained reactions, and steady presence made Jin Zhao feel like someone carrying immense pressure while rarely expressing it aloud. This subtlety made his emotional development especially satisfying to watch. We should be grateful that this role introduced us to such a talented actor.
Esther Yu, as always, brings her signature bubbly energy to Mu Mu. While some viewers criticize her voice or her “over-the-top” acting style, I see this as part of her established identity as an actress. Whether one appreciates her style or not is a matter of personal preference, but her hard work and commitment to the role should be acknowledged. She handled both lighthearted and emotionally intense scenes well, showing Mu Mu’s resilience and inner strength beneath her cheerful exterior.
The only part that left me feeling a bit disappointed is how they cut a lot of wonderful scenes, especially the much-anticipated wedding at the end. As a viewer who was emotionally invested in the characters, it felt disappointing not to see a fuller conclusion to their journey. Those missing scenes could have provided stronger emotional closure and a more satisfying payoff after everything the characters had been through, making the ending feel truly complete and rewarding.
Speed and Love is loved by many overseas fans for numerous reasons, and it should not be dismissed or unfairly rated based solely on opinions about one actress. I am not fully aware of how serious Esther Yu’s controversies are within Mainland China, but I sincerely hope will rate this drama for the sake of the drama itself and for all the people behind this well-made project.
Kudos to the entire cast and crew for delivering such a heartfelt and memorable drama.
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