1
Without Lai WeiMing, I would have stopped watching because it's very boring
A promising cast, enticing trailers—I started watching SHINE ON ME without hesitation! Having never read the novel, I'd only managed to glean a few details from fans. From the very first episode, I fell under the spell of the second lead, and that might be what ruined my overall viewing experience…
Indeed, the first few episodes, being part of our FL's college years, gave a lot of screen time to the second lead and "their story," and that's where I noticed three fatal mistakes.
I discovered the actor Lai Weiming in Fang of Fortune, but for me, he truly shone in Shine On Me, thanks to his striking good looks and expressive stage presence.
Why cast such a cute second lead? That was my first mistake.
2) Second mistake: giving him so much screen time! There were parts where I felt like I saw him more than the lead, and since I already had a soft spot for the actor, it definitely didn't help me prefer Song WeiLong (I'm only talking about the actors for now, not the characters.
3) And finally, the last mistake: creating all this mood around their story only to turn him into an immature guy, bordering on a red flag, by giving him unpleasant lines, incomprehensible reactions, and an alcohol addiction?? Why??? In my opinion, they sabotaged him. I would have much preferred him to be the best friend and have his own romance.
The protagonists: why didn't I feel anything? Well, because of the second lead, I had a lot of trouble connecting with the main romance despite their solid performances and Song WeiLong, whom I absolutely adore outside of dramas. Firstly, I didn't think the actress's chemistry was her best (I found her more at ease in Our Generation). Secondly, Song Weilong was too stiff and flat at times, with poorly tailored costumes. Aside from his good looks and haircut, I didn't think he was really showcased in them. And finally, the kisses took forever to appear!
Overall, without the second lead, there were two choices: either I would have been more invested in the protagonist, but again, I found their romance too bland, or I would have stopped watching this drama altogether because, overall, the story offers absolutely nothing innovative or addictive. It's cute, that's for sure, but it's also sometimes long, very long…especially with the family storylines that take up so much space in the second half.
Would I recommend SHINE ON ME? Yes and no. YES: because it's still a romance that follows all the hallmarks of a "green flag" romance, ending happily with attractive protagonists, but NO: if you prefer more developed and intense romances, and especially if you have a crush on the second lead, you're going to suffer terribly, both from the episodes and from people's comments about him. So, in the end, a mixed review, leaning more towards the negative than the positive! 4.5/10
Indeed, the first few episodes, being part of our FL's college years, gave a lot of screen time to the second lead and "their story," and that's where I noticed three fatal mistakes.
I discovered the actor Lai Weiming in Fang of Fortune, but for me, he truly shone in Shine On Me, thanks to his striking good looks and expressive stage presence.
Why cast such a cute second lead? That was my first mistake.
2) Second mistake: giving him so much screen time! There were parts where I felt like I saw him more than the lead, and since I already had a soft spot for the actor, it definitely didn't help me prefer Song WeiLong (I'm only talking about the actors for now, not the characters.
3) And finally, the last mistake: creating all this mood around their story only to turn him into an immature guy, bordering on a red flag, by giving him unpleasant lines, incomprehensible reactions, and an alcohol addiction?? Why??? In my opinion, they sabotaged him. I would have much preferred him to be the best friend and have his own romance.
The protagonists: why didn't I feel anything? Well, because of the second lead, I had a lot of trouble connecting with the main romance despite their solid performances and Song WeiLong, whom I absolutely adore outside of dramas. Firstly, I didn't think the actress's chemistry was her best (I found her more at ease in Our Generation). Secondly, Song Weilong was too stiff and flat at times, with poorly tailored costumes. Aside from his good looks and haircut, I didn't think he was really showcased in them. And finally, the kisses took forever to appear!
Overall, without the second lead, there were two choices: either I would have been more invested in the protagonist, but again, I found their romance too bland, or I would have stopped watching this drama altogether because, overall, the story offers absolutely nothing innovative or addictive. It's cute, that's for sure, but it's also sometimes long, very long…especially with the family storylines that take up so much space in the second half.
Would I recommend SHINE ON ME? Yes and no. YES: because it's still a romance that follows all the hallmarks of a "green flag" romance, ending happily with attractive protagonists, but NO: if you prefer more developed and intense romances, and especially if you have a crush on the second lead, you're going to suffer terribly, both from the episodes and from people's comments about him. So, in the end, a mixed review, leaning more towards the negative than the positive! 4.5/10
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