A journey from Rongcheng to your heart
I'd like to start by saying that I've enjoyed this drama alot to the point that it is definitely one of my favorite dramas I've ever watched and definitly set the standards for modern romance very high. It's only the beginning of the year, but I can confidently say that this is most likely the drama of the year. I believe there are several elements that turns this drama into a memorable experience, differentiating itself from many others of the same genre.
Novel - Love between Lines is a 28 episode drama losely adapted from the novel "Ga Xi". I've to praise the screenwriter of this drama on this because they took about 10-20% of the elements of the novel and drastically improved on the material they had to work with, resulting in this masterpiece.
Directing - Another huge reason behind the quality of this drama is director Mao De Shu, who is known for having directed some of the best youth dramas, namely Lovely Us and When I Fly Towards You. In terms of cinematography, the drama is very gorgeous to look at and the scenes flow seamlessly between each other. There are some well done transitions that are made to "trick" the audience, and they up helping improve the overall opinion of the drama. There are no loose ends in the plot and there is no filler. However, in my opinion , the biggest positive from the directing is how thoughtful it is. Scenes are directed with intention and details are imbued into actions, and I think this is something that is specifically very important because it adds layers to the drama in all kinds of aspects, making an action that would otherwise be normal in another drama feel special here, because it was earned with every intention that led up to there.
Acting - Great performances all around, especially Chen Xing Xu, Lu Yu Xiao and Dai Xu. The one who impressed me the most is Lu Yu Xiao. I honestly did not expect her to be this well-suited for this role. It's rare to see an actress that fits so well in both historical and modern dramas. She can transpire cuteness at will, as well as vulnerability, maturity and confidence at diferent times. Hu Xiu is just such an attractive character that always surprises positively with her actions and values when you least expect, that makes you not surprised that the ML fell so in love with her even against his will.
When it comes to Xiao Zhi Yu, he's a big green flag. He's respectful, considerate towards others, very thoughtful and very careful. He does not wish for others to be hurt for his revenge, especially those who are more close to him. He grew up lonely so that he could he exact his revenge, but because of that the warmth he receives from the FL is that much more relevant to him, and so he attaches alot of importance to it. His jealous and speechless looks are also hilarious and he suits both republican era costumes and suits so well.
Chemistry - Explosive and frightenly natural. Hu Xiu and Xiao Zhi Yu are just made for each other. They are so comfortable from the beginning of the relationship because they have spent so much time getting to know each other beforehand. Also, FL is very proactive in the relationship and is not afraid to tease or flirt boldly with the ML, which is something quite rare. All their interactions are heart-fluttering, even non-romantic ones, because as I've said before one of the strong points of this drama is the drama is the attention to detail. Independently of what their relationship is at any point of the drama, even when they are heartbroken, they are always concerned about each other, and I believe that is the main point that makes the relationship between the two characters so moving. They are definitly my favorite drama couple from all dramas I've watched.
Very good OST’s that blend well with the drama and leave you emotional
Excellent character arcs for all the main characters and supporting characters.
Interesting game concept within a mesmerizing city
Use of architectural elements and nuances throughout the drama
Enjoyment/Rewatch Value - Ridiculously High. I've been looking for a romance drama that would be addictive to watch and I've finally found it. The combination of all the elements I've mentioned so far make this drama very rewarding no matter how many times you watch it.
"Love Between Lines" is a very addictive drama with compelling characters that pulls you into their world and has that special element that makes it different from everything else you have watched before and that can make you attached to it. Despite it being "only" a romance drama, I can assure you it is much more than that. Lastly, I hope that you can have as good an experience as I had while watching this drama.
P.S. Don't forget to watch the after-credit scene in episode 28.
Novel - Love between Lines is a 28 episode drama losely adapted from the novel "Ga Xi". I've to praise the screenwriter of this drama on this because they took about 10-20% of the elements of the novel and drastically improved on the material they had to work with, resulting in this masterpiece.
Directing - Another huge reason behind the quality of this drama is director Mao De Shu, who is known for having directed some of the best youth dramas, namely Lovely Us and When I Fly Towards You. In terms of cinematography, the drama is very gorgeous to look at and the scenes flow seamlessly between each other. There are some well done transitions that are made to "trick" the audience, and they up helping improve the overall opinion of the drama. There are no loose ends in the plot and there is no filler. However, in my opinion , the biggest positive from the directing is how thoughtful it is. Scenes are directed with intention and details are imbued into actions, and I think this is something that is specifically very important because it adds layers to the drama in all kinds of aspects, making an action that would otherwise be normal in another drama feel special here, because it was earned with every intention that led up to there.
Acting - Great performances all around, especially Chen Xing Xu, Lu Yu Xiao and Dai Xu. The one who impressed me the most is Lu Yu Xiao. I honestly did not expect her to be this well-suited for this role. It's rare to see an actress that fits so well in both historical and modern dramas. She can transpire cuteness at will, as well as vulnerability, maturity and confidence at diferent times. Hu Xiu is just such an attractive character that always surprises positively with her actions and values when you least expect, that makes you not surprised that the ML fell so in love with her even against his will.
When it comes to Xiao Zhi Yu, he's a big green flag. He's respectful, considerate towards others, very thoughtful and very careful. He does not wish for others to be hurt for his revenge, especially those who are more close to him. He grew up lonely so that he could he exact his revenge, but because of that the warmth he receives from the FL is that much more relevant to him, and so he attaches alot of importance to it. His jealous and speechless looks are also hilarious and he suits both republican era costumes and suits so well.
Chemistry - Explosive and frightenly natural. Hu Xiu and Xiao Zhi Yu are just made for each other. They are so comfortable from the beginning of the relationship because they have spent so much time getting to know each other beforehand. Also, FL is very proactive in the relationship and is not afraid to tease or flirt boldly with the ML, which is something quite rare. All their interactions are heart-fluttering, even non-romantic ones, because as I've said before one of the strong points of this drama is the drama is the attention to detail. Independently of what their relationship is at any point of the drama, even when they are heartbroken, they are always concerned about each other, and I believe that is the main point that makes the relationship between the two characters so moving. They are definitly my favorite drama couple from all dramas I've watched.
Very good OST’s that blend well with the drama and leave you emotional
Excellent character arcs for all the main characters and supporting characters.
Interesting game concept within a mesmerizing city
Use of architectural elements and nuances throughout the drama
Enjoyment/Rewatch Value - Ridiculously High. I've been looking for a romance drama that would be addictive to watch and I've finally found it. The combination of all the elements I've mentioned so far make this drama very rewarding no matter how many times you watch it.
"Love Between Lines" is a very addictive drama with compelling characters that pulls you into their world and has that special element that makes it different from everything else you have watched before and that can make you attached to it. Despite it being "only" a romance drama, I can assure you it is much more than that. Lastly, I hope that you can have as good an experience as I had while watching this drama.
P.S. Don't forget to watch the after-credit scene in episode 28.
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