AquaticKiss

Rare electric chemistry that creeps and lingers in your skin—leaving you wanting more.

In 24 episodes that range between 30-48 minutes, and with obvious budget limitations—Revenged Love managed to fully possess, captivate, and elicit intense emotions within me and countless other fans with its compelling characters, gripping storyline, beautiful character growth, memorable scenes, and an otherworldly chemistry between the two main leads that is rare to come across and replicate. This show is not without its flaws, but its strengths trump the flaws tenfold.

If you love a story where two people are mutually obsessed and would give everything up for the other person—this story is for you.

WEAKNESSES
To begin my ramblings on a more objective note, allow me to scrutinize this show a bit. I may have subjectively rated this as a 10; however, I do recognize that it has its set of shortcomings from a technical and artistic standpoint.

1. Technical Aspects. Poor Editing, Audio Issues, Awkward Camera Angles & Unnecessary Visual Effects.
Possibly the biggest issue I have with this show is how the technical aspects were executed. I'm aware that this is probably due to budget constraints, but nonetheless—it's one of the first things I've noticed upon first viewing, and it is sadly an issue that stayed until the final episode. The cuts and transitions feel a bit misplaced and abrupt sometimes, and some of the effects and filters are overdone, to the point of fully obstructing the viewing experience.

A minor inconvenience that I encountered while watching this show is the dubbing—I don’t mind dubbing itself, but sometimes I would catch that the lip movement does not match with what was being heard because it was either played too late or too early. But then again, this is just a nothingburger for me overall.

2. The Gang R*pe Scene.
A scene that I felt did not contribute anything meaningful to the character is when the male lead, Chi Cheng, orders his men to gang r*pe Guo Cheng Yu’s boy in the name of revenge. While I understand that the show has “revenge” as its title, and that this may be their way to set the tone for the whole series and establish that he is not someone to be messed with, I think this did not serve any purpose with the story as a whole and was just added for unnecessary shock value.

I don’t believe in sanitizing characters, as I do enjoy morally corrupt and unhinged characters. However, I do believe that adding this scene was completely unnecessary because it didn’t really add anything to Chi Cheng’s character. The scene wasn't referenced again and did not contribute anything to the plot. Also, there are other ways to convey what they are intending to show with his character that do not require something this extreme. For example, Chi Cheng could’ve just ordered the men to beat the boy to a pulp until he was partially comatose in a Not Me-Black-fashion. This would’ve been enough to already establish Chi Cheng as a dangerous and terrible person from the get-go without having to possibly upset other viewers. I just think the show is not thematically dark enough to include this one here.

3. Pacing Issues.
The way the plot points were handled in the last 4 episodes was done so swiftly and poorly that it may potentially catch people off guard. This would’ve been avoided if the episodes were longer or there were at least 6 more episodes to fully establish major plot points without the risk of it appearing rushed.

4. Weak Performance on Some Scenes.
While I thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s performance in this show, which I also consider as one of the highlights—I admit that there are scenes where I thought the acting needed some work and more emotion, like Wang Shuo when he cried while talking to Chi Cheng, and some intimate Jiang Xiao Shuai and Guo Cheng Yu scenes that felt a bit stiff and awkward. I also find the dubbing from Zi Yu’s part a bit exaggerated at times so it felt less convincing (e.g., wailing noises of Wu Suo Wei during his reconciliation with Chi Cheng). Still, they mostly delivered what they had to deliver.


STRENGTHS
Boy, do I have a lot to say about what makes this show amazing….

1. Perfect Casting & Stellar Performance
I seriously cannot imagine anyone else playing their characters. Besides having the look and being gorgeous individuals, they fully embodied their characters to a tee. You can just feel the dedication and effort they poured into their respective roles.

- Zi Yu as Wu Suo Wei. Zi Yu’s boyish charms and expressive acting elevated Wu Suo Wei’s likeability a lot. His cartoonish reactions, great comedic timing, and painful expression when he cries was just amazing. The episode that highlighted his acting prowess the most is episode 19 towards the end (if you know, you know). Truly a gifted performer.

- Tian Xu Ning as Chi Cheng. Tian Xu Ning literally became Chi Cheng in every sense of the word in this show. He is a complete show stealer in most scenes he touches. His microexpressions are amazing—he literally emotes with every muscle in his face. The way he emotes with his eyes is just… I’m at a loss for words. The ending scene of episode 23 was his best performance. Honestly, the MVP of the show.

2. Spellbinding Chemistry.
What else is there to say that hasn’t been said about Wu Suo Wei and Chi Cheng’s chemistry? Them together on a frame sends sparks flying on the screen—you cannot help but feel butterflies. You literally have to see it to know it. I have to give it up for Zi Yu, Tian Xu Ning, and the casting director for making this magic happen. Jiang Xiao Shuai and Guo Cheng Yu also have great chemistry, though not as magnetic as the first couple, but still pretty sweet, and seeing them together brings a smile to my face.

3. Layered Characterization & Great Character Growth.
All of the main characters are full of life and brimming with personality. There is not a single one-dimensional Gary Stu or Mary Sue in this show (well, maybe except side characters like Yue Yue). They are utterly flawed, morally grey, sometimes leaning to black, very toxic, and make a lot of dumb decisions—but you cannot help but root for them in spite of it all. The characters are psychologically complex and do crazy things that somehow make a lot of sense to them and their personalities alone. The show is briefer than some dramas I’ve seen, but it manages to craft character progressions that are nothing short of satisfying and rewarding.

Wu Suo Wei is one of the most charming and lovable main characters I’ve come across in a drama. He is witty and manipulative when he needs to be, but an adorable, stingy idiot at his core. He is a go-getter and he works his ass off to achieve his goals—very inspirational, honestly. Wei is also a guy with many talents—be it sugar figurine making, or fixing broken items—he is crafty and savvy to a fault. He may be adorable, but do not be fooled—as he may have a trick up his sleeve! As confident and resilient as he may appear, though, he is deep down an insecure young man that thinks he always needs to prove himself to others by leading a life of luxury and financial wealth. He thought that to be fully loved and accepted by someone, he needs to have everything. Down the line, he will soon realize that he was wrong—because all the riches in the world will not amount to the value of being with that one true person who will bleed and kill for you, despite having nothing.

Chi Cheng… Where do I even begin to describe what I enjoy about him as a character? Intoxicatingly magnetic, but deadly poisonous. Cheng is a snake in every sense of the way—cold, cunning, dangerous, and ruthless—and is laser-focused on capturing his prey. He taunts, bites, and coils around your neck just to get what he wants—and he does get what he wants, because he is Chi Cheng after all. Because everyone bows down to him, right? Then he meets Wu Suo Wei, who challenges what he knows about himself, down to his very existence. Because for the first time in his life, he faces difficulty in getting a hold of something. Soon enough, the cat-and-mouse game took a turn. The hunter becomes the hunted—and the thing is, he is savoring every bit of it. Because behind Chi Cheng’s seemingly untouchable and tough exterior is a man that just wants to completely surrender himself in love. This man who built years worth of tough barriers made up of the embers from his old flame, secretly yearns for someone to break it down, and make him weak.

Jiang Xiao Shuai—our favorite doctor and gossiper, is the very definition of a wounded healer. Besides being a great friend to a struggling Wu Suo Wei, the mission he set for himself is to heal and spread his light to the people around him, despite being someone who needed the healing himself. His traumatic past didn’t refrain him from wanting to make the world a better place, it instead became his motivation. In the process of unlearning the cruelty brought by his past love, he realizes that true love is gentle and patient.

Guo Cheng Yu is a smart, manipulative, and insanely charismatic guy. He is also a character that doesn’t take himself too seriously. Like Cheng, he is used to getting everything his way. So when Shuai didn’t immediately give in on the first try, he thought of him as a challenge for him to take. He is a player, so he loves a good game. Shuai is only another conquest for him. What started out as a fun game for him evolved into something more serious and real when he unveiled Shuai’s true nature. Because how could someone so mistreated and so hurt still wake up every day and decide to be a kind and giving person every single time? Awakening something in him, Cheng Yu made a personal oath to himself—and it’s to wholeheartedly love this person who swore to spread his love to everyone.

4. Memorable Scenes.
This show has a way of taking a simple action or moment, and amplifying its emotional impact to the maximum—like, who knew watching a character help someone else put on their belt for them would be this sensual? The show is not afraid to depict the characters’ yearning and desire for one another without it being too on the nose. The scenes I found the most intimate in the show are the ones where they are fully-clothed, but the passion is very evident.

5. Great Dialogue.
There were several moments in this show that left me stunned by how punchy, hilarious, and deeply touching the dialogues are. The show buries a lot of subtexts within the scenes that require you to read in-between the lines—sometimes you would catch the character saying something, but it isn't actually what they meant deep down. The author and screenwriter of this show, CJD, truly has a gift for writing layered dialogue that knows how to make you laugh and tug your heartstrings.

6. Gripping Storyline.
Not a single dull moment in this show. One moment you will laugh, then right after you will feel intense butterflies, then feel anxious for a second, then get lovestruck, then suddenly—BAM! Tears start streaming down your face because you were either met with the most heartwarming or the most devastating, and heart-numbing scene in the show. Revenged Love is one hell of an emotional rollercoaster, so if you're planning to watch this, better buckle up—because you are in for a ride.

7. OST That Elevates The Show.
There are two tracks I would like to highlight in this section, it’s Zhan Xuan’s “Last Night on Earth” and Paper Swans’s “Somewhere in Your Eyes.” These songs add meaningful depth to the show as a whole, as the lyrics perfectly encapsulate the love that Wu Suo Wei and Chi Cheng harbor for one another. “Last Night on Earth,” especially is the standout song for me, because besides the reasons I’ve stated prior, this track is played during the most emotionally-charged scenes. Plus, Zhan Xuan really sang well here and the little guitar solo in the middle of the song just pierces my heart in a good way.


FINAL THOUGHTS
Revenged Love tells a love story that began in lies, deceit, past baggage and of course—revenge. Wu Suo Wei and Chi Cheng may have a turbulent and rocky start in their relationship, yet beneath all of the chaos, something precious and real started to grow. They just needed to realize it, and let everything go to finally allow themselves to receive something beautiful with open arms. In the face of trials and tribulations, love is the only thing that prevails and matters at the end.

This show has cemented its place in the BL world, and it is here to stay. It is a story that will be cherished and remembered for a long time because of how it beautifully it portrayed the transformational power that love brings to deeply flawed people.

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An easy watch with bouts of fun, but falls flat like tepid water

Falling Into Your Smile gave me an occasional smile with its decent look on the e-sports world, sweet and lighthearted moments, and cute friendship shared between the characters, but it is a romance drama that failed to do its main mission—and it is to make me swoon. In other words, it did not make me fall—it instead left me hanging and floating up in the air, waiting to be crushed to death.

Starting off with my biggest issue with this drama, the main leads. I find myself not caring for Tong Yao, Lu Si Cheng, and their budding romance. Tong Yao had all the potential to be an interesting main character—a skillful gamer, shy but confident and a bit cocky when in-game mode, feisty but with a cute side, a perseverer, and has a thirst to win and prove her worth in a male-dominated space. She had all the potential, but it was all wasted—instead, she was diluted into this boring, one-dimensional character that did not necessarily face any real conflict in the series. Yes, Tong Yao faced a lot of problems throughout the story, but the show did not make me believe that it affected her. I did not feel her pain, her sadness, and her doubt—or at least, they did not make me care about it. I wished they explored and fleshed out the conflict between her parents’ traditional ideals and her dream to be a professional e-sports player and the harsh misogyny that comes with being a girl in the gaming world more, and what this all did to her mental health because I think this would’ve been a great opportunity to give her character more depth. Instead, the show brought in different kinds of conflict involving other characters that did not necessarily serve anything relevant to her growth.

As for Lu Si Cheng, he is just…Boring. On paper, he had all the ingredients to be an irresistible male lead—handsome, a gifted player, intelligent, a bit of a tease—and most of all, cold and aloof but warm and caring on the inside. Like Tong Yao, he has the potential, but the show failed to bring his character to life and give him some depth. He was just… there.

Now onto my next point, the acting—it was just so stiff if I’m being completely honest. Tong Yao especially had the same facial expressions when smiling, crying, or being angry, which I think contributed to me feeling like she did not face actual struggles in the show despite there being an abundance of it. The same can be said to a lot of the characters here.

Chemistry? I did not see her. I found myself not rooting for them and their love as they weren’t able to sell me their relationship. There was a lack of romantic tension and build up between the leads that when they started to finally get together, it just did not feel earned, which is a shame because I did initially think they looked cute together.

As for the dubbing, there were some scenes where the mouth movements didn’t exactly match what was being heard—but I guess that is just an issue that most Chinese dramas face which is why I did not mind this as much.

Moving onto the positive aspects of this show, I would say that despite not knowing a single thing about MOBA games such as League of Legends, or in this case, Onmyoji Arena—the battle scenes are the ones I found the most interesting and fun to watch. I enjoyed seeing how they planned out and strategized their games and the mental pressure that comes with it. I also liked that the show included in-game action cutscenes, that was a great decision on their part and it truly immersed me into the world of the game.

I enjoyed the side characters quite a bit, I think they added a nice comedic flare on the show. However, like the leads, no one really stood out to me. I found Lu Si Cheng’s brother’s side story quite interesting though.

I have no complaints regarding the production aspect. The set designs were one of the highlights of this show in my opinion—I especially like the layout of the ZGDX Gaming base. I also have nothing bad to say about the editing and the technical aspects.

Overall, my biggest issue is that it did not have anything about it that stood out. It wasn’t terrible, but it was quite boring and very forgettable. Placing a woman in a male-dominated space that is the e-sports world is an intriguing concept on its own—but the show failed to bring us a gripping story with it. It could've easily benefitted from being a 12 episode series with 24-30 minutes of play time to cut down all of the draggy parts.

If you want a decent background noise to fill up your room that is enough to make you a bit entertained but not entirely hooked so that you can concentrate on folding your clothes or writing your next thesis paper, this show could be for you.

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