ML didn't work for me
Things I liked:1 The first episode. I thought it was a cute premise and it would work. I saw potential in it.
Things I disliked:
1 The FL. I didn't dislike her actually, but I didn't like her either so in the end I have no choice than put her in my dislike list. I thought she was cute and at first I thought she would be one of my favorite actresses, but when I finished the series I realized that I didn't like her acting and sometimes I even disliked her character. There were times I couldn't understand her reactions, and that took away from any enjoyment I had at this point.
2 The love triangle. Nothing new on the horizon for me, I dislike them all, but this one irked me particularly. Too much time on the relationship between the SML and the FL.
Things I hated:
1 The ML. First of all I think he's not handsome, so he starts with a strike. But beauty is subjective and as it happens, I fell in love with many actors I don't find handsome. This one didn't make that list. The reason: His wooden acting. And no, I don't think it's how he should play his part. I believe he doesn't know how to convey any emotion. Not only he was never convincing me in any of the emotions he tried to convey but he gave me the impression that he was asleep standing. I swear that watching him made me close my eyes more than once. It was like his acting put me to sleep. Weird, but i swear it's true. The worst is the character he portrayed though. he ruined the series for me. He wasn't romantic or kind or anything. I felt like he was bullying her sometimes.
2 The lack of romance. Maybe others felt romance was just fine, but to me it felt like there was no romance between the main leads. Not once my heart fluttered. On the contrary it felt like he was cold and he didn't really wanted to be in love with her. Like he had no choice and accepted his faith. I'm not convinced she portrayed her love well either, but he did a terrible job, no doubt. Even when he said that he loved her it was like he was reading instruction about how to build a fort. Horrible.
Was this review helpful to you?
How to ruin a cute premise with an awful FL
Things I liked:The premise. It's not original, it has been done before, but it's fun and it could result to a great romantic comedy series. Spoiler alter. It didn't.
Things I disliked:
1 The SFL. Contrary to others I thought she wasn't a great actress and I didn't care for her character to be honest.
2 That there was no one I could rule for. Maybe it's the first time it happened.
3 The ending. It's not that I wanted her back with her ex, I wish she disappeared in think air anyway, but the whole romance ending was so underwhelming. Not romantic in the least. Actually, that's the issue I realize. This series was far from romantic, it didn't keep the promise the premise made.
Things I hated:
1 The FL lead. What the hell was that? Not only an awful actress, but also an awful character. Why the heck would I care about this person? She was a terrible friend, terrible employee and terrible girlfriend. The worse: she was a terrible romantic comedy heroine. I don't care about beauty. I've seen countless series and movies where I find the main characters unattractive, but they compensate with charm, wittiness, intelligence, something.
Here we have an unattractive woman who tries hard to pass for cute and charming. Well it didn't work and it irritated me beyond reason. Why the heck would they hire that person, the most unappealing I've ever seen? The role asked for a charming person who could dress well, have at least good hair and posture. Just someone who cared a bit. So I'd never recommend this series and I regret wasting my time.
2 The execution of the concept. They started with a promise they never kept. I didn't laugh once. I didn't care once. I didn't got moved once. Total failure and with this it took first place on my list with the worst dramas I've ever watched. Number 1 is claimed.
Was this review helpful to you?
I wish I could rate it a 100 and it had a 100 episodes
Things I adored1 Almost everything.
2 The genre. Lighthearted romantic mysteries are my favorite series and I'm bummed I can't find enough in any language. This one was particularly good, much much better than the Australian version for sure, but also any other series I watched over the years. The atmosphere, the music, the decors, Shanghai, most of the cases. Everything was great. A true gem and a real pleasure to watch it. I even tried to slow down just to have something to wait for.
3 Wen li, the FL. I adored her character and the actress. She played her role perfectly. So beautiful, so elegant, gorgeous outfits. A witty personality, clever, generous, kind, with a sense of humor. To me she was perfect. I didn't dislike a single one of her scenes.
4 Qiu Heng, the ML. The only way I can describe how I felt about him is that I fell in love with the character and the actor. I can't imagine anyone else play this role. He was absolutely perfect. His smile, his way of looking at her, his sense of humor, his relationship with his team and all the other characters. I wish I found someone like him in real life. I couldn't find a single thing I didn't like. Not to mention his good looks and his way of dressing, Dashing.
5 The chemistry between the leads. Perfect couple. They both shone in their scenes together and my only regret is they didn't kiss more. That would be perfect.
6 Tao Zi. Such a great character and I wanted her to be happy. So brave and loyal and smart. I loved her. She was the perfect sidekick to Wen li.
7 Xiao An. Another attaching and lovable character. His romance with Tao Zi was one of the highlights of the series. So many cute and funny moments. I also loved how loyal he was and his relationship with the ML. That was one of the best work relationships I've seen in a series. Built on respect but also camaraderie and loyalty and care.
8 Song and Tan. I adored both. The way they came into the series, their relationship and their loyalty to Wen li and the other characters. They have been a big part of why I adored this series.
9 Uncle Xiang I want to mention him separately because he was perfect in his role. It was so clear he loved Wen li and he cared about everyone. His acting was truly good.
10 Su Yun. What a marvelous actress and so beautiful. I had tears in my eyes when we first met her and I loved how things evolved. She was the cutest and I wish her a great career. She shone in the series and deserves a big bravo forthe way she played her role.
11 The cars. I loved all of them. I don't even drive but these cars are so gorgeous.
12 The last scene. So fitting to the rest of the series. I won't spoilt it but it had everything: humor, romance, elegance. I wish it wasn't the ending.
Things I loved.
1 All the other characters. The aunt, the forensic doctor, Ru Qing. Each one brought something to the series.
Things I hated.
1 Hated is strong maybe but disliked isn't strong enough. I hated the way the sister story went. I didn't mind Wen li having to deal with this, it made her character more layered, but the whole script was stupid. Not their fault sine this is from a series and I think it was written by the author this way, but still. So stupid. Even with such a stupid plot they could have done something better. It didn't pay off in the end.
2 Ru Shan. Yes, we are supposed to hate him, but to me it was much more than that. It made me feel uncomfortable and it wasn't only the character but the actor. I guess we can say he managed to play his role well and maybe you are right, but still. It didn't fit with the lighthearted vie of the series. It ruined perfection for me. I can't give it less than 10 with everyone else being perfect, but if I had to rate only the sister plot, 5 would be generous.
In conclusion, one of my favorite series and I wish they'd do another season. I know they won't, but I can still dream. They created a family and I adored every member of this family.
Was this review helpful to you?
So sweet and addictive
Things I adored:1 The ML. I don't know how to express how great an actor I think he is. After Hidden Love I just feel in love with him and he didn't disappoint here either. He speaks with his eyes. No matter what I write I only can say that I just love him.
2 Her father. Such a great character and he reminded me of my dad when he showed how much he respected her choices and how much he cared. It made me miss my dad even more.
3 The second couple. I just adored them. So sweet and funny. I'm happy with the ending.
4 The whole high school years. It was such a great period. I felt everything they felt. The stress, the hope, the disappointment, the friendships, the joy.
5 Their relationship during these years. Just seeing him help with her backpack made my day each time.
Things I loved:
1 Their math prof. I truly though he was a great teacher and an even greater person. I had some great professors and I still miss my school days when I think of them.
2 The university years. I didn't love them as much as the high school years but I still loved them. There were some great moments, funny, sweet, heartbreaking.
3 His parents. I think both were great characters and it's good how they showed that sometimes problems arise without anyone be responsible. Just a few bad decisions and we are at the end of the precipice. I'm happy with how it turned out.
4 The ending. I loved that he went abroad, that she found her own path.
5 The FL character. I loved that she decided to stay back and follow her dream. I loved that she didn't know what she wanted, because that's how reality is for most young people at this age. That she was honest but also brave enough to say stop when it didn't work after he rejected her. I loved that she was an artist.
6 The SML. He made some mistakes that made me dislike him for a few episodes, but he redeemed himself and he was a good person for most of the series. Also he is handsome which, yes counts.
Things I liked:
1 The FL. I can't say I loved the actress. I loved the character, but the actress didn't do it for me. Maybe it was that sometimes she reminded of a ten years girl and that didn't work for me. I also founded her a bit unnatural. At the same time, I did like her enough to continue the series whilst when I dislike one of the main leads I drop the series. I just can't go as far as saying that I loved her.
2 The third couple. I didn't care enough but it was okay. I didn't dislike them, they just didn't have enough time for me to fall in love with them.
3 Her friends at the university. Again, I didn't dislike any and that's rare.
4 Her brother. I wasn't in love with him, but he was okay in small doses and he made me laugh in the last episodes so there you have it.
Things I disliked:
1 Her mother. I don't hate her like others, but I certainly won't say I liked her. Push your dreams to your child is something I loathe. same for favoring one of your children. But at the same time, there's no doubt she loved her children and wanted the best for them. Also, she ended up doing the right thing, so I can forgive her.
2 The whole thing with his father. Unnecessary drama in my opinion, and it could be better. This was too dramatic without really have the right ending. Something lacked. I wanted someone to pay in grandiose way.
To conclude. The best high school drama I've seen. I tried several but this is the only one I kept going back day after day.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My second actor crush - It would be a 10 if only it had a decent kiss or some truly romantic scenes
Things I loved:1 The male lead actor. Gorgeous and such a good actor. He doesn't have the beauty of Ji Chang Wook, but I had an equal crush on him. He's more mature, more rugged, but as much talented and handsome.
2 Mrs. Shi. I don't think I've ever liked a secondary character more than her. This is what every employer should aspire to and every woman and man. Not only the character was great, but the actress also was stunning and played the role to perfection. she was believable as the thoughtful, smart and kind CEO. Her kindness was visible in her expression and her whole demeanor. I truly loved her.
3 The setting of the story. I loved that it was a field I'm interested in and it doesn't disappoint.
4 The second couple. Both great actors and great characters. At first I thought the second female lead would be the rival and disliked her a lot. But once she changed, I loved her more and more. I loved their relationship with the male lead. Their friendship felt genuine and moving. I think from all the second couples I've seen this is my favorite.
5 The team in the male lead's company. Those who stayed with him were all great characters.
6 The secretary. her interactions with the male lead were so cute. I loved that in the end she'll have her happy ending. Song was also a great character even though he wasn't often on screen.
7 I loved the partner of his father. Such a wise and kind woman. I loved how she treated the male lead and how their relationship was portrayed.
8 The cinematography. Gorgeous views of Shanghai.
9 The heroine's parents. What a funny, warm, caring and wise couple. The family dynamic was great to watch.
10 I want to add separately how much I loved the friendship between the male lead and the second male lead. Their friendship was so good to watch. It was fun and at the same time moving how they interacted depending of the situation.
11 I loved the witty dialogue between the main leads especially in the first half when there were so many witty exchanges. It slowed down later and that displeased me. I don't know why they can't keep things on the same lever when it comes to the identity of a show. They can make the characters evolve without necessary change what makes the charm of a show.
12 How capable and smart the heroine was.
13 That it's the drama I laughed the most spontaneously in some of the dialogues.
Things I disliked:
1 The father story. They could choose another way to go. To me that was heartbreaking for the male hero and he never had closure even though they tried.
2 Something futile and just for fun. The way he coiffed his hair sometimes. It seemed so unkempt and so not him.
3 The main lead actress. I know many will dislike what I say, and I'm not proud to say it either, but although she's pretty, she's not attractive to me and I don't think she was a good match for the actor. I never stopped imagining someone else like Bai Lu in her place. I know it's not fair and she's a talented actress, no doubt about this, but because I didn't find her attractive enough for the male lead, there was no romantic chemistry between them. I even felt like the actress didn't know how to play the romantic scenes well. She was great while she sparred with him, but I've never felt like she cared about her boyfriend or the male lead romantically. I get that they focused on the business side of the story and how she fulfilled her dreams, but it's a miss in my opinion not to give is more romance. Anyway the 10 is for the male lead and some witty dialogues, but not for the actress unfortunately.
4 I didn't care about the friend from the past. She wasn't a bad character, just underwhelming for me and not necessary at all. She didn't contribute anything to the story. It could be great without her.
4 The non communication between the father and the male lead. I know it was meant to show that he struggled in life as well, but I would like another resolution as I said before.
5 The best friend of the female led. Her character irked me. Yes her boyfriend turned out to be a scumbag but what the heck was she doing living the life of a lazy person who only wanted someone to dot on her. Despicable and I hate that kind of women. She's supposedly changed and the hint of romance between her and the factory owner was great, but it doesn't redeem her for being such a leech before and excuse her behavior because he promised her to take care of her. What the heck?
Things I hated:
1 The lack of any romantic scenes. Really? You write such a good script and you have a great actor as male lead and you don't think it would add to the enjoinment to add some romantic moments between them? Real romantic moments where both leads were present and could witness each others feelings grow. We were robbed as viewers of watching their romance grow. I wanted to lower my rating just for that but then the male lead was so good I couldn't.
2 The boyfriend of the female lead. The moment he appeared I disliked the actor so much that he could be a great character and I'd never warm on him. Like at first sight, there's have at first sight. That's what happened to me when he appeared on my screen. Not only I don't like his appearance, but he also made me think of someone I'd never like to meet in my life. It's weird how our feelings work.
Of course the character he played didn't help changing my first impression. I hated his character more than anything and I didn't feel the smallest kind feeling and understanding about him. He chose to do what he did and he wasn0t redeemed because he did the right thing i n the end. He hit her so there will never be any redemption for him. he should have treated whatever problems he had before ruining other people's lives. Despicable character, unattractive actor. Comparing him and the boyfriend of the best friend who mislead the main couple, I'd still have more understanding for the boyfriend of the best friend of the heroine.
3 The last episode. Although I loved seeing everyone and it was fun to see how they evolved and where they are now, how the heck do you spend so much time on the scumbag? Who cares what happens to him? Give us the result in one minute and move to the main couple or anyone else for that matter. That was a big failure and I don't get why they did it. They could have wrapped up this story in the previous episode. We didn't need the musings of that stupid character.
I also hated that the main leads had only 5 minutes, really five minutes, to decide to be together. What is wrong with the writers and the director? How on earth is this satisfactory for everyone who watched 32episodes and invested their time on the series? And of course there's declaration of love, there's no tenderness, nothing cute or romantic. Such a let down, I almost cried. I was waiting for that last episode, hoping they would have the time to talk about their feelings. Unbelievable and so frustrating.
4 I hated the way the female lead dressed. She didn't look elegant at all. More like a child who played a grown up. Her clothes were too similar and too bland. She could be professional and at the same time elegant. Everyone else was best dressed and I loved the male lead's style. Her character was the only one to wear such uninspiring clothes. I don't get why. Same thing for her hair. They should use someone who could make her look pretty because the truth is she's pretty enough, but the clothes, and the high heels that didn't suit her at all, and the hair didn't do her any favors.
5 I can't get past the supposed kiss. It was teased and never delivered. What the heck was that? We saw them just touch the lips accidentally and they kept talking about a kiss. What kiss? Where was that kiss? It was beyond ridiculous to describe this as a kiss and it irked me a lot. I felt cheated as a viewer. And I felt both leads behaved stupidly for something that didn't even happen. That scene was so unnatural, so cringe. Not funny, not romantic, not anything other than ridiculous. And then we had to wait until the last minute to see them kiss for two seconds. Great! Good job, no one ever said.
6 I hated that the female lead had to think about breaking up with that stupid boyfriend. He hit her and she took time to send him packing. Really? Not only that but we never saw her being attached to him, so why the heck would she hesitate to make a decision about their relationship? I would get if they were together for years and it was the first time and she was surprised etc. etc. But there was no reason for her to think about it. She should have pushed him in front of a car. Sorry, I'm just so mad about that. I want the heroines to be like we should be and not like we are as women. I get the verbal sparring because leads because you can talk back and the level can be equal. You can have sharp and witty exchanges without abusing the other person. but hit someone is nowhere acceptable, so it just made me dislike the heroine who's supposed to grow and be a smart woman.
Was this review helpful to you?
Something different
Things I liked:1 That they had a one night stand. I'm a romantic at heart but I'0m fed up with heroines who behave kike children. You can be romantic, loyal, funny, smart and have a physical relationship with someone. Even one night stands. That doesn't make you less worthy of being a romantic comedy heroine.
2 The actress is very beautiful and I thought she was perfect for a romantic comedy. I'm not sure I was a hundred percent convinced about her acting skills, but I liked her anyway.
3 The main actor. He's not my favorite (Hi, Ji Chang Wook) but after having watched 12 series and more, I find that he's good in his role and I liked him enough to search for other series he played.
4 The game he played with her was amusing although sometimes I wanted to smack him.
5 The character of the secretary. Fun, quirky, adorable and I'm happy he had his happy ending.
6 The relationship of the hero with her little brother of the heroine. There were some great scenes in an episode that I loved. The ML was great in his role.
Things I disliked:
1 I didn't care about the mother. I see this actress everywhere and sometimes I like her sometimes I hate her. Here she was between the two. The whole conflict with her daughter was weak in my opinion. I'm sure there was something else they could find to create that particular point.
2 The relationship of the heroine with her little brother. It felt like the actress couldn't convey the right feelings or the character was written as cold which is even worse.
Was this review helpful to you?
Even rating it 1 is high for this series
Here's why I think even rating it 1 is high for this series:1 The actress is the most bland and uncharismatic actress I've ever seen. For this kind of series you need a capable, beautiful actress to carry it.
2 The premise is interesting and could be funny but the plots were execrable and I didn't laugh once. Humor is subjective, I agree, but I'm not that difficult to entertain, believe me.
3 That my favorite actor of all times was part of this abomination and even him couldn't save it. Anyway if I could, I'd give it -100 and the 1 is only for Ji Chang Wook, who should have never said yes to this.
4 I hate it when a title is misleading. Where was that stupid kiss? Not only the title but the whole plot was misleading.
Was this review helpful to you?
The ending ruined it for me
Things I liked:1 The premise. I thought it was funny and smart and original.
2 The ML.
Things I disliked:
1 The ending. I get why they chose that ending, but it still ruined it for me.
2 The FL lead actress. For some reason, I can't connect with this actress no matter what role she plays.
Was this review helpful to you?
Ridiculously dramatic
Why I dropped this series:1 Too dramatic to the point of ridiculous. Yes you can have some drama but when you go overboard you miss the mark completely. I had high hopes for this one since it seemed interesting. Unfortunately I found it unbearable after a while. Maybe it's my fault and should have lowered my expectations but it is what it is.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great concept but...
Things I loved:1 The heroine at first. I liked the beginning of the story and how bold she was.
2 The hero. He was a good character and was never coldhearted or mean like in so many other series. I loved how he pursued the heroine and how he did everything he could to fulfill her dreams.
3 The main actor. He's a good actor and adorable. He played his role well.
4 The sister of the main lead. I loved her. She was adorable and a great character.
5 The parents. They were perfect.
6 The best friend of the hero. he was fun and loved how he changed in the end even though I wouldn't mind if he stayed as he was. To be honest if I wanted a relationship to be developed I'd prefer the sister with him.
7 The setting. Whatever has to do with publishing interests me.
8 The relationship between the male lead and hi sister. Their scenes were the highlight of the show for me. Both adorable and such good actors.
9 The clothes. Loved how the female lead and everyone else were dressed.
Things I liked:
1 The director. I didn't love him but he was a good SML.
2 The friendship between the three women. It was touching and felt real.
Things I disliked:
1 The relationship of the second couple. I thought she was too young and didn't need to be in a relationship at that point. The age gap was ridiculous to me to be even mentioned. There was no real age gap, so I'm not sure why this was highlighted so much.
2 The heroine. I didn't like her character after a while. I get she was upset and disheartened after his rejection, but it took so much time for her to express some feelings that when it happened it felt forced.
3 The main actress. She's beautiful and I thought she was perfect for a romantic comedy heroine, but after a while she got on my nerves. I didn't think she did a good job with the romantic scenes.
4 The lack of sizzling scenes. Maybe it was lack of chemistry or that they didn't put the effort, but it didn't fell as good as I hoped.
Was this review helpful to you?
My first Chinese rom com and I Love, Love, Love it
Things I loved:1 The actress. What a gorgeous and stellar actress. She nailed her role and she was the perfect romantic comedy heroine. Beautiful, funny, smart, kind. I'll check everything she was in and I hope she has other series I'll love.
2 The vibe of the series. Fluffy, romantic without any heavy drama. That's what I call a real romantic comedy and they are so rare.
3 Her colleagues. I loved how they appreciated the heroine and they were all supportive of one another.
4 The relationship between the leads. I've seen a lot of office romantic comedies and usually there's a conflict (which I like) and some mean exchanges between the characters. This one was different. The relationship was gentler but also more genuine and funny. You could see they care for each other and their dialogue was funny and quirky rather than mean. Also they trusted each other and didn't create conflict for the shake of conflict. (although I love that as well usually)
5 Her parents. What a great couple and great parents. I loved both of them and they were amusing as well.
6 I liked the sister although not really her story.
7 The main actor. I don't think he's the best actor out there but here his character is so good that you can disregard that. Plus, his smile when he dealt with the heroine was so endearing that I forgive him everything.
8 Some good kisses although again not enough for me. They were good together though.
Things I disliked:
1 The story about the sister's future boyfriend and the heroine. I always dislike this kind of plot. I find it unnecessary.
2 The wig. She has gorgeous hair so I'm not sure why they couldn't style her hair so she has the style they wanted. She's so beautiful she could have her hair any style. I understand they wanted it to resemble her character but the wig was bad.
Things I hated:
1 The rival. Oh my God what an awful character and it doesn't help that I disliked the actress as well.
Was this review helpful to you?
ML isso uncharismatic
Things I liked1 The premise, that's why I started watching it.
Things I disliked
1 The FL. Her character rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and the actress performance didn't help to see her differently. I persisted because there were a few things I liked and thought I could give it a chance, but no... chance.
Things I hated
1 The ML. Mea culpa because i didn't even recognize the actor. Even after I found out who he was I still have trouble to recognize him. If I had I would probably never started watching the series. I find him so uncharismatic and unappealing I know I won't like watching him every day. I've seen in She was Pretty and although I loved the series, he was my least favorite character. Not character actually, actor. I never started the Secretary Kim series because of him mostly. I don't like the FL either, but he was my main problem. So my fault for not recognizing him, but it's funny that I disliked him anyway. Even when I didn't know who he was. So this had few chances to be on my favorites' list.
Was this review helpful to you?
Awful script, awful leads
Things I hated1 Everything.
2 The FL. What a horrible actress who thinks is beautiful and talented. If she is I didn't see it in this series. She was a toxic character and she dressed awfully, she looked old, she behaved like a ten year old and she was entitled to the point I wanted to smack her and I never used physical violence in my life.
3 The ML. No talent, no looks, too old and an awful character. Actually even though there was no chemistry between the leads i felt like they should be together. This way no one else in the world would suffer.
4 The last episode. How on earth is their relationship supposed to be healthy? And let's forget healthy, but at least it should make some sense. This was the most stupid ending I've ever seen in a romantic story. Are we supposed to find their constant fighting cute or romantic? Let me tell you it wasn't either. I'm a lover of cute fights and unreasonable female leads. This one was such a toxic shrew. AS for him a blithering idiot to put up with her.
Was this review helpful to you?
Uncomfortable, borderline creepy
Why I dropped this series1 The FL is an awful actress and she didn't know how to act as a young woman so she made me me cringe a million times and I felt uncomfortable since she reminded me of a 12 years old. I also hated her voice to the point I wanted to mute her.
2 The ML. If that's what people find attractive these days, well, I have nothing to say. He wasn't attractive to me and not talented either. I didn't care about his character either.
3 No chemistry between the leads which is maybe a good thing since their relationship was creepy to me.
4 The message the series vehicles. Young women are stupid and it's fine. NO IT'S NOT.
5 Tried too hard to make us believe there was a story somewhere and characters with something to say. Guess what? Not if you're an adult.
6 I can't believe the same director who did Love is Sweet one of my favorite series did this crappy drama. On the other hand not everyone has the charm of Bai Lu and the ML is Love is Sweet. Funnily enough I hated this couple as much as i hated the 2nd couple in Love is Sweet. Same uncomfortable vibes.
Was this review helpful to you?
Started great but then failed to keep my attention
Things I loved1 The premise. Original, fun, inspiring. Loved it!
2 The message. We can't stretch enough how different we are and how we should take that into account and be kind, patient and forgiving in life.
3 The sister of the ML. I just loved the actress.
Things I disliked
1 The FL. She didn't make me care. The actress didn't deliver the feelings I was expecting from her. Too childish, too passive.
2 The ML. I didn't like the actor. Maybe I'm being harsh, but he made me cringe a few times. Well they all did. In short, it had the possibility to be great, it wasn't for me. Average is the best I can say about it.
Was this review helpful to you?
