This review may contain spoilers
A truly conclusion to 2025 dramas
Speed and love brings a solid conclusion to 2025 dramas. Was it perfect? No. Was it an awesome watch? Absolutely. “Speed and Love” was just plain addicting to watch.
Pros:
* Chemistry — Rarely do we see a pairing like this. Rarely do we experience chemistry at this level. I would rewind scenes that left me breathless. Every touch, every kiss (and there are MANY)—each has you holding your breath or grinning like a kid. Esther Yu and He Yu’s chemistry is just another level. I don’t know how else to do it justice
* Street racing — Okay this aspect was so freaking cool. I loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat. The race scenes were so awesome, and the undercover in the underworld aspect was thrilling.
* Characters to love — This had a great ensemble cast. In fact, I was bummed when the time jump happened and we had to say goodbye to them, proof of good writing. Plus, our leads develop excellently. I was annoyed with Jiang Mu (FL) at the beginning because of she was written so kiddish, but by the end of the drama, we have an incredibly strong and loyal FL who you just can’t help but love. As for Jin Zhao—don’t get me started. He is just one heck of a ML.
* The production — The quality here was top notch. The OST, cinematography, stunts, location in Thailand, costuming… all of it screams big budget.
Cons:
* Time jump/separation — Look, I can handle a time jump trope. But this… This almost ruined the whole show for me. Episodes 21-24 are so painfully sad and infuriating that it’s hard to process. While I understood his motivations, I was so disappointed in Jin Zhao for making Mumu wait that long without any indication of what was going on then convincing her friends and family to lie to her about him. Then when they’re back together in the same city, it’s three episodes of heartbreak.
* Jiang Mu at the beginning — (If you’re an Esther Yu fan, feel free to disregard what I’m about to say because I totally respect you opinion.) Jiang Mu in the first 10 or so episodes was rough for me to handle. Esther Yu’s “baby voice” was in full effect. Then the writers did her a disservice by throwing in some elements that almost infantilized her character. It takes a bit before we see her mature.
* Losing the racing aspect — After the time jump, we find out that all the bad guys got what they deserved… off camera. OFF CAMERA. Like what?? We didn’t even get to see much of that huge race we spent the whole show preparing for. This annoyed me big time. The racing and investigation part of this show was one of its biggest strengths. After the time jump, it’s all gone.
Overall, I did really really enjoy this. I’m not Esther Yu fan, but I will admit she impressed me in this. Her performance in the last fifteen or so episodes was just great, and I enjoyed seeing her range. Also the “sibling” aspect was handled well. Very rarely did I get the ick lol. “Speed and Love” falls prey to a meloncholy and draggy last quarter, but they do give us a happy ending, and when they’re reunite, it’s absolutely amazing and romantic and everything you’d hope to see.
I definitely recommend.
Pros:
* Chemistry — Rarely do we see a pairing like this. Rarely do we experience chemistry at this level. I would rewind scenes that left me breathless. Every touch, every kiss (and there are MANY)—each has you holding your breath or grinning like a kid. Esther Yu and He Yu’s chemistry is just another level. I don’t know how else to do it justice
* Street racing — Okay this aspect was so freaking cool. I loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat. The race scenes were so awesome, and the undercover in the underworld aspect was thrilling.
* Characters to love — This had a great ensemble cast. In fact, I was bummed when the time jump happened and we had to say goodbye to them, proof of good writing. Plus, our leads develop excellently. I was annoyed with Jiang Mu (FL) at the beginning because of she was written so kiddish, but by the end of the drama, we have an incredibly strong and loyal FL who you just can’t help but love. As for Jin Zhao—don’t get me started. He is just one heck of a ML.
* The production — The quality here was top notch. The OST, cinematography, stunts, location in Thailand, costuming… all of it screams big budget.
Cons:
* Time jump/separation — Look, I can handle a time jump trope. But this… This almost ruined the whole show for me. Episodes 21-24 are so painfully sad and infuriating that it’s hard to process. While I understood his motivations, I was so disappointed in Jin Zhao for making Mumu wait that long without any indication of what was going on then convincing her friends and family to lie to her about him. Then when they’re back together in the same city, it’s three episodes of heartbreak.
* Jiang Mu at the beginning — (If you’re an Esther Yu fan, feel free to disregard what I’m about to say because I totally respect you opinion.) Jiang Mu in the first 10 or so episodes was rough for me to handle. Esther Yu’s “baby voice” was in full effect. Then the writers did her a disservice by throwing in some elements that almost infantilized her character. It takes a bit before we see her mature.
* Losing the racing aspect — After the time jump, we find out that all the bad guys got what they deserved… off camera. OFF CAMERA. Like what?? We didn’t even get to see much of that huge race we spent the whole show preparing for. This annoyed me big time. The racing and investigation part of this show was one of its biggest strengths. After the time jump, it’s all gone.
Overall, I did really really enjoy this. I’m not Esther Yu fan, but I will admit she impressed me in this. Her performance in the last fifteen or so episodes was just great, and I enjoyed seeing her range. Also the “sibling” aspect was handled well. Very rarely did I get the ick lol. “Speed and Love” falls prey to a meloncholy and draggy last quarter, but they do give us a happy ending, and when they’re reunite, it’s absolutely amazing and romantic and everything you’d hope to see.
I definitely recommend.
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