This review may contain spoilers
Short, Imperfect but Beautiful
Despite its low-budget feel, Innocent surprised me with its emotional depth and sincere storytelling. The series may be short, but it manages to build a strong emotional connection in just four episodes — which is honestly impressive.
Bo Zhan Zheng, who played Zheng Yu Shi, delivered an exceptional performance. His ability to portray two distinct personalities — the innocent, pure-hearted Yu Shi and the protective, mature Noah — was incredibly well-executed. You could feel the shift every time he switched personas, and it never felt forced or gimmicky.
Wu Zheng, on the other hand, is the definition of a green flag. Calm, kind, patient — he provided a sense of emotional safety that made the entire story feel warmer, even amidst the psychological complexity. I only wish we got more of his backstory or inner thoughts. The series hints at growth and emotional evolution for both characters, and with a bit more time, that arc could’ve been even more impactful.
That said, not everything sat right with me. The first intimate scene between Wu Zheng and Yu Shi felt uncomfortable — especially once we learn that Yu Shi’s mental state is essentially that of a five-year-old, while Noah is twenty-eight. Even if Noah was present, the scene treads into ethically murky territory. It left me conflicted, and I wish it had been handled with more care.
I also felt that Yu Shi’s backstory lacked depth. For such a complex character, many important details about his past were left vague or not fully explained. A more thorough exploration of his trauma and how his personalities developed would have added emotional weight and clarity to the narrative.
Bo Zhan Zheng, who played Zheng Yu Shi, delivered an exceptional performance. His ability to portray two distinct personalities — the innocent, pure-hearted Yu Shi and the protective, mature Noah — was incredibly well-executed. You could feel the shift every time he switched personas, and it never felt forced or gimmicky.
Wu Zheng, on the other hand, is the definition of a green flag. Calm, kind, patient — he provided a sense of emotional safety that made the entire story feel warmer, even amidst the psychological complexity. I only wish we got more of his backstory or inner thoughts. The series hints at growth and emotional evolution for both characters, and with a bit more time, that arc could’ve been even more impactful.
That said, not everything sat right with me. The first intimate scene between Wu Zheng and Yu Shi felt uncomfortable — especially once we learn that Yu Shi’s mental state is essentially that of a five-year-old, while Noah is twenty-eight. Even if Noah was present, the scene treads into ethically murky territory. It left me conflicted, and I wish it had been handled with more care.
I also felt that Yu Shi’s backstory lacked depth. For such a complex character, many important details about his past were left vague or not fully explained. A more thorough exploration of his trauma and how his personalities developed would have added emotional weight and clarity to the narrative.
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