Dark romance as light as the moon
In my view, Speed and Love is not unlike those classic dark romance novels from the old days that I'd forgotten about, but nonetheless happy to have received in this format. It's one of those dramas that I didn't know I needed and now that it is in front of me, wouldn't have it any other way.
The story begins with Jiang Mu (Esther Yu) traveling to Thailand for the sole purpose of rediscovering Jin Zhao (He Yu). As children they were inseparable. Though not related by blood, they were a family. But their bond was ripped apart when the adults parted. When they meet again at the present time 10 years later, Jin Zhao is like a stranger, worlds different from the person Jiang Mu looked up to, who had protected her and indulged her like a big brother. He has intangled himself in street racing and underground fights; immersed in a lifestyle she could not have fathomed. But it's obvious he's been living a difficult, empty life, without really feeling and not realizing he's starving for affection. Jiang Mu quickly inserts herself into his life, determined to extract him from his sinister world.
As absurd as the plot is, the execution made all the difference. The characters feel real. The action and racing scenes are well done. There is this melancholy yet romantic atmosphere throughout, and the setting and music enhance this so well. Going in blind I had no idea it was filmed abroad. As someone who has visited Bangkok, I recognize the major landmarks in some scenes, but it's the parts unknown that seamlessly blends in with the story. It's charming in a vintage, nostalgic way.
Jiang Mu's simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature gives her a childlike naivete. But she's also thoughtful, and her genuine care is apparent. She makes these unexpected, declarative statements, revealing her unwavering devotion and Jin Zhao's reaction both warms and breaks my heart. In spite of his bad boy image, I don't recall there ever being a moment where he says or does anything remotely mean to her. As their relationship turns romantic, the chemistry rivals those of uninhibited web dramas. The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the music (that beautiful, beautiful OST) all come together to make these scenes electrifying. The pull is so strong I don't even realize I'm so close to the screen at times!
I was concerned the third act of the drama would ruin the experience but I was needlessly worried. There's a flashback in a later episode that reveals Jin Zhao's thought process that explains his decision and it's a story that is both touching and heartbreaking to listen to. The crux of the matter has always been that Jiang Mu is so precious to him that he doesn't feel worthy. So as much as we all hate noble idiocy trope, I felt like it was logical at that point in the story. To me, it's the good kind of angst. And alongside the inevitable heartbreak, this arc gives each an opportunity to grow and become respectable, educated adults with careers and new lives. Usually at this point in dramas, I'd be bored and skip around to get to the end. Instead, the drama remains compelling that I lost sleep because I could not stop myself from consuming episode after episode.
The drama peaked my interest from the promo posters and these photos did not mislead me at all because they perfectly capture the vibe of the drama. I've always liked Esther Yu, while He Yu has to be one of the most talented actors I've ever come across, not to mention, hot as hell. I enjoyed watching different looks flash cross his face as Jin Zhao: desire, jealousy, playfulness, rage, heartbreak. It's wild because their chemistry somehow strikes this amazing balance between innocence and delicious sexual tension, like he's going to strike any moment and devour her. And I don't even know why I was worried about the last arc. From start to finish it was absolutely amazing. To me, the feelings evoked by the drama parallels the male lead's journey: at first melancholy, then flirty then downright hot, and in the end completely enamored that it's hard to let go, as if we're experiencing his gradual emotional transformation. I joined late but the hype is valid. This drama will sit up there for me as one of those unique take on the beloved romance genre and remain unforgettable.
The story begins with Jiang Mu (Esther Yu) traveling to Thailand for the sole purpose of rediscovering Jin Zhao (He Yu). As children they were inseparable. Though not related by blood, they were a family. But their bond was ripped apart when the adults parted. When they meet again at the present time 10 years later, Jin Zhao is like a stranger, worlds different from the person Jiang Mu looked up to, who had protected her and indulged her like a big brother. He has intangled himself in street racing and underground fights; immersed in a lifestyle she could not have fathomed. But it's obvious he's been living a difficult, empty life, without really feeling and not realizing he's starving for affection. Jiang Mu quickly inserts herself into his life, determined to extract him from his sinister world.
As absurd as the plot is, the execution made all the difference. The characters feel real. The action and racing scenes are well done. There is this melancholy yet romantic atmosphere throughout, and the setting and music enhance this so well. Going in blind I had no idea it was filmed abroad. As someone who has visited Bangkok, I recognize the major landmarks in some scenes, but it's the parts unknown that seamlessly blends in with the story. It's charming in a vintage, nostalgic way.
Jiang Mu's simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature gives her a childlike naivete. But she's also thoughtful, and her genuine care is apparent. She makes these unexpected, declarative statements, revealing her unwavering devotion and Jin Zhao's reaction both warms and breaks my heart. In spite of his bad boy image, I don't recall there ever being a moment where he says or does anything remotely mean to her. As their relationship turns romantic, the chemistry rivals those of uninhibited web dramas. The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the music (that beautiful, beautiful OST) all come together to make these scenes electrifying. The pull is so strong I don't even realize I'm so close to the screen at times!
I was concerned the third act of the drama would ruin the experience but I was needlessly worried. There's a flashback in a later episode that reveals Jin Zhao's thought process that explains his decision and it's a story that is both touching and heartbreaking to listen to. The crux of the matter has always been that Jiang Mu is so precious to him that he doesn't feel worthy. So as much as we all hate noble idiocy trope, I felt like it was logical at that point in the story. To me, it's the good kind of angst. And alongside the inevitable heartbreak, this arc gives each an opportunity to grow and become respectable, educated adults with careers and new lives. Usually at this point in dramas, I'd be bored and skip around to get to the end. Instead, the drama remains compelling that I lost sleep because I could not stop myself from consuming episode after episode.
The drama peaked my interest from the promo posters and these photos did not mislead me at all because they perfectly capture the vibe of the drama. I've always liked Esther Yu, while He Yu has to be one of the most talented actors I've ever come across, not to mention, hot as hell. I enjoyed watching different looks flash cross his face as Jin Zhao: desire, jealousy, playfulness, rage, heartbreak. It's wild because their chemistry somehow strikes this amazing balance between innocence and delicious sexual tension, like he's going to strike any moment and devour her. And I don't even know why I was worried about the last arc. From start to finish it was absolutely amazing. To me, the feelings evoked by the drama parallels the male lead's journey: at first melancholy, then flirty then downright hot, and in the end completely enamored that it's hard to let go, as if we're experiencing his gradual emotional transformation. I joined late but the hype is valid. This drama will sit up there for me as one of those unique take on the beloved romance genre and remain unforgettable.
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