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Great chemistry and Fun for the most part, but with plot holes towards the serious part
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75
Without too much fanfare and promotion, “Les Belles” provided us with a mid-budget historical romantic comedy. I didn’t have much expectations but did want to see something fun. For the most part, I think “Les Belles” delivered what I wanted.
The plot is pretty simple. An orphan girl grew up to be intelligent, independent and a trailblazer during times when women couldn’t live for themselves. Luo Ling Yu (FL) doesn't care how others view her, but has her goal set on living her best life and recovering her family’s inheritance. But first, she needs to get out of an arranged marriage, before she could find a way to achieve her goals. She met Xue Chen (ML) who is just as smart as she is, and is more than the playboy character he’s trying to portray. He wants to seek justice and revenge for his father, who was accused of treason.
Of course, our leads have a rocky start. But it was so fun trying to watch them outsmart each other, and destroy the others’ plans and schemes. Jelly Lin and Alen Fang have really good chemistry and performed pretty well in the comedic roles. The push-and-pull between them is one of the highlights of the show. “Les Belles” has many likable characters. I was worried a couple characters might turn ‘evil’ but they ended up being very supportive and kind. Even the ‘villain’ is not too over-the-top (except for the last couple episodes).
It was more fun to watch the leads before they officially got together. I needed more cute and fluffy scenes but I had to wait till the very last episode to get that. The secondary romance is an adorable pair. I was hoping there’s a little more to their romance right after the secret identity was revealed. Instead, it was anti-climatic and I also wanted more of their cute scenes together.
“Les Belles” was able to hold my attention for ¾ of the drama. I enjoy the comedy, the chemistry, the interaction of the characters and the beautiful dances by Jelly Lin and Li Jia Xin. However, towards the last quarter of the drama, the politics, investigation and battle take center stage. The humor is gone and the serious plot has too many plotholes. The drama is unable to balance its comedic moments throughout the full 36 episodes. Luckily, when all that serious stuff is over, the fun is back in the last episode.
Even though this is a mid-budget production with some questionable fight scenes, the costumes and hair departments did an amazing job. Jelly Lin and other actresses look absolutely beautiful in their elaborate hairstyles and colorful costumes. The accessories and jewelry look much more expensive than in other big budget productions I’ve seen. Despite only having a few songs in the soundtrack (slightly overplayed), I enjoy the songs very much. You have the typical historical drama songs and a super fun ending theme that matches the comedic tone of the drama.
I had a good time watching “Les Belles” for the most part. I just wish it has held my attention throughout. The serious last quarter of the drama is too unrealistic, too fast-paced and has too many plotholes. But if you are looking for a simple drama with some fun, and are fans of the leads, then it’s worth a shot.
Completed: 7/17/2025 Review #603
Without too much fanfare and promotion, “Les Belles” provided us with a mid-budget historical romantic comedy. I didn’t have much expectations but did want to see something fun. For the most part, I think “Les Belles” delivered what I wanted.
The plot is pretty simple. An orphan girl grew up to be intelligent, independent and a trailblazer during times when women couldn’t live for themselves. Luo Ling Yu (FL) doesn't care how others view her, but has her goal set on living her best life and recovering her family’s inheritance. But first, she needs to get out of an arranged marriage, before she could find a way to achieve her goals. She met Xue Chen (ML) who is just as smart as she is, and is more than the playboy character he’s trying to portray. He wants to seek justice and revenge for his father, who was accused of treason.
Of course, our leads have a rocky start. But it was so fun trying to watch them outsmart each other, and destroy the others’ plans and schemes. Jelly Lin and Alen Fang have really good chemistry and performed pretty well in the comedic roles. The push-and-pull between them is one of the highlights of the show. “Les Belles” has many likable characters. I was worried a couple characters might turn ‘evil’ but they ended up being very supportive and kind. Even the ‘villain’ is not too over-the-top (except for the last couple episodes).
It was more fun to watch the leads before they officially got together. I needed more cute and fluffy scenes but I had to wait till the very last episode to get that. The secondary romance is an adorable pair. I was hoping there’s a little more to their romance right after the secret identity was revealed. Instead, it was anti-climatic and I also wanted more of their cute scenes together.
“Les Belles” was able to hold my attention for ¾ of the drama. I enjoy the comedy, the chemistry, the interaction of the characters and the beautiful dances by Jelly Lin and Li Jia Xin. However, towards the last quarter of the drama, the politics, investigation and battle take center stage. The humor is gone and the serious plot has too many plotholes. The drama is unable to balance its comedic moments throughout the full 36 episodes. Luckily, when all that serious stuff is over, the fun is back in the last episode.
Even though this is a mid-budget production with some questionable fight scenes, the costumes and hair departments did an amazing job. Jelly Lin and other actresses look absolutely beautiful in their elaborate hairstyles and colorful costumes. The accessories and jewelry look much more expensive than in other big budget productions I’ve seen. Despite only having a few songs in the soundtrack (slightly overplayed), I enjoy the songs very much. You have the typical historical drama songs and a super fun ending theme that matches the comedic tone of the drama.
I had a good time watching “Les Belles” for the most part. I just wish it has held my attention throughout. The serious last quarter of the drama is too unrealistic, too fast-paced and has too many plotholes. But if you are looking for a simple drama with some fun, and are fans of the leads, then it’s worth a shot.
Completed: 7/17/2025 Review #603
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