Counterpoint: an enjoyable, but somewhat overrated drama
I wasn’t planning on writing anything about Falling Into Your Smile, but the particularly high rating it’s gotten here (8.7 at the time of writing) compelled me to offer a counterpoint.First, to be clear, I liked this drama. It was perfectly fine. By my own ratings “scale”, it is respectably ranked. It was a fun and cute “happy” drama, with very little that was annoying or frustrating (a feat in itself!). I loved the team dynamics and friendships. The teammates were funny and immensely likable, and I even enjoyed the side characters on other teams. Tong Yao’s (played by Cheng Xiao) parents are great. Except for Kevin Xiao and Rachel Wang, this was my first drama for the rest of the cast, including Xu Kai (a sometimes-distracting reminder of a young Leonardo DiCaprio).
I also appreciated that the show tackled and highlighted the absolutely batsh*t extremes fans and haters go to attack people through social media. It captured the viciousness and influence of toxic fans — something we’ve seen play out in real life. The online “drama” playing out among Chinese netizens and esports fans absolutely trashing Falling Into Your Smile has been rather ironic. And like her character in the drama, lead actress Cheng Xiao has unfortunately been on the receiving end of a lot of online hate and harassment. (On Douban, it has an unreasonably harsh 3/10 rating.)
As a side note, given how conservative C-dramas have historically been when it comes to vocalizing the topic of sex, I was surprised by how frank it was in approaching the subject, relatively speaking.
I was also pleasantly amazed there were no undeserving and unrealistic “redemption arcs” for bad parents (two sets of them!) or for the villains. And the storylines involving antagonists wrapped up before they dragged.
As someone who loved The Untamed, the passing references, background set decor, and nods to the drama sprinkled here and there were also fun to catch. (The two shows share the same production company and producer.)
So where’s the counterpoint then?
This is a perfectly enjoyable esports romance that is nonetheless way over-rated in my view:
I wasn’t overly invested in the central relationship and on the whole, there wasn’t much team or character growth.
The overarching story about the team’s journey through Nationals was underwhelming and somewhat flat, so there was even less emotional investment. In some ways, it felt a bit repetitive. In otherwords, it didn’t pass the binge-worthiness test.
Crossfire is a much more compelling drama about the gaming and esport evolution aspect of the genre.
Gank Your Heart, while flawed on several fronts including the romance aspect, had a much more interesting story in my view when it came to depicting how a team falls apart and the journey towards building a new one. It was pretty low-budget by comparison though, especially when it came to the actual gaming scenes (I believe they were also playing Onmyoji Arena), so I get why it might be considered more inferior.
Most of the acting in Falling Into Your Smile was fine, but I wasn’t exactly wowed either, even with Xu Kai’s. I see potential though and do look forward to watching them again, including Zhai Xiaowen in Heaven Official’s Blessing, Xu Kai (he’s been extremely busy!) and Gao Han in Ancient Love Poetry, and Yao Chi in Immortality.
To be fair, I was coming off a couple of dramas that had left me in a bit of a show-hole, so I was perhaps more sensitive to the emotional component (or lack thereof). It’s great so many people enjoyed it — I did too — but an 8.7 from me would require a more complex story arc that evokes much stronger emotions, and in my view, there are more deserving, but lower-rated dramas, esports and otherwise, who fit the bill better.
(This is a slightly condensed version of a review I first posted on my drama blog: https://www.solarina.ca/dramaddicts/dramaddicts-blog/2021/7/26/counterpoint-im-not-quite-falling-into-your-smile)
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THIS WILL DEFINETELY MAKE YOUR STOMACH FEELS BUTTERFLIES EVERY EPISODES
I do really love the chemistry of Cheng Xiao and Xu Kai. I have watched Xu Kai's drama and I know his acting is outstanding. But it makes so natural with Cheng Xiao. I literally having a butterflies in stomach each every episode. No side stories, they met immediately at the first episode, no beating around the bush. Some of the storyline were somehow unexpected than the typical Chinese drama. But the downside is that the animation were too long which is for me, it is unnecessary. But I watched the bts and I am amazing to the efforts of the staffs in making the animation in superb. And also some of the e-sports scenes/ competitions were too unrealistic. I think it is because of lack of interceptions/scenes of the management/handler each teams. And also the gameplay, which is I tried Onmyoji Arena, It is unrealistic that they are playing it on PC where there are IU controls in screen which usually used in mobile games.I really love the character of Xu Kai, He really did portrayed it very well. I was so amazed and hypnotized on his acting skills and visuals. And also Cheng Xiao, I can really see the detailed of her expressions, his small actions that makes the scene much more realistic, accurate and relatable.
I just hope that they will have more drama together. Xu Kai should have more modern Chinese dramas.
I have rewatched this drama every time I have to wait until next week for next update. That's how good this drama is. It will make you crazy. I have been laughing and blushing even if I am not watching.
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Main actress terrible acting
I just can’t seem to pass the main actress acting. It was just too terrible for me. Her face seemed to be frozen pretty much throughout. Of all characters, hers was the most unclear. Is the character supposed to be cute? feisty? Stubborn? charming? lazy? bold?? etc. it was almost as if there was no planning in her character. Just threw anything on and went w it. The reviews got my hopes up but damn it was just straight bad.Storyline is your standard gaming dramas. Nothing too fancy. But the highlight on the stereotype against gaming, even worse, female gamers gave the drama more depths and light into the struggles of people in this profession. In addition to this, they highlight the pros/cons of the entertainment industry as well as celebs/fans relationship.
The supporting characters were not well developed. Its the typical “bestfriend” in kdramas where everything is for the main characters. Just glad it was more in a positive way.
Highly NOT RECOMMEND
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MUST WATCH!!!
I really didn't regret waiting for each episode of this drama series.It's worth the watch. Worth the time. The acting and cast are superb.
Maybe you're saying that this drama isn't good because they're not focused on the game but to tell you the title is "falling into your smile" not "falling into your play/game". The game is just the way for them to know and to be with each other.
The plot may not be your typical lovers series but all I can say is that their relationship is realistic.
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This review may contain spoilers
A really good, carefree and funny e-sport drama!
The drama is really good!As a LOL player, I loved the novel which helped me understood a few champions in terms of role and gameplay (ex; of Diana). Loving the universe of Riots, I loved the allusions to the game in it, and it really helped me get better in the game. Here's the novel for those who want to read it: (http://dhh-workshop.blogspot.com/p/youre-beautiful-when-you-smile.html).
I'm not gonna lie, I was attracted by the fact that it was about League of Legends and was a bit taken aback when I saw that they used another game in it.
However, Onmyoji Arena was so well presented that I wanted to download it either on my phone or my computer (however it was too heavy). As I don't know the game, I couldn't understand the champions and their roles but it wasn't that important. I've tried to check out the champions on the game website; its pretty cool how they explain you how to use the abilities and combos which seems basics like that but can help you understand the gameplays in the drama.
A lot of people think TY is immature and doesn't really grow. I disagree with that! TY is a 22 years old graduate student in the drama (19 in the novel) and I'm the same and I perfectly understand her. She's straightforward and doesn't have the best temper so it makes her impulsive... however, she has a dream and she works hard for it no matter the difficulties. She stays true to herself and doesn't try to please everyone and anyone... she deals with her teammates issues like a real adult... she's not the kid you have to protect... she's a team member that got your back knowing you'll her back too. She's loyal to her friends and I like the way she intelligently helps them. Then if you look at the people she knew before being a professional player: Yang God, JinYang and Ai Jia... the 3 of them are even more childish than her but here again that's part of their age... they're at the beginning of their 20s.
Chen Xiao is cute, it's my first drama of her and tbh she's good for the role: she got the girly part when she cares about her appearance and stuff, and the childish part, when she plays and interacts with her team, but the way she matures through the drama is pretty good, u feel like growing with her.
I read some people thought that Shen Yue (Meteor Garden / A love so Beautiful) or Fair Xing (Master devil do not kiss me/ Put your head on my shoulder) would have been a better choice as lead actress... but tbh I disagree... If someone had said Wan Peng (My girlfriend is an alien), I would have say why not cause she often plays a girly-tom boyish character which could have fit with Smiling. However Shen Yue and Fair Xing? nah
For those who have an issue with Chen Xiao's acting, I admit, saying she's perfect would be lying, however TY is supposed to have a poker face quite often (according to the novel) and maybe the lack of expression of the actress does fit this aspect of her character. Honestly, like I said in a comment on the drama, do you remember Bella in Twilight? She's what I would call the perfect definition of lack of expression, the woman looked like she was constipated from beginning to end (of 4 movies)!
Xu Kai... I watched the Legends, I started to watch Court lady, and I'm currently watching Ancient Love Poetry (this drama is soooo confusing)... and by far Falling Into Your Smile is the best! I heard it's his first modern drama and tbh the role fits him.
The story is predictable in a way where it's a drama and like most drama we can determine the whole story by watching the trailer and the videos at the end lol. But it's also a bowl of fresh air as it's not stressing; the usual toxic moments are properly managed I think and there's a real reflection behind the use of negatives stuffs (gossips/critics)... I honestly hope that some fans could watch this drama, understand it and change their attitude after to be more supportive and less toxic...
The side characters are good and simple, Xiao Pang is excellent, his innocence and reactions make the whole comedic part. Lao K (Old K) is cool with calm and observing attitude. Ming Sheng, Rui Ge and Lao Mao (Old Cat) are funny too. Especially Old Cat, who's slow at understanding things!
Lu Yue and Kun are a bit awkard tho... too exaggerated? Idk there's something off with them... however they fit the drama too, Lu Yue by always appearing in the cute moments between the lead and Kun by being the childish but stubborn character he is.
S/o to the second characters (the bestie and her bf/ex-bf), but coming at it... I don't really know what social class Tong Yao is supposed to be but her Miu Miu and Balenciaga items makes it pretty clear she's far from poor... in the book they explain it as most of her branded clothes are from her bestie... but somehow she always seems to be wearing branded stuff in the drama which makes it less believable (I know it's surely the sponsoring of the drama but still). That's a minor detail...
I hope it helps you decide whether or not should or definitely should watch it! :*
I'll edit it later but for the moment here you go:
- Trailer of Episode 17 --> Chapter 64 part 1
- Trailer of Episode 18 --> Chapter 69 part 2
- Trailer of Episode 19 --> Chapter 72 part 2
- Trailer of Episode 20 --> Chapter 78 part 1
- Trailer of Episode 21 --> Chapter 87 part 1
- Trailer of Episode 22 --> Chapter 93 part 3-part 4
- Trailer of Episode 23 --> Chapter 105 part 3
- Trailer of Episode 24--> Chapter 113 part 3
- Trailer of Episode 25
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This review may contain spoilers
Must Watch Lighthearted Esports Drama!
This drama balances issues within the Esports industry with comedy, so the entire show ends up being very lighthearted while showcasing real issues in pro gaming. This is not the first gaming drama to have come out, but it is the first to cover Esports, and what was also unique was how detailed it got when portraying actual scenarios within a game. Even if this isn't League of Legends, the little things in this drama make me think "ah yea, that happens in League too!" If you're into watching people learn and grow within their respective industry, I'd give this one a shot.The story is relatively predictable in the way that sports dramas are predictable. It follows the story of Tong Yao, the imaginary first girl Esports player, as she rises with her team ZGDX towards the world championship.
I've played League for 7 years, I compete in TFT tournaments, and League of Legends is very much a part of my life now. I do League for fun, but I'll play a few games every day with my friends. In my games, there are different circumstances leading to different consequences, and Falling Into Your Smile captures these in a lighthearted way. These can be small or big things, but I appreciate the inclusiveness. For example, not sleeping until late due to tilt from a bad game is one small thing, and the possibility of being banned from pro gaming due to toxic behavior is a big one. The plot remains fresh because a lot of scenes don't really happen outside of pro-gaming, and even if it does, the drama uses humor to keep the audience hooked. The humor plays a huge part in this show. Tong Yao's interactions with everyone are adorable/understandable, and I have yet to find a scene in the story to skip. The show is not all bubbles and flowers; it puts some weight of certain plot points, such as when Tong Yao was defeated in a practice match and she lost her confidence momentarily. Even though it had no real impact because it was a practice match, the loss of faith that resulted could have been devastating, and as a competitive player, it is very relatable. I heard how this show got a lot of negativity when it first came out from pro players because they thought it was inaccurate, but my response to that is: this drama is meant to be light hearted. It's an inspirational growth drama.
The other big plot point are the games themselves. For those who don't game, the game plots are, to some extent, factually accurate. This includes last hitting creep minions, getting camped by the enemy jungler, being too aggressive, being not aggressive enough, etc. A lot of scenes are tinted with comedy and become relatively low impact, but they are accurate at their baselines. One thing I did find amusing was the gaming cinematography where they suddenly zoom in on a few characters in the game. The cinematography is animated pretty well and I'm entertained, even though I have no idea what's going on, having not played this game.
There is a romance subplot for those looking for that, and while it's moving along slowly, Tong Yao and Lu Si Cheng's interactions are so cute. I could watch Lu Si Cheng tease Tong Yao with his poker face all day long! I'm actually glad that the romance subplot isn't too fast, because as the show stated, she's there to compete, not get a boyfriend. However, you can really see the main characters start to care and fall for each other. The side characters are also quirky and fun to watch, and ZGDX as a team has stolen my heart. The drama shows other teams, not just ZGDX, and the characters from those teams are loveable in their own way too.
Overall, if you're looking for a cute rom-com that takes place within the Esports community, give this one a shot! It is definitely the best gaming drama I've seen, and it takes a nice dive into the Esports world. Add that to the fact that the characters are super cute, and you've got yourself a show!
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A truly great romcom
If Love o2o and Go Go Squid had a love child it would be called Falling Into Your Smile. This drama reminded me a lot of these two dramas. Just like Love o2o the main leads never doubt each other, they communicate well, and never have any issues in their romance. There are no messy breakups, no noble idiocy, no mean in-laws, and no love triangles. And it doesn’t have a lot of angst or heavy melodrama either. It also reminded me a lot of Go Go Squid with its riveting gaming competitions. I loved how the teams worked and lived together just like a family. The camaraderie and team spirit were quite touching. If you liked Love o2o and Go Go Squid then you’ll love this because they’re quite similar.Most dramas first few episodes aren’t that interesting as they set up the storyline. Introducing a variety of characters and their backstories may be crucial to the plot but it can be quite tedious and uninteresting. But this drama is quite interesting right from the beginning. It takes us into the world of gaming with a live match right away. Then we get to meet some intriguing characters which will crack you up. This drama has some great comedy. There’s not really any slow moments and I didn’t have to fast forward at all. And it stays a romcom throughout the whole drama which was refreshing.
One thing that I like about this drama is that it’s about more than just romance and gaming. It delves into deeper subjects like how public figures deal with immense pressure from fans, the news media, their managers, and social media. They also have to deal with the disrespectful attitude most people have that e-sports is just a bunch of people sitting around playing games for fun. They don’t see it as a legitimate career worthy of respect. Then there are the gamers parents who want them to quit e-sports and get a ‘real job’. I also appreciated how hard the female lead works to help people see that women can be just as good at gaming as men are.
The gaming aspect of the drama was fun and made it more interesting. I wish that they made it a little easier to follow and understand. There are lots of different characters to choose from during the game and they seem to play a different character every time they compete. So it’s hard to know who is who when they’re playing. Plus, the games rules aren’t explained at all. So expect to get a bit lost and confused during the games.
Chinese dramas tend to have perky, upbeat, outgoing female leads that are often silly and naive but cute. But the female lead in this drama is different. She’s more reserved, serious and focused on her career. And she’s determined to prove to the male dominated gaming world that women can be just as good as men in e-sports. Therefore we don’t see a cute bubbly happy female lead like we usually do in cdramas. Instead we see a more aloof, reserved female lead that’s very focused on her career. Some have complained about her facial expressions, especially because she rarely smiles and her nickname in the gaming world is ‘Smiling’. She chose that name to honor a past gamer she admires, not because she smiles a lot. Her lack of smiles and cute or silly facial expressions is not poor acting, it’s how her character is written. If you understand that she is portraying a more soft spoken laidback type of character then you’ll enjoy her acting like I did.
I took off one star for a couple of reasons. Most of the actors in this drama are new and even though they did a great job, you can still tell the difference between them and the more seasoned veteran actors. The other reason would be because of how confusing the games are. It’s really hard to know what’s going on during the gaming competitions and that’s a big part of the drama. But don’t let those two things hold you back because the games are still fun to watch and they’re acting is still really good, especially for newbies.
I can’t end this without addressing the romance in the drama. The romance had amazing chemistry with lots of steamy kisses. And once they get together he just can’t seem to keep his hands off of her. Expect lots of kiss scenes, back hugs, princess carrying, and cuddling. They did an amazing job on the romance in this drama. There’s also a secondary couple that are fun to watch and added a lot to the drama.
In conclusion, this is one of those rare dramas that is low on angst but is still very interesting, which is hard to do. There are no breakups, no hateful parents, no scheming second leads, and no love triangles. Yet I couldn’t stop binge watching it. And that’s highly unusual for me. It’s not perfect but it’s definitely close. Don’t pass this one up, you’ll regret it.
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YOU NEED TO WATCH IT!!
Highly recommended of all time☺️☺️..I've just completed the whole series..and damn it was so good..you'll never regret watching it..
The casting,the plot of the story was really good..even you're not into e-sports game..this series makes you love the whole damn thing..and started playing games too..
It makes me addicted to it ..that makes me played it too..
I'm not into cdramas actually but this made me watch it over and over again..
The male and female lead role brings more color to this drama series..
i just love it so so much..
love from ph🇵🇭🇵🇭..
..watch it now..☺️☺️
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This review may contain spoilers
Best and most favorite esports drama of all time
This hit me hard,this rom com esport drama made me create twitter account just to get some glimpse of the couple,thats how good the series is,their chemistry is unimaginable and unbeatable for me. From ep 1 their chemistry is deadly, you will notice that from their first eye interaction, bickering team mates like tom and jerry, those jealousy words and banters like colllecting stamps.So much good words to say despite that this is ongoing it really attracts both chinese and international fans. As a fan I am looking forward for every episodes that they reveal each day. Wishing them to be not just the best chinese drama for 2021 but be one of the best and unforgetable love couple in chinese and the whole world.Best Drama out right now so far not just for 2021 but for the rest.
I was a bit surprised when I read that Chinese audiences disliked the show when it premiered because honestly this is a fantastic lighthearted show about a falling in love while doing what she loves. I'm so over Dramas that are melodramatic and this was perfect for people like me that just wants some happiness.
Now let me further elaborate the great things this show does.
Couple- They are visually perfect for each other, from physical up to their characters. They are also both talented. I heard that supposed to be Cheng Xiao is not the original main character it was suppose to be Esther Yang luckily she did not accepted it.
I cannot imagine myself if Cheng xiao is not the Tong Yan here.She really deserved the role so refreshing and cute but not OA.
Song/Music-the whole series did composed at least 30 songs where all the players on each team has its own song/version. See how talented they are.
Unique cast-this is my first time to see a cast that all played and unique on their own way, from the couple to their team mates, her bestfriend who is so cool, to their rival in sports, to their coach, even to their parents who is so supported in their own way.
Lessons-Although it was been criticized due to plagiarism i think it is not fair , its understandable that they just adapted it to a novel there will be a time that some looks like the rest. I will totally agree that it causes intrigues/debate on China as it reflects a slap truth to some about toxic fans. Hoping they will tried to watch it so they will understand how close it was to the reality.
I appreciate the lessons that this what the author wants, that although those people we idolize whether in sports/ television they are still just a human, not a saint who cannot commit mistakes.They have a personal life which is different unlike what they portrayed and if we truly loved them we should support them.
Favorites scenes-everytime xu Kai (Lu sicheng) are saying you are collecting stamp again, first eye interaction, first unofficial date where they buy fish, 2nd date when they are secretly go to watch movies, when lu si cheng confessed the reason why she loved/like tong yan to Little fatty, everytime cheng recite those article in law (anyway he was a political science and law graduate on the series), kiss on the bus, when they sleep together, caught by little fatty, when cheng was mad and did not talk to Tong yan due to the beating incident, when cheng said I am afraid that I will have a soft side when tong yan ask him why he was avoiding her, and most especially when li si cheng kiss tong yan as public declaration on the match
I thought after Love 020 thats the end of it, I am biased and vocal that I am an avid fan of chinese drama that I usually bragged it to my friends who usually love like Love 020, go go squid, gank your heart, skate into love, boss and me and so many more and watch korean drama. I am so happy everytime I saw and learn if someone appreciate chinese drama. This is my first time that while waiting for ongoing , i am also reading the novel to understand those episeverytimodes that is not yet out. And every episodes is really worthile to watch and read. I came to a point where I watch it everyday with or without subtitle.
Definitely , this will be placed as my number 1 tv series in chinese from the time I started watching Chinese drama.
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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!!
I started watching this yesterday so if anyone is here to check if they should watch it or not then shut this tab and GO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW!!---
I am a fan of sports dramas and no offence to Love O2O and other e-sports com romance but this is superior and as a fan of women empowerment I love this drama.
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The ML [Male lead], FL [Female Lead] and the other actors did a great job. The acting was really good including the chemistry between the characters.[ Not just romantic chemistry btw the main leads but also the friendship and everything]
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The graphics and animations are so good and from the view of Cinematography, it's really good and even the transitions.
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As a Carat [ K-pop boy group called seventeen's fanbase] I started watching the OST like mah boys did a great job. One of the best Chinese drama OST ever.
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Are you still reading this review😶!?
YOUR WASTING TIME
GO WATCH IT!!!
Thank you for reading if you are🤗.
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This review may contain spoilers
Supporting casts were better than Main Leads LOL
A light and fluffy drama about Esports, training in the team, its struggles & ups and downs; and of course falling in love. Lots of sweet moments & kisses between the two leads, but what made the show for me was the rest of the teammates, coach and manager. They each had their specific trademark and unique characters which you will grow to love.The gaming aspect of it was great to watch. I loved how in the middle of the game, the audience would be sucked into the game and be in the midst of the battle itself. The graphics and animation is superb and out of this world and this is another highlight for me. Two thumbs up!
Now comes some blaring factors that did not sit too well with me. [SPOILER AHEAD]
1) Lu Si Cheng and how he treated the girl he likes. Just like what Jin Yang said- he’s like a kindergarten kid who likes the girl by bullying and pulling her hair. Yes that’s how I felt in the first half of the show when he was so called pursuing her. He called her names, bullied her and was rude. When he confessed, he only gave her two hours to decide because he had to know if he could get a good night’s sleep. What the?!!
2) When Tong Yao was harassed & assaulted by Xu Tai Lun in the corridor- she bit his arm in self defence to set herself free. For that, the captain scolded and punished her by locking her out of the base camp for the rest of the day. And wouldn’t let her have her dinner until she ‘realised’ her mistake. ###!%*>*!?## What the heck??? In my opinion she did the right thing and the captain shld have been protecting her instead of punishing. Stupid.
3) When Tong Yao received the threatening package from the Anti-Fan.. and the upper management of ZGDX wanted her to apologise to the perpetrator instead of finding out the truth and protecting your team members???!!! What lousy team managers and sponsors. Instead the captain had to do it himself which affected his own training and game.
[END SPOILER]
Yeah, these factors just didn’t sit well with me. As for the acting, I’m sorry to say I didn’t think the two leads were that great, especially FL Cheng Xiao. To me she couldn’t act at all. (And who wears a sweater and short shorts to an interview??) Best supporting actor goes to Chubby! :):)
Apparently the show is getting a lot of negative feedback from netizens, particularly from the esports industry. I also noticed in the show, they were drinking a lot of RIO at the beginning, (product placement), but not as much in the later half. Tsk tsk...
The last episode was very intense and I loved it!! The battle song was hilarious, and it was nice the script gave Smiling the victory end. I also loved how Ai Jia climbed to the audience to kiss Jin Yang (lovely 2nd couple). Too bad the last kiss on the stage was cut :( Generally had a feel-good ending.
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In regards to the characters, I liked the relationship between the teammates(including their manager Rui and Coach Ming) of Team ZGDX. I think the story did a great job of developing their relationship as a team. I also liked the friendship between our ML and Hierophant, Jin Yang & Tong Yao.
I've seen Xu Kai in other dramas and liked his acting. I think he did a decent job here as Lu Si Cheng. At first it may seem like LSC's character is just cold and arrogant, but after watching it completely till the end you see the other sides of LSC's character.
As for the FL's character, I'm glad to see the writers did not make her an annoying or frustrating character because she is childish and has a few flaws. This is the type of flawed childish FL that won't piss me off all the time. She's not strong, but she's not completely weak either. As for Cheng Xiao's acting, she is a bit stiff. She couldn't quite bring her character into life. I also don't understand why her username was Smiling either, because she didn't smile all the time, but it didn't matter that much.
But if you're looking for a good performance from the FL, don't expect too much. I'd say the stiffness is about the same as ZS's Bei Wei Wei in Love O2O.
I think what makes up for the FL's acting is the romance. The main couple bicker a lot and LSC teases TY a lot which I found very cute. They have quite a lot of kissing scenes and good romantic moments. The kissing scenes didn't appear sloppy either (stating that for people who judge kiss scenes cause I know some people do that).
I'm glad there's no crazy love triangles in here. It's light, there is a clingy ex-bf but it doesn't matter. I pitied the ex-bf but I also know why he ended up that way. There's a bit of comedy here too and I found myself laughing over some of the lines and scenes (especially Lu Yue's scenes).
For the gaming aspect, you don't need to be a gamer to watch it or understand it. I think you can enjoy it without being knowledgeable about the game. I'm not familiar with the Onmyoji game myself, but I liked watching the action scenes of the games.
I'd say this is similar to Love O2O (if you liked that drama), but I find it better than Love O2O in most ways. I think the gaming portion is done much better here and you don't have to watch the main characters dress up in costumes for the game scenes (like it was in Love O2O). It's also less dramatic than Love O2O.
The dubbing is a bit weird but not too terrible. I've seen worse dubbing in C-dramas.
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