The show just made me gush, although it did heavily remind me of Love in Tokyo I feel like the main character wasn't super dumb. I just really dislike the trope of having a super smart guy and a not so smart girl fall in love. It would have been better if she had just been an average student.
I liked the pacing of the show in the beginning, (oddly enough I liked how much I saw the characters studying because it made me reminiscent of my high school days) but towards the end, I just didn't like how they were speeding up their college days BUT at the same time I feel like if the show had been a bit longer, I may have gotten bored with it. I guess it was a bit jarring to see their college days fly by in 3 episodes when it took 17 episodes to get through their high school life.
That tiny little plot twit towards the last few episodes of the show shocked me a bit. I was not expecting that time skip...
I would definitely rewatch this show because it made me feel so many emotions, the characters were wonderful and I want to go through this journey all over again!
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Although it reminded me of it, it still stand on its own. The characters stood out. I hope they will be able to make the part 2 of it like how started with a kiss continued.
I love Hu Yi Tian and Shen Yue!
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This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful in so many ways...
There is something speciell about this drama, though the story is very typical worm-cold puppy love I cant help but fall for it over and over again (yes I am writing this review after having re-watched it). With just the perfect combination of sweet, sorrow, tension, comedy and stomach acing nervousness.The male lead is cold, so cold it becomes really funny at times yet warm and caring at the sam time, just not so that any one else can see it, and completely lacks communication skills. He is surprisingly self-awere but the first time I saw this I wanted to yell at him, WHY are you doing this to her. His lack of communication skills is also reflected in his lack of understanding for the notion of consent (but he does not force himself or anything like that) yet he does show some character growth I love the way he stays true to his core introvert self all the way threw the drama, Also be observant of his ayes throughout the drama they tell allot more than his words and actions.
The female lead is the epifani of optimism, and his COMPLEATE opposite in every imaginable way, her love, her pain, her enthusiasm and grasping for straws shines thru the screen making it hard not to love her and want to protect her, she does however have her limits and at least tries to put up boundaries to protect herself at times which keeps her from falling over in to being truly pathetic.
The second male lead is very warm, outgoing, and a true doer. He is extremely devoted and lovable in every singel way, yet is does play a significant role in adding substance and time to this drama. I think many people can easily get SLS for him. I would not mind, a spinoff for him to find love in.
The dynamics between the three is actually both funny, heartbreaking and ever evolving... and does not really feel like the typical love triangel since there seems to be some kind of respect towards each other.
The side characters are just the best, the friendship is just as important as the romantic love in this drama.The second couple is as adorable as adorable can be. And the chemistry between the cast is just fenomenal. Not a singel character annoyed me! (very rare for a c-drama).
What tipped the scale over from a 9 star rating to a 10 is how this drama shows the life, hopes, fears and dreams of a teenager with a serous heart condition, both in day to day life and when it takes a tern to the worst...
To top it off it has my favorite monolog of all time,,, and is beautifully shot as well, so yes this is a love so beautiful, and a beautiful love.
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This review may contain spoilers
Handsome and Toxic
Everybody seems to like this story but me. I find Jiang Chen very selfish and toxic.He constantly hurts her throughout the series and the one time he has to chase after her, he does it after 3 years.
There were many moments in the series that got me angry at him. To me this is not a love story. Not my cup of tea.
The acting was good and music was okay.
I wouldnt recommend this drama though.
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Every episode brings a smile to your face. When it ends you are - so soon huh ! There is not a moment of boredom, I can assure you that. It is going to be my favourite Asian drama. There is no planning and plotting or many people who are trying to break the couple apart. The story is more about how their relation grows deeper and cuter.
You should really give it a try and I am planning to rewatch...
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Ok so where to begin? Oh, let me tell you how i discovered this. Browsing through youtube i come across this trailer. Looking at the thumbnail i was quite reluctant to check it out, but hell would i have regretted it if i didn't. Just from the trailer, I LOVED IT! I loved it so much that i even downloaded the trailer on my phone and watched it at least 20 times a day for an entire week (i know im crazy but whatever). I've never been so passionate about a drama and i decided to spread the word because back then no one knew about the drama. I waited for about 2 months for it to come out (dates kept getting delayed). Finally when it came out i was praying there would be subs (and luckily there were so thankful to the subber on youtube). I loved this drama so much that i had to mentally prepare myself for its ending so i recommend those who decide to watch prepare a box of thick tissues ( trust me you would need it). Okay lets move on to the story.
STORYLINE:
The story is pretty much a typical story about two childhood lovers that slowly go into adulthood. BUT WAIT! It's not that simple. The female lead, Chen Xiaoxi, had a crush on the male lead, Jiangchen, for the majority of her high school life and when they became adults it turned the other way around, it was the guy pursuing the girl. The romance in this drama is quite subtle in the early episodes so if you aren't into the intense romance this drama is perfect for you. But for those who like some more romance, just wait till the later episodes. You will be satisfied. Although the development of the Jiangchen and Xiaoxi's relationship was quite slow it came together nicely. The only negative thing i have to say about this drama is that the ending felt a little rushed with lots of time lapses. Apart from that the drama kept me entertained all through 23 episodes (considering im the type to drop out of dramas quickly if i lose interest). The second couple (Luyang and Jingxiao) was also very cute and fun to watch. Overall, the storyline revolves around childhood lovers going into adulthood, changing feelings, love and hate, school challenges and youthful childhood (so nostalgic honestly).
ACTING/CAST:
First off holy sh** Jiangchen's so cute and hot!!! (one of the main reasons why i decided to watch this drama). When i first discovered the drama i legit had a 1 month phase on this guy and now looking back into my camera roll i have like 30 pics of him. Most of the cast for A Love So Beautiful were eye candy. Although the majority of the cast were rookie actors, they were not lacking in many aspects at all. The actors suited the role perfectly i couldn't imagine anyone else playing these roles other than the main cast. Some people may think that the character of Xiaoxi was annoying but i actually thought that it was really cute! The lead couple looks extremely cute as the guys is really tall and the girl is short which shows how Jiangchen (Hu Yitian) is kinda like something that Xiaoxi (Shen Yue) can rely on. (their height difference is soooo cute omg!!!). The rest of the cast played their roles very well as well, especially Wu Bosong, the pitiful, nice and caring second lead guys who never gets the girl (nice guys finish last).
MUSIC:
I dont have any significant remarks about the music BUT the music at the beginning really contributes to the youthful, lighthearted and happy mood of the entire drama. Also, the main actors have such a nice voice so the music doesnt really disturb me at all (its actually quite cute).
REWATCH VALUE:
This is one of those dramas that i would definitely watch again especially during spring when love blossoms (omg cringe sry). Whenever i wish that my love life would be one just as beautiful as this i would probably watch it again and imagine myself being Xiaoxi (but in reality i will forever be a single pringle couch potato :() OVERALL THOUGHTS:
This drama was so beautiful, lovely, nostalgic and just ...(can't put into words). It is probably my all time favourite Chinese drama now (Im still not over it). If you havent watched this drama then i highly recommend that you go and watch it RIGHT NOW!!! This is my first review and if i am willing to spend 1 hour on this you know it'll be good. Such a beautiful drama cannot be missed.
PS. Thanks to all who have read my 4500 word review and i hope you liked it. For all those who havent checked ALSB out i hope i was able to convince you guys to watch the drama (you can thank me later ;)
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Some people may like to watch it again but I think I will just go to some cute moments and rewatch it.
Overall nice presentation with brilliant actors.
Hwaiting...A love so beautiful team.
Thank you.
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Plot wise, there isn't anything new or surprising with this series. It all hits the typical tropes that exist in dramaland: aloof, cold hearted boy who, of course, happens to be the top student of his class, cheerful bubbly girl who isn't smart but the only thing she has going for her is that she LIKES this boy, Jiang Chen and the whole world knows that she does and there is no shame on her part. The whole story is basically the girl and the boy and all the adventures they go through during high school and college. Note, this is a love story so everything revolves around the love story. There may be some issues that you find in Asian societies such as the whole pressure of doing well in school and being depressed about it, or fulfilling your dreams vs your parents' dreams. Regardless of whatever the issue, the story is about Xiao Xi and whether or not Jiang Chen likes her back.
I liked Hu Yi Tian's acting but there isn't a whole lot to write about since he just has to keep quiet and act aloof for most of the show. Shen Yue's acting is a bit exaggerated but with this type of female character, that seems to be part of the package...you cry a whole lot and the audience just choose to either cringe along or cry with her.
Background music was tastefully done. Some things I did not like was how Jiang Chen kind of bosses Xiao Xi around and she is just like a puppy waiting around for command. I wish there was more growth and character development for Xiao Xi because up until the end of the series, we are convinced that this girl can't do anything to save her life and she has to depend on her man for everything. That didn't sit well with me and she seemed even more stupid at the end of the series that I would like to believe.
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Why is this so popular?
I just finished watching With You (1996) and reading the reviews I see a lot of people wrote about how Love So Beautiful reminds them of that. It got me intrigued and got me watching.The FL was totally obsessed with ML and chased after him even though he ignored her most of the time (and the rest of the time was just being rude to her). ML talked to her as if she's rubbish, told her to do things and kissed her several times without consent. Why do people think this is cute 🧐???!!!
I skipped a lot in the middle but I did enjoyed the last 3 or 4 episodes where they all grew up and she had a bit more self respect.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend. I don't know why is this drama so popular??! Very disappointed to myself for wasting several hours watching this.
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I was fully invested in both the lead and supporting characters, in most dramas I tend to skip the part of the supporting characters, but not this time; everyone really held their weight. I really thought the actors outdid themselves in every aspect, and the chemistry made me hold my breath at times.
Even though many compare this to Playful Kiss, I'd say that yes, there are some similarities, but it is very unique and not nearly as "silly" and "annoying" as that show. This felt similar to a slice of life/school anime initially which developed into a very sweet romance. There is also that trait that is often seen with the girl with really short hair being loud and spontaneous, like in Reply 1984, and even the Taiwanese version of Skip Beat (which is the closest, I just kept thinking of Ivy Chen). It was nice to see maturity evolve particularly in the female lead character, from start to finish.
One final thought that kept crossing my mind throughout the show was that I really wanted to have such supportive friends as the lead character had, I was actually jealous at times because they portrayed such a genuine friendship. I laughed with them and cried when it was tough, the emotional investment was there. I think that is why this show also reminded me of animes like Toradora and Kokoro Connect (and even Clannad, but don't take it too far)
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