Completed
Coffeebreak at 2pm
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 5, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

Tried too much and ended up flat

When I saw the casting for this drama, I was excited, especially after having watched "When I fly towards you". But after having finished this show, the only word I can describe it is "bait and switch".

It starts off well, we are being introduced to our main characters during their high school years and we are given a short backstory. We learn a little bit about the complicated backgrounds of the main characters, and the director goes a good job of building your typical "School youth romance" story line. And just as you are about to believe this is road the show will take, it takes a hard left.

We learn about the complicated family relations of the FL and the complicated past about the ML, and the director seem to insert the pasts of the main character whenever they feel like, and this creates weird dynamics and flow in the storyline. For example, we learn that ML's is a talented pistol shooter ALMOST HALF WAY THROUGH THE SHOW, and from there on we spent roughly 10 episodes on ML's path to heal himself from the childhood trauma, and here the director constantly toys with the viewer, every time we are baited to think the show will head towards romance again, the director switches, the sick control-freak mother, the random appearances of the uncles apprentice. The director dragged out the show too much in the middle and wrapped up everything too quick in the end, and the constant bait and switch does the original novel no favour either.

Other than the storyline, the soundtrack, makeup, and voice dubbing is under all criticism. They decided to have the FL actress dub over her character while every other character (except FL's lawyer brother) was using the original voice makes this whole show unbearable. The scene where FL singing at the beach concert was also dubbed... And the makeup artist should have been fired, on multiple occasions we could see double eyelid sticker on the FL.

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Dropped 26/30
P1r4t3k1n9
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
26 of 30 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Not worth watching

The one rando guy who claims to be the uncle's friend was unnecessary, it didn't make the story any better. Also no updates on the fl's brother and her friend's relationship was upsetting, I was rooting for them. Didn't watch to the end bc I felt that everything was being dragged. My sis watched til the end but said the ending was super rushed leaving a unsatisfied ending. This one is the most disappointing storyline out of Yiran's dramas, it just wasn't as good as his other dramas. This felt very boring halfway I'm surprised that I kept watching til the last couple of eps, I should've dropped it long time ago.

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Ongoing 16/30
Nightlyateleven02
14 people found this review helpful
Aug 21, 2023
16 of 30 episodes seen
Ongoing 1
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Really refreshing drama, best from Zhou Yiran so far

First off I need to THANK the writers for giving us the best FL I’ve seen in a longggg time, possibly all of 2023 (Hidden Love included). She’s aloof, cool, smart, independent, understated, and at the same time relatable. You get the feeling that ML RESPECTS herinstead of just finds her cute or likes her because of some random childhood fate. It’s a rare dynamic that you usually only see in jiedilian romances, but with more even push and pull here because they’re technically classmates and on occasion, competitors. On this basis alone this drama far exceeds ZYR’s last work When I fly towards you, which had in my opinion one of the dimmest and most insufferable FLs. Consequently the chemistry between the FL and ML is so much more palpable than in WIFTY as well - you really witness the build up of their relationship, and their pre-confession flirting/angst is the stuff of Cdrama dreams.

Beyond the FL, the storyline is also more thought out than your average idol drama. All characters have actual stressors which make sense; you empathise with their emotions instead of simply rolling your eyes at the predictability. Nothing is too far fetched, no crazy hijinks or prolonged misunderstandings, even when it comes to the disputes between the female cast (not just between the two leads). Everyone but especially ZYR is given a much better script to work with; I really enjoy his micro expressions of bemusement at the FL, and it feels like he finally was given a character which has a bit of mischief and edge to balance out the typical quiet/introverted/broody boy he usually plays.

Oh, might I just add that the unexpected bond between FL and her older step-brother is adorable.

Neutral factors:
-I can’t say I’m invested at all in the secondary characters or their lovelines. I might have been more interested in another drama but the chemistry between the leads here is so good, and the writing so tight, that everything else seems like a distraction.
-the food blogger is so over-acted it’s a bit cringey. Maybe that was the intended effect idk.

I started this on a whim when it came up on Mango’s YT but I’m so glad I did! RECOMMENDED.

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Completed
Angel Angeles
7 people found this review helpful
Aug 17, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

this drama is so beautiful.

i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall. i don't have anything to say but i love this drama overall.

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Completed
seher
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 6, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

cute comfort drama

three years on mdl and this is my first time writing a drama review, maybe i should write more. first of all, starting this i didn’t have anything in mind just the fact that i like zhou yiran and zhuang dafei both as really nice upcoming actors. the story is not that cliche as much as you see nowadays it’s not a dumb girl smart boy or good girl bad boy trope it’s just like normal people?? like both of true main characters are how you see real people going on in their day to die life. they both have trauma but they’re both really mature about it and help each other get over it together. usually what you see is a mid relationship crisis where they have to cope and some misunderstanding happens while they’re dating but i’m so glad they don’t have that. when lin yujing’s mother tells her to break up with shen juan she thinks about it but never like considers it really? i mean she does cause of her mothers health but they’re always in each others future plans no matter what and shen juan being there to explain it to her mother is so nice and just really helps not create any other misunderstandings. the thing i most like about this drama is that they’re both just on the same foothold? no one is superior than anyone and they’re both so sure of each other and that’s really how an ideal relationship should be, it’s like a dream high school bench mates to college relationship trope.

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Completed
Shimmy
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

what the heck happened?!?

I love the first half of this drama. The acting is fantastic and the first half of the story was tear-jerking but also awesome.

But I have no idea what happened to the second half, at all. I think if it had ended right at episode 23-24 I would have been ok with the ending, albeit not entirely satisfied. Do yourself a favor and as soon as that surgery is done, Mom is halfway human, and the boy wins the bronze, just turn it off.

The way it ended with a whole slew of completely unnecessary crap side characters and random plot point "problems" that all of a sudden appeared and then disappeared, and then left everyone hanging at the end, that isn't the kind of story that I get from a title like "you are desire/my daydream". I thought it was going to be like road home or lighter and princess, but nope. Not even close.

Not one single character gets closure or actually attains a desire unless you call basically being written off by all your family as the desire.

And poor ruyi. Why is everyone miserable at the end pretending to be happy just because they're graduating?!? I hate everything about the ending.

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Completed
Jess_VV
2 people found this review helpful
Oct 13, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0

Why didn't Mango upload the special eps (eps 31) on Youtube?

+ I like this drama more than WIFTY. I really like the strong FL and also some sense of being as a school's bad boy from the ML as well.
- The music are very relaxing and calm.
- The stories are very interesting (seeing a step brother and a step sister having a good relationship together, how the group of friends help each other when s1 in the group is having a hard time, how all of the couples understand and support each other's dream (including FL and ML's Couple, He Songnan's couple, and Gu Xia's couple)
+ What I mainly dislike:
- The subtitles just flip off the entire movies
- This movies spoiled so much about ML's life and his past ( If only, they could have minimized and shorten that point )
- The second half is a bit disappointed to me, but it's acceptable
- The last eps (eps 31) isn't uploaded on Youtube which caused so many misunderstandings (for thinking that this movie ended in eps 30, and also some say that this movie ended with an unfinished ending)
+ Overall, trust me guys, It's not that bad as how it reviewed.
+ Highly recommended for those who like a strong FL, a bad boy but also a genius ML, those who doesn't like to see lots of the kissing scene from both ML and FL.

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Ongoing 18/30
dramafanaticpp
5 people found this review helpful
Aug 22, 2023
18 of 30 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10

Endearing, heartwarming, adorable!

I’m 18 episodes in (binged 18 episodes..) and I am regretting even starting it before it is completed, now I’ve to wait day to day ?

While there were certain plots that seemed a little spotty and almost like they kept forgetting about it and decided to insert it back in just to remind us these characters still exist, I still love everyone of the characters, the portrayal and the story.

Where I am at now, I love how they heal each other, help each other and gave each other strength to move forward in their lives.

The cute interactions are the cherry on top!! (spoil super slightly - love it when they try to apologise to each other when one is angry)

While, like I said, there are small drops of certain characters and storylines (to focus on the main), everything else makes up for it.

FL is strong, determined and yet not overbearing like many of the other FL. Her respect for and towards ML and ML’s trust and respect towards her is so refreshing to watch.

I’ll update again when I’m done but for now, LOVE.

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Completed
ikaikaika
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 3, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

The first half was absolutely incredible, The second half lost its way.

I personally found the drama quite enjoyable at the first half. I agree with the majority that the plot's direction shifted in the second half, but I also believe it wasn't entirely unexpected. The change occurred because the characters themselves evolved; they transitioned from being adolescents to young adults, making their own decisions and facing the consequences. Additionally, we gained insights into the male lead's past and saw the female lead overcoming certain challenges to pave her own path in life.

Therefore, I'd describe the first half as focusing on two youngsters with troubled backgrounds who find solace and support in each other meanwhile in the second half, they are young adults who reconnect and develop deep feelings for each other while pursuing their dreams.

The drama isn't the best, but it's not the worst either.

P.S. : I'd recommend watching the special episode to find more answers.

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Ongoing 30/30
TaeTae
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 20, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10

I am a huge fan of Yiran

I started watching this drama for Yiran but fell in love with FL ,Sabrina is so pretty and her character is so strong as well. Yiran did a great job as always,his character is totally different from Rang Rang and he really carried his role so well,he proved that he is a great actor and can portray any role. Although I watched only 8 episodes yet and I know it's too early to say this but I wanna say that this drama is gonna be one of the best Cdrama of 2023. We are gonna get school and college romance along with lot's of emotions and it's gonna be a rollercoaster journey.. ahh can't wait,looking forward !!?

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Completed
smallpaperclips
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Quite Enjoyable

To each their own, but I personally really enjoyed the drama. I agree with majority that the trajectory of the plot changed in the second half but I also think it wasn't "out of the blue". It changed bc they changed. They weren't kids anymore and were considered adults in the second half. Making their own decisions and facing the consequences of those decisions. We also got to see what happened in ML's past and FL's fighting certain "boulders"(iykyk) to find her own path for her own life.

Without spoiling anything, I would say the first half is about two kids with troubled homes/past who find comfort and support in each other. Second half, young adults who reconnect and develop deep feelings for each other while supporting each other's dreams.

It isn't as romantic and fluffy as WIFTY, but the leads still have amazing chemistry. I think it was nicely developed too. And there are definitely some kicking my feet in the air moments too.

Definitely watch the special ep to get some more answers.

I think if you go into this drama thinking it will be as romantic and cute as WIFTY, you'll be greatly disappointed. ZYR's characters in both dramas are drastically different, but tbh.. I might like Shen Juan a little more ?

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Completed
milkymochi
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 1, 2023
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

A bright smile but the story made me very disappointed

I'm so really sorry to say but the plot story is very common, flat and is not suppose a teenager do like they really look very mature even though they comes from a broken home.

Is so hard to finished moreover there are 30 episodes! Honestly, I want to give up on episode 11 but I try to survive the end and finally I'm here now for add my review. The story really disappointed me, I thought they could finish it well at the end of the episode but unfortunately it looked strange and I didn't get the gist of the story because they were too focused on Shen Juan and Lin Yujing's romantic relationship. There are 30 episodes but I feel like the way they wrote it was like 24 episodes. They wasted too much money to make it to 30 episodes... I think 24 episodes is more than enough. The disappointment that has been hidden since episode 8.

Actor/Actress has a good acting especially both of them has a dimple and is look bright smile.

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You Are Desire (2023) poster

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  • Ranked: #3530
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