Most of us have experienced studying in high school. Although not everyone had experiences of relationships in high school, most likely we have observed this happenings around us. "A Love So Beautiful" is that drama that highlights the innocence of high school as well as the experiences of having a crush or falling in love with someone. This drama has a typical high school drama plot line which focuses on the lives of the main characters during high school. This is another instance wherein a drama doesn't appeal to be deep, but merely to be relatable. I'll delve deeper with this review by discussing each components for rating, from its story until the rewatch value.
The story of this drama is light. It's a story that is easy to digest since the story is told in a linear manner. The pacing was kind of steady but the ratio between the past and present was kind of unsatisfying. I believe that the story would've been more interesting if it was able to balance the two parts of the story since the character development can be highlighted more in a setting as such. Another characteristic of the story is that it's romantic. But this characteristic is a double edged sword. It was able to create a story that can be fantasized by many but it can create misconceptions in terms its main theme: love. It was my dilemma while watching the drama since at times it challenges my thoughts about relationships.
Next is the Acting and the Cast. Personally, this component is the one that made me continue watching the series. It might seem a bit contrary since I only gave it an 8.5 out of 10 but I considered many factors in rating this criteria. The casting for this drama is really great. The chemistry between them is really commendable.
Shen Yue and Hu Yi Tian's chemistry however, is what made this drama special. It can tug heartstrings and it can make you punch or slap the back of someone who is beside you. If the casting was the only thing to take into consideration in rating, I would've gave this a perfect rating, but there is a need to rate the acting, thus lowering my score. There are many times while watching that I felt sad because there were many opportunities to show more emotions, to give more adlibs but there wasn't anything. Character relationships aren't even an excuse because the acting could've been better and sometimes, you feel that the acting is a bit too calculated. The latter lines however, pertains to the acting for the two main actors, Shen Yue and Hu Yi Tian. The acting isn't perfect, nor excellent, but it's still commendable.
The music for this drama is actually good but the thing is, it can only be memorable if you don't skip the opening sequence. The theme songs are beautiful, but I the music lacked variety, thus lowering my score.
Lastly the rewatch value. I personally think that this drama has a really high rewatch value since it's a light watch and also because of the cast remarkable and memorable chemistry.
It has been a long time since I last watched a Chinese drama and I must day, watching this drama was a good and pleasant experience. I recommend that people to watch this if they want a light and a heartwarming drama :D.
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This review may contain spoilers
Watch it if you’re looking for lighthearted kind of drama
I watched this only for the plot. I'm a sucker for this kind of drama.At first I was kinda irritated with Xiao Xi, she's one of those stupid love slave that would do anything for her love. But as the story goes, I am relieved to see how she grew into a well matured and well thought woman. Same thing as Jiang Chen. But what I'm trying to say is I'm really glad they showed how both leads maturing and face their own mistakes. I'm glad they showed how the leads changing into a better person.
I'm kinda disappointed though... Instead of wasting time to shows unimportant things, they should've took that time to make important scene better.
Overall it's a nice drama.
In the end, if you're looking for simple, lovey-dovey, cute kind of drama, watch it!
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This review may contain spoilers
Sorry if this is long. I rarely finish a drama so I want to write thoughtful reviews whenever I do from now on! Short review:
This drama is cute! If you want a cute fluff, this drama is definitely for you! Think: Itazura Na Kiss but less elaborate and a bit more variety in characters and instances.
The more elaborate review:
I RARELY finish a drama but for some reason, I breezed through this one pretty easily! I watched this in less than 24 hours (I skipped scenes that didn't interest me), it's on youtube too so that helped a lot! I think each ep is only 40 mns if u skip the intro song (it showed lots of spoilers so I recommend skipping it), preview (tip: skip to 160 secs on yt to go straight to the ep!) and the credits!
The story revolved mostly during their time in highschool. Lots of school dramas, as u can imagine: jealousy, love, family, friendship and ofc the infamous asian grade pressuring of parents to their children.
The story after they graduated felt VERY rushed. I wish they could've presented it in a more elaborate way. The story telling was pretty messy and everything was happening SO FAST. There was a time (I think around ep 17-18) where I was like, wait did i skip an ep??? bc everything was so sudden.
For the characters:
XiaoXi. Sigh. Girl, where's the self-respect?? She really didn't know when to distance herself from Jiang Chen. I guess he doesn't mind but it's frustrating for me, a girl viewer, to see someone submitting themselves so much to a guy who barely even shows his real feelings towards her. I get that she's like that at first but during the last legs of the highschool story arc, I was just fed up. She also didn't mature that much when they graduated. Not as annoying but she really does forgive him too easily and when she doesn't, she becomes annoying again by not even listening properly to him and what he has to say. She's cute though and I now stan Shen Yue (the actress). She so smol tho aw
Jiang Chen. Sigh again. BOI IF U DON'T-!!!!! Idk how to feel about his character, he's cold but not too cold. I relate to to him in a way tho, idk how to express feelings properly. I was so annoyed he kept on entertaining Lee Wei but I guess in the end, she really needed his help. He needed to learn to express his feelings and his motives for the things that he does for XX. I liked tho that he's become open about his feelings for her to his friend. Also, during the times XX and him were together, he was open to doing what she wants eventho he's not a fan of them. He's a tad bit possessive and selfish tho (not that much of a bad thing ;)). I also like his arc as a doctor bc he never neglected his duties. He's given a proper bg story for me to understand why he was the way that he was so I guess I didn't remember much of what annoyed me of his character.
Wu Bo Song. He's such a sweetheart. A generous, kind and loving sweetheart. I like his story arc as a swimmer. I don't have much to say about him as his character was the typical nice 2nd male lead. We're all used to that. He's the Kin-chan of this story, basically.
Second main couple: their characters were very well written from beginning to end and honestly, they might just be the reason you'll keep on watching.
OTP:
Chemistry was great! The height difference never fail to surprise me whenever I see it lol.
Some annoying things abt their relationship: misunderstandings. They literally got separated for a long time just bc there was a misunderstanding (also bc both of then are hardheaded). They never communicate properly (as u do in these stories) that's why they don't meet halfway. It git annoying so I definitely skipped some of those parts.
One thing I liked about their relationship is when he was having his internship/job at the hospital, XX never complained of how him being a doctor gets in the way of their relationship. Whenever he gets a call, she can get upset but still, she understands. That's why she's perfect for him. As for the sweet moments, it takes a while before we get there and there's not much but when there is, it's very very cute!! We should've gotten a bit more intimate moments, I remember having an ep where they were just acting SO CUTE and next ep was literally hell. One step forward, two step backwards (as u do ofc). It was even worse the second time around.
The ending felt VERY rushed so we didn't get to have enough otp moments. They were very cute tho! Love the scenes on her apartment. He's so into her, it's great. I'm getting Scorpio vibes from Jiang Chen, and XiaoXi is the Cancer to his obsessed Scorpio! Lol.
Final thoughts:
All in all, despite my rants above, this was an easy watch! I recommend it bc seems like lots of people liked it too. Many says this is the greatest drama they've ever watched (which confuses me bc it's pretty average), it's pretty good when you're looking for a lighthearted drama! The otp is so cute!!! I would love to watch them again (I've known about the "scandal" midway through the drama and it did kinda ruin the fantasy for me but i got over it eventually). I've became a fan of Shen Yue.
Ps. Hu Yi Tian looks like Park Bo Gum + Sehun in some angles and Shen Yue looks like Mugi Kadowaki + Tsuchiya Tao!
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The story is really good and so is the acting.
I love both the main couple and the side couple.
I also love the character development, their characters developed so much after high school, especially Cheng Xiaoxi.
And OMG I love Wu Bosong, I think they found the perfect person for that role. He gave me major Second lead syndrome and till today I still ship him and Cheng Xaoxi.
The male lead too is pretty good, at first I was really angry that he was so mean to her, but later on they made us understand that he really cares for her. This was nice and pretty sweet so I'm not so mad that he ended up with Cheng Xiaoxi.
Overall this drama is really good and I would definitely rewatch some parts, especially for my Wu Busong... he's just so amazing.
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Recommended!
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This review may contain spoilers
i like this cdrama , i started watched cdrama because of this series first , all of it so perfect , the only sad thing about this why only 24 episodes ? it could be more than that like a story when they are in college n separated for 3 years . i am going crazy for shen yue because of this , she is so cute in this cdrama , the story really good make me think of my highschool life before with that nokie phone lol , i really recommended this cdrama to all of u that looking for good cdrama to watch Was this review helpful to you?
SUPERB CHEMISTRY OF Hu yitian and ShenYue
This is the first drama that i noticed c drama existed hahahaha. Im not a fan of c drama literally because i'm into kdrama most of the time.The leads FL and ML is so matched with each other. I love the storyline, the OST and the story plot.
This is the first main role of Shenyue and for me she nailed it. Her character as chen xiaoxi will always marked on her image as an actress.
I love also the friendship on this drama, the rapport since they grew up and had a job.
Overall, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED C-DRAMA FOR ME.
Just like its title ' A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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STORY: The story is simple and not too heavy and deals with real life problems, such as relationships, school and the future. As many other reviews have stated, the majority of the drama is set while they are in high school but that does not subtract away from the story. While it is mostly set at a good pace, towards the end there were a few large jumps between times, which was not always a bad thing, My only wish was that it lasted a bit longer. While I felt the last episode was rewarding, I just wish they could of added more onto their story. As for the romance, I loved it! It's exactly what I want from a drama. While some people may not like a tsundere character (someone who acts cold but is secretly a cinnamon roll), I personally found it very sweet, especially the secret smiles Jiang Chen gives Chen Xiaoxi and the way he cares for her in his own way. Though his affection for her is more obvious later on in the drama. If you like cute romances, a (sort of) realistic drama that is not too heavy and has a simple story, then I would definitely watch this drama.
ACTING: I really enjoyed the acting in this drama as well. Shen Yue did a great job portraying Chen Xiaoxi, who is a very cheerful and optimistic person. Hu Yitian also did a great job, especially in his expressions when he subtly shows his concern and affection for Chen Xiaoxi. All the other actors did a great job as well, I didn't feel like the acting was way over the top like it sometimes is for dramas. Overall, I thought everyone did a great job!
MUSIC: Ugh! The song at the beginning of each episodes gets me every time. It honestly fits so well with the drama and the side story that involves the song is so adorable. The song basically describes Chen Xiaoxi and Jiang Chen relationship and honestly just tugs at my heart strings. For that reason, I give it a high rating.
RE-WATCH VALUE: I will definitely re-watch this drama and I feel like its my ideal/ perfect drama. However, I can understand if other people do not feel the same way as the story was quite simple and other may find it tedious to watch again. For me personally, I defiantly want to re-watch it.
Overall, I loved this drama. If you prefer dramas that have a heavy story line and some action if you will, this may not be for you and that is completely understandable. While it is not all sunshine and roses in it, as there are parts that are quite sad, the majority of it does not have a heavy feel to it. I definitely experienced the drama hangover after finishing it, but I'm so glad I watched it and was a breath of fresh air from the other dramas that I usually watch. I would definitely recommend!
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This is the best drama that I have watched!
This Chinese drama, which I'm currently viewing for the first time, has a unique premise and is excellent. Given how excellent it is, it doesn't matter to me whether I watch it again. This is another one if you guys are well-known in high school plays. If you guys are also well-known for the love triangle in this drama in which two boys fight after the same female, here is another thing. I hope you all watch the entire drama without skipping a beat; it can also be accessed on Tencent Video and Youtube. This is history's greatest drama.Jiang Chen, Chen Xiao Xi, Wu Bo Song, Lin Jing Xiao, and Lu Yang make up the majority of the cast. Characters Chen Xiao Xi and Lu Yang are the prettiest, while Jiang Chen is the most handsome. Ling Jing Xao is known as Pretty Girl. They do a good job acting as characters. I hope you enjoyed this drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
I have put off watching this drama for the longest time, mostly because of how cold Hu Yi Tian's character comes across. I caved because of how shuai Hu Yi Tian is + I wanted something that was light and easy to watch. Overall, it was entertaining and I was able to finish the drama in two days. Likes:
- Even though I felt that Jiang Chen had zero emotion and was mostly stoic throughout the series, Chen Xiao Xi was really able to be the exact opposite, making the chemistry and overall partnering of the two really work.
- I thought it was quite comical overall and could really resonate with many of their high school antics. Reminded me a lot of the movie Our Times, which I absolutely adored!
Dislikes:
- Time jump that was not really explored enough? I just felt like there wasn't enough substance
- The triangle that was kind of stupid and almost nonexistent because it was so obvious from day one that Cheng Xiao Xi really liked Jiang Chen only (?) but I guess that's the point of the love triangle? I just felt that there was zero chemistry between her and Wu Bo Song!
WATCH BECAUSE HU YI TIAN HAHA (even though tbh his character is sometimes a dumbass MAN who is just stupid and thinks dumbly)
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A series to remember
This was actually the first Cdrama I ever watched and believe me when I say I was obsessed. I absolutely loved Jiang Chen although he was mostly quite throughout the series, his actions spoke louder.Chen Xiao was an incredible character, the way she was played and protrayed gives me goosebumps everytime. The naiveness and how short she was compared to Jiang Chen was a factor I could not deny was appealing.
Shen Yue brought out the character so well that I almost forgot she was actually acting. The chemistry between them was on point and the OST is addicting. If I tell you I don't have it memorized I would be lying. The second male lead was amazing and the writers really took a dive into his life which made us also sympathize with him even though he was dumped. This drama can never be overhyped and I have watched it up to three times now, currently watching it for the fourth. It's a must watch!
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A realistic portray of life
I've into kdramas for a decade but I never gave any other country's dramas a chance. 'A Love So Beautiful' is the first cdrama I watch and I've gotta say I was pleasantly surprised with the drama as a whole. I think the production was carefully done and the story was properly written and developed, though I have major complaints about stuff here and there. Still, I think the characters were all very relatable and acted according to their age in all the different stages of their lives. I think the story was very realistic and that's probably my favorite thing about this drama.Be aware, this review will contain very specific plot points and spoilers that would definitely change your perception of the show if you haven't watched it and don't like spoilers. I don't recommend to read it if you haven't watched the drama.
Chen Xiao Xin is a girl heavily crushed on a guy who wouldn't turn his head back to check on her for years. She was brave for making moves on him even though he was blatantly not interested, she was persistent and had a clear goal in her life: become Jiang Chen's something. However, she also had a very poor image of herself and terrible self-esteem and dignity for obvious reasons, which I tolerated in the first episodes because it wasn't that extreme. But after a while it became tiresome and I found myself disliking her multiple times. Still, I liked a lot that she was the one to break up later and she gave herself some place in his life and even made him wait (although only a little bit) until she made up her mind. The writers redeemed the character with that, or so they tried, but I accept it and think she was a pretty good character overall.
Jiang Chen is a cold guy who doesn't care about anything or anyone; he's the smartest guy in school and focuses only on his studies. Until he meets a girl that chases him around and eventually makes him get used to her, as he finds himself caring for her and waiting for her. At first I thought he was just the jerkish type of cold male lead but who would soon change because of the FL and treat her right. Even if I was proven right later on, I think they carried the 'cold guy who never expresses his feelings' narrative for way longer that I would've liked.
I liked their relationship when they dated between 2009-2012, but so many things stressed me out: the fact that they never properly kissed, did not sleep with each other, JC never told CXX she liked her even (during those 3 years), and those things that are definitely unrealistical for a relationship lasting that long. Their relationship was realistic in other matters, like being too busy and not having time for each other, longing for the other, trivial misunderstandings to major ones that changed their lives.
Despite this, I think they made up well for what they put CXX for 20 something eps by making JC the absolute sweetest and clingest boyfriend with the softest gaze and deepest voice. As I watched the last 4 eps I live tweeted my reaction and found myself just yelling at JC's tiny bits of attention. When he realized she was laying down on his office and he went there, slept next to her and then woke up because she'd leave, and back-hugged her in the purest way and asked her to come back soon. God! Or when they were walking holding hands and she said her hand was sweaty and he switched places so he could still hold her hand while walking together. God! OR when they were at the bench before making up and he holds her hand and puts his head on his hands holding hers and says he's sorry. God!
Even if I think his character was dull and nothing compared to the SL, I rooted for him too and think JC was really into her. It annoys me, though, that he only told her he loves her directly once (the confession was absolutely cute and heartwarming) and twice while talking to Bo Song, but he didn't even know he was on a call. But I guess drama directors just really love the cold, no feelings guy.
Now, moving to the best character of the show, Wu Bo Song. A boy with only one induced thing on his mind: swimming. Until he meets a girl that makes him think of her all day long. What they did to WBS is horrible and I feel so sorry for him. The fact that he wrote once that he loves CXX (confession 1), then openly confessed before graduation that he was in love with her and that she'd do anything for her (confession 2), and finally, they even made him propose (confession 3) and say the sweetest things in both 2nd and 3rd confessions. It hurt me so much to see him tell CXX that he was joking when he first confessed, later on admitted to not be joking and that he actually loved her but he had decided to give up on her. Then years later he confesses to love her once again, proposes to her and even tells her he knows what her answer would be but he still had to try. Hello? Did you have to hurt me so much like this, writer-nims? When he said he didn't plan to do it so soon and that he wanted to give her more time but "you know I get anxious when I see a certain someone." Was that necessary? Please, answer! Was that necessary? Holy God, it hurt me so much. Whenever he said that he would do anything "his boss" wanted, he bought her all the stuff she ever mentioned she needed. When JC asked if the ground where they were standing was hers and WBS appeared and said that if she wanted he would buy for her. Please! Why do they need to do that! They just made my poor boy suffer so much for nothing.
On top of that, when he was knowingly rejected and called Lu Yang and started drinking with him, simply showed him the ring and LY immediately knew what was going on. Then JC came and writers even made WBS literally beg him to "let him" have CXX? WBS said "give me CXX back" and JC replied "she's always been mine." I never wanted to punch a character so much. But I was so much more hurt because of WBS begging him and later finding out he was actually on a call with CXX... because even if he was hurting and even if he loved her to death, he still knew she wouldn't be completely happy with him even if she ever accepted him and wanted the best for her and got out all those words from JC... I'm just baffled at the amazing character he was and how he was paid dust. Literal dust. I can't wait to see Gao Zhi Ting on a ML role in a romance drama to finally see him get the girl and be the happy boy he deserves to be.
Lin Jing Xiao was the baddest and kindest girl ever and I loved every aspect of her personality during school and college days. Since the very beginning I knew she and Lu Yang would end up together since it was the obvious thing to happen, although I didn't think they would have such a lovely story. I used to think LY was just the loser-y friend of the group but he was so much more than that. I loved the beginning of their relationship and how honest they were with each other, the fact that their love was so pure and they lasted so long having their cute dynamics. I teared up a bit when they were saying their vows and how purely in love they were with each other, complementing the other nicely. It was the best couple of the drama obviously and one of the best second couples ever. It made me want to see more of both actors.
Overall, I agree on the common idea that this drama was good in like 75% because of the friendship, 10% on the plot and 10% Wu Bo Song alone and 5% on the main couple. They were dull for like 20 eps until JC finally decided he needed to TALK to get things like, you know, an adult would do. At least he did open up and he became sweeter and kind and most importantly, not behind the scenes but actually showing it to her. It bothered me so much that he never told her he loved her once in 22 eps. Yes, love can be also demonstrated in acts and he definitely showed her his love and I will give him that because, as a viewer, I know he loved her dearly from school days. But it wouldn't have hurt him to say it every once in a whilecwo that she wouldn't be so hurt. The first time he said it to her (out of 2 total times that are in the same scene), he said "then why do you always forget that I love you with all my heart." Please, you never said so before? She's not a witch to know what you're thinking. Also, I just remembered when she told him she was tired of trying to figure him out and his thoughts, that she was not curious to know about what he was thinking anymore. And then he started TALKING. That's how you resolve adult problems.
Anyway, despite my criticism and the fact that I'm terribly dissatisfied with what they did to Wu Bo Song, I still loved this drama very much and think they portrayed all the stages of life in an amazingly realistic way (despite certain fiction instances, of course). Their struggles and concerns were always according to their ages, their feelings and how they reacted to them was lovely, as they wanted to be their best selves no matter how young or old they were. Their friendship was very pure and I loved all their trips together, they really cared for each other as friends and it made my heart warm. I must say I had never watched a drama that went from school life, through college and until post-college adult life and do it so well. It's really such an espectacular drama, I would recommend it always.
I'm excited to see how the Korean version is going to develop the introduction to adult life and if they will correct some wrongs on the Chinese ver. And especially, I'm expecting the SL not to suffer as much as Bo Song wrongfully did.
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