Unrequited Love (2019)

OK, I was not 100% convince with the synopsis, picking this title up from Netflix. But I thought of giving a try as I was flipping through drama list.
You know it was a good drama when you continue watching pass episode 1. And this was what happened. The story line was progressing very pleasantly, wish I could also read the book before hand. The flow of the story was good and I did not feel there were any boring or dead spots. I particularly like the narration of the story.
The acting was good overall. Not sure I would consider any of the leads good looking (not my type).
The ending was kinda expected with a good result for both the leads.
In summary, I enjoyed watching it and good for a slow, raining weekend binge watch.

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Love & Letting Go

This drama is all about what someone would do for love and when it is time to gracefully bow out.

Here's to the nit and the grit of this seemingly low-key drama. It really gave off normal mellow vibes but that is not what it delivered. There was angst galore but moments that shone through with brilliance. This is a very nostalgic drama about a girl who has followed a boy around since her childhood days, but he remains oblivious to her efforts until much later.

The storyline wasn't too special as there are many chased love stories out there, but this breaks away with its delivery. There are many threads between the characters and, just like life, their relationships get messy. There is much laughter to be had but there was frustration as well. If you're not into the annoyingly persistent and unwanted female characters I might suggest giving this a pass. Although there is a lesson to be learned from each character, there were some female characters I could have done without. However, each relationship within shines. My heart broke and was mended repetitively throughout this drama. My only complaint was that there was indeed some unnecessary conflict in the middle of the drama and seemed more filler angst than motivating. I loved the strong women in here who, despite getting hurt, still picked themselves back up in the end. There was only one couple I ended up skipping past and I felt their arc was close to unimpactful. But, they did carry a message and their scenes were pretty concise.

The acting was pretty on par. There were some characters I thought fell a little behind or were slightly outshined here, but the women in this consistently delivered great scenes. The OST was alright, but didn't leave to much of an impression. That's pretty normal for modern day Chinese dramas though.

This drama shows that in life there is a box and we consistently live within that box, often afraid of looking outside. Our judgments and emotions reflect based on the inside of the box, but there so much outside of it. It's really about learning when to push yourself and when to wait for the right time. To just be aware of how we affect those outside our box and to be ready to move on or grow. I think that is what this drama excels in conveying.

All in all, a nice drama but not a super light watch. I would suggest watching if you're looking for something meaningful with enjoyable relationships within.

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The story is simple and can be cliche. Luo Zhi has an unrequited love for Hainan since their highschool days. They went to the same university and finally met again. This time, they hit it off right away. Luo Zhi is the typical stubborn, introverted but actually soft-hearted girl. The romance did not start smoothly. But bypassing each hurdle, Lu Zhi and Hainan grew together. The drama is simple and kind of short. But it contains what it needs without any feeling of being incomplete. The resolution arc has less impact. But overall the drama is very enjoyable to watch. I really love the simplicity of the drama. A lot of drama nowadays are made with too many effects and scenes just for fan service. The simplicity of the cinematography actually brings in more emotion which makes it beautiful. This is also a type of drama that can make you want to rewatch it again and again.

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the major and probably the only thing i disagree about this series is the title itself- unrequited love. it is not a love unreturned. instead, it is a story about true love, that is returned to its rightful place; a probable fantasy to those who truly wished their unrequited love to be reciprocated in the same manner
if you're looking for a different kind of love story, this could be good pick for you. it could do a huge tug at your heartstrings and have you lusting for more even after the story has ended. which is why fans like me rejoice at the remakes and some fans may not as many tend to compare and that the original series is the after all the true first love and the best version of all. truly, the remake was not able to capture certain original message of the story (probably due to the fact that it is a remake and it has to be different or it'll be complete plagiarism)

imperfections of the female lead could be the one thing that the story lacks and that it should have explored more on her self conflict towards her love towards the ML vs love towards her mother vs mixed feelings towards his family.
is it human nature to love and not hate at all?
to be continued..

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I have watched this twice. Liked it more the second time around!

This show was one of my first foreign dramas. And it was kind of slow but yet it was a really good story. I really liked it the second time watching it. It is on Netflix and I am glad because I am hoping it will always be there for me to watch whenever I feel like I want to see it.

Story... is told really well. I thought it was done quite nice. It had a few twists I was not expecting! There were a few times I wanted to kick the exgirlfriend! She ticked me off for what she did to the main actress and main actor. I won’t give details you will have to watch it.?

Acting... I think they all did a really great job. I am just amazed at how well the emotions are shown. They are so believable that you get caught up in the story because the actors pull it off really well.

Rewatch... yes! Watched it twice and it is like one of my good books, I will keep coming back to see it again.

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The first minutes of episode one, I was hooked. It was the beautiful narration and the female lead’s soft voice. It was beautiful yet painful. It was heartwarming. The dialogue and scenes weren't cringey. It was a mature love story with a brainy and witty female lead, yet sometimes clueless when it comes to love. I found it very refreshing. She was outspoken and even sarcastic sometimes. It's a melodrama yet also has a touch of comedy here and there. The pace was perfect for me, with the constant flashbacks revealing bit by bit the bitter truth that lead to the present time. It made the story much more gripping.
The tone and the cinematic were pleasant to the eyes.
The ending left something to be desired. But overall, it was a great experience. The story was beautifully written. I strongly recommend and encourage you all to give it a chance.

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It's a must watch

I don't know why this beautiful piece of a show didn't get enough recognization or why was there even another version created later. This drama was so soothing and mature. There was nothing cringe about this drama, it's not a typical unrequited crush drama, the characters are so strong here, and this drama didn't only revolve around the main leads, but the other characters played extremely important roles. The main female and male leads were amazing, speacially I fell in love with Lou Zhi, the female lead.
Basically I watched this drama few months ago, and I was completely hooked with it, I had never watched anything this beautiful, and the campus life potrayed there was so perfect and similar to my own experience. Watching this drama always makes me feel so good, so refreashed,so I started watching this again,and I'm pretty sure I'll watch it again and again.
Though it made me so sad finding out that there's another version coming with more popular stars, I believe nothing can beat this version. I would definitely recommend everyone to watch this beautiful show. Thank you

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I don't typically watch coming of age dramas/dramas where it takes place in college. Often I run into a lot of cliches and stereotypes, and usually, it's the same old bad boy -good girl/Dom-sub type of relationships, but that's not the case in this drama. A friend of mine kept urging me to watch this drama telling me over and over again about how I'd like it, and I decided to give it a go cause why not? Its only 24 episodes long -perfect for my fellow binge-watchers- with each episode being about 32 minutes long. It does tend to go into the lives of the sub-characters, but all the sub-characters are pretty lovable and relatable. the cinematography is also very beautifully shot. One thing I liked is the fact that the designated second male lead isn't overbearing and pining over our female lead, nor does he hate the male lead for pursuing her (very wholesome). Anyways let's get to it~

Synopsis:
Luo Zhi has always considered herself to be a side character in the life of her crush Sheng Huainan. She harbours a secret unrequited love for him that spans over her high school years following into the second year of university. Along the road, Luo Zhi does little favours for Sheng Huanian for his benefit. He is entirely unaware of her existence, until the second year of university when they end up sharing a class. Gradually, Sheng Huanian unravels the extent of Luo Zhi's affection and ends up returning it. However, Luo Zhi and Sheng Huanian share an experience that could potentially endanger their relationship.

Happy Ending: Yes

Story:
The setting is on a college campus in 2008 and I feel that this story is most relatable to the life of an everyday college student. No extravagant trips in the middle of the week, top students cheating, spending all your time thinking about either school, homework or sports and (my favourite) cute love lines.
Luo Zhi is very quiet and rationale for a lead character. One thing I love about her character is that her traits are consistent from beginning to end. She seems very cold and distant but it's obvious that she cares about the people around her and is very loyal to them. She is probably my favourite female protagonist because of how realistic her reactions are to events. When Huainan has trouble trusting her based on false accusations she stands firm in her stance that if Huainan can't trust her then she doesn't want to be with him no matter how much she loves him. It can get a little frustrating because you just want them to be together, but like I said her character is consistent.
The story does go into the love lives of supporting character showing how each of them deals with unrequited love. Bai Li's love line is probably my favourite, only because it is so relatable. Bai Li's storyline dives into the issues of a relationship of convenience, and the consequences of entering a one-sided relationship. There is also our adorable second male lead Mingrui who always loses the girl to Sheng Huainan but in a strange twist doesn't become envious of his pal. I adore Mingrui because he prioritises his friendships over his personal crushes. I'm happy that he ends up finding a girl because his story of unrequited love follows the "if at first, you don't succeed, try again" trope.

Cast:
I am a stickler for watching dramas with actors I know or have seen as a supporting role, but this was new since I didn't know any of the actors. They all seem pretty new to the game, but they do a really good job at executing their characters well. Luo Zhi and Shen Huainan seem a little awkward but I adore their awkward chemistry because they're both pretty interpersonal and a little introverted.

Music:
Honestly, the music didn't really stand out to me, but it did a really good job of creating the aesthetic/atmosphere of the drama.

Rewatch Value: I've watched this 5 times already and I love it every time.

Anyways give this drama a try and i hope you guys like it :)~

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I love to watch this series because of many different feelings :) :) :)

I love to watch this series all the time.
This is the only series that i really love and watching it 5 times already.
Lou Zhi love Sheng Huainan from their childhood years.
I think they play well and meet frequently in childhood and Lou Zhi feel love at first sight.
Lou Zhi is really shy type but stand firm with her attitudes,characters,patience,affections,friendly and very smart.
Sheng Huainan choose wisely because of failed relationship.
Maybe he is tired because of too much trouble with her ex gf..that's why he test too much Lou Zhi.
He forgot her from childhood playmate but Lou Zhi continue to think of him.
Lou Zhi mother understand well her daughter even if there's conflict both parents.
Lou Zhi feel different in college..she has another perception towards life in college years.
Her love toward Sheng Huainan is really ultimate love and she wait until the end of her great first love.
When Sheng Huainan receive her letter,i think the story will be different if Lou Zhi confess him during high school years.

Ex girlfriend from Sheng Huainan is Lou Zhi seatmate..
She only pretending like Lou Zhi.

Zhang Migrui like Lou Zhi also..Maybe he sense that Sheng Huainan attract her also..
Zhang Migrui is a good guy,honest,friendly and feel so comfortable with Lou Zhi.
He feel really love to Lou Zhi..he is the one bringing her foods when Lou Zhi got sick.

Jiang Baili is really a good friend to Lou Zhi..they really playwell as best friends.

Lou Yang has also small feelings toward Ding but it's too late because he has already girlfriend.

I think many values from the story..
How to be good friends with other male/female.
Patience,Sharing ideas and thoughts,helping one another,
Never give up for love.
Love can wait if the love is really true toward other person.

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I’ve watched this drama more than once and don’t tire of it. Zhao Shuran and Zhu Yanmanzi were the perfect couple for the leads and the supporting cast was well chosen. The main characters played their rolls so convincingly you can feel the emotions they go through. Too many reviews are comparing this drama to the novel. In doing so they are doing themselves a great dis-service. I have not read the novel so I’m able to view the story without a preconceived notion of how it should be played. Zhao Shuman is handsome but showed no arrogance and was not a narcissist. I felt he played a very humble roll. Zhu Yanmanzi was the perfect choice as the plain but highly intelligent admirer carrying the unrequited affection for him. I will watch this drama a few more times before moving on to another but will keep it in my thoughts as a sweet love story.

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STORY
I have never read this book or related to the drama. I am going to review 100% only based on this drama which is available on Netflix. First episode was really excited I thought myself "Finally! This is a story that I'm looking for" second episode...third.....fifth......final....wow i just want to say some questions "Why didn't the writer stick on two stories? why they needed to tangle all of them into one?" done. I am kinda disappointed with the story that they've built up the base beautifully and smoothly but ending up ruining those base with those tangled they've made.

I'm actually really amazed with the Luo Zhi's story which is i think most of us can relate it and if the writer can improved more in those story without any interference from others stories which is unnecessary to be told. I think this drama will be lit.

ACTING
I give 7/10 for Luo Zhi's acting...for the rest actor...I give it 5/10. I am wondering what if Luo Zhi and Han Shang Yan ( Go Go Squid) casted in this drama, I think the vibe will me more "lively" and visually great.
Luo Zhi’s emotions on the screen are captivatingly impressive and well-impacted for the audience. Actress Zhu Yan Man Zi does a sterling job in conveying her feelings without saying many words.

Rewatch Value
I dont think I have to rewatch this drama again

OVERALL
I enjoy Luo Zhi's acting when she is in the college with Sheng Huai Nan but I still need more the interaction between them in the drama not only Luo Zhi's with her cousins&friends. If only the focused on Luo Zhi's unrequited story, it would be emotionaly impact for the audience. Overall, If you are curious about the story then watch it without reading the review first. After that you can judge it by yourselves.

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Really enjoyed the Story and Self Sacrificing FL

Story:
-The story was well written as this could be a possibility
-Like how it shows the human side of different characters and how they solve life issues & love situations
-The ending is so good and plausible. The ML and FL are so mature and giving which makes their relationship more relatable
-Like the humble ending, more realistic

Acting:
-Good acting but it was a bit hard to see the FL actor as a high school student
-The ex GF of the ML played her character well
-Both ML & FL were good throughout especially the ending


Overall: Would watch again and made me cry and think about self sacrifice, unselfishness, meekness, staying true even in the midst of false accusations and how long and arduous loving someone can be but so joyful too.

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