It’s Great Fluff Even With the Twist
I’ve watched both seasons of this drama and still prefer the first season despite the episode 11 reveal that shocks every one. The first season story is more cohesive, romantic and fluffy than the second one. I love tsundere, contract marriage stories and this one is one of the best. The secondary cast, both friends and foes of the main leads are also good which gives the story more flavor.That being said the re the plot twist that disgusts every one in episode 11. I get why folks are upset by it: it’s so manipulative and breaks trust, it is almost unforgivable. However, if you understand the ML’s deep-seated abandonment issues-and the drama has a whole arc about how his mother abandoned him-you can understand if not justify how he courted the female lead. How he courted the FL makes logical sense in light of his abandonment issues. He needs a lot of counseling, but I understand why the FL went back to him AFTER she called him out for how he courted and expresses love. The drama doesn’t condone what he did because he does change how he expresses love after the FL calls it out.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I immediately liked this show. The old romantic trope of an arranged marriage eventually evolving into love. The main characters are beautiful and have strong chemistry. The supporting characters were fun and the music was surprisingly good , from the score to the “cheesy” tracks by what I’m assuming are the latest Chinese pop artists.
The story moved quickly with a lot happening in each episode while still hitting all the necessary beats that made it believable for the main characters to make a connection.
However, despite the fun and engaging story in the first several episodes, things took a turn for the worst around episode 10, and as a result this is where you really have to turn your brain off. LOL. I struggled with Yizhou’s controlling behavior and possessiveness, but the betrayal made absolutely no sense and made him come off as insane. Any woman in her right mind would’ve run the other way no matter how rich and hot he was. Which brings me to another issue I had. At times Xia Lin was relatable, but at other times she didn’t seem like the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Perhaps this was supposedly due to her young age and inexperience?
I also didn’t like Chu Yan’s abusive father. Even though he had a change of heart in the end, I did not think Chu Yan should’ve given him the time of day considering the hell he’d put him through his entire life. Additionally I didn’t like how the men at times stopped short of manhandling the women, but this seems to be very common in Asian shows. Lastly, the storyline with the villain from Yizhou’s past was completely unnecessary and seemed like the writers attempt at stretching the season to 20 episodes. Really they could’ve ended the show at episode 9, no need for the nonsense that followed.
Overall, it was generally a funny, cute show. Even with the bizarre story twists and questionable character traits, the chemistry between the cast is what ultimately saved this series from completely going off the rails into bad territory.
I do think realistically Chu Yan was a better match for Xia Lin (before Yizhou’s epiphany and change). He wasn’t controlling, would completely respect her individuality and be a loving mate.
And if anyone is answering questions, can someone please tell me the name of the movie/series that was playing in the background when Chu Yan and Xia Lin we’re attempting to leave the theater and ran into Yizhou and An Ran? It looked quite interesting. Would love to check it out. :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Got hooked on the show and binged it in a couple days. Although I don't regret watching it, the show was mediocre at best and the only reason I kept watching was because of the main couple's chemistry and cuteness. The show tried to mix a bunch of different genres together and did each one rather poorly, except for the romance. The huge plot twist that came halfway through the show really made me reconsider my decision to watch the show as I thought it was disgusting and frightening how they romanticized stalking and forced marriage. I just ignored that one part in order to continue the show and it definitely was a terrible addition to the plot that they honestly could have just left out. The kisses and cuteness of the main leads were the only things I truly enjoyed in this show and it made the series worth watching. Acting was pretty poor and none of the actors conveyed their emotions clearly to the audience. I was left confused during multiple parts of the show and I was frequently left cringing at the poor character portrayal and weak storyline. The antagonist of the show did a good job of making me hate his guts but the second time he came back I was also left thinking ????? The show had a good amount of humor which I enjoyed as well but its drama aspects were just poorly done. I may consider rewatching the cute, fluffy, romantic parts as they were the only scenes the actors truly did well on. The guy is cute so you'll at least have some eye candy to get you through the dumb parts of the series. Was this review helpful to you?
I liked it but...
This was one of my first K/Cdramas that I watched. I was getting tired of my Hallmark shows and fed up with Hollywood not getting any quality romances out. Most everything that looked or sounded good (here in the US) was rated R and I am not one for those shows. So I decided give the K/Cdramas a try. This and “Someone Like You” were my first shows and I liked the stories. So for this show...I have watched this three times now. Twice before the second one came out and then again when the second one was out for a while.
I liked this show but I felt that some of the actors acting fell short. Their acting was not fluid. It was almost like watching robots at times. But that being said, I still watched it three times!
The storyline was good up to a certain point and then it went wack! I kept expecting them to have a happy ending but then the main actress gets kidnapped and that got drug out for a few episodes and then the the main lead is in a coma for an episode or two. And THEN she gets kidnapped AGAIN! Really??? It was just to much. I wish a lot of that was taken out and ended it when he woke up.
Other than that... would I rewatch? Yes, just because I kind of like most of the story and it was one of my first dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
Swooning....
Oki, I just completed this drama and I enjoyed it very much. As I have been overwhelmed by Korean dramas (which I still love), I thought I would give Chinese dramas a try. Glad I picked Well Intended Love. Something light, not too heavy. This story is not new, nor out of the ordinary. There were some problems with the plots which did not make much sense. However,.......I really liked the characters. The acting is pretty good and the male lead Xu Kai Cheng is really one good looking chap. I liked also how Chinese dramas are more daring in expressing their love on screen. The hugs and kisses are not as careful and cautious as the Korean dramas. In this drama, I loved the fact that Yu Zhou (Xu Kai Cheng) just could not keep his hands off his wife, Xia Lin (Simona Wang). And rightly so, this is how it should be, with newly married couples.
Swooning and highly recommended for those who enjoy lots of kissing scenes.
Enjoy!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Okay this drama had me all the way through until around episode 10... as a devoted K-Drama lover, i dont usually watch many other dramas from outside korea (with the exception of filipino dramas) as i personally find C-dramas WAY too cheesy and overdone *cough cough - meteor garden*, but for some reason this drama was actually okay for me.. but thats not to say that it wasnt cheesy nor overdone cs SIS IT FREAKING WASIn all honesty, if it were not for the lead couple's chemistry, i wouldve probably dropped it at ep 7 but DAMN mr. Ling had me fangirling. so if youre looking for some cute couple feels then you should definitely give this a watch - well, that is if youre prepared for some fked up shii to go down.
like other c-dramas ive watched (but never completed), this too was WAY TOO MUCH. i could understand a few plot twists and whatever but there was just SO MUCH freaking unnecessary drama. they really didnt need to include that many unnecessary characters, sub plots, etc. (e.g. multiple SERIOUS crimes, amnesia, daddy/mommy issues, business side plots, etc.)
Even tho this drama was lowkey annoying (i skipped ALOT), just couldnt drop it because of the main couple + if Xia Lin werent pregnant after ep 18, i probably wouldnt have finished the drama (im a sucker for baby scenes >o<)
All in all, I would still give it a solid 8 since it did keep me entertained and was too cute to not get a decent score. Would recommend for those who dont mind a wavering and somewhat fked up plot
Was this review helpful to you?
STORY: Interesting take on a contract relationship with many plot twists. Typical strong, rich, male lead with a less so woman. Enjoyed the office setting. As mentioned earlier, the plot twists... what happened with one of them is just not ok, even for a drama. The rest of them turned the drama to a more cynical plot but was easily watchable by me, a person who cannot watch any/much violence of fighting and gave new light to the CEO male, poor female, contract relationship plot.
EXECUTION: Nice chemistry between the main and second couple characters, some character development. Music was fitting, my favorites being 我还是很喜欢你 and 甜蜜发酵.
OVERALL: Recommend it for people who are looking for a business relationship with crazy plot twists. Some super sweet moments between Xia Lin and Ling Yi Zhou!
Was this review helpful to you?
Even if you're just like me and usually don't really watch Chinese dramas because of the dubbing, I would recommend this series because I found it hardly noticeable most of the time. The actors (and whoever did the dubbing) did a great job and I found all the characters very likeable. Though the plot, at times, was kind of predictable (and this comes from someone who usually isn't good at predicting storylines) I found it super entertaining (to watch, but also to predict what would happen next), and I am definitely looking forward to season 2, which is expected to come out next year.
Was this review helpful to you?
My first best Chinese Drama
I've not really been a fan of Chinese Movie. I saw it on Netflix, added it to my to-watch list for weeks. Just about a month àgo I decided to give it a try, wooow! It blew me off my feet. From the cast to the storyline, the twists and all. The producer and script writer did a great job. Costume was on point, depicting the roleand status of each character. There was a very clear and intense consistency in the episodes and the story line.The cast
Director Ling was great acting out his role. His romantic gestures, business intelligence and ability to plan with enviable attention to details were admirable. His ability to stay calm in turbulence, relationship with friends, strict attitude towards business shows he’s a reliable character in the drama. It wasn’t surprising Xia Lin fell in love easily with him.
Xia Lin, I just loved this character. She was amazing. From the set out to the last end, she was simply amazing. I realized she hasn’t been in the Industry for long but she did a great job. Her character as an innocent young lady doing everything positive to make sure she succeeds in her acting career. Her eventual meeting with rich director Ling did not sway her focus from her dreams. She continued to concentrate on her dreams and indeed her dreams came to pass. She was able to help her husband reconcile with his mother with whom there is a long hatred. She’s such a forgiven character, humble and adheres to thoughtful advice. She easily trust people, though she’s smart, due to her trust in people, most of of connections took her for granted, but she triumphed at the end of the day.
Despite the wrongdoings of her husband, deceiving her into marriage, she 3nded up loving him unconditionally and stayed committed in the marriage.
Chu Yan, to me, was an interesting character. He had so much fun in this movie. His loyalty towards his friend Ling was amazing to the extent people thiught I’d them as couple. Chu helped Ling and Xia’s relationship to a great extent. Such a friend is rare to find. Though he had his own family issues, he did not allow it to affect his career. However, his eventual reconciliation with his father(with the help of Ling) and taking over the family business was a great twist in the drama.
Fei Fei and Wei, oops. These characters were funny but trust worthy. Fei was more than family to Xia Lin. Her support for Xia was unprecedented. She was with her through all the events. She’s not a friend to give advice amiss but mostly will watch Xia Ling to come to her own conclusion. She indeed supported her through it all. Wei as an indispensable assistant to Ling did his job applying all work ethics and loyalty as much as possible. I admired him a lot.
Script
I will applaud the script writer. The story was simple but eventful. I agree that the twist of events on how Ling manipulated Xia wasn’t good. But I still believe the lessons it teaches. Love covers all wrongs. Xia Lin was able to forgive Mr Ling because she believed in the love they shared. She realizes how much Mr. Ling loved her and what he’s ready to give up for her.
The drama has a lot to offer in terms of lessons. It teaches forgiveness, loyalty, love, family, determination commitment, friendship, responsibility and marriage. I just didn’t like the gay aspect though it was proved wrongly.
Rewatch
I've watched it for more 3 times. I can't just let it go.
I will always recommend it
Was this review helpful to you?
I think what I loved is that I found a lot of the plot reminded me of early 2000 dramas. The female 3rd wheel is over the top and unrealistic like 3rd wheels used to be. There are a lot of other aspects of the story that are over used and very predictable in many dramas. I think it made the show "comforting" as it was something I was used to in dramas.
Characters: Xia Lin grew on me quickly and I loved her! <3 But again she is the typically cheerful, honest female lead.
Ling Yi Zhou -around episode 6/7/8 a huge WTF moment with him. He is very controlling and manipulative and in real life I wouldn't go near him with a 10 foot poll. However as pretend I find his character somewhat attractive.
I like most of the side characters but can't stand the "villains" which again gives me the feels of early 2000 dramas. I feel nowadays most 3rd wheels are realistic and not over the top crazy! I like the relationships between the side characters.
The music was good but nothing I thought about while not watching the drama.
I could see myself maybe re watching some of the scenes with the leads as I loved their chemistry.
This drama is not on my top 20 or even top 30 but it hooked me and I couldn't stop watching which is why I rates it as a 9.
I feel the cast was great and look forward to seeing any of them in other dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
i love it !
This series is awesome because the Main Lead and Female Lead are very good, the scenario is rich, with a lot of twists.Xu Kaicheng plays a business man, a control freak with trust issues but somehow we can love him, episode after episode.
I love the little flashbacks at the end of each episode, it s well done, dont skip it !
The FL is a very nice woman, too nice and too confident and she is unlucky ... The supporting actors are nice but i would have loved a more intense love triangle !
Was this review helpful to you?
1. Acting: Xu Kai Cheng and Simona Wang were both good actors with their own charms. Ian Yi as Chu Yan really stood out.
2. Characters: ML isnt a stuck up chaebol. Isnt cold n stoic. Instead tends to express his feelings or affection. FL isnt whiny and would apologize if she kbiws shes in the wrong. Many side characters that are likable. Mr. Driver, FL best friend, grandma and Chu Yan (the 2nd male lead that was refreshingly unselfish). A lil side we didnt see more of the other girl that appears in Chu Yan' life.
The lows:
1. The plot: I had a hard time accepting, much less liking the plot. Ive seen worse of cos fr fluffy C rom-coms. But the tagged of romance n melodrama, i wish the plot was better crafted, less preditable, more thought provoking or touching. It never reached any peak for me. I even fast forwarded some bits which is rare for me to do so in a short drama (20ep only). My major petpeeve is how the ML got the FL. I see it as obssessive and manipulative. Good looks shouldnt excuse such selfishness. I dont want to elaborate to the extent of spoiling. But when you watch to mid way you would understand my comment.
2. The chemistry: Now this was a suprise since i said both ML and FL are good actors. And they were given a lot of setups, cohabilation hijinks and scenes as a couple, as husband and wife. Yet their kissing scenes or skinship scenes never evoke depth to me. Theres no passion or tenderness. Its like okay, liplock for this scene and move on next scene. So although theres comments that theres many kiss scenes for me quantity does not equate quality. I like seeing ML FL scenes but i felt disengaged evytym they lock lips. I dont know if its the directing or the actors couldnt loosen up and immerse in the scene. I rant on this cause the drama is hard selling the romance n yet i feel it lacking.
Rewatch value: very low for me. I did rather rewatch bits of Time teaches me to love or I hear you, both C modern romance dramas i watched before this one..while they are not perfect, they atleast stir my heart more.
Was this review helpful to you?
