My Favourite Chinese Dramas of 2020
This drama has just ended timely for the year for me to pick as my favorite C Drama of 2020. Everything I love in a drama is here; touching human situations, unforgettable music score (a sucker for that), interesting story developments, great looking casts and stunningly beautiful prop and cinematography. The story and filming location is based in Dali, Yunnan which is my favorite province in China (I'm a Chinese Malaysian). You may notice the high quality setting and gorgeous interior design which I treasure a lot in the drama.The first few episodes may be a bit slow for some people especially with the dreamy location of Dali's lake district and laid back, vacation vibe of Erhai lakeside town. I was soon drawn into the series when I noticed the dual perspectives, that go on until episode 14., have been cleverly done . The whole drama wins me over with its non-predictable plots and three dimensional characters; there is no totally evil main villain here.
The two male leads are very handsome and act brilliantly while the female lead is beautiful in a mature and graceful way. All the supporting casts also give excellent performance. Zhan Yu's character is empathetic and you will be happy to rewatch his scenes in the finale. This is one drama you will not think 40 episodes are too long because many characters are given enough screen time to make an impression including the adorable interaction of Zhao Ting Hui's (2nd Male Lead) subordinate cop in the last few episodes.
I hope other Chinese directors take note of this drama by not showing spoilers in the intro song and use original voice which make the watching experience so much better. In one of the climatic scenes involving a bomb, you could hear the music score changes from poignant to heart throbbing to heroic. The brilliant music scores move me many times to tears throughout the series and the few songs featured are also very melodic.
The last 15 minutes of the finale could have been rearranged to please more people but since this drama has been quite different from others, I guess the director wants it this way.
Thank you director for the fantastic series! I will remember the leads fondly and look out for Li Qing's (Zhan Yu in the character) future work. I was pleasantly surprised to see extra scenes of him!
PS: This has been a strange year for C Drama where my favorites are all modern dramas; this drama, Ordinary Glory, Hikaru No Go and 安家 as I gave up many period dramas with childish leads and ridiculous cross dressing FL.
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One of the hidden gems of 2020 with unique storytelling, beautiful music, and amazing acting
I haven't watched many really good and captivating Chinese dramas this year, but this one made the cut!To Love has a unique way of storytelling as it shows the perspectives of both Xiao Ou and Yan Jin so viewers can piece the full story together for the first 14 episodes. Then the remaining episodes continue with the present timeline as the leads work to solve the murder of Zhan Yu. The writer does an excellent job of introducing and developing the story and slowly divulging more facts. I am happy to say that the writer does not disappoint with the pacing even though this is a 40-episode drama. The drama shows that every character has their faults, that no one can be perfect, as some show personal growth. As for the ending... it may not be the ending many of us wished for, but I think the writer did well to stick to the original novel. If you are hardcore HE watchers though, this may not be a drama for you.
Anyways, the directing and cinematography are really well done, transitioning smoothly between scenes and creating an element of suspense/drama too. It is clear that they spent a good amount of money on producing this drama as the locations are beautiful and the sets and props are very realistic. There is also barely any PPL :) And the soundtrack is SO BEAUTIFUL, matching perfectly to the mood of every scene. Props to whoever decided the BGM because the score maximizes the tone and emotions of each scene. The music definitely helped pull at my heart and draw some tears to my eyes. Another thing worth mentioning is that this drama does not have any dubbing (except for the "live" singing) and kept the real voices of every actor!! I wish every drama could do this, so I don't have to see anymore cringey dubbing.
On that note, the leads have AMAZING chemistry. They look so cute on screen and the dating rumors make it even more so! I have seen Li Geng Xin in Princess Agents so I know he's a pretty good actor, so I have no complaints in the way he portrayed Yan Jin with a good amount of confident, cocky, and sweet. I love his bromance interactions with Zhao Ting Hui (even though ZTH was frustrating at first) and Cheng Rui Min. The lead actress is a new face to me, but she is pretty good, so no complaints with her either. Her emotional range is as good as LGX, with her heartbroken teary eyes. The supporting actor playing Zhan Yu is great too. He is a relatively new actor but I can see his potential. Not only does he have a handsome appearance but his acting is good too, drawing my empathy for his character's unfortunate family background. I'll definitely keep an eye out for his future projects.
And that concludes my review. I hope this was relatively helpful to you who is reading this.
To all of our first encounters and last partings... :')
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Freaking masterpiece!
Guys this is a hidden gem! OMG!!!I marathoned this one, (yep 40 episodes and I didn't even see where my weekend went...) and it was SO WORTH IT!
Ok, just let me say that the actors were great, be it the main or the rest of the cast. They portrayed all the emotions so well. All characters have motives, backgrounds and feelings (you can even the sympathize with villains) they are very well written.
This is a story with many shades of gray, no one is perfect, and that kind of makes it better, because you can find traces on them that are similar to ours.
Of course nothing is perfect, there are WAY too many twists and at some point you kinda just want for things to run smoothly (for once), but at the same time, you also get excited over the new discoveries and clues you get, so the more twists the more immersed in the plot you get.
I'm not much into crime/mystery dramas but this one is legit awesome. Seriously, I don't remember watching something from this genre and enjoying it so much (well with the exception of "When a Snail Falls in Love" but they are not similar in the romance category).
*(If you hate spoilers, or like to find things for yourself, avoid the comment sections like the plague!!)*
I'm definitely gonna check out some more dramas with this cast, it was splendid, from beginning to ending.
This one is definitely a must watch.
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outstanding drama from beginning to end - A GEM
I had stopped writing reviews because I was binge-watching so many dramas from different countries and decided to watch fluffy dramas in between the historical ones that find. Thanks to MDL I saw a 10 rating for this drama from a previous reviewer and put it on my "binge-watch calendar."The story - from episode 1 to episode 40 you are engaged and immersed in the story. Each episode I felt the writer was KNITTING. The writer did an excellent job and initially was weaving a story using different strands - without flashbacks his technique was perfect and the viewer becomes part of the strand that he is the weaver. The story is a mystery, romance, police investigation story with unique qualities. Only one warning - try to watch without comments from Viki -- viewers spoil some of the anticipations of storytelling halfway through.
The title: TO LOVE -- gosh -- I'm sappy. Everyone wants to be in love with that level of commitment. The writer hooks you again with this thread that makes you ask yourself - have I ever loved with trust or commitment? An element that is streamed throughout the 40 episodes.
The flow of Storytelling: Never a filler, never a drag - always moving forward and weaving the story without dropping or dragging or repeating. I gave this aspect an A+ because I hate filler episodes.
Actors: The writer used every actor to his/her fullest and within their talent range. The lead couple - outstanding (both impulsive and strong - which made them compatible) the secondary couple - outstanding. The violinist - convincing in his dual role. The police officers outstanding and convincing without diminishing the occupation of the police office or investigation.
OST: moving and good. Not overwhelming soundtrack distracting from the story but music to set the mood - and done appropriately, not distracting.
This is a guarantee WINNER and your viewing time will be rewarded with QUALITY!!!!. Highly recommend.
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Love your lover faithfully until the end of time
To be frank, this drama is one of the best Chinese drama I ever watched in 2020. Not only the qualified storyline, To Love is also supported with good quality of actors and actresses, beautiful scenaries and soundtracks.In the first 14 episodes, the writer put unique scenes where showing the perspective from both FL and ML. Maybe not all viewers like to see the POV scenes as it might be seen repetitive, but I personally found it is interesting as it perfectly capture each emotion of FL and ML. While in the remaining episodes, the writer is beautifully developing each character in more detail ways which capturing the hardship, burden and slowly revealing the secret connection between last 6-years and current cases. I would say that 40-episodes are worth to watch for without skipping or fast forward any episode. I'm not sure whether To Love is adapted from a novel, but, the writer choose to end the drama in unusual love-story way which in my humble opinion it give lasting effect, especially for the last 10 minutes scenes before the story ended.
On the FL and ML, I must say they both perform their acting amazingly!
Kenny Lin as Yan Jin (YJ), a rich and charming bachelor with military background, is a perseverance man who willing do anything for his lover, protecting her eventhough it danger his life. It is my first time see Kenny Lin's drama and I would say he succesfully captures YJ's love to Xiao Ou in each episode. I still remember his heartbroken eyes when sing Xiao Ou favorite song in the last episode. So touching.
Cass Gai as Ji Xiao Ou (XO), is a beautiful, kind-hearted and straighforward lady. Cass Gai is a real beauty who I would say she looks like Julia Roberts with her sexy lip and long legs. Her acting as XO is natural and she skilfully portraits an independent women who trust and love YJ until the end. Her teary eyes when she found YJ cheat on her (it's just YJ acting when he is still undercover cop) is quite impressive. One thing
I love about these FM and ML characters is that they never doubt their lover's loves, they trust and faithful to each other. And not to forget the unbreakable brotherhood scenes between Cheng Rui Min and YJ, it is really outstanding. I feel sorry for Zhao Ting Hui (ZTH) though, one thing I learned from this character that when you really love someone you just need to trust her/him and share your worries with her/him. There is no point keeping her/him in the dark, but at the end you will regret it as you can't touch the same water twice.
Now about the soundtracks, wow, I'm still humming the song of Wo Yuan Yi by Liu Yu Ning and To Love by Sondia. The songs are just perfect in deepening the emotion of the drama.
Last but not least, I believe this drama is thoughtfully created by talented director, screen writter and beautiful cinematography. Really, To Love raise the bar of Chinese drama competition, I hope there will be another great Chinese drama like this.
I hope my review is helpful and apology if it is a bit lengthy. Enjoy the drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow phased action/crime/thriller show..
I thought this was a crime/suspense/thriller show. In a way, it is. But, its too slow phased with too many filler episodes. I was hooked basically because I just wanted to know what happened.It feels like the writers were lost. Writing in circles getting nowhere then convolutedly found its way back to the original plot. Some storyline was just cut short. Some with unrealistic/unnecessary conflicts here and there. Just like after he cleared his name and proven that he was an undercover police, he was suddenly dragged back to jail for killing his comrade a few years back. Then the ML's twin sister was revealed that she falsefied documents to help free his brother. Even resulting to blackmailing his brothers best friend. Seriously?
And the worst was the mediocre ending. The writers were too lazy to give it a happy ending. The story just suddenly cut short.
The ending was just plain disappointing..
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This review may contain spoilers
Interesting Storytelling, Excellent Leads Chemistry & Great Acting all-around
Spoilers only at the end of the review about Ep 38 - also my biggest criticismReview #300
I don’t remember how I came across this drama and it’s probably because I was browsing through Kenny Lin Geng Xin’s profile page. “To Love” (what a boring, generic English title) seems to be an underrated crime romance drama with 23 reviews and 3234 watchers at the time of this review. I am not a serious and very critical crime drama watcher, so I went in without much expectations. Overall, I really like it and enjoy a few unexpected plot twists.
Romance - I was quite surprised (not complaining) with a strong romance focus in the first few episodes, especially for a crime investigation drama. The romance is needed to set the stage for the rest of the episodes and it’s needed for the plot. Kenny Lin and Cass Gai have really good chemistry. Their relationship is fun yet mature. For the most part, they are honest and communicative (as much as they can given Kenny Li’s character is an undercover cop). They have a trusting relationship and both have a big and forgiving heart. Both characters are smart and perceptive, and you don’t have to worry about misunderstanding or miscommunication. It is very satisfying to follow their romantic journey and all they have to go through.
Main Leads Acting - This is my second drama of Kenny Lin after “Master of My Own” (I refused to watch “Princess Agents” since there’s no sight of a season 2). I found Kenny Lin much more likable and charismatic in “To Love”. There’s more in the script for him to work with. Kenny was able to portray the playboy and fun side of Yan Jin, and also show the more emotional and serious sides when needed. I’ve never seen Cass Gai in anything before and my first impression was that she has a very deep and sexy voice. This is such a refreshing change from all the cute/high-pitched voices I hear in C-drama, no matter how old the female lead is. Cass Gai matches the acting and energy of Kenny Lin, and together they have great chemistry, even when they don’t have too many scenes together in the second half of the drama.
Supporting Cast - “To Love” has a strong supporting cast of actors old and young. There is no weak link and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Each character is nicely written and acted. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters, whether they are villains, brothers, sisters, colleagues, or family members. I just finished “Nothing but You” and Li Qing, who played Zhang Yu (genius violinist) is also in. I enjoyed watching Li Qing in this drama so much more. After reading the synopsis, I wasn’t expecting him to have so much screen time. I’ve grown to like him and really missed him in the second half of the drama. My newest discovery is Dun Chun, who played Zhao Ting Hui (cop and FL’s ex-bf). I am surprisingly attracted to him and found him super charismatic. Now I need to check out his other dramas.
Storytelling/Plot/Pacing - I quite enjoy the storytelling in the first 15 episodes done in an interview format from both the male lead and female lead’s perspectives. In a way, the story was told through a series of flashbacks, but the ability to see from both perspectives added a new excitement to discovering the truth. Once the story changes to the present day timeline, the pacing becomes a little slower. I do think if the drama is a few episodes shorter, the result will be better. Since I am not a very smart crime drama watcher, I wasn’t able to guess who the murder might be until 60% into the drama. I enjoy the multiple plot twists with new revelations and details of the crime. However, I never felt that I was on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I had a great time watching this drama. I might have liked it more than “Love Me if You Dare” or “When a Snail Falls in Love”. Despite my complaint below about Ep 38 and the slower pacing, I am rating this a solid 8.5.
Other Random Observations:
1. I like how best friends, Ji Xiao Ou and Fang Ni Ya, stood up and advocated for each other in front of their friend’s lover. They ask questions on behalf of their friends, when it could be embarrassing for their friend to ask.
2. I am quite impressed with the fight/action sequence between Yan Jin and Liu Wei.
3. Not a comedy, but we do have a tall and adorable cop who provides comic relief by asking and providing relationship advice to Zhao Ting Hui.
4. I’ve always loved the song 《我愿意》“I am Willing” by Faye Wong. This drama version by Liu Yu Ning is really nice as well. I also like that this song is important to the female lead, but the song was not overplayed. So when it’s played and sung, it’s so much more impactful, esp. In the last episode.
5. I agree with other reviewers, I want 5-10 more minutes of happy moments in the end.
6. As my MDL friend @KellyFlower pointed out, this drama has weird and loud sound effects of foot steps (and phantom foot steps).
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Ep 38 spoiler and critique
My biggest complaint about this drama all happened in this episode and when FL goes to the murderer's home. Ji Xiao Ou (FL) has consistently throughout the drama shows viewers that she’s mature, logical and makes good decisions. She was smart enough to come to the conclusion who the murderer is. Why would she go to the murderer’s home by herself? Even if one cop didn’t pick up the phone in time, how about calling the other cop friend? Why would you endanger yourself and risk it all? On another note, the murderer has been so meticulous with the execution of his plan, why would he keep the murder weapon and Zhao Yu’s cell phone? He burnt all his clothes and other items, why not throw the knife in the ocean? What is the point of keeping Zhao Yu’s cell phone? But without all these illogical decisions, we would not be able to see the showdown and the arrest. I just wish there’s a better way of writing the ending.
Completed: 4/23/2023
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This review may contain spoilers
Who is the mastermind culprit behind it all ?
I'm not usually a big fan of police genre dramas. This one was alright in my books. This drama was told from a different perspective. I liked how it told the story in the recount of the female lead and then the male lead., but after while that got kinda repetitive. It started pretty interesting but as the story went on it was kind of like a torture for me ( torture in terms of who is actually the really culprit, it just seem that they keep going in circles and couldnt find the evidence lol)Yan JIn is the male lead played by Kenny Lin ( whom i like !!!) He was a narcotic cops who turned undercover. But due to a certain operation and his good friend and undercover cop getting killed , he gets released from being a narcotic officer. Six years later he is once again going undercover to try to take down the people who sells drug. Yan Jin gets evidence that a new drug distributor is no other than a young and promising violinist. This violinist is currently working at a coffee shop the female lead owns. So he decides to court her, but his intention is finding more about the violinist. The violinist eventually gets murdered and Yan JIn is to blame. At the same time the case from 6 years ago resurface. Everything points to Yan Jin as killing his undercover cop friend from 6 years ago and the violinist.
The first 10- 15 episodes was about his currently undercover mission, but the primary focus is on the case 6 years ago and trying to see if yan jin is indeed the killer. To me first part of the drama where he tries to catch the drug dealers went a little too smooth... I guess the story's emphasizes is not on there. However they took such a long time for them to even figure out who the actually suspect was...
I was really touched by the female lead and her pure devotion she had for the male lead. When the whole world was saying Yan Jin was a killer, she stood by his side and never believed them. Although she did do something pretty stupid at the end, which nearly caused her life...
I wish they could have done more romance. They were a cute couple but didn't have a whole lotta time together.
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This review may contain spoilers
epic combination of romance-detective-spy-thriller-suspense-comedy
OMG this drama was so good I love everything about it.It has great plot, great acting, even the support character was memorable too. Yan Jin-Xiao Ou is my new favorite couple, they can make me cry and laugh aloud, I need to add Xiao Ou as another brilliant female character in drama land..in my opinion she was smart, wise, and mature while Yan Jin is complete package (despite so much case that entangled witth him huehue).
my another favorite? Cheng Rui Min, I like his character so much, friend that u need at least one in your life.
about the ending? maybe it can be regarded as cliffhanger right? but I don't want to think too much, caused I'm typical who either the ending was happy, sad ,or cliffhanger as long as the plot and story good I'm already satisfied.
but i still hope there's will be sequel or maybe extra episode which show they're happily together.
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So are there gonna be a season 2 coz she can't just open her eyes and it's over
THIS DRAMA GETS MORE INTERESTING ON EVERY EPISODE AND THEY ARE SO CUTE."It's weird that this drama is so underrated. The storyline, the suspense, the actors are perfect
Interesting plot, I like how it's told from 2 different perspectives. This drama is well written and the acting is pretty good.
I loved this drama serial, it makes me feel like I'm a detective too and investigates this case with them.
They portrayed emotions so well kudos to the cast. The acting, the plot, the music, the cinematography... just amazing
This drama is so good that I can't explain it."
I wrote the review base on people's comments that I agreed with
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An interesting crime drama with a good plot.
A suspense, crime drama which is easy to follow.1. Focus is more on the romance than the actual crime. The decisions of the main leads and secondary characters can be be understood. I think the message is BELIEVE IN THE PERSON YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR LIFE WITH. NO MATTER WHAT.
1.Slow pacing. If you skip too much, you may not appreciate the creativity of the director and story teller.
2. The way the story is told is creative way that can sustain my interest in the 40 episode drama.
3. As a person with about 50% understandinng of spoken Mandarin, it is easy to follow the drama without subtitles.
4. Acting is good. Characters are portrayed well.
5. Technical production is average.
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