This review may contain spoilers
Overall, I absolutely loved this drama. Wang Anyu and Liu Haocun had such good chemistry together. I really think this drama shows how you never know who will end up being your person and how much a relationship can change one person. Chen Luzhou's whole character, purpose, and meaning of life changed with Xu Zhi. Honestly, I didn't think I would love this as much as I did. I was hooked to every episode and I love how mature CLZ turned out to be. Their relationship really felt like a true, mature relationship that has to deal with the ups and downs in life. CLZ is so thoughtful when it comes to Xu Zhi. All the things he did for her that are connected to her mom (architecture building, letter written to her) shows how deeply he cares about Xu Zhi. Also, that rain scene was probably one of the best made tension filled scenes. The OST playing in the back with Zhou Shen, the rain, and their hands on the glass. I love how CLZ always pulls her against a wall. This drama was lowk kind of shameless too. Some of the comments insinuated are really funny considering this is a Cdrama. The way they say “想得美” (xiǎng de měi) to each other when they would make unfiltered comments was such a nice touch. And when CLZ came back from Europe, that first gaze was so emotion-filled. You could tell none of them forgot about the other. I also love the found family. Xu Zhi’s dad is such a warm, kind presence. He even made Kung Pao Chicken without peanuts for CLZ because of his allergy, which is something CLZ’s own family never even remembered.
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The good things is this is one of drama that I like almost all of the OST. Wang Anyu eyes is speaking to me. Liu Haochun potray Xu Zhi character so good. To people that said FL is rude than I can guess what drama you usually watch. Xu Zhi is not your usually FL in romance Cdrama. Xu zhi is not love brainsick FL. She is focus to her goal. Her career, but she is not denying her feeling too. To her, relationship is progressing development together. I do feel sad too though in the basketball scene when CLZ get angry because TX come to see FL. But its ok, its not because she is cheating or purposely hurting CLZ. She doesn't realize how insecure actually CLZ despite how relaxed he is look. It's the flaw of the character and it's make her human. Character need flaw to make it feel real
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Passionately in Love Limited... :(
Cute introduction to our cast.Interesting plot so far...into episode 4.
All finished. Overall, I watched it. Probbably will not rewatch.
I enjoyed Wang AnYu charater developments. It really brought out the challenges he faced and a lost child trying to understand what to do between parental respect and self respect.
As for Lui HoaCun i still feel her charater was strategacally portrayed to be a withdrawn reserved female to reflect the challenges of her charater, However, the character arc remained hit and miss. Just when i felt her charater was maturing she would revert to the early charaterization. *Not so great for story arc and CP chemsitry credibility.
Others mentioned the lack of credible chemistry or lack of kisses for the CP. Apparently there was new C-drama reguations for "underage charaters" but even the intimate emotional connections seemed to be carried by the ML. Less portrayal of mutual love or trust between the CP's.
Yes, there is a happy ending in the very last episode. but ends up rushing to explain how they fullfill staying together and move into next stage of their life.
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This review may contain spoilers
Not for me but maybe you’ll enjoy…
She’s a hard-working student who aspires to be an architect. He’s a top student who enjoys photography/videography. When their paths unexpectedly cross they think nothing of it - until she hears his mother’s voice which sounds remarkably like her own. Wanting to be close to the reminder of her beloved mom who’s passed away, she tries to become his friend. What began with ulterior motives quickly blossoms into a friendship that leads to more. But with his family planning to send him abroad, should they take the chance to love if it means they’re gonna lose?First, I agree it’s an odd choice to have an actres w/ a no-kiss clause be the lead in a romance drama BUT this one shows that you don’t actually need those on-screen scenes to portray a love story.
While I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It was going good until, upon ML’s return to the country, the FL decided to make him work to win her back when he didn’t even do anything wrong to begin with. Tropes like that reallyyyyy bug me & can ruin my rating for a show. So I’m leaving this shorter so I don’t unintentionally discourage any readers from watching.
I am glad that all love rivals got stopped right away rather than allowing their prolonged presence to cause issues between the Leads. And I did like the Leads together apart from that portion of FL annoying me. I don’t plan to rewatch it but I don’t regret seeing it. The cast did good & it did have several cute moments as well as funny parts. So don’t skip it based on my opinion - watch it & decide for yourself 🙃
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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.15 (off screen)💋
- Together : ep.15 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝
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'THERE IS NO REAL DESPAIR, ONLY PRISONERS OF THEIR THOUGHTS' :O)
Be Passionately in Love is a gorgeously shot, expertly acted drama that suffers from a major identity crisis. It's like being invited to a five-course gourmet meal, only to find out the main course is a beautifully plated picture of a steak. Firstly, the title vs. the execution. For a show called Be Passionately in Love, there is a staggering lack of physical intimacy. Due to the lead actress's reported 'no-kissing' clause, the drama relies on 'fade-to-blacks', forehead touches, and camera angles that do a lot of heavy lifting. It creates a strange tension where the characters say they are burning for each other, but the screen remains polite and lukewarm.Secondly, if there's a reason to watch this, it's Wang Anyu. Playing Chen Luzhou, he manages to convey a level of longing and smitten desperation that feels 100% autthentic. He's doing the work of two people to convince the audience that this relationship is high-stakes. Whether he's bickering or pining, his performance is the anchor that keeps the story from drifting into 'just friends' territory. Xu Zhi is not your typical bubbly C-drama heroine. She's cold, nonchalant, and hyper-focued on her architecture goals ( she wakes up at 4AM, the true horror of the show). Some viewers find her 'robotic', but I see it as a realistic depiction of a guarded girl with a complex family past. The problem is that when you pair a 'cold' character with a 'no-kissing' rule, the romance can feel one-side, like the male lead is chasing a beautiful statue.
Moreover, despite the 'plataonic' passion, the show is actually a very soothing, high-quality watch. It captures that specific feeling of young, pure love where a simple hairband or a shared umbrella feels like the world. It's a 'slow-burn' that eventually just...stays slow.
In conclusion, watch it if you want a 'healing' drama with a magnetic male lead and stunning visuals. Skip it if you need the 'passion' in the title to actually be on the screen.
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A Wonderful Blend of Old and New Generation Concept.
I believe this makes the story more interesting: the CP explicitly reduces the romance aspect to help young viewers understand that, even when dating and filled with passion, the best way to approach a relationship is to keep it simple and a bit grounded. While the novel may contain steamy scenes, the focus of the series is on personal growth. The steamy elements are toned down to make the story more suitable for today's youth, allowing teenagers to learn valuable lessons in a time when many topics are more open and less taboo. Personally, I would prefer to share stories like this with my younger siblings.Was this review helpful to you?
Sick of repeated nonstop OST
Actors and actresses are good, even without much kissing scenes is not a problem, after all they're only high school and first year university.The dialogue is a bit disconnected
The songs are good BUT the constant NON STOP OST destroyed the drama, is this a music video or what?I got soooooo sick of the music I have to fast forward it every single time
Producers and editors get educated and listen to our feedback stop being lazy and stop using ost nonstop as fillers too much of the songs turned viewers off!!!!!
Other than that it's an ok drama and Wang An Yu Yu is really good
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Passionately in love what now? Not at all
I dropped this after multiple kiss scenes that were zero kissing.Please China stop casting girls who refuse to kiss in your romance dramas. Like minimal kissing is ok when the story is written well, but cutting away when a kiss is about to start and giving us the sky or a tree and then expecting us to feel and chemistry or sizzle, um no, it died a sudden death.
The story isn’t even strong. It’s been a struggle to even watch up to this point, I don’t want to even waste my time any more because thats what this feels like. I total waste of time. Even the ML can’t salvage this one. Disaster drama.
Dropped.
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Only Wang An Yu acts like he is passionately in love
PLOT +/- "Forever Love": Two high school students fall in love during the break before university, but they break up because the ML leaves to continue his studies abroad.They meet again later, enrolled in the same university.
The only good points of this series:
+++ ( ღ’ᴗ’ღ ) Wang An Yu ( ღ’ᴗ’ღ ) is a phenomenal actor who carries the entire show on his shoulders.
+++ Good OSTs
+++ Very good veteran actors.
BUT
### Liu Hao Cun as FL. She's a good actress, pretty, but (I know it's in character, but) inexpressive!! Also, she shouldn't accept a romance drama because even when faced with a handsome, sexy, and in love Wang An Yu, she doesn't convey any real emotion! How could the director hire her for a series called "Be Passionately in Love" ("no kissing scenes contract" even for a romantic series)??? (ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ ) )
### The FL character is very poorly written, selfish, rude, and annoying. The All Green Flag ML deserves better [every one wonders what he sees in her].
### Why in C-dramas, 90% of best friends are stupid, clumsy, and blunderers? This recurring character is annoying.
### Overall, the storyline isn't coherent. Neither is the character development. In short, this story is very poorly written.
=> Only watch if you're a fan of Wang An Yu, otherwise you won't be able to stand it :)
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Only Wang An Yu here, acts as he is passionately in love
PLOT +/- "Forever love" : 2 lycéens tombent amoureux pdt les vacances avt l'université, mais ils se séparent car le ML part poursuivre ses études à l'étranger.
Ils se retrouvent cpdt + tard, inscrits ds la mm université.
Seuls bons points de cette série :
+++ ( ღ’ᴗ’ღ ) Wang An Yu ( ღ’ᴗ’ღ ) acteur phénoménal qui porte tout le show sur ses épaules.
+++ Bons OSTs
+++ De très bons acteurs vétérans.
MAIS
### Liu Hao Cun en FL. C'est une bonne actrice, jolie, mais (je sais que c'est dans le personnage, mais) inexpressive !! De plus, elle ne devrait pas accepter de romance drama car mm face à un Wang An Yu handsome, sexy, amoureux, elle ne transmet aucune réelle émotion ! Comment le réalisateur a-t-il pu l'engager pour une série intitulée "Be passionately in love " ("no kiss contract" even for a romantic series) ??? (ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ ) )
### Le personnage de la FL est très mal écrit, égoïste, rude, agaçant. Le All Green Flag de ML mérite mieux [on se demande ce qu'il lui trouve].
### Pourquoi dans les C Dramas, 90% des best friends sont stupides, maladroits, gaffeurs ? Ce personnage récurrent est agaçant.
### D'une manière générale, la storyline n'est pas cohérente. L'évolution des personnages non plus. Bref, cette story est très mal écrite.
=> A ne regarder que si vous êtes fan de Wang An Yu, sinon vous ne pourrez pas le supporter :)
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Wanted to Like the Drama More
I originally picked out this drama for Wang Anyu as I really liked him in Romance in the Alley. However, after a few episodes, I ended up dropping it. I picked it up again when I decided I wanted to try to continue practicing my Chinese and thought that this would be an easy watch to keep in the background and just get used to listening to them speak.This drama was very surface-level, and despite certain tensions / issues that the characters had to deal with, all the problems seemed to be resolved fairly quickly and easily (or perhaps just left unresolved and not dealt with properly). The middle episodes didn't seem to provide much in terms of development, and I really struggled to get through them. I don't really think things started getting all that interesting again until the last three episodes and then it just kind of came to an end.
I've read many reviews about issues with the fact that Liu Haocun doesn't really do kissing scenes. I don't personally find fault with that as not every drama needs that but this drama did end up coming off as more of a slice of life, coming of age drama than a romance drama with a name that seems to highlight the passion between the two leads. It did leave the drama feeling much more cutesy than passionate, which is fine if that was the intention of the drama. However, for much of the drama, it didn't even feel like FL even liked ML.
Again, I have no background on what this drama was adapted on but just based purely on entertainment value, I was left wishing for more.
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Enviable Relationships, Good Chemistry
Summary >>This drama takes some time with its scrupulous, mindful characters. You will have to be patient with these often-times customary and habitual activities. However, the execution definitely stands apart from many other dramas. This drama screams about beauty in simplicity. All kinds of relationships, be it young lovers or familial consideration are very well presented in this work.
CHARACTERS >>
Xu Zhi: She is the charming, single, desirable, but disengaged girl. Our FL surely likes to compete doesn't matter if you're her boyfriend. However, she remains indifferent and is unable to read the emotions of people around her. Sometimes she is so objective and straightforward with her words that you are better off with a bitter medicine. Things start to change when she realizes she has feelings for the talented, responsible and mature Chen Lu Zhou
Chen Lu Zhou: The humble and unbeknownst topper from the No.1 high school in town. He tries to continue his life on the pre-decided path laid by his parents, only to encounter a smart and beautiful Xu Zhi. His relationship with his family may appear tumultous on the surface but is actually caring and well-wishing. His relationship with his mother doesn't appear to be good but both care about each other deeply.
Zhu Yang Qi: He is the friend naturally suited to partner with someone like CLZ. He doesn't hide any emotions... not for long at least. He is trying to heat up what would be the perfect pork and sauce that would refuse to be mixed. He along with his new bestie, makes things lively and excitable.
Cai Ying Ying: If you found her more attractive than Xu Zhi you won't be the only one in the room. Cai Ying Ying is the cute, encouraging best friend everyone would love to have, boys and girls alike.
The two dad-daughter pairs show contrasting but caring and meaningful relationships. The two doctor dads are very proud of their daughters. The healthy yet unrestrictive approach of Dr. Xu's parenting towards Xu Zhi is really satisfying to watch. The scenes where all four of these are present are very cheerful.
The anticipation of the two leads towards one another is quite natural to understand the other without even talking since both of them are very smart people. While, on the other hand, Zhu Yang Qi and Cai Ying Ying don't quite understand when they start liking each other when most of their actions are to bring their best friends together. Both of them are easy-going, fun-loving and good-natured individuals that are ignorant of each other's feelings.
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It starts to be bad around episode 15
I like the story for the most part. The acting by the main lead actor was really good. It is really bizarre about the romance scene and the word passionate in this movie. Definitely did not add up together. I felt zero passion in this movie and did not want to root for the characters.. I'm not discussing the fact that there was no kissing scenes which was not really that important to begin with because there was no passion to be felt !! I forced myself to finish the last two episode and actually skip the romantic scenes. You know a movie is not that great when you have to skip romantic scenes to get through with them. The end of the movie seem like fillers. Honestly would skip this movie. Probably should have stopped watching it after episode 15. The female lead had some drama with her deceased mother that I could not follow well. It wasn't a significant portion of the movie. Besides that, she wanted to be an architect like her mother. At the end it seemed kind of sloppy that they kind of tried to resolve that on the last episode. I also felt that the tension between the male lead and his father was not resolved either and was brushed aside. Definitely a 5 out of 10 movie.Was this review helpful to you?
