Adorable Kid and Family but not perfect
“The Love You Give Me” is an easy-to-watch light drama about family, second-chance romance (and other romances) with a small business plot. Wang Yu Wen and Wang Zi Qi teamed up together again after the success of “Once We Get Married” in 2021. It’s evident that they have a great working relationship and feel very at ease with each other. Their chemistry is good.What I Like:
Quan Quan - Adorable child actor, Cui Yin Xin, is the star of the show. Playing the role of Quan Quan (QQ), he is integral in reuniting his parents together. He is sooooo cute and smart. You never get bored of his scenes and at times, he acts more mature than his parents. I believe this little guy dubbed his own lines post-production (unless DramaWiki is wrong). I can’t believe he is one of the very few actors who uses his own voice, not even his parents did that! Quan Quan's adorableness rivals that of Xiao Bao in “Unforgettable Love”.
The Family - All the scenes of the family together are gold. QQ is such a sweet and caring boy and I love the interaction he has both individually with each of his parents, and also together as a family. I think the scene of QQ with Xin Qi (ML) together with their hair tied with little rubber bands is the cutest scene ever! What a lovely way to bond and introduce us to many more cute scenes of this father/son duo.
Main Chemistry - I enjoy the bickering of Min Hui (FL) and Xin Qi (ML) quite a bit in the first half of the drama. The chemistry between them is great. There’s quite a bit of natural skinship towards the end of the drama. Many kisses, hugs and hand/arm holding. The kisses are OK and for some reason, I thought they would be better. The drama actually gives us a lot of kisses in the last few episodes, and makes me feel like they are fanservice. I also enjoy the storytelling of their romance 5 years ago, via epilogues at the end of each episode. It’s a good way to use flashbacks yet not disrupting the flow of the present-day timeline.
Main leads acting - I enjoy Wang Yu Wen and Wang Zi Qi’s performance. I think working together for the second time and being familiar with each other helps. Though their characters are the usual rom-com role, they performed to my expectations. I am actually surprised they did a pretty good job with the emotional scenes, especially for Wang Zi Qi in the last episode.
What I have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like:
2nd Romance - I initially found the Cao Mu/Chen Jia Jun romance kinda cute. I appreciate that the drama does not go into the whole older woman/younger man discussion and criticisms. However, there’s not a whole lot of substance to their story. In the beginning, it was adorable how they both tried to find ways to see each other more. Both were shy but wanted more. But once they got together, Chen Jia Jun became an accessory. He doesn’t do anything aside from following Cao Mu around. I got bored watching them. Moreover, how come Cao Mu changes her thoughts of wedding all of a sudden in the last episode?
3nd Romance - This one is even more head-scratching. I can’t see how Zhou Ru Ji, a highly respected cardiac surgeon would fall for a spoiled princess. How can his taste change so much from liking a mature, independent single mother for 4 years, to a clingy and stalkerish little girl? Zhou Ru Ji and Yao Zi Zhu’s scenes are cringey and definitely not cute and fluffy. I would have a little more respect for Zhou Ru Ji if she was portrayed as a serious ballerina and the drama develops her character more than a lovesick, stalkerish puppy.
Plot/Pacing - The pacing of the first half is really good. In a blink of an eye, I was halfway done. But then, it slows down with unnecessary side plots of the rehashing of the accident 4 years ago and the leads’ misunderstanding. The drama spent too much time in Xin Qi pursuing Min Hui again and trying to prove his love for her in a childish way. And then, the transition of Min Hui accepting Xin Qi again is abrupt after she puts up a big fight. Furthermore, the last few episodes are business heavy and I miss the scenes of the adorable QQ. I also miss the CEO character of Xin Qi in the second half. He showed up in the end, but for most of the second half, I don’t see the cool, somewhat mean and powerful CEO. As much as I enjoy his sweet scenes with his son, I hate to see a cool guy turn into a fluffy mess after he’s in love.
Dubbing - I am quite disappointed that for a 2023 modern C-drama, most of the actors are dubbed. *sigh*
Overall, I had a good time watching “The Love You Give Me”. I was craving for a romantic comedy and this satisfies my need + Quan Quan is too cute. Thus, I am giving this an 8.0 rating.
Completed: 10/2/2023 - Review #361
Was this review helpful to you?
opinion
>possible spoiler alert<A wellspring of cuteness. It's definitely worth watching; all three couples are so adorable. There was a slight slip-up just before the end that made me want to stop watching, but I don't think it affects the overall story too much because it was necessary. The child is lovely and intelligent, and the interactions within the family were so sweet and natural that it wasn't awkward at all. And I don't even need to mention Papa Zhou, my sweetheart—he truly deserves to be happy. I liked that they addressed some important issues, especially the constant harassment women face and the harsh criticism they have to endure simply for being women. If you're looking for something light and cute, I highly recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fluffy,sweet,no third party,light hearted romance drama
The story start off good with keeping off its pace. It doesn't get draggy by time like other shows. The revelation about he is father of the FL child but afterwards story started going draggy and flat. basically child actor carry show marr than lead.. female lead acting was not on the point, sometimes she behave like a teenage girl despite being mother of 5 year old child. ML sometimes doesn't go on point with being a father. Even though they know the truth they don't reconcile till almost the end of the end of the show. Main lead story started going awry despite the theme of romanceI personally like the chemistry of second lead.
SML was quite cute ang young. He carries his role gracefully... The character development was good too. I loved him more than male lead SFL did a quite great job too but I don't know why I got frustrated with her passing time..
Fl character in this show was quite frustrating.. she hides the truth,she don't wanna get along. Even she doesn't know what she want from herself. And her neighbour, the doctor his story was quite clear che.but I liked him and his character, he did justice to his role unlikely other..
If u wanna watch,you can give it a go without looking for much expectations,bcuz this is a simple plain story without much going on just passing time.
I Watched this show because the same lead where in drama Once we get married..
You can give it a go for a light hearted watch.
It's worth time if you watch simple drama
Was this review helpful to you?
A sweet romance with an extraordinary trio of main leads
PLOT:Complicated relationship between 1 FL working in cardiac research and 1 ML "great investor". They were in love 5 years earlier, break up on a misunderstanding, and meet again in the professional setting.
He has always a heart malformation , and she has a 4-year-old son (with the same genetic disease).
ACTING:
Congratulations to the trio of main actors:
- the chemistry within the CL is excellent, natural. OTPs keep the viewer glued to the screen. The relationship is mature (multiple kisses & skinship).
- the son is, and will be an extraordinary actor.
The other actors are also very good, even the "villains" are absolutely detestable.
STORY:
It is well written, with finesse and subtlety, addresses issues such as single parent working women, (sexual) harassment at work, bereavement, the anxiety of parents of sick children, etc.
BUT
some parts are useless (to make the sauce longer :) such as breaking up in the name of lack of trust, others absurd ("I help the man I love to conquer another woman" then "when he confess himself, I play hard-to-get).
PRODUCTION :
Well done in the first part, but the misunderstandings-breaks-up last too long, and I skipped a few episodes (18-19-20-21) because of the lengths. The pace becomes better when the main leads are officially together (ep. 22-23). The end is nice, but I would have liked to see the announcement of the pregnancy, to the husband, to the big brother. I remained a little on my hunger.
The OSTs are very good, many with an english parts. However, I don't understand why they always play the same song on every CL's kiss scene. More variety, please.
To conclude, it's a good series, not "headache", relatively realistic, not memorable, but which demonstrates the talent of the 3 main actors (whom I would like to see again very soon in other dramas).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLOT :
Relation compliquée entre 1 FL dans la recherche cardiaque et 1 ML "gros investisseur". Ils étaient amoureux 5 ans + tôt, se sont quittés sur un malentendu, et se retrouvent dans le cadre professionnel.
Il a une malformation cardiaque, elle un fils de 4 ans...
ACTING :
Bravo au trio d'acteurs principaux :
- l'alchimie au sein du CL est excellente, naturelle. Les OTP tiennent le spectateur collé à l'écran. La relation est mature (multiples kisses & skinship).
- le fils est et sera un acteur extraordinaire.
Les autres acteurs sont aussi très bons, même les "villains" sont détestables à souhait.
STORY :
Elle est bien écrite, avec finesse et subtilité, aborde des problèmes tels que les femmes actives monoparentales, le harcèlement (sexuel) au travail, le deuil, l'angoisse des parents d'enfants malades,etc.
MAIS
certaines parties sont inutiles (pour rallonger la sauce :) telles que la rupture au nom du manque de confiance, d'autres absurdes ("j'aide l'homme que j'aime à conquérir une autre" puis "quand il se déclare, je joue les hard-to-get).
REALISATION :
Bien menée dans la première partie, mais les malentendus-ruptures durent trop trop longtemps, et j'ai fait du zapping sur qq épisodes (18-19-20-21) à cause des longueurs. L'ensemble devient meilleur à partir du moment où le CL est officiellement ensemble (ép. 22-23). La fin est sympa, mais j'aurai aimé voir l'annonce de la grossesse, au mari, au grand frère. Je suis un peu restée sur ma faim.
Les OST sont très bien, beaucoup avec une partie anglaise. Cependant, je ne comprends pas pourquoi ils passent toujours la même chanson sur chaque scène de baiser du CL. Un peu de variété, SVP.
Pour conclure, c'est une bonne série, pas "prise de tête", relativement réaliste, pas mémorable, mais qui démontre bien le talent des 3 acteurs principaux (que j'aimerai revoir très vite dans d'autres dramas).
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
CP of leading couple is really attractive
I used to watch the drama - Once We Get Maried. The performance of the leading couple in "Once We Get Married " attracts me to do watching " The Love you Give Me ". I enjoy their performance in this new drama much more than the prior one. I find that the couple's acting skill has been improved greatly. Their performances are real and natural; their eyes' expressing and communicating can tell the story even without a word, good job !!! I refer to the scene when her son was going to have the heart operation. The Mother can express her utmost worrisome thru her eyesight deeply but not exaggerated. The leading male actor can also address his excitement in the accidentally intimacy scene finely and simply via his swallowing own saliva, his Adam's apple just faintly trembling. Morover, it seems to me that the leading actor and actress are more good looking in this drama !!Eventually, the scripwriter is smart. The plot and lines are realistic and charimatic. Those scenes that disclose incident, fact or relationship; relationship between father and son , for instance, are simple and tactful, again not exaggerated. I am not saying the drama has no weakpoints; it does have some but it 's still worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Literally The Cutest C-Drama In 2023
I just finished watching this c-drama today. Binged the whole drama in two days and i never really do that with c dramas that are usually this year BUTT it was that amazing that i did. The acting of all the actors especially the main ones of the family really did such a fantastic job expressing emotions and everything. I LOVVED the little boys the most haha he was just too adorable. He stole the show for me. The story itself was o testing kinda basic but not too the point where i couldn’t watch it. The music i don’t remember but there was this one song that played during intimate scenes which i liked. The only two things that i didn’t like was 1. How slow the romance of the story progressed 2. how the female lead acted towards the male lead at certain moments. ( like not giving him the chance to say his side). Overall i loved the show and wish that i get to see them together again in another drama because there chemistry is cRAZY. P.s The ending was perfect. Couldn’t ask for a better way to end the drama.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I CRIED.
Finally, I'm at the end. YES I CRIED WHILE WATCHING THE ENDING???? my tears came down when Min Hui make a video for Xin Qi. HUHUHU BUT I'M HAPPY TOO. They are together now with their little babies. I need Wang Zi Qi and Wang Yuwen more dramas ??I like the part when Xin Qi said he will give the ring when he's more healthier?? AND HE KEEPS HIS PROMISE ??Dude, I think I will rewatch this. This drama make me can't move on. The ost are good too. I love the lyrics ?Also 2 others couples, I'm happy for you too guys. OMG CAO MO WILL MARRIED. Zhou Ruji, I'm waiting for you haha. Well, don't forget to listen to their ost, Braving Love at Spotify with Xin Qi and Min Hui's faces on it. Thank you. I'M HAPPY TODAY HAHAHAAH??❤️❤️❤️Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
If you like heart warming romance with a happy ending this is it
10/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 Chinese modern romantic drama with 28, 45 minute episodes.First I write a synopsis and then review
Synopsis
Xin Qi (Wang Zi Ki) was once a romantic young man with a heart condition who dreamed of making good on a promise he had with a girl who grew up in the same orphanage. A series of errors leads to him mistaking Min Hui (Wang Yu Wen) as that childhood love. They fall in love and Min Hui tells Xin Qi the truth. He does not take it well and vows to never forgive her then lands in the hospital clinging to life. Min Hui stays long enough to see him through surgery and on the road to recovery before disappearing while pregnant with the child she kept secret. Years later, Min Hui and Xin Qi reunited when their professions bring them together through work. Min Hui is a brilliant medical software programmer and Xin Qi is the CEO of a company that holds many investments in medical technologies. They did not part on good terms and Xin Qi is not ready to give up on the resentment he harbors toward the woman he thinks betrayed his trust even as he grows curious about the age and similarities to himself of her young son, Min Quanquan (Cui Yi Xin). Could he be the father? Did he really want Min Hui out if his life forever?
Review
I loved this show and my only sadness was when it was over. The female lead is smart, strong and courageous. She does not allow the male chauvinists in her work and beyond to get away with sexually harassing her or anyone else on her watch and gets them back in the most delightful ways. Yet she is not an over the top woke feminist she just wants mutual respect. She also does not let the men in her life treat her poorly. The male lead is just the right combination of serious and very capable businessman and charming and engaging human being. I disagree with others that thought the side romances were annoying. There was one side character, the ballerina, who started out a bit whiny and clingy but she underwent great character development and turned out to be a character I was rooting for. I looked up what it is like in modern China because these shows make me curious if it is only the elite that has this type of lifestyle but there is actually a growing middle class in China. So the characters may not only represent the elite. I loved the little boy character as he was so smart, cute and funny. I highly recommend this to anyone that likes heart warming romance. As someone who hates sad or nebulous endings I can attest that this has a very happy ending and the story line is well wrapped up.
Spoilers*
My greatest concern was that either the dad or the little boy would die or suffer very ill effects from their heart conditions but they both live and have their heart issues managed through surgery and seem as if they will live healthy lives. I loved that when main guy treated the female lead poorly because he had doubts about her from the past she was basically like I don’t need you and he had to work to prove to her that he would stand by her and trust her moral character. When the female lead character thought he was trying to take her son from her she gave him no quarter. I think you let people in your life know how you are willing to be treated and she was really clear that she wanted him to love her for her and not just as the mother of his son. She made it clear she would not let anyone, even him, come in between her relationship with her son. I liked how he so quickly accepted he was a father and his initial surprise turned to delight at the thought. The interplay between the father and son and the son and the mother was so delightful. Dressing him up in matching outfits and playing super hero with him are things that a father who truly loved their child would do. But he was a perfect partner for the female lead too, when he found out she was sexually assaulted his response was absolutely perfect. He supported her, empathized, and helped ensure the man who assaulted her was punished. I loved his assistant too. I loved how much he cared for his boss/friend and the relationship his assistant developed with the little boy. Even the second guy in this one had a happy ending. It is a rare case where you feel the second guy has a great outcome but in this case he did. The persistent ballerina was probably the only one who could have won him away from his pursuit of lead girl. And it all ended perfectly for me. I love happily ever after so seeing the wedding was a very happy moment. I liked that we even saw the little family two years later and that they had another child. It was just enough without being too much.
Was this review helpful to you?
Nice, short drama
If you have time to spend and you just want something lighthearted to watch, this might be the drama for you. I rate this drama a 6 not because it's bad, the story is quite well rounded, the cast blended well with each other and the pacing is pretty good.However, "nice and lighthearted", that's the most this drama has achieved. If you're looking for a drama with some plot twist, challenging personalities, there is really not much to look at in this drama. The villain is simply a villain from the start. The rich CEO is just a rich CEO with typical CEO-attitude. Plain and simple, that's how I would describe the characters and the story. Not much depth or complexity put into it which is perfectly fine but is not really the type of drama I would remember or even rewatch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My first modern cdrama
For almost 4 months of being hooked to cdrama, my rule consists of watching historical drama-- for now. But when I finally remembered how I like to watch this drama due to some YT clips, I didn't hesitate to break the sigma ahahaha and try some modern drama. AND IT WAS WORTH IT!It was rare to have a plot like this. It's like a craving that sometimes I want to see and this drama satisfied it greatly. What was great about this was the unexpected message it brought. I was here to see FL's development yet this story succeeded in putting trivial but necessary attention to gender discrimination in the workplace and how, not only women but also another gender, are mistreated by any damn means.
I like FL's behavior. I admit that I got annoyed during their bickering season but I realized that it was her maternal instinct to be protective and defensive. It may not be similar to my family situation but I guess, this made me realize why my mother towards my biological father was kinda of odd and much more defensive than her usual attitude Anyways, I like how FL stands on her own even when they are together. She was brave and decisive indeed!
ML was great for letting FL and supporting her. They both have strengths, weaknesses, and talents they don't need to be dependent on each other but the relationship makes them strong and formidable. I never sense inequality in their rs. Like they both have a strong hold on their relationship-- not in dominance but in a fluffy and nice ambiance.
The 2nd character didn't seem to be a 2nd at all (thank g!) I like that he got his own happiness not at the end but same timeframe as MC pursued their rs. That's lit and a win-win!
Actually, this story depicts three relationships and I kinda like the diversity they give.
Overall, this was nice and a must-watch! Don't hesitate and love it the way you like to spend your time on something precious.
Was this review helpful to you?
cutest couple and family
this drama was engaging from start to finish!all 3 couples were very cute and lovable, and realistic too
i enjoyed the fact that they addressed issues women face such as sexual harassment in the workplace and being a single mom
lead couple were really comfortable with each other which made it really adorable to watch
Was this review helpful to you?
