Completed
PeachBae
10 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Simple story, wonderful execution

The story is pretty damn basic and simple, like it has nothing. An adolescent girl has a crush on her older brother's friend and never really moves on from it, rather it grows as she grows older and finally she falls head over heels in love with him and accepts her fate, only to get him to love her back in the end.

So why such a high rating and so much love from everyone? A lot of reasons actually.
1.  Simple story, no melodramatic plot, unnecessary angst, bloodshed, death or anything annoying.
2.  This is one of those very realistic stories where people can relate to the main leads. Also which girl didn't have a massive childhood crush, but never really got him and still would love to see what if it worked out? i personally could relate to the character of sang zhi all too well, that is until she got him to love her. So for me, their relationship is like the part that i could never experience with my crush. It made me happy, i swooned and it brought me so much peace and satisfaction.
3. The characters (except jiang ying) were all loveable. Their relationship dynamics was natural. Main characters had development. They were well written and mature.
4. The acting and visuals. Needless to say zhao lusi is a high traffic actress. And in my opinion she outdid herself in this with all her micro expressions. I was truly impressed  by her performance this time particularly. I felt everything she was feeling, her acting was so perfect this time. Her character wasn't a stupid airheaded crybaby who does dumb shit and behaves like a 3 year old. She is a beauty and chen zheyuan looked like he is straight out of a manhua with his visuals. How can someone look that attractive and sweet and charming all at the same time? His character was the perfect high school crush.
5. No unnecessary misunderstandings, plot fillers with too much spotlight on unimportant secondary characters. The story focused on the main characters.
6. The story was fast paced but editing was not choppy. The screenwriter and production team did a marvelous job at the whole process. With a minimalistic visual theme, it screamed elegance. This proves its high budget.

So despite being a simple drama in one of the most common genres of coming of age, it was soothing, relaxing, relatable and light romantic comedy with a happy ending. It definitely is worth rewatching because of these exact qualities. It is perfect in its own beautiful way. It was a very pleasant and easy to watch show and i would recommend this to any romance lover.

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Ongoing 22/25
Rdq
27 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2023
22 of 25 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

One of the best drama I've ever watched

Of course I don't watch every dramas that are airing(I don't have enough time and probably this is my last drama this year ), but this one is really great, I just can relate having first crush .... getting butterflies and many things with sang zhi ,
I started watching it after a long exhausting week......it's really refreshing and energetic you'll smile without noticing through the entire series..... I've never finished any cdrama (except "who rules the world") specially xinxia or modern cdramas always get boring after 11-12th episodes
As a hardcore kdrama fan I don't like most of the silly cdramas, I got into it cause of lusi and for a dopamine boost and it's worth watching ..............I'm surprised how I didn't skip a single second!!!!!!
Chen zheyuan and Zhao lusis chemistry is now my favourite....... can't get enough of the series......it will make you curl like worm ........soo much cute and a mature relationship at the same time.......

For the haters who are saying that the ml is pervert then let me tell you, we're seeing this story from sang zhi's perspective so it's normal to fantasize the normal things when your crush do this.....
Don't listen to the haters just go for this masterpiece

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Completed
Molly03
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 24, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

"Moonlight stars in your eyes, never knew the shine would light up my whole life"

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Trying hard to be coherent because I just finished watching THE MOST AMAZING SHOW EVERRRRRR!!!!

Okay, okay. (Deep breath) So.

Acting, music, cinematography, story, pacing = 10, 10, 10, 10 ,10 ,and more 10.
Honestly, I'm in love. This show is perfection.

Story:
The FL meets the ML when she's 14 years old. He is her older brother's college roommate.
Within moments of meeting him she conns ("cutes") him into pulling a caper with her, to get her out of trouble at school. Endeared, he goes along with her scheme.
They see each other periodically as time goes on. She falls in deep crush with him. He is endeared by her, and treats her very well, like a kind and protective older brother.
When she's a freshman in college they get the chance to spend more time together.
He falls in love. She's still in love. They live happily ever after.

That's the plot summary, without too much detail or spoilers.
(I'll add a more detailed summary with spoilers at the last part of this review.)

There is some deeply emotional content in this story, related to the difficult past of the ML. But it's sad, not toxic. In fact, this show has almost no toxicity (aside from a minor character with very little screen time).
It's hard to call this a "feel-good" romance, due to the emotional (gut wrenching) impact of what the ML has had to overcome. Some of those scenes flattened me. But! The romance itself is very sweet. The family and friends surrounding the ML and FL are sweet. And the ending is definitely sweet. So there's that.

The music is fantastic. Two of the songs are going into my playlist asap.


The pacing of the story was great. I didn't feel bored. The story did not drag. Everything was seamless.

(Kudos to Zhao Lu Si. I saw her in "Dating the Kitchen" where she pulled off a sneaky, sweet, and hilarious character, as well as in "Feel at ease Mr. Ling" where she's a bold, take no prisoners, strong FL. What she gives us here in "Hidden Love" is something completely different from what I'd seen before and she pulls it off to perfection. )


What I loved about the story (beware of spoilers!!!!):

* The brother/sister relationship of the FL with her older brother.
There's nothing new about the antagonism (friendly...mostly lol) between older brother/younger sister. He "bullies" and she takes full advantage, etc.
But this show pulled it off to perfection. They had me on the floor in the first 20 minutes of episode 1 with how they went at each other. Adorable and extremely funny.
The parts where the older brother sticks up for her (90% of those times are on the sly) are heartwarming.
He is very protective of her and cares for her deeply.
I just loved them.

* The non-toxicity of the side characters.
This includes the parents. They handle their concerns regarding the FL/ML romantic relationship in the best possible way. They are such supportive parents. And genuinely good people.
Also, the friends. Both the FL and the ML have a terrific groups of friends.
In particular, the FL has this one college roommate who falls in deep crush with a fellow classmate. Said classmate initially pursues our FL (she rejects him). In other dramas this would have called for the roommate to turn vicious, catty, etc. etc.
She did not. Despite knowing that her crush was crushing on her friend, she continued to be a kind, true friend to our FL and I love that for them both.

There is one toxic side character, from the ML's past. I don't excuse her at all. But an explanation for her behavior is given. The matter is resolved. And her screen time is limited. (Her impact on the ML is significant and their relationship is a very long one, but it's 98% in his past and not shown on-screen.)

*No second male lead or second female lead. The story doesn't call for it so I'm happy we didn't get any interlopers just for added drama.

* How kind the ML and FL are.
They are both genuinely nice, good people.
Their instinct is to help others.
It's just so nice to see good people on screen :))

*How unspoiled the ML and FL are.
His past is beyond heartbreaking. Given what's he's been through , and is still shouldering, it would make sense for him to be cold or uncaring. But he's not. His heart in open and unspoiled.
The FL is the baby of the family, spoiled and cherished by her parents and and older brother. Her upbringing has been comfortable, with no hardships. One might expect her to be self-centred, demanding, or weak. She is none of those things. Her heart is open and true. She is strong in her convictions, and not afraid of working hard to follow them. She is ready to give to others, and make sacrifices. She is a very kind and selfless person. Utterly unspoiled.

*The caring and devotion of the ML and FL to one another.
No matter which part of their story we see, back when she's a young teen up to when they're both adults and dating, these two will go out of their way to care for each other and make the other happy. It could cost them a little, a lot, or nothing. But their first instinct is always to care for the other. It's beautiful to see.

*How the ML treats the FL.
This here is the ultimate. The core of why I adored this show so much. Why it touched me so deeply.
So, when we meet the ML and FL she is 14 years old (a very young 14) and he is 19.
He's an only child, mature beyond his years, who is carrying a very heavy burden- both financial and emotional.
Yet he takes on the "older brother" role as if he were born to it.
He meets this young girl. With one sentence she manages to endear him. So he decides to help her get out of trouble at school, despite the time/effort it costs him or the potential blowback that might fall on him.
Every subsequent time he meets her, he goes out of his way to be nice to her. Giving her little gifts, making sure she is taken care of and comfortable, solving problems that are beyond her, sparing her embarrassment, and encouraging her. He spends thought, heart, time, and money (which he has very little of) on her. Completely selflessly. Waaaay before they ever start dating and he falls in love.
What struck me was how intuitive he was. There were time when he understood her, and took care of her, better than her actual brother did. It was incredible to see, how kind and caring he was, and how innately he understood her.

Then they started dating.
Now, at this point in time, he's out of college, is 24/25 years old, been working for 2 years. In other words, a fully grown adult.
While she is a college freshman, just getting her toes wet.
And he knows this!!!
Consistently, he behaves in ways to make sure that she gets the full experience of youthful "first love". Though he can't actually be her campus sweetheart he promises her (and follows through!) on giving her as many "first young love" moments and milestones as possible.

He is infinitely patient, never demanding, and never patronizing.

He lets her set the pace of their relationship from day one, and he respects her and her choices!

1) He confesses to her, but tells her "let me pursue you", not "let me date you". This gives her the right to say when (and if) they actually become a couple.

2) Initially she is a bit overwhelmed with physical intimacy. As soon as she pulls back he makes sure to stop. She explains that she's nervous. Thereafter he tells her in advance whenever he wants to initiate any contact (even hand-holding) and gets her explicit consent before proceeding. (This stage doesn't last long; she overcomes her nerves pretty quickly, but it just goes to show (again!) how well he understands her, cares for her, and respects her.)

3) She knows how difficult his life has been and how heavy a burden he still carries. More than anything she wants to take care of him and protect him. In an effort to do so, she doesn't share with him two ongoing hardships that she is experiencing. Instead, she tells him everything is fine, in order to spare him. (And in order to prove that she is an adult, capable of handling her own problems.) When he finds out about everything he doesn't rush in to save her, despite desperately wanting to (though he does handle one of the issues that directly relate to his own past). Also, he doesn't blame her for not sharing, or coerce her (emotionally, guilt-tripping, or in any other way) into sharing more in the future. He just requests of her to lean on him more and to give him more of her trust. Very, very respectfully done.

4) He is never condescending. There are many times, in many ways, where we see that he is indeed five years older than her. There is a gap of life experience. Each and every time, he always waits on her, or takes a step back for her- coming down to her level. All the while never for a moment being condescending or superior. (I just love him!)

* The confession at the end of ep 23, and the beginning of ep 24.
They were both crying and I was crying along with them.
As soon as I finished the last episode I went back to rewatch those scenes... twice!
I'm an avid drama watcher (chinese, korean and english) but I seriously cannot recall any other show giving us a confession like this one. The emotional wallop!! I'm still in my feels hours later.

Rewatch value = 1000/10. (Seriously, I just finished 25 episodes of this and I'm ready to start again from 1 right away. I have NEVER had this happen before.)

So, yeah....I love this show.
And I hope you will too <3

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Completed
sarahv
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 20, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Beautiful little drama

A Lovely warm and uplifting little drama. The Male lead was beautiful. It is the first drama with Lu Si that I thought she looked good in. Her acting has certainly matured ironically, in a youthful role. It was a heart warming story of love and loyalty. It is my First drama with The Male Lead playing Xiang and what a treat that was. He is exquisite. His role was very touchng and honest. He is swoonworthy. A Nice story of a supprtive family unlike the usual tyranny that often exists in Asian Dramas. LuSi's character was wonderful. Her loyalty and committment to Xiang was truly wonderful. Her acting was good and her character was excellent. She moved through the different stages of her life beautifully. Excellent though she was He stole the drama for me. Perfection.

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Completed
jaheffry
7 people found this review helpful
Jul 31, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

A girl's manifestation came to life

July 30, 2023

Hidden Love is definitely one of the best released rom-com Chinese drama of the year. The story of Sang Zhi and Jia Xu is so fluffy and cute.

As a a rom-com Chinese drama, I was expecting petty and stupid arguments when the leads get together. But they are so mature to the point where all the little misunderstandings are resolved right away. They have such a healthy communication with each other. I am in awe with how much I am jealous of what they have.

Sang Zhi and Jia Xu's chemistry is just off the chart. It is amazing to think how much the actors can deliver into their character role. I understand the hype that Hidden Love received. They truly deserve it.

All the other side characters are just chef's kiss as well. They brought things to the plot and I didn't see anyone being a waste of time. I never skipped scenes either which is quite rare nowadays. As there are so many dramas putting up filler scenes and sub plots which sole purpose is for them to fill their timeslot and drag the show longer.

As someone who have watched Cdramas for a quite a long time now. I will put Hidden Love with the other "S"-tier fluffy rom-com Cdramas imo like "Put your head on my shoulders". "Perfect. & Casual", "Falling into your smile", and "When we were young".

If you are a sucker for rom-com who hates misunderstanding please give this show the love that it deserves!

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Completed
virgievirgie
7 people found this review helpful
Aug 28, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

A Character-Driven drama for those in the mood of some sweetness and cuteness!

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.75

A 9.1 MDL rating for a romantic drama is no joke as there are many other critically acclaimed ones that don’t reach this milestone. In order to give “Hidden Love” a fair chance to maximize the enjoyment of watching this, I prepared myself and will share my recommendations for those who hesitated. As an ‘older’ and veteran drama watcher, fluffy and cute romances don’t always work on me anymore.

Recommendations/Tips to prepare myself:
1. I am a romance junkie
2. I am in the right mood for a cute, sweet and fluffy romance.
3. I like the main leads.
4. I am OK with and am prepared for a character-driven drama.
5. I am OK with an age-gap that could seem big.

I know if I watch “Hidden Love” when it’s airing or when it just finished airing, I will be extremely critical in finding faults since the hype is real and positive reviews are everywhere. Therefore, I waited until I was ready. And I am ready now.


What I Like:

Acting - I am quite familiar with Zhao Lu Si’s acting and know that she has no problem acting shy or cute. She did not disappoint me. On the other hand, Chen Zhe Yuan surprised me in a positive way. I’ve seen a few of his dramas but don’t recall him having the ability to subtly control his emotions (happy and sad) and his big, beautiful eyes speak volumes in this drama. It’s only been a few years’ time and Chen Zhe Yuan has improved so much since his “Handsome Siblings” days, the first drama I saw him in. The rest of the supporting cast also did a great job. But this drama is about Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu. If Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan can’t act, this drama will be a disaster.

Siblings - Many have pointed out the amazing chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Victor Ma. I echoed the praises that they are so fun to watch. Their banter, argument, and horseplay brought so much color to this otherwise quite mellow drama. Their conversations are fun and witty, and you can still see how much they care and love each other.

Sang Zhi (FL) - At first, I thought I would be very irritated with Sang Zhi. I’ve seen clips of her acting all shy with that baby voice. However, I enjoy seeing her character grow from a spunky 14-year old girl, to an independent strong woman who can think on her own, make her own choices and protects the man she loves. We’ve seen female leads who are supportive of male leads. But Sang Zhi took it to a different level. She not only supports her man, but she’s there to protect him (physically, verbally and emotionally), to dispel any prejudice and stereotypes against him, and stand up for him. In a way, she was more emotionally mature when she’s 22 than when Duan Jia Xu was 22 or 27.

Duan Jia Xu (ML) - How can I not love a walking green flag like him? Yes, he’s too perfect and that could be a criticism. But I am also not going to deny the fact that he’s going to my Hall of Fame for Best Boyfriend/Partner. He is gentle, kind, considerate, understanding, and thoughtful. A unicorn that you can’t find in real life but I can indulge myself in this drama and pretend he does exist.

Main Romance - Chemistry is great. I was actually waiting for the college days to come so that I can finally see them interact as adults. I love the secret confessions in folded stars, the shy-but-in love glances/looks, the courting, the heartfelt yet somewhat awkward conversations by two inexperienced lovers, and of course, the hugs and kisses. This drama is made for romance lovers. I can’t help but smile throughout the drama.

Sang Family - I am so glad to see Zhao Lu Si and Zeng Li act as daughter/mother again. After the traumatic experience of “Love Like the Galaxy”, I am so glad to see them in a much different dynamic. The Sang parents are so lovely as well. Even though they disapprove of Sang Zhi’s rebellious trip, they never yelled at her, but just tried to talk some sense into her. They might have disapproved of the leads’ relationship, but the conversations are mature, reasonable and all come from the heart and love for their daughter. It’s so rare to find such amazing parents in a C-drama. Adding the fun Sang Yan to the mix, it’s no wonder Sang Zhi is able to grow up to be someone worthy of love and can protect her love.


What I have Mixed Feelings:

Sang Zhi’s baby voice - I can understand Zhao Lu Si using a somewhat younger voice when she’s 17, but when she’s a college student, that voice has got to go. She can speak normally with her roommate, so I know she can speak normally to her boyfriend. Towards the end of the drama, she has grown to be a mature young lady, and that baby voice really doesn’t match her. Is that Zhao Lu Si’s over-acting, or the director wanted her to act that way? I would never know.

Sang Zhi (14 years old) - No matter how short Sang Zhi is supposed to be at 14, the amazing young actress can’t convince me she’s 14 years old. She’s 12 in real life but she looks like she’s 10. If you are going to use such a young actress, maybe they should have a different younger actor to play the male lead.

Stalker girl - The side plot about the stalker girl lasted a little too long. I also think her presence changes the overall tone of this drama. I understand the reason for her existence in telling ML’s back story, but I wish that side plot was written better. Luckily, she’s the only annoying character and she’s still tolerable.

Supporting Cast stories - Because this drama focuses on the leads’ story so much that the rest of the side characters are forgotten in the back burner. This can be a good or a bad thing. If you just want to focus on Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, then this is not a criticism at all. But I wanted a more well-rounded approach and wanted to know more about other characters. What happened to Sang Yan’s personal life? Did he really have a girlfriend? What is up with his knowledge of childbirth? I thought he got someone pregnant! What about the romance of the dorm mates? If you don’t plan to give them time, then let’s not start to begin with. Not every single character needs to have a love interest, but don’t start and forget.

Age gap - I don’t know if they have to keep on talking about how much older Duan Ji Xu is. 5 years isn’t really that big of a gap. It is central to the storyline, but it doesn’t need to be repeated and reminded so many times.


Overall, this is a great romance drama if you are looking for something easy, sweet and fluffy. The leads’ acting and chemistry are great and it’s a drama full of love, care and personal growth. If you are like me and like my tips above, that will increase your chance of enjoying this drama.


Completed: 8/27/2023 - Review #346

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Completed
dreamfull78
7 people found this review helpful
Nov 15, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

PURE FLUFYNESS!!! ~ MY COMFORT DRAMA <333

If you looking for something will thrilling plot or something that has a drama or plot, these drama is NOT it.

BUT, if your looking for something to watch causally, just to laugh, enjoy, and have a good time, then don't look any further!

I don't usally watch these chinese drama, but I have to say these these become into my top tens! GIVE IT A CHANCE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT I PROMISE!!

These drama is a GEM. The romance between then is the cutest I seen; it explores the main characters personality, background, and just how to came together and support each other! Both of the character have depth and FINALLY A FEMALE LEAD THAT KNOWS HOW TO STAND UP FOR THE MALE LEAD!! LIKE YASSS QUEEN!!

The actors did a great job and I become a fan! There acting was so good, it make me think if they are lowkey a couple in real life because how can you be these cute!!!

My favoriate song was "Forever Star" in the drama and it's very catchy! The other songs, I don't remember much of, but they were decent.

Overally, I would go back to it just to watch for comfort and the romance <3 10/10.

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Ongoing 25/25
JxV
16 people found this review helpful
Jul 8, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

it's extremely good

I was sp excited when I saw this, I had to watch it immediately. it's so freaking good you js have to watch it!!
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Completed
AngiBorahae
16 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10



Perfection definition of „She fell first, he fell harder“…

After watching hundreds of dramas, I can’t believe I’m writing my first ever review here.
I’ve watched quite a lot of great dramas, so I’m surprised at my lazy self, that I actually took the time to write this and summarize my thoughts.



You know the feeling when you want to describe something and try to convey your thoughts and feelings into words, but no words can actually truly express it right? Yes, that’s how I feel right now. That’s how much I loved this drama.



It might sound exaggerated but every time I finish a drama that I feel so content and happy about, I start to feel immense gratitude for things I usually take for granted. Be it the eyesight I have, to be able to watch and read the subtitles or the hearing that I have to be able to listen to voices and music. I’m so happy to live in a country where I can peacefully watch dramas and enjoy myself. Sounds weird, but that’s how I feel.



Hidden Love was an absolute beautiful and heartwarming drama. One of the best, if not THE best ROMANCE drama I’ve seen. I’m so happy we get to see so many healthy couples in dramas recently. I’m really impressed by Chinese dramas these days. After „Meet Yourself“, I’m happy to rate another lovely Chinese drama 10 stars this year.



I’ve watched great dramas over the years and I can tell you. This drama is PERFECTION. I’ve never felt bored for even a second. This is how romance is done right. I absolutely adored this couple. They made me feel whole lot of butterflies and brought me to tears as if I’m the one in the relationship. Their acting was so incredibbly natural and authentic. It felt so real! I will miss them so much!

I also loved Sang Zhi’s relationship with her brother Sang Yan. It was so fun to watch them quarrel and be ordinary siblings.



I will keep myself short, because I could ramble on for too long. I’m happy to have watched this drama. And I look forward to rewatch it in the future. 

Really thankful for all the people who put this awesome drama together and made it the gem it is. 



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Completed
KiKo Tsukino
25 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

The amount of sweetness in this drama will give you cavities!

I have to say that I've seen a lot of dramas adapted from the novel before. Some strayed away from the novel, some started off promising but ended with disappointment, some just take a completely different direction from the novel but with Hidden Love, for someone who had read the novel, it did remain faithful to the novel and I am impressed that I can get so many of the scenes I like in the novel adapted into the drama itself.

I know the novel have some scenes that wasn't adapted in the drama but given the drama only has 25 episodes it's only understandable why they cannot included everything in.

I think the only sad part that I was looking forward to see in the novel was the part when DJX went to visit SZ parents again and that time Sang Yan(SZ brother was there), I really love that part in the novel because SY express how much he cares for DJX to the point that he was defending him from being "bully" by his own parents. Although SZ parents concerned was understandable, I liked how that scene played out in the novel better because I love seeing SY stepping in and wanting to protect DJX on his end. So yeah that's a sad missed in the drama.

This isn't my first time seeing actress Zhao Lusi (ZLS) since I've seen her other dramas before, and I have to say that her acting on the character Sang Zhi really brought it to life and I'm glad she is cast to play this role.

For Chen Zhe Yuan (CZY), this is my first time watching his drama to be honest as I've never seen his other dramas before. Similarly to how I feel for Zhao Lusi being cast to play Sang Zhi, I am glad that Chen Zhe Yuan got this role for Duan Jia Xu. He really did played the character well on his end.

Both ZLS and CZY really have chemistry and their interactions as a CP was sizzling with the romance between them and their kiss scenes definitely doesn't disappoint!

I truly recommend this drama to all fans because it is really sweet to see the journey between the main leads SZ and DJX come from the beginning to the end. DJX is SZ first crush and her one true love ever since she saw him the first time she fell in love at first sight. Some may not like that trope but I think the writers did well to bring out how she hid her feelings from him developed from a mere crush to her one true love.

Aside from the main pairing I also have to say I really like Sang Yan's character. I love him for being the tsundere brother who cares for his sister and I love all his interactions with his sister Sang Zhi.

The sibling relationship between SZ and SY kinda does remind me to Touya and Sakura in Cardcaptors and SZ crush for DJX is similar to Sakura crush for Yukito(in cardcaptors), although the outcome between the two pairings in their respective stories is a different outcome at the end.

I also love the part when it was revealed that at the beginning when SZ was born, SY didn't like her because he felt that his parents was giving all their attention to SZ(his little sister) and it was revealed by his father that back then SY said that he rather have a dog than a sister but it was also revealed that when his sister was not at home for the few days (since she had to stay in the hospital), he was worried about her and how he ask his father where SZ is and his father lied and told him that he threw her away, and then when SY heard that he was crying (because of what happened) and at that moment I was like really awing at the scene because I love how he said he doesn't like his sister but that's not really how he feels, because deep down he really cares and loves his sister.

SZ parents are great parents and I envy that kind of family environment that she grew up in. She have loving parents and a loving brother.

I wish DJX could grow up in a more warm environment but because of his father , his life turned upside down that made me feel so sorry for him. I don't blame DJX if he cannot forgive his father to be honest because I do think he has the right to be mad at him.

Anyways, to cut my review short and not spoil too much of the story, I do recommend this drama to everyone. It definitely don't disappoint and it's definitely on my list of favourite dramas and CP.

If I may, I will also add this down in my review here, based on my preference

My top 3 Favourite Chinese CP:

1. Wangxian (Mo Dao Zu Shi - Novel)
2. TianHui (Back from the Brink/Hu Xin)
3. Duan Jia Xu x Sang Zhi (Hidden Love)

So, DJX and SZ made it into my top 3 favourite CP, and that's a good outcome since it's not easy to make it into my top category.

I have to also thank this drama since I cannot get into any other new drama after Back from the Brink (because I miss HMH and ZY so much!!) But Hidden Love made me got into it from the first episode that not even Here we meet again and Snow Eagle could which I have been having plans to get back into it

I guess some dramas will have different magnetic pulls for each of us.

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Completed
BrightStar
12 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

Enchanting fairytale

Once in a while, a simple rom-com can be more satisfying to watch than an elaborate expensive costume dramas. This is exactly what happens here. Who would have thought that the summer 2023 will have a surprise mega hit in the form of a simple rom-com that was adapted and executed beautifully. Going against the high profile costume dramas this summer, this simply stood out due to excellent acting , visuals and charisma of the leads.

No doubt, this will become a classic as evidence of its high rewatch value and relationship goals.

Get ready to laugh and cry and experience butterflies and be enchanted with this cute fairytale.

Highly recommended

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Completed
star96
12 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2023
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

is it love ?

sometimes people's wild imagination can be creepy and when you read their comments or watch their reviews, it effect your experience as a viewer too. this is my review , hope it help you and clear your head so you enjoy watching such a beautiful wholesome story.

1- ( FL persona )
not every teenager act the same as you. FL is an introverted teenager but she is smart and doesn't hesitate when she wants to make a decision. i completely feel her cause i have similar behavior pattern but you may not. the way you talk and act at 14 is different than at 20, and you can act differently in front of your friends ,family or your crush (which is well portrayed in this drama).

2- ( chemistry and shipping )
if you don't feel any chemistry between leads by ep 8, well you are not supposed to. story is about a teenager who had a crush on an adult and after she go uni and met the guy again ,the guy fall for her. some of us are fan of actors and we were here before the drama air so it's obvious that we are shipping them more than you cause we saw the bts of this drama month ago.

3- ( age gap )
ML is 5 years older than FL . ML fell in love when the FL was an adult . it shows in story when he fell in love and why. he was not her neighbor and he was not grew up with her . ML was her brothers friend who lived and worked in dorm and THEN in another city , he did not know that FL loved her. you see clearly the way He act when She is minor, when She is an adult and in uni, when He start to falling for her and when He wanna pursue her. it's all clear in the drama . it doesn't seem creepy to me at all. ( and tbh 5 years is nothing )

4 - this is a very simple story. doesn't have messy or dumb plot to it . everything go smoothly and if there is a problem ,they handle it quick. so if you love messy drama, this drama ain't for you. this drama has simple plot and logic to it .
so for me it is love and it's a very sincere and healthy couple .

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Hidden Love (2023) poster

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  • Score: 9.0 (scored by 42,149 users)
  • Ranked: #49
  • Popularity: #109
  • Watchers: 75,081

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