My experience
I was Zheyuan's fan. Last year in June I heard rumors about #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi will be starred together in a drama called Hidden Love. I was so excited because of this.
Finally when they started shooting I couldn’t wait for the drama. I wanted to know the story so I started reading the novel "Secretly Secretly But Unable To Hide It". I found the story interesting. Somehow I had the feeling #HiddenLove would be a hit drama.I like #ChenZheyuan that's why i was eagerly waiting for #HiddenLove. I earlier watched #ZhaoLusi's works so I knew that she was a wonderful actress. She would slay as #SangZhi. My fingers were crossed. Hoping best for the drama. I was waiting for #HiddenLove from last year. I kept all updates so when it was confirmed that it was coming in June. I was like finally I can see #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi together. After seeing the drama I felt it was worth waiting for a year.Nowadays when I see people’s positive reviews somehow I feel proud. From the very beginning, I knew #HiddenLove would be a hit drama & Finally It's happening. People are loving #ChenZheyuan & #ZhaoLusi chemistry.
This was my story ??
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Truly a rare find ! Don't ever miss watching it
I stumbled upon this rare gem of a drama by accident and started watching it. As the show moved on I found it so intesresting and facinating. It was written so thoughtfully and one could not have asked for a better writing.Both Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan had lived the part actually. It is my first time watching them and their expessions were so good. It felt like I was watching something so precious. I started missing the show so much after it ended. The brother character (Sang Yan) by Victor Ma was also exceptional.
Once you are done with the show the hangover from it is so heavy that surely we will want to rewatch it many times. True drama lovers will never want to miss this gem of a show. The OSTs were so good. They suited the drama very well and captured the feel of the show aptly.
So glad I watched this show and watching it for the first time is an experience which will never come back. Amazing story and acting! Wish the dream team will do more shows together.
This is the one show where I could give full ratings without even thinking. It was that good.
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(In my best Yoda voice) “Feel the Love!”
Once in awhile a show comes along that just tells a simple story really well. No fuss, no unproductive theatrics, just the basics.This show is all about the love story between a handsome dude and a beautiful girl 5 years his junior. Their association started when the girl was in junior high and she developed a crush on him when he was introduced as his older brother’s roommate in college. The ML played the "brotherly" role for years until the FL comes of age and he started to have romantic feelings for her. That’s how the show portrayed his side of the story and we shall leave it at that.
The Show took its time to recount their early meetings and how the girl crushed hard on him and going through all the highs and lows of an unrequited love. The Show really hits its stride when they meet again by chance after the FL finished high school and went to a college in the city where the ML is working. Their chemistry is a sight to behold.
As I mentioned in other reviews, in a romance drama, you want to ship the OTP and watch them overcome adversities and fight foes arm in arm. More often than not, dramas will have them fighting each other due to some weak plot twist and go through a breakup or two just to "spice things up". I am thankful that the writer heard my prayers and there is none of that in this show.
Instead, there are lots of playful teasing and plenty of heart fluttering moments and bonus skinship. Their deep love for each other should be distilled and bottled for sale. There are challenges but they are handled with aplomb by our OTP. The writer seems to have gone out of her way to collect all manners of relationship challenges and then set about resolving them in the most positive ways. Each obstacle serves to reaffirm their love and make their relationship stronger. There is little fuss and definitely nothing can come between these two lovebirds. There are no real antagonists and a circle of good friends cheer them on. This type of honest yet heartfelt love story is rare in today’s dramaland. I, for one, give thanks.
The leads are perfect for their roles. ZLS was born to play the lead. I believe this is her first high school drama and she did it with ease. She looks cute and vulnerable in her high school scenes. She then blossomed into a beautiful and radiant young woman in her college years. This goes double after she is in a committed relationship. CZY is handsome and showed a lot more maturity in his role. He played the big brother role well but his take on a devoted boyfriend is next level. He is loving but respectful and always caring. He will make any girl swoon. Their scenes are always worth watching and their chemistry is off the chart. You can really feel their love and commitment especially in later scenes when their resolve is tested.
However, it is not a perfect show. the FL uses a breathless, higher pitched voice when she was playing her younger self and it can be unpleasant to the ears at times. Most of the support casts are from central casting. Their subplots are largely superfluous.
Hidden Love is a sweet, fluffy romance with little angst and few stress points. It is not going to win any awards but this is a show that you can rewatch with guilty pleasure. If you have Romantics Anonymous on speed dial, then you will be doing a happy dance. However, If you want to watch a show with complex plots and matching level of angst and intrigue, then you should have stopped watching 24 episodes ago.
For me, this show has a permanent spot on my rewatch list.
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Perfect!!!
Beautiful and all fluff.PERFECT!!!
Will take me a very long time to get over this simple yet one of a kind drama..
It's already a given that Lusi will give a remarkable performance as FL (she always does base from all her previous dramas).. But I am still pleasantly surprised on how well she performed the younger ZS.. I love the small acts/details that made her performance as a child/teenager more authentic.
I have also seen Yuan in "Our Secret" and yes I like him a lot in that drama, too.. But the way he acts, specially how his eyes acts in this drama is just beautiful and remarkable. I have only seen that performance from older veteran actors and considering his age, he's just extraordinary.
I specifically liked the different ways he looked at ZS's depending on her age..
1. The child ZS (portrayed by that pretty child actress, sorry I dont know her name): his gaze is like an older brother who's amused with his sister's antics.
2. The child/teenager ZS (portrayed by Lusi): his gaze shows warmth for someone younger than him but with a hint of curiosity.
3. The adult ZS: his gaze shows full of sexiness, naughtyness, playfulness, dominance, and romance. FINALLY!
Everything about this drama is beautiful, including the songs.
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This review may contain spoilers
Sang Zhi's diary: A story of life, love and friendship
Love the flow of the story. Worth to watch every episode. Even though I finished watching it, I rewatched it again and again for consecutive days now. And the OST, gaaaad!! It is well-made for the whole series.The casts portrayed their characters well. They can delivered their emotions without overacting the situation. Especially, when Sang Zhi personally went to Yihe to confirm if Jiaxu has a girlfriend and she hides her tears as much as possible in front of Jiaxu, I felt her brokenness on that part. And to Jiaxu, I felt his sincerity and respect towards Sang Zhi that even though he already knew that Sang Zhi likes him, he still pursue her.
Also, you can see the transition of Sang Zhi from being a simple school girl to college girl with lots of maturity in mind. Like, the confrontation of her and to the lady who constantly harassed Jiaxu for the death of her father. Sang Zhi handled that confrontation so well that she managed to stay calm the whole confrontation part even if the lady bombarding her with a number of negative comments about Jiaxu.
Overall, the series is worth of your time to watch. The series is not just about a secret love but it tackles also the supportiveness of the parents, friends. You can grasp a number of lessons towards the story.
Congratulations to the production, staff and crew, and to the casts for a wonderful project! Job well done!
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Refreshing take on a modern romance
Such a lovely story of a young crush turning into more in adulthood. There is nothing remotely sinister in the childhood portion, as seen from the perspective of a young girl, with the object of her attention having no idea, but just being kind and helpful to her. No ulterior motives by DJX. The adulthood portion is wonderful as feelings start to develop and will ring a bell with so many people when falling in love.This is a very realistic story about romance, helped by the amazing chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan! The smiles, sparkling eyes looking at ech other, they are so beautiful together. Lusi again does that youngster to grown up seamlessly, not just in the way she speaks but in all the physical attributes she brings to playing a youngster. Chen Zheyuan has never looked so attractive as the sly, sexy, foxy DJX, trying to woo SZ when she is grown up and he has fallen for her. Brings alot of emotion to the character as well. Her brother is amazing as well, as is all the other cast. A supportive loving couple ,it is a delight to watch and wish it had gone on longer!
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The kind that will make you have butterflies
If you're wondering and going through the review to see if you should watch this series or not, then without a second thought, dive into it. You'll fall in love with the characters, Sang Zhi as a whole will be someone you'll relate to because like her we have all had crushes in our school life , whom we kept to ourselves , we admired , respected them from a distance knowing that they can never be ours ?? ?Duan Zixu is one of the greeenest flag someone can ever be ??
So trust me , you won't regret it ? I didn't, and I have waited for it to finish to bingewatch at once ??
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Light and Warm, and visually pleasing!
This is the type of drama we need to unwind after long, tired days. It’s light but not too light, and it warms your heart perfectly.The ML and FL’s visuals are so so so adorable. Their overflowing chemistry adds everything so perfect and makes it so hard to resist.
I know that the story like Sang Zhi and Duan JiaXu is too good to be true, but I love how realistic the interaction in Sang Zhi’s family is. First, between Sang Zhi and her brother, Sang Yan. Seems real just like bro-sis in real life.
Second, the moment Sang Zhi’s parents convey their concerns about Duan JiaXu directly to him. I mean, despite how good man that he is, it’s just what happens in life, parents will still be worried about their daughter’s potential unhappiness, no matter how small it is. But they’re also reasonable enough to finally put trust in their daughter’s choice and say that if anything, they got their daughter’s back no matter what.
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One of the most remarkable aspects of this drama was the characters. Each one was crafted with such depth and complexity that I found myself fully invested in their journeys. They felt like real people, facing challenges, pursuing dreams, and navigating the tumultuous twists and turns of life. I laughed with them, cried with them, and celebrated their triumphs as if they were my own. Their relatability touched my soul and left an indelible mark on my heart.
The chemistry between the actors was nothing short of extraordinary. It crackled and sizzled on the screen, igniting sparks of electric energy with every interaction. Their performances were so genuine, so nuanced, that I almost forgot they were playing characters. The palpable connection they shared breathed life into the story, making me believe in the power of their relationships and the depth of their emotions.
Oh, the emotions! They ran rampant through every episode, taking me on a wild rollercoaster ride of feelings. From heart-pounding excitement to heart-wrenching sadness, the drama had it all. I found myself perched on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next plot twist, the next revelation, the next surge of intense emotions that would leave me breathless. It was a true testament to the exceptional writing and skilled direction that wove such a tapestry of emotions into the fabric of the drama.
As I reflect upon this masterpiece, I am struck by the profound impact it has had on me. It has carved out a permanent dwelling within the depths of my heart. Its storytelling prowess, its relatable characters, and its ability to evoke such intense emotions have solidified its place among the greatest dramas of all time.
In conclusion, this drama is a magnum opus, a testament to the artistry and power of modern storytelling. Its ability to transport me into a world of captivating drama and unforgettable characters is a testament to its brilliance. I will cherish the memories it has bestowed upon me, and it will forever remain etched in the annals of my favorite dramas.
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simple sweet and well presented
At first i was concerned i thpught the ML would have feelings for her whilst she was underage so i was apprehensive.However i was pleasantly surprised, it leaves you with a sweet happy feeling and you are backing them all the way through.
They did away with useless plots to over dramatise and did not subcibe to the formula of secondarys.
It felt real clean and geniune i appreciated proper kissing as opposed to the usual lip bump and over exposure on them.
An excellent well directed well paced drama.
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Speechless
Production - paid a lot of attention to details and set was appropriately in synched with the scenes.Story - Light and simple that makes viewers reminisce about their youth: first love, family and school. This series madenme feel sorry for not having an older brother to bicker with and love me the way the sibling relationship was shown here.
Directing - well directed, smooth transition of story, stayed faithful to the origonal manhua story. It is well balanced romance, family, friendship and colleague relationship. It isnt just a story about first love but also family dynamics, cultural & societal impacts, relationships, struggles, and much more that were interconnected.
Wardrobe - this isbthe area that is most times producers limit the budget. It throws viewers for a loop when wardrobe doesnt match the scenes [next day or another day scene but same outfit worn by casts]. Appropriate wardrobe shows honest goal of providing best portrayal of story that assist viewers in being able to follow the story.
Artists - the entire casts worked harmoniously together. Zhao Lusi's versatility as an actress got shown here.
I paid for Youku subscription to watch this then found out thisbjs available in Netflix which I already have.
I dont regret it because the series is worth the subscription I paid. It is very good and worth watching. I plan to watch again in Netflix.
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