This review may contain spoilers
Read if you want to know what MAGIC awaits you
I loved this drama that I had to drop all my thoughts about it out into the world T-T My love for this cannot be HIDDEN >-<I don’t think I have any dramas rated as a 10, but this was such a gem after a long time that I had to bump it from 9.5 into 10!
Everything was perfect for a nice rom-com. They didn’t spend too much time on the innocent youth part so they got to develop the sizzling chemistry. NGL FL’s voice was super annoying as a teenager. She tried to make herself seem young, but I can’t imagine a teenager acting that meek and naive. Luckily we got our normal Lusi by ep 13. No conflict lasted long. They respected each other’s wishes and worked to make each other their priority. The way he asked her permission to “woo” her was absolutely adorable! He also clearly started the relationship by explaining his life and the problems he is facing. They communicated as a couple. The way she empathized before knowing his backstory and even more so after he told her.
Her bro is such a real bro that the writer had to have modeled him after someone. He was always bullying but with all the love in the world and is her most fiercest protector.
The way the parents were protective of her is completely understandable and weary of her being with ML. They showed she grew up like a princess in their eyes.
There were no backstabbing friends (at least after middle school) unlike other cdramas. Even that friend that liked the guy that liked FL. They were all so supportive and loving.
The acting was spot on by every single actor! The way Lusi cries is so real. She had me in tears with her. ML’s cries were like all the IRL dudes I know. Trying to keep it in and wiping tears in secret and when it’s really emotional, letting out in the most heartbreaking whimpers.
None of the bad clichés. It was refreshing to not have the last minute break ups, the stupid accidents and crazy second leads.
They were truly adorable together. Relationship goals. No joke. They were cute and hot…sometimes all at the same time…when together. The marriage proposal was so cute too. I totally fell for it and thought her friend was going to get engaged.
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Cute and Refreshing Drama
The storyline is actually quite typical but the casts and products in this drama (the stuffed animals, their outfits, the freaking frog phone case!) make the drama so so cute! Zhaolusi really embodies Sang Zhi so well (they're both lovely and cute and sincere). Her transition from high schooler to college student is very convincing. This is my first time seeing Chen Zheyuan but he really gave me a good impression in this drama. Especially during those scenes where he was touched but didn't want to cry in front of Sang Zhi. Two thumbs up to the cast and production team! A very refreshing watch. Can't help but smile throughout the drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Definitely worth all the hype
To begin with, this is my very first review. I hardly ever review anything at all, but this time I just can't hold my emotions. Secondly, melodrama is not my genre of choice. I normally find melodramas rather boring to watch, but this is absolutely NOT the case.This title is just amazing. Literally everything about 'Hidden Love' makes it an outstanding viewer experience:
- the story is sweet, relatable, at times funny, at times sad, always profound and thought provoking;
- the music is lovely and in tune with the overall aesthetics of the series;
- no stupid cringy moments or vulgar jokes that can make some viewers uncomfortable;
- events unfold at a very comfortable pace - the story keeps moving and you don't feel bored a second, but at the same time you do not feel pushed by the creators as in some action-packed dramas.
But most importantly the cast - I loved them all! With me, I often find that one of the main leads doesn't match the other in terms of visuals or acting skills, but in this drama both the ML and the FL were incredibly fine in all respects, and the chemistry between them was nearly palpable. Support role actors were also great. So there is literally nothing about this drama that I would change, it is too good. The only drawback, I guess, is that after watching it I got a drama hangover I won't be able to overcome soon :-) Very much looking forward to the news projects of CZY and ZLS!
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If you like fluff and you can survive annoying baby voice - this drama is for you
POSITIVE:- If you want to watch warm and nice people loving and taking care of each other expecting nothing in return - this is right drama for you. Characters love each other, and I am not talking only about romantic love, I am talking about love itself: love between siblings, parents, friends, co-workers. So, love and care 11/10!
- No toxic triangles and relationships.
- No stupid misunderstandings and breakups.
- Child actress who plays young FL is wonderful actress, beside being so adorable.
NEGATIVE:
- The way first encounter between FL and ML was directed is ... yuck. When they meet for the first time she is 14 (actress is 10 or 11 at that point and it is so obvious that she is not 14) and ML is 19-20. It was made as you would make romantic encounter with two adults. It was cringeworthy, tbh. I don't understand why they didn't go with some cartoonish version, him as knight on white horse, or something like that. Something funny to tone the cringe down. Because, little girls do fall for older boys, but it is so different from adults.
- The way director decided to portray FL
So, young FL at the age of 14 is very smart, charming, playful and cute. Actress Zhao Lusi is smart, charming, playful, cute. Director could let her "just be herself", but, ah, no! They decided to make her "cute" by giving her the most annoying baby-voice ever and they dumbed down her behavior. We have 17 years old girl that sounds like 3yo, then 19, 22 years old young woman, university student, who sounds and acts as she is in kindergarten. And she stays like that till the very end. Even when she is doing or saying something smart, you don't believe her due to her baby voice and baby manners.
Acting(Cast): 5/10 (10 for acting and cast, ZERO for baby voice)
Dumb baby-voice + baby-pouting isn't "cute"! It's ANNOYING! And disturbing because you keep wondering: "Hey, is this FL mentally challenged, or what?"
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My All Time Favorite Romance Drama
"Hiddon Love" has become my all time favorite drama. In one word, it is the perfect. Drama is a heartwarming romantic drama that stands out for its simplicity and lack of unnecessary plotlines. I have to mention that don’t decide about this drama until you have finished at least 8 episodes. Until 8th you may feel it’s just a common drama. But trust me after 8th episodes drama will be becoming more and more interesting.Both leads are incredibly talented and deliver outstanding performances. However, I have to mention the male lead, Chen Zhe Yuan, who is simply amazing. The performance of Chen Zhe Yuan in this drama is truly unique and natural. Specially I can’t describe how I felt while watching his performance it’s is filled with emotions.I loved the most the way he looking at Sang Zhi. Every time he looks at her, his eyes are filled with warmth and emotions can’t describe. This is my third drama from him all are became my favorites because of his performance.
The music of this romantic drama is truly special. My favorite is “You’re My Only Wish” can’t stop listening.
I have finished more than 400 asian dramas already but this is my first time i have ever rewatched a drama more than 4 times. I never rewatched any drama more that 1 time before, really difficult to move on. Can’t stop thinking about them. Just don’t know what should i do going to watch again and again.
I can't recommend this drama enough. It is an absolute must watch drama don’t miss it.
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Butterflies in my stomach; the whole world turns pink
I think this drama has a special place in my heart. Even though I usually prefer historical dramas I liked the plot and was super excited to watch Lusi in this role; so I had been waiting for this for about a year. I didn't even know that I could love this type of slow burn and slice of life drama so much... But! OMG!!!This was a masterpiece!!!
IDK if it was the chemistry of the actors, the script; the directing or all of the above but this drama is definitely one of my most favourite ones!! I will definitely be re-watching this!!! I don't think that I can move on from Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. They are one of the sweetest couples ever! I also ADORED Sang Yan and his relationship with his sister and his friend (DJ)! Oh how I wished to see more of them. I'm not gonna lie this is one of the (very few) dramas that I wouldn't mind having 100+ episodes. It could literally be the cast in character doing everyday stuff like a reality show and I wouldn't miss an episode! Unfortunately, the story had to come to wrap up. And even though Sang Zhi's and Duan Jiaxu's story may have come to an end I'd really love to see the entire cast together in another drama as their chemistry was simply spectacular!
P.S. I already was a fan of Lusi and Zeng Li, but through this drama I became a fan of Victor Ma and Chen Zhe Yuan as well!
Also the OSTs are AMAZING! I put all of them in my favourites on Spotify!
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This review may contain spoilers
Young girl and her crush!
My first review :")Highly recommended drama! The plot of the story is uncomplicated, light and very relaxed. Perfect for filling time.
This not only tells how you pursue love at a young age, but also teaches how you must keep learning and not easily give up in achieving anything. The two actors (Chen Zheyuan & Zhao Lusi) they develop the character of both very well. Zhao Lusi (Sang Zhi) is extraordinary, she plays a high school girl who is cheerful, gentle and very caring. He is very funny, and Chen Zheyuan (Duan Jiaxu) i only started to know him from this drama. Of course, his role really caught my attention. Why not? he is the green flags guy :)
I'm sure they will bring you who watch as if you entered their world dan when you watch this drama, you will feel like you have returned to that time. :))
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A hidden crush
I seriously adore this whole drama. Have lost sleep this week over the drama and really chose the express vip just to finish this earlier.This is really a feel good drama. The plot and story are just simple, but realistic. It is straightforward, and I really love the pacing of this drama. Best to watch when you want to just destress, and also not go through any heavy or so many twist dramas.
To those who are worried about the age gap and if they get together early on the drama. DON'T WORRY, the male lead doesn't develop any romantic feelings for the female lead during the early episodes and realize his feelings for her when she is an adult. The age gap isn't much, it is just a 5 years difference in the drama (much better than the novel version of 7 years.)
This whole drama felt so relatable, especially having a crush on an older person. Starting with admiration for the other person, before it builds up to be a crush.
Things I loved about the drama:
- This drama really focus on just the main leads' stories. Despite many side characters, they do not take up the spotlight so much.
- I LOVE THE SIBLINGS DYNAMIC. Seriously! The bickering between Sang Zhi and Sang Yan was just so funny and adorable. I love despite them bickering most of the time, they were there for one another.
- Chemistry between the main leads are just out of this world. Seriously I enjoyed every scene between them. They always made me feel so giddy and 'butterflies in my stomach' kind of feel in every episode. It's been a while that I have really seriously like a cp. Seriously need these two on another drama in the future.
- A very healthy relationship with the main leads. They also try to clear out misunderstandings right away, especially the ML when he started to pursue the FL.
- The music, all the songs played in this drama was so good. I couldn't help but repeat these songs on repeat right now.
- Only a few toxic characters, but they did not ruin my mood so much on the drama. Aside from the toxic characters, I love how the other side characters have such a positive relationship with the leads.
- As mentioned earlier, I love how they represented how the feeling of admiration would build into the feeling of having a crush on someone.
Let me say...
Chen Zheyuan really brought life to the gentle and hardworking gege Duan Jiaxu. To be honest, this is the first time I have watched his drama; and seriously I am hooked on his acting here. I love how he does his micro expression here in the drama. He really pulled off this role so well. He really gave such elderly brother vibes in the first half on the drama, in contrast to Song Yan he was a very gentle and sweet brother. And I love how he was able to relay the feeling of changing and developing feelings to Sang Zhi later on in the drama.
Now Zhao Lusi, she nailed Sang Zhi's role so well. Especially that she also had to pull off acting like a fresh high school student early in the drama. She made me believe that she was still in high school with how she acted here, and her voice really made her sound like one too. She was able to convey the feelings of looking forward to seeing your crush, the uncertainty when Jiaxu started to pin for her later in the drama, and other kinds of emotions (as much as I would like to go into details, I will refrain in doing so to prevent any spoilers). I also heard Zhao Lusi, did so many things for this drama and every details she have done for this was a success.
Just another thing, but Victor Ma did a great job as being Sang Yan. He was such a comic relief also to this drama. But seriously like I've said earlier, his dynamic with Zhao Lusi acting as his sister was so realistic. They really did a great job showing how siblings are in real life.
Overall:
This is really such a simple plot. But I really can't get enough of this drama. It really is such a feel good drama, nothing heavy. Currently I'm still going through withdrawals on this drama, and definitely re-watching this again because I really can't get enough of this. I may or may not update this review.
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Adorable
The show is mostly understated. The leads are believable as high schooler/college student in the beginning and as more mature budding adults in the later episodes. When the FL does cute stuff - for instance when she doesn't want to leave her angry brother alone with her boyfriend, but they wont listen to any of her protestations and she just whines cos she doesn't want to go - it is cute, and you don't want to slap her and say "Act your age". LOLThe ML carries off the mushy stuff without making me want to throw up.
The FL lead's family is adorable. The parents dont over react, the brother is such a goof foil for the FL in their arguments. Her friends are cute AH.
Overall, I am not sure how I managed to watch 25 episodes in 4 days - but here I am - a great watch
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What is meant for you it will become yours
So this is the first ever drama this I have watch without SKIPPING every the story of the SMLs.This is just an fabulous drama that has an mind-blowing execution by all the Team members.
At first I was a bit reconsidering to watch this drama as I always get my hopes high on such dramas then having utter disappointment.
I know the work of Zhou Lusi but know I am an hard core fan of Chen Zhe Yuan.
They have performed extraordinarily.
So about this drama-
Its a healing drama and not any type of cringe
We can see that all the characters are mature which is the Main thing I love about this drama.
I love how it was draggy and was straight to point.
the main leads are able to pursue their emotion and not making an unnecessary misunderstanding.
I am not going to keep spoilers
YOU SHOULD GIVE THIS DRAMA A SHOT ITS WORTH
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Extremely cute
Firstly zaho lusi never disappoints in her dramas.This drama was really cute and so entertaining, i loved the dynamics and squabble between the brother and her. It made it feel so realistic.
I loved how the story unfolded.
Everything of this drama was on point,
The music was fitting and the fact we didn't spend a lot of time on incident was a bounce.
The ending was perfect and bright.
A definite must to watch.
All the characters were well matched and played their role absolutely perfectly
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A love story, told with simplicity and feelings.
What a lovely story, totally relatable and delivered with heart felt dialogues. The cast is great and so pleasing to the eye, especially the male lead, his glances speak volume. The background music, songs are just right. It is not a drama only for the fandom, but a genuine piece of work suitable for many. It took me back to my school age, there are similarities in events and feelings. The awkwardness, silent hopes and wishes, school work, study, fights and yet protection between siblings. Then comes the growing up, the process and responsibilities, I am half way through the drama and wish it would never end.Was this review helpful to you?
