Hidden Love
"Hidden Love" is an absolute gem of a Chinese drama that left me utterly enchanted. From the very start, I was drawn into the intricate world of emotions and connections that this drama masterfully weaved. What truly stole my heart were the leads, whose chemistry was nothing short of magical. Their performances brought the characters to life in a way that was both mesmerizing and deeply relatable.The entire cast deserves applause for their impeccable work. Every actor contributed their best, delivering performances that were both sincere and impactful. The seamless teamwork among the cast members created a harmonious on-screen atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling.
At the heart of it, all lies a concept and story that captivated me from beginning to end. The delicate manner in which the narrative unfolds allowed me to immerse myself fully in the characters' experiences. The drama's ability to blend emotion, suspense, and romance in such a balanced manner was truly commendable.
"Hidden Love" is not just a drama; it's an experience that resonates on multiple levels. With a heartwarming storyline and outstanding character portrayals, it's a shining example of how to create a captivating drama that stays with you long after the final scene.
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Pure Innocent love at its best!!
what a heartwarming love story ...the pure innocent crush of a girl was so beautifully portrayed... I also loved d fact that in the beginning when she was still minor they refrained from showing any romantic feelings from the ML.....it was just pure adoration for someone he considered a sister like younger friend ...the progression in the love story was so organic you can literally see the ML starting to develop feelings and also the exact moment when it transitioned from brotherly adoration to something more for him...I love how the FL was cute and childlike (not childish..huge difference) when it came to her loved ones but also knew where to take a stand for herself ...the acting the ost everything was sooo good! Definetly one of my all time favorites and one which I will watch multiple times !!Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best modern rom-com dramas!
I don't usually watch cdramas but this drama turned out to be so unexpectedly good. The last cdrama that I liked was Le Coup de Foudre, which was also a rom-com drama, I had loved the chemistry between the main leads there. It's the same reason I liked Hidden love so much too. The chemistry between the leads was so natural, they really felt like a real couple. I will say though that I found the first few episodes a bit slow, but the story picked up after San zhi went to university.I liked the way they showed the main leads relationship through all the stages. They didn't fast forward through anything and it made me root for them even more as the story went on.
They didn't focus much on the side characters in this drama which I initially wasn't too keen on but later appreciated a lot because I just couldn't get enough of the main leads scenes. Although I wouldn't have minded having more scenes of Sang Yan, he was so fun to watch.
The OST is so goood too. The vibes reminded me a bit of Our Beloved Summer. (Forever star reminded me a lot of V's Christmas tree. Both such great songs)
Definitely one of the best dramas I watched this year!
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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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ngl hated it
So cliche. So textbook. and so overdone.This plot from the beginning was horrible. I hate cliche plots. Give me something unique???
Not only that, the acting. THE. ACTING. I wanted to die. Don't get me wrong, ZLS is wonderful. However, I don't quite understand the hype. Her acting... is only okay. And I think it's because she quite literally sucks at these cutesy girl next door roles. It's way beyond cringe (which is weird because all she needs to do is be herself and it'd be great). Her more powerful and independent roles is where she really shines. This, was just not it.
On top of that..... just not a huge fan of CZY. hes.... just okay I guess....
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Was not totally for me
I shouldn’t have read so many reviews like I did before finally watching this. My expectations were seriously so high but I ended up not really seeing what majority of the people who have watched this were raving about so I guess I am in the minority with this one.This was a very cute fluff albeit with no bite. I like me some romcom with fluff but I need it to have bite in it and this one didn’t for me, so I struggled to finish this. It took me almost 3weeks to finally finish this drama even with employing the fast forward button a bit.
I did enjoy Sang Yan a lot when he was onscreen. Shame he didn’t have more screen time. The proposal switch out was cute and different, I am not so sure about parents attending a proposal but to each their own.
This is not something I would rewatch but if you are a fan of both leads as I am plus the fact that majority of people love this drama so much then go ahead and enjoy the gooey sweetness.
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underwhelming romance development
I love both Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan... also i am an absolute fan of fluffy love story but to be honest they would both have better chemistry if it was for a different drama. Saying that this show is overrated does not mean it sucks it just doesn't justify for the high ratings in my opinion (FYI my review is also just based on the drama not the novel).Throughout the show I have a few ???? moments.
(1) I didn't liked how the FL is portrayed in the show.
The show started with FL when she was about 14 years old and she fell in love with ML who was 19 years. BUT the child actress does not look like 14 but 8-10. it looks strange and cringy. Why couldn't they cast a young girl that look more like her 14/15 (or atleast give ML a younger boy actor too).
Also, when FL grows up, she still speaks like a kid in a kiddy tone, the way she behaves is as though she is like 12?
(2) The romance
Throughout the show, their 5 years age gap is heavily emphasized all the time.. is it really such a big deal. I have watched so many drama with big age gaps but i didn't know 5 years is a lot to be a problem. They portray the male lead to be OLD like he is just 24?
I also didn't liked the development from bro/sis to lovers. ML's pov of how he fell in love was pretty sudden to me. In the show, there weren't any progress in how he fell in love but more like a one time and boom "i gonna woo you" the next day. Even ML confession didn't felt wow.
I guess u can dissect this drama into
1st part: FL's pov, her falling in love
2nd part: FL grew up (aka. went university) and met ML again
3rd part: ML fell in love and happy ending
Despite all these, the romance is quite sweet to watch after they got together.. but it's really not my cup of tea. I wouldn't rewatch this.
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A Rom-Com That Can Make Anyone's Heart Skip
Hello everyone!! I know I am VERY late to this show and all it's glory, hence why likely not many people will end up reading this review, but I must write it anyway---even though I'm not 100% done this show myself (which is something I seldom ever do for my reviews). I will preface this review by saying I don't usually watch C Dramas, the only other Chinese show I have seen is The Untamed, which is of course a very different genre from this one. Nonetheless, I stumbled across this show on Netflix and can't wait to give you my review!!Story: 10/10
Now, I will preface this by saying I have not yet read the English translation of the original novel, but I am aware there are certain differences. Such as in the novel, Duan Jiaxu is 7 years Shang Zhi's elder, but in the show, he is only 5 years older than her. I usually steer away from age gaps in shows and books personally, ESPECIALLY when the ML and FL meet when one is a minor. However, this show does an incredible job of showing both characters, their personalities, and how their dynamic changes over time. The ML, Duan Jiaxu, treats the FL (Shang Zhi) as nothing more than a younger sister for the first several years of their relationship and then slowly he begins to see her as a woman when they meet again.
Although the age gap could slow down any other rom-com show, we never lose any of the chemistry from start to end. The writers do an incredible job of selling the story to us through the FL's innocent, fluttering heart. Even as an adult watching this show, I feel teleported back into my own middle school and high school days as we watch them interact in a heartfelt way. The writers also do an excellent job of showing the FL's innocence without making her unintelligent or unaware of others' feelings, and as you watch, you start to root for her and the ML. Both the ML and FL are kind and honest, and are willing to communicate their concerns to one another. It's very refreshing to watch--no unnecessary miscommunications!
In the second half of the show, when both are now adults, that fluttering feeling only gets stronger for the audience. Only now, this fluttering is accompanied by more adult-like issues. The show shifts to a slightly more "grown up" vibe effortlessly, and we start to see some problems in the ML and FL's lives, how they cope like adults, and how they support one another. It's incredible how almost all of the scenes in this show have just the ML and the FL, but we never get bored as the story is always pushing forward and we can see slow changes in both leads' personalities for the better.
The story itself is a simple brother's best friend situation, but the emotionally mature characters and sweet romance make you feel like you're teleported into their world--it makes you feel like a love like that is waiting for you around the corner! So heartwarming.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
I absolutely love all of the actors in this show despite it being my first time seeing them. Each actor knows their role very well, and conveys emotions in a way that makes you feel like you're truly watching a character be brought to life. One thing I have noticed is almost the entire cast is incredible at micro-expressions, whether it's a smile fading slowly or showing worry with a shift in their gaze. This is especially true for the ML and FL, who are both so good at showing their characters' love and concern for one another. I'd also like to point out the actor who plays the FL's older brother. He makes me laugh every time he comes on screen, and you feel like you're watching a brother bicker with his sister every time, but he does a great job in serious scenes as well. Seeing this quality of acting makes me wonder what I've been doing not watching C Dramas!
Music: 9/10
I'm not really a big OST person, but I truly enjoyed this show's OST. I particularly like the one song which goes "moonlight shines in your eyes", it makes my head beat fast whenever it plays during a romantic moment between the leads. How lovely!!
Rewatch Value: 10/10
This show is incredibly healing. You get lots of comedy and romance, and although there is a reasonable amount of sadness and problems, you don't feel weighed down by it. The writers have done an excellent but incredibly difficult job: making a show that is romantic and fluffy without making it feel plotless or like you can't enjoy the romance because of the heaviness of the problems. I am not all the way done this show yet, but I already know I will be rewatching it in years to come. We all need some rest and peace sometimes, and this show does that for me.
Overall: 10/10!
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This review may contain spoilers
Use of aesthetics to cover a lacking story
Honestly, I was not very keen to watch this drama but given the ratings & hype I decided to give it a try. Visually the drama is very pleasing. I liked the first half where it told a story of a young girl having one sided crush on an elder guy who happens to be her brother's best friend. It reminded me of my childhood when I had a similar type of crush. There were scenes which was so relatable such as when she found his name spelling like the excitement was so real! I suddenly recalled those moments when I was 19-20 y.o and my entire day used to be blooming just because I found my crush's info- his full name or fb profile. So yeah it felt so so like a normal crush story.The second half however was meh and i ff/skipped a lot. There were two reasons for that:
A. The storyline was bland. There was nothing going on plot wise. The leads just met in different clothes & different ambience with flashbacks which was shown like 15 mins ago. Their conversations were like that of a constipated person. The entire line of side characters were made just to make the relationship arc shine which felt redundant. They wasted resources on actors which had no purpose and could have been done by one actor alone. The scope was so limited.
B. The infantilizing of the FL was way worse compared to other dramas. ML attended her PTM, buy pads for her, changed her shoes, cooks and clean for her, picks her from office basically treat her like a 5 yr old. FL parents controlled her too much, yeah one can say this is common in Asian families but that makes you a kid and not a person suitable for romance drama. This portrayal of women is not new in dramaland and has been a constant hit amongst audience so I won't waste my energy on saying like please give us a semi-independent FL or least someone with half a dime of brain, so i'll let it go.
My recommendation- go for a mature plot , there are plenty ones out there. This is not worth it no matter how good looking the cast is and how aesthetically good the production.
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Hidden Love: A Drama of Contradictions
The Chinese drama Hidden Love attempts to weave a narrative of romance and self-discovery but often gets tangled in its own contradictions. At its core, it tells the story of Sang Zhi and her evolving relationship with Duan Jia Xu, her brother’s friend. While the show has its moments of brilliance, it is overshadowed by its uneven character dynamics and questionable romantic framing.One of the highlights of Hidden Love lies in its portrayal of Sang Zhi when she’s allowed to exist outside of her romantic entanglement. Scenes featuring her at work or interacting with her university friends showcase a capable and well-rounded young woman. These moments provide a glimpse into her potential as a character—confident, relatable, and grounded. Zhao Lu Si’s acting amplifies these moments with remarkable versatility. She has a unique ability to seamlessly navigate between emotions, shifting from joy to despair within a single scene. Her performance in emotional moments, particularly those involving her heartbreak, stands out as some of the drama’s most impactful.
Victor Ma’s portrayal of Sang Zhi’s brother, Sang Yan, is another strong point. The sibling relationship feels authentic, capturing the blend of rivalry and deep care that defines many sibling bonds. Sang Yan’s role as both a protector and someone Sang Zhi can be vulnerable with adds depth to their dynamic. The airport scene, where Sang Zhi breaks down in his arms after a painful heartbreak, is a testament to the emotional strength of their bond and remains one of the drama’s most memorable moments. It’s rare to see a sibling relationship portrayed with such nuance, and Victor Ma’s performance anchors these moments with sincerity. The drama’s soundtrack also deserves praise, with its catchy and well-placed OSTs enhancing many key scenes.
However, the strengths of Hidden Love are often undermined by its central romantic storyline. Chen Zheyuan’s portrayal of Duan Jia Xu as the male lead is underwhelming, lacking the charisma or depth needed to carry his character. Jia Xu himself is difficult to relate to—overly controlling, possessive, and prone to jealousy. These traits make him less of a romantic ideal and more of a cautionary figure. His dynamic with Sang Zhi is particularly troubling, as he continues to treat her like a younger sister even after they begin dating. This lingering brother-sister dynamic casts an uncomfortable shadow over their romance, making it hard to invest in their relationship.
The five-year age gap between the leads is not inherently problematic, but Jia Xu’s behavior exacerbates the discomfort. Having known Sang Zhi since her childhood, his inability to shift his perception of her from a child to a partner feels unsettling. It’s as if the drama is trying to force a romance without addressing the fundamental mismatch in their dynamic. This issue is compounded by Sang Zhi’s characterization around Jia Xu. While she’s shown to be articulate and mature in other settings, her behavior around Jia Xu regresses into exaggerated cutesiness and awkward stuttering. It’s a disservice to Zhao Lu Si’s talent, reducing her character to a caricature when she’s capable of so much more.
The romantic scenes between the leads suffer as a result. Instead of chemistry, there’s a persistent sense of dissonance, as if the characters are trapped in roles they can’t escape. Sang Zhi’s infantilized behavior and Jia Xu’s condescending attitude make it hard to root for them as a couple. The narrative’s failure to transition their dynamic from a brother-sister relationship to an equitable partnership leaves the romance feeling forced and unconvincing.
Ultimately, Hidden Love struggles to find its footing. Its strengths in sibling dynamics, emotional performances, and music are overshadowed by a central romance that fails to resonate. For viewers who can overlook the uncomfortable framing of the leads’ relationship, there’s a baseline romance story here. However, for those who can’t get past the persistent brother-sister dynamic and lack of authentic chemistry in the main couple, the drama’s flaws become impossible to ignore.
Hidden Love leaves much to be desired, despite its occasional moments of brilliance. The inability to convincingly shift the leads’ dynamic and the wasted potential of its talented cast weigh heavily on the drama.
A 5.5/10 feels apt for a show that sparks moments of promise but ultimately fails to deliver on its central premise.
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Very interesting
The best CDrama everNo. 1 in MDL for top C-Dramas and overall (even beating out K-dramas)! Hidden Love is getting all the love it deserves! 💗
For those who are still wondering or hesitating to watch this drama, just give it a try! It has a good storyline (nothing very stressful), lots of heartwarming scenes, nice visuals (Zhao Lu Si's clothes here are pretty and looks good on her!), beautiful soundtrack (Forever Star is especially written for this drama), superb acting (even the micro-expressions of the leads are spot-on), perfect chemistry between the main leads and even the supporting cast (sibling chemistry between Zhao Lu Si and Victor Ma, which we often don't get from dramas), and I don't know what else to say to convince you, the rankings don't lie! I will definitely miss waiting for new episodes to come. Congratulations to the cast and crew of Hidden Love! ❤️
The chemistry between the leads was beyond doubt amazing .I loved their natural and unforced Interactions, I love the comfort I got from their relationship I love how their relationship was far from toxic but health and admirable 🤍
The osts were beautiful and reflected the story and the Cinematography was to die for.
Overall this was a nice ride..I roller coaster of many emotions and I must say I'll miss this drama so much.
I do recommend this...if you want something light and fluffy
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JUST WATCH
This dreams was prefect. Whenever they cried, I cried with them and would whisper “Don’t cry, everything will be alright.I have seen a lot of Cdramas and frankly, only a few blew my mind. I don’t know if it’s the norm in China, but I hated the fact that for most of the dramas it’s either the FL is extremely childish or the ML is super annoying. Remember, it’s a personal opinion. Like I said earlier, I don’t mean to be rude or offensive, I just want to air my opinion with all due respect.
This drama is a masterpiece! I haven’t seen a drama this flawless. Even the saddest person on earth would be happy after watching this. Honestly, it’s been long I typed this long epistle on any drama.
The actors were amazing! Every character were lovable, there was no single hate. And for the ML & FL? I felt deeply in love with those two. I have been a fan of the FL after watching “Love Like the Galaxy” which is by the way, among the best Cdramas I have seen.
I wish Chinese script writers would learn from this drama. I wish they would start writing more realistic characters & stories and stop making most FLs too fake and childish. I mean most of these movies are for adults, it should portray that too. I’m not a fan of skinships. However, those few kissing scenes should be as real as possible. Those romantic moments should be real and not some fake kissing scenes.
That being said, I want to applaud everyone that worked on this drama. I connected with this drama all the way, I had to rewind some of the scenes because I didn’t want it to end. To everyone that worked on this, you guys are super talented, amazing and effortlessly great actors. I love every part of it. I wish I could hug everyone on set, but it’s not possible. And I’m happy this was a huge success. You guys deserve the recognition. Thank you guys for making my day, I watched this in less than 24 hours.
For me, I would rate this an easy 10/10! I would really appreciate any recommendations to something similar; no hate, not evil parents, no evil EX, no breakups. Just two people who are deeply in love and are allowed to be and remain in love.
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