This review may contain spoilers
When the girl wants a specific man and goes after him before she even knows it
I’ll admit, I initially put off watching "Hidden Love" for almost a year. I first stumbled over “The First Frost" on Netflix while it was still airing. I clicked on it on a whim, and the cinematography drew me in. After finishing up The First Frost, I found out it was a spinoff of "Hidden Love”. I decided to start “Hidden Love” right after. But I can be a bit snobby when I watch a drama with really good cinematography. I'm looking for something of the same quality if I'm in the mood, so the difference in cinematography was actually what made me bench “Hidden Love” for a while.I moved on to something else and then when I was out of all the quality dramas to watch, I decided to go back and give “Hidden Love another try mostly because I also liked Chen Zhe Yuan’s acting in Fated Hearts I watched last month.
Zhao Lu Si needs no introduction. I've seen her in a number of other works, and she's just so versatile – equally skilled at both comedy and more emotional, dramatic scenes. And that talent really shines through in her portrayal of Sang Zhi.
Now, I will say, the beginning of the story can be quite slow because we only get to see what Sang Zhi is experiencing and it's mostly pining after Duan Jia Xu for nearly 8 episodes. We don't really get to know Duan Jia Xu better until later in the drama.
Now, I'm also going to say that creating a romance story, where one of the characters is still a minor at the beginning of it, needs to be done very carefully because it can easily become icky.
We first meet Sang Zhi as a teenage girl who’s developing a crush on her older brother's friend. She is still in middle school while her crush is in college. But the writers handled that part really well, making sure there were no inappropriate reciprocated feelings or behavior from Duan Jia Xu while she was still a minor. He treats her as a little sister.
As the story progresses, we really get to see Sang Zhi's character develop and mature, transitioning from that spoiled, indecisive teenage girl with an obsession into a strong, assertive young woman who knows exactly what she wants.
In short, Sang Zhi is so mommy-coded and wifey-material even as a minor, it’s adorable. The way she offers money and help to Duan Jia Xu, the way she sneaks it into his wallet while at the airport, the way she takes care of him at the hospital or the way she returns that glass of water at the restaurant scene—it’s just swoony. She becomes a strong and emotionally intelligent young woman who stands up for herself and for her man.
And Zhao Lu Si absolutely nails that emotional journey.
The more we learn about Duan Jia Xu’s backstory, the more depth and complexity his character takes on. This guy has been through some serious trauma, yet he still manages to put on a cheerful, responsible front, especially in front of Sang Zhi. He slips just once in her presence before his departure right after college graduation.
He is a strong, resilient kind of guy who does not want to burden others with his problems. And I think with everything that has been happening in his life, it's very admirable that he manages to remain a decent, caring, and responsible person.
Now let's talk about acting. The two leads just absolutely killed it, especially in those gut-wrenching emotional scenes. I'll admit, I even got a little teary-eyed at a couple of points – which is saying a lot, since I'm not usually one to cry during dramas.
Special mention is the airport scene in episode seven, and then another airport scene at the end of the drama when they are already grown-ups.
One thing I really appreciated about "Hidden Love" is the lack of unnecessary side characters and their storylines. So often, dramas try to cram in too much, and it ends up slowing down the pacing. But here, it's really just focused on the central romance between Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, and I think that works so much better.
Yes, of course, we have supporting cast. We have the parents and the brother and then we have her college girlfriends and his college friends. But they are only in the drama to do exactly what they're supposed to be doing—support our leads in their journey. They are given just enough screen time to make us understand what's happening with them, but they are not really slowing down the pace. I think it's also one of the reasons why this show is so highly rated.
Some of the things that really stood out to me is the banter between the leads and their friend group(s). It was hilarious. Those group gathering scenes were always a delight. Some of the jokes were ridiculously on point. The acting in those scenes was just natural.
I also wanted to share my thoughts on the age gap. To me, the age gap between the leads, especially when Sang Zhi went to college, didn't seem all that drastic. I understand that in the context of them being at different places in their lives when the story started, it really does matter. But I was almost wondering why the parents were exaggerating about the fact that he was older once she started college and became of legal age. But again, that's just me. Others may have different ideas so it's whatever works for you.
I want to talk about the chemistry because it's obvious that the chemistry is there. Both Chen Zhe Yuan and Zhao Lu Si are very talented and capable of giving us exactly what the characters are feeling.
Overall, "Hidden Love" is the kind of slow-burning romance that I can really get behind. It's got depth, it's got heart, it’s got a green flag male lead and it's got a female lead, who knows exactly what—or who—she wants and isn't afraid to go after it—or him. If you're in the mood for a sweet, uncomplicated love story without all the typical drama clichés, this one is definitely worth checking out. It's one of the better ones I've seen in a long time and I really can't find a single flaw in it.
It'll give you butterflies without doubt.
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The only drama I keep rewatching. The pure romance story in every moment.
I finished Hidden Love ages ago but never got around to writing a review, mostly out of laziness.Over the weekend, I rewatched it again and once more I found myself completely falling in love with the drama. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it.
The storyline may be simple without big twists or dramatic peaks but every moment is beautifully shot.
Just watching the sweet and ordinary love between sang zhi and duan jiaxu perfectly fulfills my romantic imagination of what it feels like to fall in love.
So far, this is the only drama I can confidently rate a solid 10. Nothing else has surpassed it for me.
I truly hope another drama will come along that makes my heart flutter in every moment even in something as simple as the way the leads look at each other just like in Hidden Love.
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A must watch
My favourite cdrama of all time!!! Where to begin! The story is a ten out of ten! I was completely wrecked after finishing the drama , couldn’t move on for days. It’s such a beautiful story !It’ll make you believe in love, and the healing power of love. I love how steadfast Sang Zhi was in her love for Dian Jiaxu, but also how he reciprocated her love and always did his best to show up for her and take care of her. It’s beautiful to see how even in a world where he didn’t have much going on, he was able to find somebody to love him as he was and remind him that he has value.
Another added bonus is the relationship between the Sang siblings. Most iconic siblings of all time ! I loved their bickering and also genuine love for each other. It was so funny to watch !!!!!
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A beautiful story about quiet love, growth, and the comfort of finding love
Hidden Love is one of those dramas that feels warm from the very beginning. What makes it special is not just the romance, but the way the relationship develops naturally over time.Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu have a chemistry that feels sincere. Their interactions are sweet without feeling forced, and the drama does a great job showing the small moments that slowly build their connection.
I especially loved the male lead's personality. Instead of being the typical cold and arrogant character, he is caring, patient, and emotionally mature. The female lead also grows beautifully throughout the story, becoming more confident while keeping her charming personality.
The drama's biggest strength is its atmosphere. The friendships, family moments, and everyday scenes create a comfortable feeling that makes you want to keep watching.
The pacing is slower compared to some romance dramas, but it fits the story because the focus is on emotional development rather than unnecessary conflict.
The acting, visuals, and soundtrack all add to the relaxing feeling.
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love it..
there are very few dramas that has everything at par, hidden love is one such drama, the story, the cast, the music everything is so good. the chemistry between the lead obviously is top notch and definitely the talk of the town, but the bond shown between the siblings is so beautifully explored. one such drama, where you don't complaint about anything rather just go with the flow, you laugh with duan xiazu, you cry when he is hurt, you are smiling when sang zhi heals his pain, his traumas, you root for them till the end.. I can keep talking about them, I can watch hidden love 1000 times over thats how much I love this show.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Refreshing to see a romance that isn't full of drama
I went into this drama after reading the really good reviews on it. And I was not disappointed. It's so refreshing to see a male lead that isn't a jerk to the main character; I know that's a popular troupe but it's nice to see a normal guy who loves his girlfriend. The slow burn was real, but the story still keeps you engaged even through that burn. The music was great, and the story is just one that I would watch over and over. This is going on my top 5 list, especially as far as watchability goes. The only thing that I don't like...is that there isn't more!If you like Chinese romance dramas, this is the one for you. It's silly, it's got a tiny bit of drama that gets resolved rather quickly, and it has an engaging plot.
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10000/10
Such a gem of a drama.. the way I immediately rewatched the drama after completing it.. my god, it was a drlight to watch this drama… also the way I didn’t want the drama to end like I was on ep 12 and was already whining that not much is left, why couldn’t it be long like costume dramas … so damn goodEveryone played their character so well, I’m amazed..
Talking abt the leads, their visuals? So easy on the eyes, such a good looking couple and one of the most beautiful chemistry hands down
ML was the epitome of green flag, despite the trauma, he was so damn kind and sweet even before he was in love.. but holy hell ML after being in love was something else, so damn loving… oh to be loved like that, sang zhi is so damn lucky …. Talking abt FL, she was damn spot on in her love… I love love love how being the younger one, she was more fierce than ML esp when it came to protecting him… like u can’t mess with her man, nope ….i love such female leads who puts equal effort and is equally protective of her love … I still can’t get over them, my new comfort drama, gonna rewatch it again and again
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This review may contain spoilers
A Drama That Broke My Heart in the Best Way
I love this show!! Hidden Love is one of my favorites, and Zhao Lusi is one of my favorite actresses. I love the chemistry between the ML and FL, and I also love how this drama shows that love takes time.I felt so bad for the FL when she thought the ML had a girlfriend—her tears broke my heart into pieces. I do think she made a healthy choice by trying to move on, but I don't think cutting him off completely was the best decision. Still, it all worked out in the end.
The ML also really touched my heart, especially when he was working and started crying. I just wanted to hug him, especially when he was heartbroken over his dad’s death. It really tugged at my heartstrings.
However, the stalker-like character who kept blaming him for his father’s mistakes made me so angry. She clearly needed help, and I’m glad the FL pointed out that she was mentally unwell.
Other than that, this drama was so cute and heartwarming. It shows how love can develop in the most unexpected places. I also loved the family aspect—especially her brother and parents. It made the show even better. I love how it shows strong family bonds and how family tries to understand each other even when they disagree.
I also really enjoyed the sibling dynamic. Even though they acted like they hated each other, it was very funny and realistic. They did a great job portraying it.
Overall, this was a great drama!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Hidden Love made me believed in love all over again
Stumbled upon Hidden Love by accident when I was just scrolling through netflix looking for one good series to watch, and somehow I ended up here and that moment marked my very first step into c-dramas. I didn’t even bother to search for the cast beforehand, so I went in with zero expectations, just a mindset of “let’s see where this takes me.”However, suddenly, I was so absorbed that I don’t even know how to go back to k-dramas again, lol. Now I’m fully seated for more c-drama.
Hidden Love is the perfect example of how the delivery of a drama that feels so balanced. The conflicts, the sweet little moments, the struggle of each character, the joyous moments, the way each character quietly grows to be a better person for each other, it all unfolds at just the right pace. And the chemistry? Not only between the leads, but also between the SangSang siblings. That, for me, was the true cherry on top <3
I know the age gap might feel uncomfortable for some, but to me, that’s what makes Hidden Love so unique. The slow (literally slow) burn of their romance is what makes it tender and beautifully real. and the second half of the drama always made me giggles yet craving for having my very own Duan Jiaxu in my life lol
If your heart is longing for something light yet warm, this is one of those stories that might stay with you. definitely a must-watch🤍
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Pure Perfection and Heartwarming Chemistry: A 10/10!
Hidden Love (2023) is a spectacular, high-budget modern romance drama that has completely taken the world by storm. It is a beautiful, gentle, and emotionally gripping coming-of-age story that delivers pure dopamine and massive rewatch value.Story (10/10):The plot is an absolute masterpiece of the slow-burn genre. It follows a young girl who develops a secret crush on her older brother's close friend, and traces their relationship as they grow up and reconnect years later. The narrative is refreshingly healthy, avoiding toxic tropes, evil second leads, or forced family dramas. Instead, it focuses entirely on mutual respect, deep care, and a natural transition from friendship to a deeply passionate, warm love story that leaves your heart completely full.Acting & Cast (10/10):Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan delivered phenomenal, career-defining performances with electric on-screen chemistry. While fans of more ruthless or 'bad boy' male leads might find the main hero to be a bit too sweet and overly gentle, his fierce protectiveness and devotion are still undeniable. The absolute star of the show is Zhao Lusi. She brings immense depth, innocence, and vulnerability to Sang Zhi. Her emotional acting—especially during the scenes where she suffers from heartbreak—is so raw and genuine that it easily moves you to tears.Overall:Hidden Love is a mandatory watch for anyone who appreciates exceptional character growth, a healthy relationship, and a romance that will completely steal your heart. Driven by an elite performance from Zhao Lusi and top-tier production, it is a flawless comfort show that you will want to rewatch over and over again. Highly recommended!Was this review helpful to you?
how am i meant to move on from this one?
i don’t usually find myself interested in modern cdramas, but it had such good reviews and good leads that i decided to give it a try.i’ve watched a good number of cdramas, many of which were amazing. however, none have touched me like this one has. i don’t know how i’m meant to move on from it. i’ve tried watching some similar dramas others have recommended but i can’t help but compare them to this one and can’t quite commit to them. none of them have managed to pull me in like this one did from the very start.
there’s something very special about this drama, a certain kind of nostalgia that it evokes that isn’t easily explained. i’m not sure how to put it into words.
youth. that nostalgic innocence of a first love and the resulting heartbreak that feels so crushing and world-ending, it feels like you’ll die.
then young adulthood. the inevitable messiness that comes with that transition. the adults in your life struggling to reconcile the fact that you’re no longer a child, unsure how to treat you going forward; you struggling to appear mature before them, still unable to help but be childlike in ways. that slow acceptance of yourself, including those less “adult” parts of yourself that you believed you had to let go of to be seen as grown.
you can feel it in the acting, the wardrobe, the way it was filmed, in the OST, even in the colours used.
it’s all beautiful and it’s familiar. you won’t regret watching it, even though you’ll struggle to move on afterwards.
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Story and Cast
Very nice story. I love the actress and actor, Their chemistry are great, I watch this serie again and again, and I feeling like I'm in love with this. I want to go to the places where this serie was made, I believe China have more to offer and we don't know that, until we start watching this series, when I watch this program so many times, I been learning some words that at least I can say Hello, I love you and another basic words in Mandarin, before I can even say hello, was sound very difficult, in general this drama are very well done.Was this review helpful to you?
