Speed and Love

Speed and Love don't mix

I'll start with...Speed and Love just don't mix. Once the action, pretty cars and dreamy Thai setting was gone so was most of my attention.

They had the tools and the cast to make a better story but the first half they focused on the action, rather than consistency with the plot. Then the 2nd half they did a 180* and focused solely on the lead's emotional journeys. As a viewer, I never recovered from the whiplash. I guess reading the novel would help here but the drama as a stand alone story was frustrating. My main beef being that it takes the whole show for Jin Zhao to learn how to respect and trust Jiang Mu enough to allow her into his life. He also has no problem asking their family and friends to lie to her face...for years! And they all agree to it. Both of her parents are terrible people as well. Her father ignored her for years, became a drunk, and really only took an interest in Jin Zhao's life. Her mother hid the fact that Jin Zhao had been trying to call her when they were children when they separated. And then hid her illness from her until the most inconvenient time to reveal it arose. I was unimpressed with how manipulative, needy and unrealistic Jiang Mu's character was in the beginning. But after Jin Zhao's accident she grew on me. Mostly because I felt bad for her. Almost everyone in her life lied to her and never took her seriously, including the man she loved. But bless her heart, she forgave every single one of them.

The side characters were interactive scenery at best. No one really gets their own separate story and I was fine with that. I really liked San Lai as a brother type for MuMu until he agreed to lie to her for Jin Zhao. I liked Lin Sui too. I want him to make me a drink out of his Ferrari 😂 then give me a ride. NaNa, Wan Qing , Feng Zi and the other racing people didn't get enough screen time for me to care about them. Both of MuMu's step parents and step sister were sweet though.

But at least where my mind wasn't pleased, my eyes were. The physical chemistry between Yu Shu Xin and He Yu was electric. Whenever they were in the same room it was fireworks and butterflies.

And as a car enthusiast I enjoyed that part of the first half. They did their research and most of what Jin Zhao, Lin Sui and Jin Qiang said wasn't complete nonsense.

The acting also wasn't bad. If you're not a fan of YSX's babyish characters she's pretty toned down here and did well in the emotional scenes. And for playing a man of few words, He Yu managed to make me tear up a few times. That intense stare of his gives me chills...in a good way.

Happy to be done. I highly doubt I would ever rewatch this but if I did I would stop at ep 19 for sure.

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When the sun and moon shine together

I literally have no words to express how much I loved this C-drama. Ever since it was announced, I was dying to see it. The story totally grabbed me before it even aired, and once I started watching, there was no turning back. It easily became one of the best dramas I’ve seen all year. The plot just pulls you in, and honestly, every single element—the characters, the romance, the OST, the cinematography—was perfectly crafted. I’m just so happy I got to experience this story day by day. I usually never watch Cdramas while they’re airing, but I just couldn't wait, lol! No regrets, even though I’m a little sad to say goodbye now.

I have to say, He Yu absolutely killed it in this drama. It’s my second time seeing him, the first was My Fated Boy, and even though he was super cute in that one, Jin Zhao is on a whole different level. And can we talk about how HOT he looks here?! I literally held my breath every time he was in his "bad boy racer" era. His soft era was nice, but the bad boy vibes? Simply superior. (//ω//) There’s so much depth to his characters. Even after everything he’s been through, he still kept his heart of gold. He’s so naturally kind and caring—honestly, the ultimate green flag. I just loved and will always love this man 4ever! ♥

As for Esther Yu, I’ve been a fan for a while. I know some people aren't into her style, but I really like her. Her character, Jiang Mu (Mu Mu), might seem a bit immature at first, but I loved her character development. We started off with a very innocent, unbothered, loving, and cute girlie, yet we ended with a mature, loving and subtle cute lady. Also, the outfits and styling deserve a full review of their own because they were beautiful! One thing I’ve always loved about this character is that she isn't your typical shy girl—she’s the complete opposite! I absolutely loved how she could keep up with Jin Zhao. I mean, from now on, whenever I hear the word 'Focus,' I’m always going to think of her, lol!

Which brings us to the chemistry... and wow, they really delivered. Their scenes left me speechless more than once. The amount of times I kicked my feet and giggled frantically because of these two is actually insane. AND THE KISSES?! I was obsessed with "hungry" Zhao Zhao. (〃ﾉωﾉ) The yearning and the way this man loves Mu Mu made me want to be loved like that, too (I mean, who wouldn't?). The way Jin Zhao’s intense, hot stares met Jiang Mu’s innocent gazes... honestly, I GASPED every single time.

I honestly have no complaints about the supporting cast! Even with their limited screen time, they delivered exactly what was needed to make this drama a total gem. I wasn't expecting to see Mike Angelo! It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and I loved his character along with Sanlai Ge and the rest of the crew. The OST is beautiful, and the action scenes—the racing, the boxing—were incredible. This drama delivered exactly what it promised, and I’ll definitely be rewatching it. I’m also planning to read the novel because I heard it’s even better since the drama had to cut some things out.

Conclusion: I honestly wish I could erase my memory just to rewatch it all over again for the first time. I’d watch it forever if I could! This drama is 100% worth it, and I’d recommend it to anyone with my eyes closed. 10/10 ✧

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Sorry but good riddance

Maybe my review is overly harsh, but I was looking forward to this drama only to be super disappointed. Great acting, chemistry, aesthetic cinematography, and some angst/cute moments here and there but overall the writing and characters sucked.

Mumu is among the top, if not the top, of my list of most useless female leads. I’m not a fan of super cutesy types, but I tried to give the benefit of the doubt. But all she did was be cute. After going to Thailand to find her “brother” without any warning, I feel like she was just someone who was constantly spoiled and accommodated for. Her dad’s second wife and daughter were so kind to her, but I barely saw any moments where she would get close to them. They were all just coexisting but so close/courteous, it felt like a very convenient plot hole to skip over.

Everything else was ML taking care of her, doting on her despite his own worries, but also never telling her. She took a foundation language course, learned how to drive, but is all of a sudden super talented with drifting with just her dad’s verbal knowledge and one class to draw a heart. How she managed to survive and fund her cute clothes and everything else without a job (unless we count others conveniently paying or caring for her) I have no idea.

Everything else was cringey. I skimmed so much of the cliche plots, with the bad boy fighting and racing. The drama really dragged. They had finally started dating around ep 15, then we find more details on why ML is still doing dangerous activities despite not needing the money anymore. The communication was so one-sided or indirect, everything being hidden to “protect” her or “for her own good” was also annoying and dragged the conflict on even more. The mixed signals, lies, and push and pull were also annoying.

The FL was only less naive, useless, and cutesty post break up, but it was disappointing to see how a breakup and separation would really lead to her growing up. It was really all the little things in this drama. It totally makes sense for JZ’s doc to breaks patient confidentiality (unless that’s different in China) to tell her about his condition and give her his medical records. He wasn’t going to tell her about his pain otherwise. Again with the communication. Also it totally makes sense for her to help with his rehab.

15 ep to date, 5 ep of whatever they did dating and racecar and investigation bs, and the rest are post breakup/reunion/reconciliation bs. “Proper” communication probably happened around ep 25. The last few ep’s were more enjoyable. Then they added Wan Qing there (which didn’t make sense to me since it never showed what happened to her after the race and her dad’s toxic business). The pacing felt really slow then fast and all over the place. There’s still some loose ends and unanswered q’s… at least it’s a happy ending

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So-so

Okay. Speed and love. I had high expectations. But it wasn't met. I'm not sure if any of you knows Forbidden flower, Taiwanese drama by Jerry Yan. The vibes started similar to the forbidden flower. Mature guy X cheerful female lead. However, I think it became too slow paced. Like the story is dragging. I mean they officially started dating at ep 15, I think. For a 29 episode drama. That's too slow paced. It lacked in a lot of things. Just when I think I'm about to cry, my tears doesn't come out cause the emotional rising gets cut. Like, the pacing should be at a high emotional part then suddenly, Na-da. Visually, top-notch but don't you think that there's too many cast but so little time to dive into their stories. In fact, the story revolved on the 2 main leads but their emotional capacity to deliver each scene feels lacking. The only time where I was smiling ear to ear is when they're kissing or flirting but that's not how it's supposed to be. If that is the only part where I feel elated, it means, the story itself is subpar. And to think this drama have too much hype compared to how it should be. Either way, this one is good only as YT shorts or tiktok clip but to watch the entire drama, it's not worth it.

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They are the CUTEST

The chemistry between the leads is FANTASTIC and it's hands down the best part of the drama. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time.

I have a love-hate relationship with Esther Yu's performances — she's great but the aegyo is often so over-the-top. Here, though, it fits well for the most part, though there are some subplots that are quite cheesy. He Yu absolutely sells the bad boy (with a soft heart) persona.

The only hiccup this drama has for me was the big conflict that lead to the main couple going no-contact for years; while I like how the female lead's bubbliness came through while dealing with it, the angst leading up to the separation just didn't quite land and was more frustrating. It's already one of my least favorite tropes, but especially since the drama already started with the main characters reconnecting after not communicating while they were younger, utilizing a similar trope the second time just didn't really work.

Ultimately though, this was a highly addictive watch (especially in the first half) and I hope we get more of this archetype of ML in the future — they're really hard to come by but I eat it up every time.

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Only worth it for He Yu

I came for He Yu, I stayed for He Yu, and by the end of it…what in the world did I just watch?

The only good episodes were the last 9 when she actually marries. Esther Yu tends to play these babyish immature roles at first in her dramas. Then later matures like in LBFAD. But oh my it is tortuous until she gets there. I will say though she is good as being an evolving character. Where others typically play one kind of personality Esther Yu evolves.

That being said, again, the only good part of this drama is He Yu…but like what does he see in her?

The only thing I came away from this feeling is I can’t wait for He Yu’s future dramas because I will watch them all.

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Storyline seems to be a combo/ copy of movies "My Fault" and "Fast and Furious" "

This storyline is not very original as it appears to be a copy from the very popular drama "My Fault" in which, mother father divorced, mother married a rich guy and takes her teenage daughter to live with her and the rich stepfather also has a son same age as stepsister. Bad boy step brother is heavily into illegal car racing, young, parties, fighting etc. Hot stepsister and hot stepbrother fall in love, (not blood relatives either) heavy love scenes, parties. fight club scenes. Even the stepsister' s father figure is the same, a burned out race car driver who taught his daughter how to race, pretty much the same storyline.
And the rest of this story is from "Fast and Furious" major competition and lots of car races, etc. So..,at least 80% of the story is cut and pasted from above movies.
I also found the story development pretty slow and boring in some places. I give it a 8 based on the perfect casting, great chemistry between ML and FL. I loved most of the wardrobe and styles of both male and female characters except the FL wedding dress in the end that was pretty ugly. Great job production crew and all the actors. Loved the music

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Weird premise and pretty cringy.

Where do I start….Okay I’m all for a good childhood sweetheart trope but these two literally grew up together. He took care of her as a baby (probably even changed a few diapers) so it’s pretty weird to me. It would’ve been better if the writers made it into a slow burn romance with him realizing later on that he loves her romantically. But noooo, this guy was yearning for her all these years (he even carries a keychain around stating that he’s yearning for her). It just doesn’t make sense.

Acting wise I think the ML is giving his all. He’s got the smolder down and it’s electrifying but Esther Yu - WHYYY. I know a lot of people think her baby voice and childlike expressions are cute but to me, it seems like she’s trying too hard to keep up with this facade. I think someone like Sun Zhenni or Lu Yu Xiao who are naturally cute would’ve been a better choice to cast.

I am on episode 16 and trying to hold on because of the ML and Mike Angelo (he’s fun to watch).

Also, why is the ML always so sweaty while everyone looks cool as a cucumber??

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great cinematography but the story falls a bit flat for me

I'll start this off by saying that I have not finished this show (very close to dropping as well..) but I do plan on getting through it since it was very recommended. I'll maybe updates this review when I've finished.

Overall, so far at least, I really enjoy the cinematography and it being set in Thailand for sure adds to the aesthetic elements. The scenes are pleasing to look at and they have this vibe that is pretty calming?? I'm not entirely sure how to describe it but it's easy to watch and you don't have to overthinking it much.

However what my main cons are with this show is how the romance between the FL and ML are almost overly romanticized at a point?? Like before they got together those moments were cute and had lots of tension but after it just became flat and repetitive. I suppose if you're really into those type of "hot" scenes then you'll really enjoy the show. But for me personally, these scenes get redundant and lack the emotional essence that cdramas usually have.

(01/04/2026 update)
So I finally finished the drama and will say it turned out better than I expected during my previous check in. One thing I didn't really like though was how everyone just pretty much FL in the dark during the 8 years they were apart?? Like not a single person around ML thought like hey maybe this isn't what FL wants.. Idk, I'm just generally not a fan of these "I'm not good enough for them/they deserve better" tropes when clearly like VERY clearly the FL is not the type of person to want to be left in the dark over something like this. Also wish they showed a bit more emotional depth in the resolution part cause it feels a bit rushed almost?? like they showed their moments apart and the sad moments + "explanations" but I feel like FL got over being lied to for a whole 8 years WAY too quickly. (Maybe it's just cuz I would've been a bit more salty if I was her..)

I do appreciate how MuMu has a more mature/grown vibe in the second half of the show. While I did enjoy her younger personality in the first half it did feel a bit awkward watching her in certain scenes... (just personally not my taste) so I'm glad they were able to show a bit more of a mature side of her (but I mean she also is a lot older so it's kinda expected).

Honestly though, I'm reading my old review and not much has changed. There were less eyecandy moments in the second half than I thought there'd be (and I'm also lowkey thankful for.. don't shoot me), but as soon as they got together again it also go boring again... like they're cute but it feels more like I'm third wheeling (and not in a good way if yk what I mean ;-;). I personally love emotionally heavy and deep stories so though this show was romantic, it was pretty surface level to me and lacked a lot of depth that I find interesting and resonating to watch. But then again, if this is your time of thing, I'm not here to judge you.

Also, right after the car accident, I feel like the plot started to get really confusing?? Though it felt more like an editing/post production error rather than the story itself (since I mean the story is pretty obvious and like you can expect what happens). But a lot of the clips felt really choppy and they'd have the "1 month later" clip but then it just made no sense?? Idk I feel like a lot of the scenes were jumbled there and I even had to rewatch them to make sure I wasn't missing anything so.. Ig if anyone can explain why MuMu was still in thailand after the 1 month later clip even though she said she was going to head back to visit her mom asap? and like did Jin Zhao just magically heal in the one month since I thought he was struggling to even stand properly, let alone meet up with her at some balcony cafe thing (I lowkey thought it was a dream at first too since it like showed a clip of him sleeping and it like zoomed out of his head so I was like oh maybe he was just dreaming about letting her go since she kept texting him even in canada but like if they "broke up" idk if girl would be doing that?? like cuz i swear it felt like she still saw them together but they stopped talking idk im so confused. But also like they give flashbacks to that moment so I'm pretty sure it's not a dream??) Anyways if anyone can explain that part to me that'd be great bc I was confused asf.

I know a lot of people aren't big fans of Esther Yu (some of yall drag her way too hard tho like chill out) and I can understand why her acting might not be everyone's taste but, especially with these types of characters, I really can't think of another actor that could give off the same essence that Esther did with MuMu. I will say though, when I first watched the teasers and trailers, I was hoping for more a mature ML/FL kinda dynamic but also not entirely surprised since it's an Esther drama. Would love to see her play more diverse characters though like her character in MJTY (?? I haven't watched it yet but apparently she's and assassin in there so I will fs have to binge it sometime soon).

Overall I'd give it a 6/10. if I was just rating the cinematography and vibes alone, it'd def be a 10, but a lot of the moments just lacked depth and the story wasn't all that interesting (and in fact quite cliche) for me to give it a higher rating. I did start watching the show in 2x speed towards the end and it was really funny so

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2025 is ending with 1 of the best lovestory of the year and 1 of the best Modern Cdramas EVER!

I have been in a Cdrama/Kdrama slump lately and this drama took me out of this.
I have watched a lot of dramas and this is in my personal opinion one of the best electric, natural onscreen chemistry that I have ever seen in a drama between 2 leads. It is mostly my favorite part of the drama.
I remember watching this and thought that it felt unlike a lot of Modern cdramas I have watched lately and it is mostly because of the location since it was filmed mostly in Thailand. It is so beautiful and it gives nostalgic vibes.
I love this drama so much and I have so much to say about it but I just recently finished it but the words are not quite coming out clearly yet to express my love for this drama. I said a lot in the comments section though
I love the cinematography, the shooting location, I mourned the loss of their garage, I love the camaraderie between the other supporting actors in the drama....
Also I want the people who keep complaining about Esther every time she has a drama airing to please go watch something else. She portrayed a very young mumu and later an independent/confident moment years later like she was supposed to. I was really crying in her emotional scenes....Esther did an excellent job with her character for this drama and I dont see anyone playing this character better than her.
He yu He yu man....what a revelation. I remember seeing him from a short web drama from a few years ago so I am so glad that he got his big break with this drama. The way he portrayed Jin chao who was hopelessly crazy in love with mumu was a sight to behold....seriously what an actor....I was fully convinced while watching the drama.

I feel like I am all over the place with this review and this may not convince you to watch the drama but if you want to see one of the best love story ever created , an insane chemistry , lots of skinships and beautiful moments between the leads , a growth arc for the leads, a great supporting cast, beautiful shooting locations, top notched cinematography....please give this drama a chance.

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I'll remember it for the beautiful aesthetics.

I’m going to bullet-point my review of the notes I took while I watched.
I’ll preface it by saying this is my opinion only – there’s no need for fangirls to comment and disagree, okay? Okay! Lol. I’m so happy if you loved it.
I wanted to like it more than I did, but after watching several of Esther’s shows, I have the same complaint about all of them.

• So, right off the bat – male lead (for me… my opinion only) outshone female lead. His acting was sublime; his intensity was super engaging in every scene, especially in the action or crying moments.
• The male lead was a yearner, very affectionate, and I was here for it! I also loved those long coats he wore. Costumes can make or break a scene.
• Speaking of clothes – the female lead wore a different outfit in EVERY SCENE! The clothing budget must have been astronomical. And she only brought a regular-sized suitcase with her. Where did she fit all those clothes? Lol.
• Sorry, but I can’t stand the baby voice. Or the “cutesy” acting, which I now know is a trait Esther uses in her acting. And to give her her due, when she was in those serious scenes toward the end of the show, I thought she was incredibly good, so she can do it.
• I’ll use my inside voice when I say I think the second female lead would have done a better job as lead.
• Oof. Of course, there is a dominant mom – but the turnaround was actually well done. I don’t usually buy into last-minute redemption.
• The location's aesthetic was gorgeous – it made every scene pop.
• My favorite part of the show was how both leads bettered themselves throughout the time apart.

I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped to.

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