24 eps seem too short for the first time!
"Our Secret" is a drama with a good plot, lovable characters and excellent acting. the actors in this drama aren't that famous (edit: this was before hidden love) but their acting is really good; definitely how a high schooler would behave, in my opinion. it's fast paced with little or no filler scenes so overall it was a good watch. it felt so nostalgic (even tho I haven't finished my high school yet).the ML was portrayed splendid, props to the actor. he wasn't oblivious but seemed to get along with people around him quite well unlike other leads who act like they are allergic to humans or whatever. no super rich high school 'chaebol' heir so it makes the viewers easy to empathize. the way he looks at the FL melts me uwu. he really set the bar high for a "boy in love".
the FL did an excellent job in expressing a desk-mate who gradually falls in love with someone who she never thought she would and thinks he doens't reciprocate her feelings. she portrayed a girl chasing her love in a charming way and we can't help but root for this cute couple pairing.
the side characters weren't annoying. they had their own story to tell, making us cheer for them even with the little screen time they had. I loved the friendship among all of them.
I really had fun watching this!! trust me, it's a really good watch/re-watch!! ♡. if only someone would look at me the way ML looks at FL... I should prolly stop dreaming *cries in Chinese*. jokes aside, this is definitely a drama that'll stay with me for a long time. I could literally feel the emotions conveyed in the story. wow, what a ride! best of luck to all the actors' future works! signing off.
I'm in love with Chen Zhe Yuan if it wasn't obvious already ♡
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Rewatch and rewatch
Never expected this drama to be so good. Everybody has such good chemistry and the plot is so good. Bear in mind that this is a school/youth genre, so don't expect too much crazy plot twists or strong villains.I love all the couples in the drama. The plot is really so sweet that I just can't help but rewatch the romance or bickering parts between the main couple. You've probably seen many reviews talking about how good the male lead is in terms of expressions and how he fit in the character.
Parts I really love from the drama:
- How the entire drama really focus on the character development in all the characters, lead characters and supporting characters alike.
- The dream high school experience. When watching this, I can't help but feel envious of their high school experience.
- Sweet interactions between the male lead and female lead. How Si Yue is protective of Ding Xian, how he looks at her and how they both constantly support each other.
- Though Si Yue is portrayed as the school genius and basically this popular guy who is good in everything he does (typical school romance plot right?), but the way the character is acted out is not unrealistic at all. He is not the typical cold blooded, cool guy who is unapproachable.
I rarely rate a drama so high when it comes to high school romance because to me, most high school dramas are nice to watch but not exactly relatable. This drama, however, brings you on an emotional ride and you can't help but dream of going back to high school and relive your high school in the same manner.
Also, I rarely pay attention to drama OSTs. This drama is packed with amazing OSTs, so much I would play them on loop throughout the day.
Kudos to the cast, director and screenwriter.
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I must say I got hooked from very first episode. The story reminds me of my high school days. I literally lived those days again through this drama and that's what makes this drama so special to me. I watched lots of school/college dramas but this one hit differently.
What can I say about the acting. Everytime the ML looked at the FL with those "teary eyes" My heart melt, the way he looked at her, the way he talked to her, I can't express what i was feeling, all I could do is just smiling like an idiot. The innocence reflected through the FL's way of talking is not annoying at all (as sometimes talking that way feels too annoying), she did justice to her character.
The college days are little first paced (if you read the novel) , but still for 24 episodes with 40-45mins time span it was better.
Talking about music , 'Long day' is now one of my favourite osts. I am listening to it on loop.
I tend to forget things and may be after a while this drama will not be same for me as it is as of now. Hence I am writing this review so that I can remember these moments forever.
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Seasons
Everything is everything ,What is meant to be,will be
After winter,must come spring
Change it brings,eventually
-Lauryn Hill
This is a random quote but I think it aptly describes what this drama meant to me.I have watched multiple dramas in all languages but nothing has touched my heart as close as this one.The journey of Ding Xian and Zhou Xiyue was a truly memorable one.If anyone asks what is the best thing about this drama it is the realistic portrayal of the difficulties of youth.It describes the various feeling of rebelliousness,friendship ,love and most importantly chasing your dreams .The feelings have been totally brought into life by the actors .Excellent would be an understatement for their performance.While in the first half I couldn’t take my eyes off Zhou Xiyue ,the second half was totally Ding Xian’s forte.
While many argue how Ding Xian was blindly following ZX ,I would completely defer.As in one of the Kdramas Run On they say your dream or destination need not necessarily be a career or any other materialistic thing it could be a person as well.No matter what anyone says you can follow whatever your dream is if you can take the responsibility for it.
The story was simple .It has been told time and again but the freshness with which it was presented made it special.Unlike most dramas where the leads wear different apparels for each episode here we see a simplistic portrayal of the daily school and college life of children from simple average families.The fact that even these simple details were taken care of makes the drama different from many others in the same genre.
The angst in the middle of the series upset many viewers but I totally think it was necessary because that made every character realise what is important to them including the main leads and supporting leads.Morever in real life there is nothing that comes easy.
I could go on and on but the rest is for you to watch.While many of my opinions could be biased on my view of life I hope you have a great time watching this series
And last but not the least Chen Zheyuan and Xu mingjie ,you couldn’t have done it better.
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Full of feels, Relatable, Impressionable
In a sea of youthful, school romances, this one is cream of the crop. Every step of the way the story grabs my attention and stole my heart.The Plot begins with highschool transitioning to college and with it, it captures how the characters have changed. Highschool was mostly sweet. College had some rude awakening. The society arc was realistic though. It is hard to stay 'pure' and keep a righteous heart. A society that pressures one to be 'accomplish' and driven by profit making.. it makes me applaud for FL and ML.
Why I fell in love with the characters:
- FL was very relatable in highschool. Being a new transfer student to a city school, she felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. She did not know how to communicate with her classmates. She felt small and hence become withdrawn. She also does not know how to say no. It brings back memory of teenage years when one feels unsure, useless and even lonely. Compound that with a naughty younger brother whom her mum seems to be bias over
- ML had a inner gentleman. Being deskmates with FL, they gradually warm up to each other. He's a naturally gifted student that ace his studies without needing much effort. He has a clear goal. However he isnt cold or unapproachable. Infact he's helpful to his peers and once he took FL under his wing, he doesnt think twice in helping her out
Why I love their interaction:
- They have the cutest deskmate interaction. Even though both never confess and their relationship isn't labeled more than 'deskmate'
- ML look out for FL. And does a lot of sweet warm actions.
- FL even being timid would speak out to defend ML.
- They both go to great lengths to protect their deskmate position.
- They reassure and encourage each other in a highpressure Chinese education system
- Their gifts to each other were really thoughtful
- The way they look at each other gives me butterflies
Character development
- FL had a determined streak in her. She overcomes being an 'average' student and work hard to enter a top tier university
- That same determined streak had her repeating just to follow the ML to his university
- FL along the way has matured, become more sociable and able to think for herself
- FL became much more confident and openly pursues ML even as he pushes her away
- ML's family particularly his dad encountered serious health problems. Suddenly push into a poor financial situation, he becomes stretched out physically and mentally juggling school, work and visiting his parents
- The same situation makes him unwilling to share with FL so as not to 'pull her down'
- ML wanted the best for FL but he also decided it all on his own; only later did he realise his way of thought was wrong
- During a speech, ML expresses that infact FL looking up to him and encouraging him was his greatest drive
- The other love triangle SBC too had his own development. He went from a reliable senior to an accomplished company manager to one that does questionable things as he bowed down to society pressures to finally walking away from it.
Acting
- Im blown away by ML's micro-expressions. In an interview even Rainbow, the FL says ML's eyes 'blink' 'blink' expressing his eyes twinkle. The way he looks at his leading lady is like dripping mollases.
- Both actor/actress really interpreted what their character feels. I felt they truly capture the gist and the moments in the story
- Their chemistry makes the whole drama works. From the unspoken affection they had in high school, carrying the secret crush and how they chased each other in college.
Rewatching - Definitely, complete with watching BTS and their interviews too.
Ps: Costume and wardrobe people love colour coordinating the ML and FL's clothes. Cant help noticing.
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First ever review! It’s totally worth it.
It’s almost common for chinese dramas to have a storyline which starts from childhood (usually high school) up to the point where the leads reach adulthood.I’ve been following a lot of cdramas.. started many, dropped a few and finished only some. The reason for my rating is that this is one of the dramas that I really followed until the last episode. I waited each week to watch the episodes. I almost bought the subscription just to be able to watch it with subs right after the release. Right from the start, I got hooked. There is something about this drama that will somehow reach your past self and reminisce your own school experience. For me it’s somehow realistic enough but also got the “this is just too good to be true” feeling. The cast, wow. I really can’t stop staring at the ML eyes. His eyes speak louder than most of his actions. It was captivating. The FL also was really adorable and pretty. Her character is also nice since the development from a shy girl blossomed into a confident girl who showed she could also protect the ML. Swoon for most of their scenes! Lastly, the OST was really nice specially The Long Day. I’m still waiting for it to be uploaded in Spotify. Really recommend this one!
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Watch go ahead instead.
Our secret had so much potential to become a touching and emotional story that would have always remained in my heart (something like 'go ahead') but it really MAJORLY lacks in almost all aspects.The first few episodes had me addicted! It was so beautiful and ugh the charecters were adorable.
But um i have alot of problems in the fundamental thoughts they tried to convey in this show:
- the portrayal of the arts stream is SO BAD. They treat it as though arts is something that people who want it easy take, conforming to the social norms. They state multiple times that "only few students take arts" " girls should only take arts" "science is too difficult for woman". This is in 2021, not 1800s.
- the female leads reason for choosing her stream is her ego. She wants to prove to everyone that she can do science. Even though it sounds so inspiring,it really isn't because shes literally not passionate about any science, nor does she have dreams to do science, she's not even good at science. She's literally an artist !!! Her other reason is all her friends took science.
- Male lead does everything in his power to "protect" the female lead even though she can literally do things herself. He puts his career at risk to do this too. The norms of men proposing, men buying the ring, men always paying, men not feeling cold at alllll is further amplified not in a subtle way.
- the female lead does CRAZY things for love. She literally does not care about her career for around 15 episodes and tries to do everything the male lead does(as he's the genius) by taking a break year to study in the same University and even join his research team???? When she finally realises her importance suddenly she's getting all these arts offers after doing a degree in computing. SO UNREALISTIC. Yll really think getting a job in an area that's not your major is easy? No matter how talented nobody hands out contracts to a fresh graduate from ANOTHER major. This is setting such crazy expectations that happens irl only in RARE cases.
- many scenes make no logical sense. He's poor but lives in such a huge apartment in the middle of the city? All three leads be crashing random meetings? A Start up working in so many industries? I could name so many things!
-the mom's charecter has SO MUCH EGO. Even though she's the adult, the female lead is expected to "not get mad at her" or be respectful because she "doesn't mean it". That's such a sick mindset because adults are the ones that need to be mature and not treat thier children like shit.
The leads were cute in the first few episodes but their chemistry gradually deteriorated. The show dragged the high school part quite alot. I skipped way too much even in the end of the show.
Another thing I thought could have been done better is at how they started the show with the fact that "shit happened", that made me wait for shit to happen because i knew it would and made me enjoy the show less.
The acting is pretty good, i don't have any complains in any other aspect except for the writing and the ideas presented in the drama which would leave the watchers with unrealistic expectations about life and career. Even thier relationship is low-key super unrealistic. I finished this show learning absolute nothing and gaining no insights on anything in life.
Highly not recommended.
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Drama on Finding Your Identity
What can I say? This drama is just so beautiful to watch.I normally choose drama by the main leads, and youth drama is not my go to (because I'm in my 40s and prefer more grown up topics). It's only because I kept on seeing the drama's commercial in Insta that I got curious. So glad I peeked - and got hooked instantly!
The acting is oh so very good. Kudos to the casting team, both the main leads look great together. Watching them, I can feel their love for each other. What a sweet pairing!
It has been a very long time that I have seen a drama which I don't fast forward here and there at some point. I don't fast forward AT ALL watching this!
There's not really a bad guy here, but it's just so nice to see the characters grow from when they started high school, till adulthood.
If you want to watch something which make your heart smile, watch this.
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Nothing but a Masterpiece
The best youth drama for me. A very realistic plot that surpasses other youth chinese drama. The chemistry between Xu Mengjie and Chen Zheyuan is really really good. You will never get tired of it. TRUST ME! :)Both leads were perfect fit for the role and showed excellent chemistry. This is the only drama I've seen where story revolves around both high school and University life equally. The high school romance is as close to real life, subtle yet powerful. Shyness depicted by both lead actors in high school were to THE point. Their interactions made me blush. No unnecessary touching, physical proximity, intense stares, etc. Director did a splendid job in bringing out the true emotions of high school top student.
Supporting characters were also amazing and made high school story good to great. Second lead was even more handsome. This drama is so hilariously funny! Watch it for a nice time of laughter with the really good looking young cast.
It is really unforgettable and you will never regret watching it. I definitely recommend this drama.
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The first C-drama for me that I'm sad it's over
My first initial reaction when I saw this drama, "oh it's just another school drama where they eventually figure out their lives and go to college". I mean it's not wrong. It does follow this format but when you watch it, there's just something special about this drama compared to other high school dramas. To think I almost skip this one but seeing the clips of this drama, I was convinced and gave a try and I don't regret it.Now the FL's character, Ding Xian is what I like to call a weak character in the beginning. She is shy but also a pushover, as she's afraid to speak her mind. You see why once you meet her mom. Ding Xian's mom is very irritating as it seems she wants to control her daughter on all of her decisions and that she only cares about her studies. We also see some of the mom's favoritism to Ding Xian's annoying little brother. All of these will lead to many not liking Ding Xian's mom. Do they both see character growth? Yes and thankfully it occurs early enough where you can watch this drama without problems later on.
The romance is cute and sweet for our lead couple. It's a steady buildup of their relationship. Though they weren't official until later on, you can tell as you progress each episode that they slowly start to have feelings for each other. I just love the amount of support the Si Yue had for Ding Xian because this is what she needed in order to grow. Also there's great friendship in this drama as well.
The music is just amazing and on point. For me, it's another highlight for this drama.
Downsides to this drama? Well their college years seemed lacking compared to the high school scenes. Like you may not even know they were in college if they didn't specify it in their lines. Friend #3 for Si Yue's friend and Ding Xian's friend lacked screen time. They are our third couple but their chemistry is a bit lacking because of the limited screen time for them. The last maybe 3 to 4 episodes seemed just out there. It's not bad but it just didn't flow as well for me compared to the other episodes.
But overall, this will still be considered one of my favorite C-dramas that I wouldn't mind rewatching.
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Took the Youth genre in another level
Chinese youth drama genre is a thing of its own. They've owned this genre for years now. As a sucker for this genre, similar elements and plot lines do not bother me for I consume them without batting an eye. At times, they still add little more spices to make sure they have their own flavor and still be classified on its own beauty among the rest. I thought I've exhausted and seen the most out of this genre but in 2021, a drama which was not originally part of my watchlist rose to the top of this year's favorite dramas of mine, and that is Our Secrets (Secrets in the Lattice).Sometimes, Chinese dramas have shaky introductions of the plot where you have to wait for five or more episodes in order for you to fully fit and be comfortable with whatever you are watching. However, for Our Secrets, I never had that kind of problem--instead of waiting five episodes, I only needed five minutes of its first episode to decide that, "Yes, I will keep on watching this drama." Right then and there, the drama captured my interest (and probably my heart too.)
The story started with in medias res (a narrative work beginning in the midst of the plot.) With this tactic, they already knew they would be piquing the interest of whoever jumps into the drama without reading the plot (just like me). As a passerby, you'll definitely wonder why the heck you were already given an angst without prior notice! Therefore, you'd proceed and tadah, without warning, you'll be really into it already.
ZHOU SI YUE
Don't even start me with this character. Never have I encountered a character like ZSY in years of my drama watching. Especially with this kind of plot, a refreshing youth like him definitely is one of the million reasons why I fell in love with the drama's story telling. They made a character that has flaws. Okay let's be honest, in youth dramas, male leads, more often than not, are the very definition of stone-faced, tsundere, and a person who never really cares with others' feelings. They are whom what the whole institution are looking up to not just because of their good looks but because of their genius brains (those who naps and get to sleep 8 hours a night, never study but still remain to be the top student). Zhou Si Yue, on the other hand, given that he has both qualities, he is not stone-faced nor a tsundere. He jokes around, spends time with his friends, a filial son, plays basketball, studies and gets distracted. He competes on a national level and because of this, his school ranking sometimes drop few places from his original rank. With this, you can see how they've made him like us--something we can relate to. Because yes, it is so impossible for us to encounter those male leads we have met in the past. With Si Yue, we somehow believed that we have been classmates with someone like him.
DING XIAN
Oh dear. The dearest and most adorable Xianxian. Ding Xian is such a lovable character. Throughout the drama, her development was the proudest I am of them all. She started off as a timid and introverted newly transferred student. She never thought she would gain friends, thus, she opted to shut her doors with anyone who would approach her. But with the help of her desk mate and other classmates, she started to warm and held the knob of her once shut door. She knew her weaknesses but still worked hard to lessen the obvious gap. She's also aware of what she wants. Although at first, she couldn't fight back with her mother who dictates what her daughter should do and should not, but later on, she found her courage and stood firm on what she believed was right and best for her. It is so nice to see a character like her, a character who might not be gifted with so much academic skills but we saw how much she worked hard in order to enter a prestigious school in the country.
Moreover, the whole Our Secrets gang added so much fun in the story telling. Second and third cps were not annoying unlike most of what I've seen in c-dramas. I actually never had to forward their scenes. The roles of Kong Sha Di and Song Zi Qi were not birthed for the sole purpose that this drama may have supporting roles. They were more than that. It's been a while since I last witnessed supporting characters having a strong footing in the storyline.
All in all, give Our Secrets a chance. I grinned like crazy, laughed out loud, and cried because of nostalgia for this made me look back during the days of my youth. This drama came a surprise and I am glad I decided to watch it.
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If this is THE best youth drama, then I'd rather stop watching them.
I'm surprised as to how many people loved this drama & gave it the title of THE best youth drama.PLOT :
The drama was filled with cliché plot and nothing particularly different to make this drama unique. The only difference between this & other youth dramas is that in this one the FL was a little smart. But, not more than the ML. Still, I'd prefer other dramas over this since the FL being smart or not, doesn't matter much.
This drama solely focused on the leads and failed to develop the story of the side characters. There was too much focus on the MC, which made it even boring. Sometimes, misunderstandings also make a drama a good one. No couple is pure.
They introduced difficulties but ended it real quick which ruined the fun. Sometimes, difficulties is what keeps me going since I love see how they would tackle it.
In a 24eps drama, I don't think there was a need to make them a couple in he 20th ep. Okay, I know since they became couple really late, there were 0 chances of a breakup. But, what was happening before they were a couple was just like a breakup.
ACTING :
Tbh, the FL nailed her character of being cute but shy. The ML's acting was decent & not too annoying. The side characters were good; but my only complaint is that they should've focused on the side couple.
OVERALL :
This drama was boring because its the first time fast forwarded almost al the eps. I would like to say that if you love youth dramas, you can try it out. But this! was definitely not for me. :))
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