A Simple and Heartwarming Youth BL
This is another high school music romance, but with a three way love story that keeps things interesting. The series stays simple and light without trying too hard to be overly dramatic. All three main actors are young and fit their characters well. Jun Jia’s love at first sight for Yan Kai was especially cute to watch, and their interactions had a soft charm to them.One thing I really enjoyed was the music aspect. The performances felt natural because the actors can actually sing and play instruments, which made the band scenes much more believable and enjoyable. The music videos and soundtrack also added a nice emotional touch to the series.
So far, the acting could still improve because some scenes feel predictable and slightly awkward at times. The story is also fairly straightforward, so it will not surprise viewers looking for something deep or intense. Still, the youthful energy and sweet atmosphere make it a relaxing watch.
Unfortunately, as the series has gone on, my opinion has started to change. I’m not trying to be negative, but my rating keeps dropping every week. Half of Episode 7 was made up of flashbacks, and I honestly don’t understand why a 25 minute episode needed so many. Instead of moving the story forward, it felt like the pacing came to a complete stop.
At this point, I’m mostly continuing because there’s nothing else airing on Wednesdays that I’m interested in. There haven’t been many Taiwanese BLs this year, which makes this series even more disappointing because I was really looking forward to it. I’m still hoping it improves since we’re already more than halfway through, but unless the second half becomes much stronger, I don’t think it will live up to its potential.
Right now, I can no longer give it the 8/10 I originally had in mind. I’m hoping the remaining episodes change my opinion, but so far it has been a frustrating watch despite its strong cast, enjoyable music, and promising premise.
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This review may contain spoilers
love triangle
Overall: the series is losing me. 12 episodes about 25 minutes each. Airing on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/7410/smile-after-tears-2026-e01 and iQIYI also on iqiyi https://www.iq.com/album/smile-after-tears-2026-1azk7nql9t9Content Warnings: cyberbullying, past death, pet death, mental health struggles
What I Liked
- production value
- different personalities*
- supportive friends
Room For Improvement
- I was a bit confused with that intro scene, does he not have his previous memories?
- love rival
- voicing inner thoughts
- poor communication trope in episode 5
- *the low affect is hurting their chemistry
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More than once, I've found myself fighting back tears.
Sometimes we write an early review based solely on our first impressions, only to realize later how wrong we were. That's exactly what happened to me with Smile After Tears.At first, I thought the acting was stiff and emotionally restrained. I couldn't see how the performances fit the story the drama was trying to tell. Looking back now, I realize I was too quick to judge. The actors aren't perfect, but they bring an honesty and vulnerability that gradually found their way into my heart.
This isn't a flawless drama, nor does it try to be. Its greatest strength lies elsewhere. It tells its story with a quiet originality that is both heartbreaking and deeply compelling. It gently reminds us that life isn't always fair or beautiful, but it can still be meaningful. It portrays pain through a mature lens, while never losing sight of hope, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.
The soundtrack deserves special praise. It's hauntingly beautiful, and every time it plays, it leaves a lump in my throat. More than once, I've found myself fighting back tears.
So, I'm here to take back my first impression.
If you're willing to look beyond perfection and allow the story to unfold at its own pace, Smile After Tears is a drama well worth watching. It surprised me, humbled me, and ultimately moved me far more than I ever expected. I genuinely hope it touches your heart as deeply as it touched mine.
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