Secretly, Simple but Wholesome!

I usually don't write reviews, but this drama truly blew me away. It deserves recognition for its remarkable qualities and has left me with very few critiques.

While I'm not typically a fan of modern C-dramas, I decided to give 'Hidden Love' a chance due to the recommendations and the presence of Zhao Lusi, one of my favorite actresses. To my surprise, this drama turned out to be one of the most enjoyable series I've seen in a long time. Perhaps it was the absence of expectations that made it even more satisfying.

‘Hidden Love' embraces simplicity with a short and straightforward storyline, free from unnecessary complications or dragging plotlines. Everything within the drama is relatable, grounded, and devoid of far-fetched elements. The relationships between the main characters and the supporting cast are exceptionally well-written and portrayed, resulting in numerous moments that made me giggle like a little girl, roll my eyes in tandem with the characters, and burst into laughter due to the outrageous interactions between them. The drama evoked a range of emotions, leaving me feeling warm, fuzzy, and wholly engaged. I also appreciated how the drama remained faithful to the novel, making only minor adjustments here and there.

To be honest, I'm accustomed to more dramatic storylines, but 'Hidden Love' beautifully demonstrated the beauty of simplicity. Despite its straightforward plot, the drama remains highly enjoyable and memorable, mainly because the acting is on point.

There are no over-the-top performances like you often see in C-dramas. Instead, everything feels genuine and natural. The actors' micro expressions are spot-on and bring an extra layer of enjoyment. I even had to rewatch some scenes just to catch all the little details. The whole cast nailed it, but I have to give a special shoutout to Zhao Lusi as well as Chen Zhe Yuan. ZLS perfectly portrayed Sang Zhi's growth throughout the story, devoid of any fake cuteness.

As for CZY, he impressed me immensely. He's definitely maturing as an actor, and I can't wait to see more of his work in the future. While the chaotic brother-sister relationship brings the perfect amount of chaos, the overall storytelling heavily relies on the actors' actions and expressions, allowing them to convey the story with minimal reliance on dialogue. Perhaps, this is where the complexity lies. A simple storyline, but the actors' acting skills add layers of depth to their characters without explicitly stating their emotions. I can clearly perceive the changes in the male lead's evolving feelings. It's subtle but definitely there. I can feel their insecurities, burdens, as well as their determination and strength. The leads truly show how well the characters complement each other. It's a testament to the actors' remarkable talent, and even the crying scene tugged at my heartstrings.

The acting undoubtedly propels this drama to new heights, but the music is also a delight. The lyrics of the main theme beautifully encapsulate the love story, while the song by SY (Victor Ma) exudes a cute and feel-good vibe that had me smiling and bobbing my head along with the ML.

My main gripe about the show? They released it so slowly! One episode per day was pure torture! But hey, lucky you get to binge the whole thing now and won't have to suffer like I did.

In a nutshell, ‘Hidden Love' is a gem among modern romance dramas. Its simplicity, well-crafted characters, exceptional acting, and enjoyable music make it a must-watch with high rewatch value. Whether you're a fan of the genre or not, this drama is well worth your time.

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