Begin Again actually reminds me of another Chinese drama called Intense Love. This is because the starting is pretty similar with the female lead relentlessly pursuing the male lead. The motivation is different though and so is the remainder of the plot but it gives me the same vibes for the first few episodes. Personally, I find 35 episodes to be a bit too long for this drama. So, do expect some boring stretches in between. The confusion and denial of the couple’s feelings for each other just seem to drag on a bit longer than necessary. It is tolerable to me though as I find the story picks back up before it gets to a point where I really have to skip scenes.

Chemistry Between The Leads
What makes this drama largely watchable is the chemistry between the leads. Just like Perfect And Casual, the plot is nothing great and it is the interactions between the leads that sustain the drama. Credit has to be given to Zhou Yu Tong and Simon Gong for a job well done. They have made Fang Ning and Ling Rui look like a real couple on-screen. Compared to his partner in The Love Equations, Simon Gong shines better with Zhou Yu Tong in Begin Again with their better compatibility and natural affinity for each other.

There are quite a few scenes in the drama whereby the couple is required to be loving, teasing, and playful. So, without the right chemistry, the drama wouldn’t be able to have the same effect on viewers. Add in the young Ha Ni to complete the picture and Begin Again manages to rise up a notch despite the less than inspiring plot.

As for the acting, Zhou Yu Tong really did justice to Fang Ning’s character. She exhibits the required maturity and aura to play a domineering executive and can effortlessly switch to an uncertain and embarrassed lover when the situation changes. She has that flexibility that is comfortable to watch. Simon Gong is stiffer in his acting compared to Zhou Yu Tong to me. I suppose he needs to portray a more rational character as Ling Rui is a doctor. But if he eases up a little, I think he will be able to convey some emotions better for the emotional scenes.

Questionable Plot (Spoilers Alert!)
Begin Again is really not the type of drama that is strongly grounded in reality. I would say just treat it as a typical romance drama whereby you just try to feel all the sweetness and fluff. The cliches and coincidences are aplenty throughout the story. They happened to know each other when they were kids, the guy’s aunt happened to owe the girl’s brother money, the girl happened to need a husband, and… you get the drift.

Furthermore, the business side of things in the drama is glossed over to give the romance all the spotlight. Well, I guess it is not a business drama like Perfect Partner after all and hence, the commercial details will be downplayed. So, for those who prefer a bit more variety and excitement in the plot than just pure romance, you may find Begin Again somewhat lacking.

Finally, the fact that the girl left the guy without notice for 6 years even after she found out that she was pregnant may be hard to stomach for some viewers when it comes to the plot. It is a selfish thing to do even if her reason of not wanting to hold him back from his dreams seems altruistic. While the plot is not as bizarre as the one in Well Intended Love, I think one would still need to overlook the way the story is written and the time jump to be able to enjoy the drama all the way to the end.

My Verdict
Begin Again is not too bad for a romance drama if you don’t mind a simple plot. Apart from the great chemistry, it does have a few other things going for it. Among them is the character growth that is evident in the drama for the female lead. At least, she learns how to love someone and how to put aside her feelings to let go. So, it is satisfying that she doesn’t carry on to be a selfish and imposing character all the way. There is also none of the annoying disapproving parents plot that is common in romance dramas. There is a bit jealousy involving a third party but it isn’t overplayed and remains just a small part of the overall story.

However, the plot isn’t inspiring as mentioned. The kisses lack passion when they are supposedly to be deeply in love and married. The couple in Love Is Sweet as well as Love Designer certainly did better with the smooches. I also find the characters seem rather different in the last 9 episodes compared to the beginning of the drama. They are like totally different people 6 years later especially the second male lead. Personally, I find it kind of weird although one can rationalize that people change over time due to circumstances.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend a watch for this Love Begin review with a score of 7/10. Watch it for the chemistry between the leads and the cute little boy who will melt your heart. He is adorable here as well as in The Blooms At Ruyi Pavilion. It may get a little boring in the middle but the boy will spice things up again when he appears. There are touching moments and there is anticipation to the main couple’s story which helps to add to the overall watchability.