Hidden Love (2023)

çerezlik ve sevimli bir drama

çin dizisi asla izlemezdim ama bu dizi önyargılarımı kırdı diyen bir kaç kişi gördüm kesinlikle o tarz bir dizi değil. 9'da bu dizi için fazla bana göre. ben güncel olarak takip etmiştim zamanında bölümde beklemiştim ama son bir kaç bölümü izlemedim -editlerden izlemiş kadar oldum-. çerezlik ve tatlı bir aşk hikayesini anlatıyor. chen zheyuan her ne kadar sevdiğim bir oyuncu olsada oyunculuğunu beğenmiyorum burada da bunun eksikliğini gördüm. peki rahatsız ediyor mu? hayır. önceki dizilerine bakarsak kendini de geliştirmiş zaten. şiddetle önermem ama boş zamanı olana ve tatlı bir romantik dizi izlemek isteyene öneririm.

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It weirdly works!

OVERALL
If you 1) are looking for a FL-likes-ML-first love story, 2) are into the older-guy, younger-girl trope, 3) like when FL is "innocent", and 4) can get over the fact that ML and FL meet when she' s a minor (and played by an actress who looks like she's 10), then this drama is right up your alley. If any of the above bother you...maybe still give it a try? It worked for me!

THE STORY
So, not going to lie, the premise of this drama is everything I hate. I'm really not into stories where the FL pathetically pines for the ML for 2/3 of the drama, I don't like FLs that are "innocent" (because 9/10 times, they're just childish and immature), and I'm not particularly into the older-guy/younger-girl trope. The only reason why I decided to give this drama a try is because of the controversy (it had pretty polarized reviews on YT). I wanted to see what everyone was talking about.

The main issue people had brought up is that FL starts out looking like a literal YOUNG child (definitely younger than the 14 she is supposed to be), while ML is the main actor (so adult actor), and it feels very wrong to see any scene between then two or imagine them getting together later on. Giving these comments, I was expecting something huge. But while it was off-putting, it wasn't that bad, imo. These scenes with the child actress are just a few flashbacks, and it's just FL liking ML (not the other way around), so...I just took at as a silly girl doing her thing.

I'm not going to say this is the drama of the year. The plot is very basic (almost a non-plot, revolving entirely around FL's unrequited feelings for ML...until they stop being unrequited), and the core of the story (a girl crushing over some guy for years) remains something I'm just not a fan of. But I was truly pleasantly surprised by some aspects of this show:

- First, FL is thankfully not the childish/immature type of "innocent" girl. I think the writers did a good job of giving her a bit of character, a bit of youthfulness, a bit of maturity. She feels very 3D and likeable.
- The writers also did pretty well in cutting out the pining, so FL doesn't look that obsessed with ML and her unrequited love is easier to swallow
- While I had trouble buying that FL started loving ML as a pre-teen (just looked liked admiration to me, like when girls become fans of idols), I liked how the drama shows ML finding out he likes FL and the extent to which she loves him. Overall, the relationship between the two is also very sweet and caring, and rooted in respect. It's a bit cringey sometimes, but on the good side of cringe.
- The secondary characters are all pretty cool additions to the show (which is rare, they're usually useless and annoying). I LOVED the relationship between FL and her brother, as well as FL and her parents. ML's friends were fun too!
- The ending scene is honestly the funniest innovation of a common cliché ever. I loved it!
- Finally, the overall vibes of the show are totally my style. No childish quirks or annoying music. Feels more mature and raw.

Bottom line: I didn't expect to enjoy this drama and I did, so if you're like me, just give it a try!

THE ACTING
Good, all around. I love Zhao Lusi. Nothing else to say haha ML was also pretty impressive, and it was my first time seeing him. The child actress was great too (but she did look WAY too young for the part). On the chemistry department...it was okay. Could have been better, imo, if the writing focused a bit less on FL's age and her being young.

THE MUSIC
Alright, I guess, though nothing I'd listen to on my own!

REWATCH VALUE
Oh, it's high. I've already rewatched it once (with some skipping, I won't lie, but still)!

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Feels like youth all over again

Hidden Love was my first ever introduction to C-drama's and I like that I was able to pick a good one it really made me have the feels, love shivers, and nostalgia of youth if you are into rom-com or romance in general this show is one of the best one I would even say for beginners for drama's in general though the episode count may look scary at first it worth the time these are those drama that make you want to watch what would happen next and make you sit back down when you want to stop that feeling of anticipation of what's going to happen wtih the characters make you want to continue and not stop I cried a few times and maybe so many others but its a drama worth picking up and finishing and something to watch when you are bored and need a bit of energy.

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Il mio Drama preferito di sempre

Prima esperienza con un cdrama, sotto consiglio di un'amica che mi ha detto che avrei dovuto assolutamente guardare questa serie e così ho finalmente deciso di iniziarla.
Cosa posso dire se non che me ne sono completamente innamorata, la storia è perfetta, la chimica tra Chen Zheyuan e Zhao Lusi mi ha fatto sognare.
Ho riso, ho pianto, mi sono commossa come mai mi era successo prima.
Posso dire di aver visto molti drama, in particolare kdrama ma posso affermare con sicurezza che Hidden Love mi ha talmente toccato l'anima e il cuore, che è arrivata in cima alla classifica dei miei drama preferiti.
L'ho appena finito ma già non vedo l'ora di rivederlo, per questo spero che riuscirà presto ad essere inserito in piattaforme come Netflix e Viki, questo perchè tutti meritano di conoscere la storia di Sang Zhi e Dua Jia Xu.
Lo consiglio a tutti, immergetevi nella storia più dolce e pura che sia mai esistita.
Grazie a Chen Zheyuan e Zhao Lusi per il loro duro lavoro, per aver dato vita a questi due anime meravigliose e per avermi fatta commuovere.
Spero tanto di rivederli recitare in un altro drama insieme, li trovo perfetti!

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Any romance lover would love this

I am not typically a romance drama watcher, but when I do get the itch for one, good chemistry-dynamic is a must. The leads deliver a brilliant progression of their relationship. Initially, I was thrown off by the age gap. Its clear to note that our male lead did not harbor any romantic feelings towards our character when she was a minor, so I really don't like when people try to make it weird like that. The story introduces the first young girl, and her unrequited feelings for the older boy. I will say, the first couple of episodes that explore this part weren't my favorite. Once the drama skips to her older/college age and her progression with the male lead, that's where the drama picks up for me. And I ADORDED their dynamic. The main cast and all their relationships were fun to watch, and I really liked all the characters.

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Trust me you are gonna love this....

This drama stands as one of the best C-dramas I have had the pleasure of watching. Its approach to the story is incredibly realistic, presenting a plot that feels entirely plausible, making it both engaging and grounded in reality. The overall tone of the series is comfortable, with no toxic dynamics, which makes for a refreshing viewing experience.

The unfolding of the story is remarkably pleasant, and the character development is something I truly appreciated. However, I do feel that more attention could have been given to the male lead’s family background, which would have added another layer of depth to his character.

As for the second half of the drama, opinions may vary. Some viewers might find it slightly stretched or feel that it doesn't hold the same charm as the earlier episodes. Despite this, the drama remains thoroughly enjoyable and is certainly worth watching.

The casting is spot-on, particularly the portrayal of the main lead, which is crucial to the series' success. Additionally, the sibling dynamics in the story were beautifully executed, adding warmth and emotional depth.

Trust me when I say this drama is so good that I’m already planning to rewatch it.

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Existem c-dramas bons!!

Esse c-drama tem uma história cliché, mas não é genérico e com certeza é bem diferente de todos os c-dramas que eu já assisti.
A Sang zhi tem o Sang Yan como irmão mais velho, e ele tem um melhor amigo que é o Jia xu, é claro que só lendo isso pode parecer um pouco problemático o romance entre a Sang zhi e o Jia xu, mas na verdade é uma história bonita e suave. O c-drama nos apresenta a Sang zhi desde quando estava no fundamental até chegar na faculdade, apesar de no começo do c-drama estar um pouco infantilizada por causa da idade ela não era irritante ou muito imatura, ela apenas agia conforme a idade, ela tem um jeito muito fofo de agir, é educada e tem um bom humor, é uma protagonista extremamente apaixonante e muito linda. O Duan Jia xu é extremamente carismático, educado, carinhoso, atencioso e lindo, ele não é um protagonista frio e solitário, ele sempre tratou a Sang zhi com muito respeito, nunca passou dos limites com ela, e não tinha nenhuma intenção romântica com ela quando era mais nova. O romance entre os dois só começa a acontecer mesmo quando a Sang zhi já está na faculdade e muito mais madura, mas desde sempre a Sang zhi foi apaixonada pelo Jia xu, oque é muito fofo de ver ela feliz pelos pequenos atos de afeto que ele fazia por ela como uma irmã mais nova, temos várias cenas engraçadas também da relação dela com o irmão e o Jia xu, o melhor nesse drama é que você pode sentir que os atores se sentem confortáveis e estão realemente se divertindo, os protagonistas ficam muito bem juntos e tem uma química muito boa.
Apesar de parecer um c-drama um pouco bobinho a história não foge do realismo, eles mostram os pais da Sang zhi sempre presentes na vida dela e tendo preocupações necessárias, mostra decepções com amizades, problemas no ambiente de trabalho, etc. A história da família do Jia xu é muito bem escrita e emocionante também, mas isso também é resultado de uma ótima atuação de todo o elenco e produção de imagem que é muito bem feita.
Recomendo muito esse c-drama e acho que mesmo assistindo várias vezes não perde a graça.

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You'll need a lot of tissues ??

Such an amazing drama, really recommend you watch it.Zhao lusi and Chen zheyuan have such good chemistry in the bts. such an emotional drama too. lovely, overall tbh. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶🫶❤️🫶❤️😭❤️😭🥹😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️❤️❤️❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️🫶❤️🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹😭❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️😭❤️❤️🫶❤️🫶🫶❤️🫶😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️😭❤️😭❤️🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶🥹🫶❤️🫶🫶❤️🫶❤️🫶🫶If your still reading this then love you so much!!!!!!!!!!

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Hidden Love: A Drama of Contradictions

The Chinese drama Hidden Love attempts to weave a narrative of romance and self-discovery but often gets tangled in its own contradictions. At its core, it tells the story of Sang Zhi and her evolving relationship with Duan Jia Xu, her brother’s friend. While the show has its moments of brilliance, it is overshadowed by its uneven character dynamics and questionable romantic framing.

One of the highlights of Hidden Love lies in its portrayal of Sang Zhi when she’s allowed to exist outside of her romantic entanglement. Scenes featuring her at work or interacting with her university friends showcase a capable and well-rounded young woman. These moments provide a glimpse into her potential as a character—confident, relatable, and grounded. Zhao Lu Si’s acting amplifies these moments with remarkable versatility. She has a unique ability to seamlessly navigate between emotions, shifting from joy to despair within a single scene. Her performance in emotional moments, particularly those involving her heartbreak, stands out as some of the drama’s most impactful.

Victor Ma’s portrayal of Sang Zhi’s brother, Sang Yan, is another strong point. The sibling relationship feels authentic, capturing the blend of rivalry and deep care that defines many sibling bonds. Sang Yan’s role as both a protector and someone Sang Zhi can be vulnerable with adds depth to their dynamic. The airport scene, where Sang Zhi breaks down in his arms after a painful heartbreak, is a testament to the emotional strength of their bond and remains one of the drama’s most memorable moments. It’s rare to see a sibling relationship portrayed with such nuance, and Victor Ma’s performance anchors these moments with sincerity. The drama’s soundtrack also deserves praise, with its catchy and well-placed OSTs enhancing many key scenes.

However, the strengths of Hidden Love are often undermined by its central romantic storyline. Chen Zheyuan’s portrayal of Duan Jia Xu as the male lead is underwhelming, lacking the charisma or depth needed to carry his character. Jia Xu himself is difficult to relate to—overly controlling, possessive, and prone to jealousy. These traits make him less of a romantic ideal and more of a cautionary figure. His dynamic with Sang Zhi is particularly troubling, as he continues to treat her like a younger sister even after they begin dating. This lingering brother-sister dynamic casts an uncomfortable shadow over their romance, making it hard to invest in their relationship.

The five-year age gap between the leads is not inherently problematic, but Jia Xu’s behavior exacerbates the discomfort. Having known Sang Zhi since her childhood, his inability to shift his perception of her from a child to a partner feels unsettling. It’s as if the drama is trying to force a romance without addressing the fundamental mismatch in their dynamic. This issue is compounded by Sang Zhi’s characterization around Jia Xu. While she’s shown to be articulate and mature in other settings, her behavior around Jia Xu regresses into exaggerated cutesiness and awkward stuttering. It’s a disservice to Zhao Lu Si’s talent, reducing her character to a caricature when she’s capable of so much more.

The romantic scenes between the leads suffer as a result. Instead of chemistry, there’s a persistent sense of dissonance, as if the characters are trapped in roles they can’t escape. Sang Zhi’s infantilized behavior and Jia Xu’s condescending attitude make it hard to root for them as a couple. The narrative’s failure to transition their dynamic from a brother-sister relationship to an equitable partnership leaves the romance feeling forced and unconvincing.

Ultimately, Hidden Love struggles to find its footing. Its strengths in sibling dynamics, emotional performances, and music are overshadowed by a central romance that fails to resonate. For viewers who can overlook the uncomfortable framing of the leads’ relationship, there’s a baseline romance story here. However, for those who can’t get past the persistent brother-sister dynamic and lack of authentic chemistry in the main couple, the drama’s flaws become impossible to ignore.

Hidden Love leaves much to be desired, despite its occasional moments of brilliance. The inability to convincingly shift the leads’ dynamic and the wasted potential of its talented cast weigh heavily on the drama.

A 5.5/10 feels apt for a show that sparks moments of promise but ultimately fails to deliver on its central premise.

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“the distance between us was only five years, but you’re worth the time”

This film is such a youthful and light watch! I absolutely adore the aesthetic and the casting was truly incredible. I held off this film, but I’m glad I finished it as it made me feel butterflies and nostalgia for a happy ending. I like that the ml waited for her and though he might’ve not knew it at the time, he always WANTED to be there for her and see her grow through the years of adolescence. No matter what role, he wanted to be there in her life. He also said that he wanted to be her boyfriend, not he wanted her to be his girlfriend and I start to crumble whenever the ml says that (its the little things that count 😭).

Overall would recommend for if you want a feel-good cdrama. Though there were many obstacles, they always found their way back to each other, so if you want a happy ending and “always meant to be” genre, it’s perfect for you!

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