Smile Code (2024)

A Unique Journey Through Love and Self-Discovery

Plotwise: This series was an unexpected gem. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could get into the slow-burn romance, but I was quickly pulled in by the depth and complexity of the story. What truly set this apart was its exploration of alexithymia, a psychological condition that is rarely portrayed in such a thoughtful way. As someone with a background in psychology, I appreciated how the show tackled this topic with sensitivity and depth. But it’s not just about the condition—it’s about how love and human connections evolve, how people deal with loss, and the growth that comes with experiencing mature, patient love. One of the biggest takeaways from the series for me was the idea that love, at its core, should be peaceful.

Acting: The performances were another major highlight. From the leads to the supporting characters, every actor brought their A-game. Lin Yi’s portrayal of his character stood out for its quiet intensity. His stoic nature didn’t make him emotionless—rather, it made the moments where his character was conflicted or uncertain even more impactful. He was able to convey so much with just a look or a pause, which was impressive. On the other hand, Shen Yue completely transformed in her role as Guyi. I’ve always admired her acting, but this was next level. In the past, it often felt like there was a trace of her previous roles but here, she truly embodied Guyi in every way. She gave the character so many layers and brought an emotional depth to the role that felt real and raw. It was also hard to ignore how stunning she looked on screen—especially during her emotional scenes. Her tears weren’t just tears; they felt like an expression of her soul. And her smile? She’s never looked more radiant. It’s clear Shen Yue has grown so much as an actress, and I couldn’t be more impressed.

Chemistry: If I’m being honest, Lin Yi and Shen Yue’s chemistry is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. It was genuine, unforced, and effortlessly believable. Their connection was magnetic, and it made every shared moment, every glance, feel charged with emotion. They weren’t just playing roles; they became the characters, and that made their romance feel so authentic. It’s rare to find leads with such natural chemistry, and this pairing truly delivered.

Rewatch Value:
I’m already looking forward to watching this again. The rewatch value is definitely a 10/10. It’s the kind of drama you can return to for comfort, to relive the quiet moments and emotional highs. And I’ll be honest—I’m already craving more of the Lin Yi and Shen Yue magic. The chemistry, the emotions, the beautiful storytelling—this is a series that stays with you long after it ends.

Leia Mais

A Beautiful, Unexpected Emotional Journey

From the very first episode, I found myself completely invested in this series. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think a slow-burn romance would be my thing, but this show proved me wrong in the best possible way. The heart of the story lies in its exploration of alexithymia—a condition I don’t often see explored in dramas, especially with such depth. As someone who studies psychology, it was so refreshing to see this nuanced subject handled with care. The romance itself was touching, yes, but it’s the way the show balanced love with self-discovery, patience, and emotional growth that truly won me over. The series teaches us that love isn’t always easy or immediate, but it’s a process. I loved the idea that love, when mature, should soothe and bring peace, not cause turmoil. That moment where Guyi begins to understand this lesson, especially after LDW leaves for Dalian, was such a turning point, both for the character and for the story.

I honestly can’t say enough about the acting in this drama. Lin Yi’s performance was understated yet incredibly powerful. His character’s internal struggle was conveyed so effortlessly that it was almost painful to watch at times—there’s a real subtlety to how he portrays his emotions. But what really took me by surprise was Shen Yue. I’ve always liked her, but this role as Guyi felt like a whole new side to her as an actress. Gone was any trace of her previous roles (I’m looking at you, Chen Xiaoxi), and in her place was a fully fleshed-out character who felt real and raw. Shen Yue nailed every single emotional beat, and it’s clear that her acting has leveled up. And let me just say, she was absolutely stunning on screen, especially in the more emotional scenes. Her tears were almost poetic in how they flowed, and her smile—wow, her smile! It’s like she glowed. The transformation in her performance from start to finish was nothing short of remarkable.

And let’s talk about chemistry—because Lin Yi and Shen Yue? They were magic. Seriously, their chemistry was something special. I don’t know if it was the perfect blend of their acting or the way their characters were written, but there was a natural ease to their connection that made every scene feel so authentic. It wasn’t just about the “romantic moments” (though there were plenty of those). It was in the way they looked at each other, in the quiet pauses, in the unspoken understanding between them. This kind of chemistry doesn’t happen by accident, and it really made the series so much more enjoyable. I caught myself rooting for them, even in the small moments.

A huge shoutout to the soundtrack as well. The OST was perfectly chosen, with tracks that enhanced every emotional beat. I found the intro theme particularly captivating—it had this effortless quality to it that I just couldn’t get out of my head. What I really appreciated was how the English lyrics made it accessible, giving the series an added layer of universal appeal. The music never overshadowed the drama, but it always felt like the perfect companion to the story. It’s the kind of soundtrack that sticks with you long after the show ends.

This is one of those series that will definitely get a second (and probably third) watch from me. I’d give the rewatch value a solid 10/10. It's the kind of drama you turn to when you want to feel comforted, to reconnect with the characters, and to experience the beautiful chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue all over again. It’s a show that stays with you, and I have a feeling I’ll be coming back to it again whenever I need a pick-me-up.

Leia Mais

RECOMMENDED C-DRAMA WITH AN INTERESTING PLOT

Trust me, I've rewatched this drama approximately 5 times now, despite the fact that not all episodes have yet been released. Except for episodes 1-2, they all made me laugh a lot. It's a good drama with a unique plot and concept, and it deserves to be noticed more. I swear, I've been excitedly looking forward to their new episodes, every day. There's nothing else I could say because I absolutely just love it! The storyline, the casting, the chemistry between the two main leads, and the plot are all absolutely PERFECT to me. Last but not least, this is definitely worth watching <3

Leia Mais

the theme will expire if you keep going in circles

let's start off with the bad things about this drama. leads' story lines went in too many circles for my liking. this could've cut the series by 10 episodes at least. however, SY and LY acted the hell out of these characters. it's probably the best acting that i've seen from both of them. surprisingly, i enjoyed the side couples' story lines. the other story line that should've been shorter, was her mother passing away. k!lling an elderly person has become a standard so it ends up giving NOTHING to the story. the music was really off putting at the times. they were targeting international audience but it fell flat. i would've preferred if they used already existing english songs.

also, this drama have so many incredible one liners "the harder i work ,the harder i will fall", "the snacks will expire if you leave them out for too long", "it's your business if you you wish to stay in the past but i'm not obligated to wait for you in the same place" etc

Leia Mais

A Journey Into the Complexity of Love and Healing

So here’s my honest review about the series: If you're looking for a series that makes you pause and think long after the credits roll, this is it. From the very start, this drama set itself apart with its honest, unflinching portrayal of the emotional intricacies of love and personal growth. It doesn’t follow the usual formula of instant chemistry or love at first sight. Instead, it takes its time—building the characters, their struggles, and ultimately, their healing process. This isn’t just a romance; it's a thoughtful exploration of what it means to truly understand and accept yourself and others in a relationship.

The narrative is grounded in an uncommon theme—alexithymia—an emotional condition that most people are unfamiliar with. The series doesn’t just brush over this issue; it makes it a core part of the story, delving into how it affects not just the person living with it, but also the people around them. This aspect of the show was a real breath of fresh air. As someone who’s always been interested in psychology, it felt rewarding to see such a complex topic handled so respectfully and with real depth. But beyond that, this show speaks to something universal: how we love, how we cope, and how we grow. There’s a quiet power in its exploration of how love, especially mature love, should bring peace rather than anxiety or turmoil. It’s a beautiful, cathartic message, one that lingers long after you finish the series.

One of the most pleasant surprises was the acting. Lin Yi, while initially playing a reserved and somewhat enigmatic character, brings a surprising amount of depth and vulnerability. His character may not wear his emotions on his sleeve, but Lin Yi’s ability to convey complex emotions with just a look, a pause, or a single gesture is something to behold. You don’t need words when the acting is this effective.

However, what truly stood out was Shen Yue. Many people know her from previous roles, and while she’s always been a capable actress, here she steps into new territory. Her portrayal of Guyi was nothing short of stunning. She completely transformed into her character, making Guyi feel like a fully fleshed-out, real person with strengths, weaknesses, and emotional complexities. Watching Shen Yue move between moments of strength and vulnerability, quiet contemplation and intense emotion, was like watching an artist at work. I also have to give a shoutout to her beauty in this role. There’s something about her presence on screen that’s almost ethereal, particularly in her emotional scenes. Her tears were so hauntingly beautiful—each one carrying the weight of her character’s internal struggle.

If you’re a sucker for that perfect couple dynamic, this show delivers. The chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue is palpable, but what I loved about their relationship was that it felt earned, not instantaneous. They didn’t rush into each other’s arms; instead, their connection built slowly, grounded in mutual understanding and respect. Their moments together were quiet and understated, but that made them all the more powerful. There was never a moment where I questioned whether they “belonged” together—everything just clicked, naturally. The unspoken connection between them, in the quiet glances and subtle gestures, was more than enough to carry the emotional weight of their relationship.

The music in this series also deserves a mention. The soundtrack complements the tone of the show perfectly—there’s a softness to it that feels almost meditative. It never overpowers the scenes, but it enhances them, especially during the more emotionally charged moments. The opening theme, with its smooth, English lyrics, set the stage right from the beginning. Music like this doesn’t just add to the atmosphere; it becomes a part of the emotional fabric of the story.

What really makes this drama stand out is its depth and richness. It’s a show you can revisit, not just for the romance, but for the lessons it offers and the emotional journey it takes you on. I have no doubt this is a series I’ll return to when I need something that feels both comforting and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t just entertain but stays with you, challenging your thoughts on love, healing, and self-acceptance.

If you’re looking for something that goes beyond surface-level romance and dives into deeper emotional territory, this series is a must-watch. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who’s ready for a beautiful, soul-stirring experience.

Leia Mais

Another Revelation of Shen Yue's underrated acting

Smile Code , i never underestimate her acting skills and im so in heaven seeing Yueyue's so many beautiful scenes of her lughting director should be professional to give their main lead a beautiful shots especially in romantic genre .
as GuYi she's a woman inlove with a man suffering from Emotional blindnes - lack of facial expression but the feeling is there and in his case it was PTSD ..she can feel that Liang feel something special for her but she wants it to be said like a confirmation . people like words than action , and here comes the boss of him and im sure she's the villainess in this series !
Feel good Romance ❤️

Leia Mais

Rom-com with a slice of life!

When I saw the teaser, I was hesitating whether to start watching the series or not. Because it seemed a bit gloomy.

Then I watched several few episodes and got hooked. I started the series because the fact that Shenyue and Linyi are well known as best friends. I wondered how will they act as a lover. And to be honest, it’s better than I expected.

Both the leads showed much improvement for their previous works. They recited the lines in a more natural way. And not to mention all the spontaneous reaction which I believe were ad-libs.

What I like the most about the series, though it’s rom-com, it didn’t get trapped in “dumb” storyline. All flowed really well.

Oh, and I like the acting of Zou Ting Wei and Ophelia Yang. They acted their character really well.

Leia Mais

Story:
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. While I'm not usually a fan of slow-burn romance, this one hooked me in, especially since it explores the topic of alexithymia, which is rarely discussed in media. As a psych major, I was thrilled to see this element portrayed so thoughtfully. The series also offers valuable life lessons, such as how to love patiently, how people cope with loss differently, and what mature love looks like. Watching this series, I realized that love should have a calming effect on us, not cause turmoil. This idea is perfectly illustrated through the character of Guyi, especially after LDW goes to Dalian.

Acting:
The performances, from the lead cast to the supporting actors, were outstanding.

Lin Yi's portrayal of his role is stoic but layered, and I loved how he conveyed confusion despite not feeling everything his character was going through. You can truly see his depth and skill as an actor.

As for Shen Yue, I have to say she’s the MVP of the series. Her portrayal of Guyi is the reason her character reached a 50M popularity index. Shen Yue has improved so much—before this, she always had a bit of Chen Xiaoxi in her roles, but here, she completely owned the character of Guyi. Her emotional range, the nuances in her performance, and even the subtle changes in her tone were exceptional. I also have to mention how mesmerizing she is on screen. When did she become such a beautiful crier? The way her tears fall looks so aesthetic, and her presence is captivating. Honestly, I don’t remember her looking this beautiful before, especially when she smiles!

Chemistry:
Lin Yi and Shen Yue's chemistry is a solid 10/10. I’m not exaggerating, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen such natural, genuine chemistry between two leads. Their connection was palpable, and it really added to the charm of the series.

Music:
The OST and background music were also a highlight, especially the intro! The songs are easy to follow, and the fact that they’re in English makes them even more accessible and engaging.

Rewatch Value:
I’d rate the rewatch value a solid 10/10. This series is such a comfort drama, and I know I’ll be coming back to it. I’ll definitely crave the chemistry between Lin Yi and Shen Yue again, and I can’t wait to experience it all over.

Leia Mais

Story Lags But A Fresh Concept

Shen Yue and Lin Yi did a marvelous job with the drama. Specially, how Lin Yi, acted here. We could see his character transform, see him gaining feelings. The chemistry is not like the most top notch I've watched but its definitely good. I also think that this concept is fresh and really good. The supporting actors also did a really good job.

One thing however I must say is that instead of dragging the timeline and making it boring, they could've gone with lesser episodes.

However, its a good drama and I definitely recommend. (I might not rewatch it tho )

Leia Mais