The Lion's Secret (2021)

Great 1st half, disappointing 2nd half and confusing/complicated ending episodes

Completed - 1/23/2022
First Half - 8.5
Second Half - 7.0
Overall - Very Generous 8.0

When I first read the synopsis of this drama, I was expecting a mature romance centered around a contract marriage (my favorite trope). But I was pleasantly surprised that there's so much more to this drama than just about our main leads' romance. It's a drama about friendships (bromance & sismance), business, recovering from tragic pasts and revenge. This is no t like the usual rom-com contract marriage. Imagine my delight! But the ratings of this drama tanked after the last episode is aired. I think many watchers are just as disappointed as me.

It took me a couple episodes to get used to the personality of our leads. Our FL lead is mean and cold to our ML, and the ML is a little too over-the-top childish and carefree. But once I am used to it, I believe they complement each other and I am enjoying this very slow-burn romance. There's plenty of comedic moments, thanks to our ML, and also bickering between the couple. I would not call Zhu Ya Wen (ML) handsome at all, but he fits this role so well. Yang Zi Shan (FL) is really pretty in this drama and she got a great wardrobe of clothes for her business and evening attire. They are both mature adults and handle crisis and misunderstanding (and secrets) in a sensible way. I would have loved to see more cute scenes as a couple but I am satisfied. Our secondary romance develops a little more organically than our main romance. Li Yuan (2FL) really looks like someone who can box and run a gym. It's hard to find an actress who acts the part as someone who is so strong physically (thought she's quite skinny). Mike He (2ML) looks handsome and dashing. He's probably the best-looking guy in the whole drama. Both couples have great chemistry.

I quite enjoy the plot in the first half. We started with the contract marriage, and then we got to see how our ML supports and solves problems for FL behind-the-scene. I also enjoy the business talk and crisis (though I am still not quite sure that FL's company really does). When the big bad wolf pulls strings to get the three former soldiers back together, and the revenge plot officially starts, that was fun and entertaining. With the three friends back together, we also learn of ML's tragic past and how it continues to affect him to this date. The bromance is strong and they are fun together.

However, I feel that the story went downhill once they went to Thailand. It feels like a completely different drama. The trip is an overly complicated to find out who the big bad wolf is - the battle to takeover the orphanage, sex trafficking, drugs dealing, etc. Whatever happened to the lost document of the orphanage? That was such a big deal to steal it, and then what? It seems like everything happened in Thailand is for them to suspect Li Mo as being alive when he killed the big bad wolf.

Speaking of Li Mo, I am still not sure if he was trying to seek revenge or not. Was all that happened his way of just using ML's hand to kill the one who's controlling him? Or was he really mad at ML for leaving him behind, and actually wanted him and his other comrades to suffer? In the end, was it revenge to involve him in the arms dealing, or just really needs the help? Was he really still the same person at heart, who would sacrifice himself to save his friends? I am not quite sure.

Other Observations:
1. It is quite mean for FL and her friends to use fake kidnapping to force ML to confess his feelings. He has PTSD!
2. Too many secrets hidden from FL by ML and their friends for the sake of protecting her.
3. In the second half, I guess no one has to go to work anymore.
4. Really enjoy the bromance and sismance in this drama.
5. English dubbing is poor and inconsistent and it has nothing to do with the nationality of the characters.
6. It's implied that FL knows that she's the girl in ML's picture, but I can't find a logical way for her to find out.
7. In the end, FL still doesn't know she had a childhood connection with ML. Poor ML.
8. I like the songs in this drama.

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Decent watch

I've been waiting for a while for this to air. Mianly wanted to watch because of Zhu Yawen and I'm glad i did. Although it is filled with lot of cliché plot devices, the execution is refreshing and entertaining to watch. I had litte to no expection whatsoever but im shocked by the story. It is not your typical rom com, has a few heavy/serious sub stories.

Zhu Yawen is a wonderful actor, the way he plays Liu Qing is so fun to watch. He is charismatic, funny, smart, playful and sometimes cunning. The man is a full packagae tbh. The way WanQing treats him/everyone in the beginning was frustrating but later on grew on me. Their chemistry is great and i like their bantering.
They lack basic communication, mainly from Liu Qing side. WanQing misunderstands him and he makes no effort to try and explain. Mike He is also fun to watch, his and the second female lead story line is interesting, cant wait to see how that love line would go. The granny is so loveable and adorable, such a shipper for the mains. But the Feng Cong is annoying and creepy, Wan Qing should wake up stay clear from him.

I found myself bingeing the first 8 episodes then i was hooked. Been anticipating the next episodes since. Many questions to be answered about the mains past. The pacing is inconsistent and tends to throw me out of the story a couple of times. I dont like when they do that dubbing thing with the foreigners, it is so hard to watch and quite unnecessary. It became obvious who the main villian was towards the end, so wasnt as suspenseful as I wanted.

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Irritating Story

Oh dear what to say. Everything about this just stinks! Bizarre plot lines based on ml and fl childhood pasts, his stint in a security force, her business.
Just know who the villain will turn out to be pretty early on. The ml and fl relationship is noncommunicative and based on his childhood love for her which is flimsy to say the least. Plus with his ptsd and lack of self worth what sense does it make that he believes he can protect her in a marriage where they meet on the wedding day!!!Most of her loved ones incl ml lie to her in one way or another- all in her best interests of course! Incl loving, dying granny!
Ml is just aggravating in how he acts around her for most of the series - do not find his behaviour endearing nor his facial expressions attractive. She is a cold fish and its hard to see anyone warming to her. She was only appealing with her ex who left her in the typical dont explain but come back once he had proved himself scenario - actually i did prefer him to the ml!
After dragging out the business plot in ever more bizarre ways whole thing relocates to scene of his past for evermore ludicrous scenarios. Once back home and thinking it was the last episode witnessed a horrendous birthday party to expose his true feelings - what? Why? As if there was any need. I would have been angry beyond words.
So to my horror another 5 episodes to reveal all.Sorry that party was the last straw for me after fast forwarding for so much of this series as it was. I feel no interest or love for any if the characters and cant be bothered to see the predictable conclusion.
Most disconnected, ill thought out premise and plot lines with unappealling characters and nonsensical scenarios its ever been my mistake to watch! Rrally dint waste your time!

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扮猪吃老虎 Bàn zhū chī lǎohǔ -- Pretend to be a Pig and Eat a Tiger

This drama is a very unusual rom-com; action packed, it is without the usual fluffy romance nor the love at first sight stuff. In fact, it’s rather dark despite a rather hilarious male lead with a Mr. Bean type of character, on the surface that is. Within the first 10 minutes of the first episode, I was absorbed into the story because it is both serious and funny. As the story unfolds, the plot becomes deadly and a hidden antagonist looms.

Liu Qing (Zhu Yawen) is a soldier for hire. After a mission where he is wounded and lost a few of his comrades, he becomes despondent, feeling guilty of his role in causing his friends’ deaths. He is approached by the father of Mu Wanqing (Yang Zishan) who proposes to him to marry his daughter because the father wants someone with Liu Qing’s quality, and can be trusted, to protect his daughter in the company she has taken over as the Chief Executive. Liu Qing has been in love with Mu Wanqing since childhood so he immediately agrees to the arrangement. Having being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, Mu Wanqing has lost confidence in any marital relationship, but only agrees reluctantly when her parents plead with her.

After marriage, Liu Qing is treated like one of the employees, from a car park attendant to a bodyguard, until he begins to rescue Mu Wanqing from all kinds of predicaments, and even from danger, again and again, without letting her know he has helped her. In front of her, he is just a dumb guy good for nothing. Mu Wanqing figures out his real background eventually and begins to fall in love with him.

Zhu Yawen’s Liu Qing is simply amazing, exhibiting his wonderful acting skills. Either in his tactical gears or in his office suits, he is very convincing. Without a present day’s effeminate face, many young viewers have not realized how good Zhu Yawen is. Here, he can look very silly, comedic and humble like a dork, the next minute, he is commanding and lethal. And he is so believable in both of these personalities. Indeed his acting as a pig eating a tiger is so enjoyable to watch because everyone underestimates him.

Yang Zishan’s acting is fine here, with a lot of inconsistencies as attributed to the poor script writing and mediocre directing. I’m also not particularly impressed with the side couple’s and other supporting characters’ scripts. Some actors seemed to have used their own voices. Zhu Yawen has a magnetic deep voice and with his professional dubbing skill, he makes his character come alive. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to the other main characters, in particular He Junxiang’s Lei Shuo; his dialogues sound stiff and unnatural. One of the biggest complaints among viewers is the mouth motions don’t quite synch with the words spoken, as if the dialogues have been rewritten. Though not in his own voice, Zhu Yawen’s English dialogues are some of the best spoken English in Chinese dramas.

The drama shifts from office politics to kidnapping, to flesh trade in Indo China, to arm trade in Russia, involving company trade secrets, rescue missions, snipers, heavy machine gun fights, explosions, all unfolding in a story of adventure, thriller, murder, police, military, criminal organizations, and more. From episode 20 onwards, the story escalates into a Hollywood Rambo style of story telling.

The ultimate villain turns out to be rather disappointing and anticlimax with no compelling objective other than greed, and even with greed, he flip-flops, giving the viewers a cloud of questions, “huh?”

My Verdict

I have really enjoyed the beginning of this drama, in particular with Zhu Yawen’s pig-eats-tiger acting. Unfortunately as the plot unfolds, it deviates, making the story feel like a potpourri of multi genres. As a viewer puts it succinctly, “The first half looks like a poet, the last half looks like a hobo.”

If you’re not into rom-com and prefer watching some actions, this drama is action packed. But be warned, it is not consistent and plots holes are blatant. Some props can even look very fake too. The writing is wild, the directing is on and off, the editing is inconsistent.

This is an 8.0 from me, but I really like Zhu Yawen’s acting which I think he could deserve a 8.5.

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Umm

So I think this story had real potential, I should have ended at episode 22, when others started dropping it, but you always have hope that they are going to pull some greatness out from somewhere, but sad to say they didn’t accomplish this in any form. The down fall of this show was the leading woman, where to start…..

1. I did not like her attitude, in the beginning, okay we get it, arranged marriage, but why the attitude towards the ML, she runs a company, yet for the life of me I could not see her as a great business woman.
2. She assumed the worst of the ml every time, yet her dad, grandma, and so forth are very confident/ comfortable with him, again she is suppose to have a business mindset yet it never crossed her mind to be like hey grandma why do you like the ml, y’all seem so close, do you know him, no she just assumed the ml was sucking-up to the grandma
3. The ml has saved her countless times, but she has no trust in him, again never tried to get to know him, and has no concern for her safety. She puts herself in danger, then she finally notice that he was on a black ops team, and has a small team of his own
4. She knows that he is trying to protect her yet she travels to see what he is up too, we’ll duh protect you, that’s why he left you, but no, you show up, and then whaere are you? in the way, it never crossed her mind that maybe if she was not there the team can focus on what has to be done. I’m sure it did not.

If I would have know that the fl was going to basically come off as a weakling with a attitude problem, I probably would have not watched this. what’s really concerning is her best friend can fight and owns a gym, it never crossed her mind that maybe she needs to learn how to fight , a complete waste of a fl.

Others may like this drama, I think the ml did a great job, with what he had to work with, just be aware that once you get to the episodes in the 20s, buckle up buttercup, because when you get to the last episode you may feel disappointed, it definitely was rushed, and a lot of things did not get answered or resolved.

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Nice and entertaining. If you like action go for it.

I first thought it would be similar to the other drama I watched in other language..
But this was different..
And no comparison between the two.

Well
I has a ex soldier who for some reason is in corporate office.
gang of his friends.
a very ambitious entrepreneur female.
And they first face-off is at marriage..
The story is like any other stories, fl has an ex
Male down to earth.. working in grassroot level..
Main aim is to protect
As the story unfolds we see that male lead is not what he appears to be.
The annoying FL by the 25 episodes I really loved the way she turned out to be...
Just right for a man in armed forces..how she becomes a strong support to him
I liked it when she says "no matter what she will be by his side." Actually you should watch it..to get goosebumps...
They are not much PDA.. but still they are attractive together...
If you are watching for romance there is not much.
I love action and fights..
What was not likeable was the way FL treated ML..but that's her nature.
And wanted more story to be elaborated..
Ending should have been more slow.

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Not good Not bad, just in between

The unsatisfying-bad ending and the drama going downhill in the second half aside. The chemistry between all four leads was really good. The bromance and the sisterhood was also good to watch. I really liked the ML but wish he had some development in his character, he was the same from start to end. As for FL there were many times I didn't liked her but there were times I absolutely loved her. Wish her character was consistent instead of change back and forth every 5 episodes. Overall it is an okay drama. Not good or not really bad. Acting was good. Story could have been better. Although it is a slow romance, it could have been executed more properly. The FL is really beautiful and simple in her looks. Hope to see her in a much better drama with much better character. I guess this deserves 7.6-7.9 on MDL

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Over all very exciting.

The story is a slow burn in the romance department. Lots of action and fighting scenes. It goes from corporate to jungle to criminal elements.
The acting is great. From the distrust of each other to deep love. The range of the actors is amazing. Grouchy to happy to sad. The two leads did a great job. Especially liked the ML. His character could relax and be funny but very business like in the next moment. FL was at first rejecting of ML as she didn't know (lost memory) his connection with her in the past. The supporting cast played their roles well and were very supportive of the leads story. Lots of companionship. I liked how they worked together as a team supporting each other in their lives and in the field.
Music over all complimented the series.
Rewatch is high to get all the finer points in this series.
Over all a great watch.

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Mahilig sa action at pagibig huwag palampasin

Mahilig tayo sa mga action na pilikula sa kung kukumpara wala masyadong visual effect ito o kaya sanay na tayo sa ganitong estilo. Pagdating din sa team song masasabi kong tapwe lang kompara sa ating mga pelikula. Pero eto ka pagdating sa istorya at pag arte pag ako tatanungin eh oks na oks di lang makapagkumpara samga artista kasi paka may ma sagi ako at may masaktan. Kanya kanya tayo nang idol diba. Ganito nalang madadala ka sa istorya pati na din sa pagarte. Ang istorya mahirap hulaan, ako isa ako sa mga nanonood na alam ko na ano mang yayari dyan tignan mo, ganyan ako minsan kaso dto halos lahat nang hula ko palpak. Yung idang babae at lalaki pagmagkasama sa eksena para mo lang pinanonood kaibigan mo. Natural ang dating nila. Yung mga sumosoporta yung kapatid nang kaibigan abay kung maaabot kulang mababatukan ko ibig sabihin madadala ka talaga sa Role na ginawa nya kasi nga nainis nya ako hindi dahil sa hindi marunong umarte kundi sa galing. Yung mga kaibigan din na naging magpartner kahit di sila sing galing nang mga namumunong artista hayop naman sa halik kung maka halik supsop ay naku nakakaingit. So di ka man maluha or matuwa aba masisigurado ko naman na maiinis ka at madadala sa ingit hehehe. Basta pag umpisa medyo akala mo di maganda ang papanoodin mo, ang masasabiko lang huwag mainip bago matapos ang unang kabanata ok na takbo nang kwento. Sige sana magenjoy kayo katulad ko kahit di na sila bata tulad nang mga idol ngayon ok na oks pa din.

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Better than you might think

I watched it in one sitting and now let me tell you, THIS WAS SO GOOD. Normally I don't watch dramas with a 7.5 or lower but bc of the genre and differences in reviews for this drama, I wanted to give it a try.
The action scenes were acted out really well, the casting was really good, the comedy was amazing lmao and we got really good chemistry between all couples.

Now I must admit that I always skip a lot of scenes while watching dramas. So I didn't really closely follow the mystery story of this drama, bc I simply don't really care, but I still think it was a good story! Please watch it if you love action, comedy combined with romance. I do wish that there were more kissing scenes lol but that didn't cause me to like this drama less, because you can feel the connection between our two leads.

If you have time, watch it because I think this drama deserves higher than an 7.5!

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This drama reminds me so much of "The Rebel Princess*, where both of the male protagonist holds so much power and masculity and would do anything to protect his woman. And also the female protagonist in both dramas exudes elegance and strength of a wife who gives her full support to her husband, working silently behind the scene to help the love of her life. Both dramas, i like so much, because it has all the elements in it, drama, stunning action, comedy, funny lines, cute and sweet moments. Although rebel princess is just a notch higher for me, this drama is also as good as it is. There were times when it has a boring moments but the actors did a very good job portraying their characters well that those boring timelines i will have to let it pass it by.

The flow of the story is also okay. It will make you think of what might have happened in the past that this certain character is showing this certain feeling in a certain scene. Although it was rushed in the end but you can pretty much figure out that it was a happy ending. Although im not much of a big fan of a rushed ending.

The OST is really very good as well. It will linger kn your ears for a long time.

Overall, it was a good drama, not too long nor too short. And the actors did very great especially the lead actor, i really liked him.

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A really good drama with a ot of action, friendship and only a bit of romance (sweet and cute)

I started this drama because I really like Zhu Ya Wen (after seeing him in “Across the ocean to see you”).

The plot promised a romantic series. In fact the romance (very present in the first half) then almost completely loses its place on the screen.

STORY
Arranged marriage between 1 FL heiress-CEO (who is struggling to establish herself in the company) and 1 ex-elite soldier with TPSD. He will help her face a lot of difficulties: conspiracies, economic rivalries, drug & girl traffickers, etc. not to mention the inevitable love triangle with the returning ex-boyfriend. He will be supported by 2 of his brothers in arms.

The first part is pleasant and catchy, with a lot of action scenes (well done), moments of humor, and a hate-love relationship that keeps the viewer in suspense.
On the other hand, the drama should have stopped after the orphanage and the return to town.
The last part, abroad, with the former brother-in-arms who wants to conquer the world, is really too much! Too much Machiavellianism, too many gangs, too many fights, TOO MUCH!

ACTING
ALL the actors are excellent. Zhu Ya Wen, the mischievous but effective ML, devours the screen. Mike He is also perfect. The FL Yang Zi Shan, and the FL2 lack a bit of micro-expressions, but do the job. The secondary characters are also provided by talented actors.

TECHNICAL
The production is lively, the images are beautiful and the action scenes of very good quality.
In the last part (abroad), the English dubbing is a bit artificial.
The OSTs aren't remarkable, but that's ok.

CONCLUSION
It's still a good drama. If you want a romantic series, stop after the first half.
If you are an action fan, you will find your happiness in the 2nd part.

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J'ai commencé ce drama parce que j'aime beaucoup Zhu Ya Wen (après l'avoir vu dans "Across the ocean to see you").

Le plot promettait une série romantique. En fait la romance (bien présente dans la 1e moitié) perd ensuite presque complètement sa place à l'écran.

STORY
Mariage arrangé entre 1 FL héritière-CEO (qui a du mal à s'imposer dans la compagnie) et 1 ex-soldat d'élite avec TPSD. Il va l'aider à affronter un tas de difficultés : complots, rivalités économiques, trafiquants de drogue & de filles, etc. sans compter l'inévitable triangle amoureux avec l'ex-boyfriend de retour. Il sera épaulé par 2 de ses frères d'arme.

La 1ere partie est agréable et accrocheuse, avec beaucoup de scènes d'action (bien réalisées), des moments d'humour, et une relation hate-love qui tient le spectateur en haleine.
Par contre, le drama aurait dû s'arrêter après l'orphelinat et le retour en ville.
La dernière partie, à l'étranger, avec l'ancien frère d'arme qui veut conquérir le monde, est vraiment en trop ! Trop de machiavélisme, trop de gangs, trop de fights, TROP !

ACTING
TOUS les acteurs sont excellents. Zhu Ya Wen, le ML malicieux mais efficace, dévore l'écran. Mike He est aussi parfait. La FL Yang Zi Shan, et la FL2 manquent un peu de micro-expressions, mais font le job. Les personnages secondaires sont aussi assurés par des acteurs talentueux.

TECHNIC
La réalisation est vive, les images sont belles et les scènes d'action de très bonne qualité.
Dans la dernière partie (à l'étranger), le doublage en anglais fait un peu artificiel.
Les OST ne sont pas remarquables, mais ça passe.

CONCLUSION
Cela reste un bon drama. Si vous souhaitez une série romantique, arrêtez-vous après la 1ere moitié.
Si vous êtes fan d'action, vous trouverez votre bonheur dans la 2nde partie.

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