Skate Into Love (2020)

It was a long. Too long.

This is probably one of the best Chinese Drama’s I have ever watched, it is not to say that this drama was amazingly good, but out of the Chinese dramas I have seen thus far, this is one of the best. It’s funny because the other Chinese drama that I quite enjoyed also stars Steven Zhang, with a love triangle concept in the drama ‘Go Ahead.’

Length: I was honestly scared to start this drama because it was 40 episodes long and I usually can’t stick it out. I found myself going fairly quickly with this drama, wanting to start the next episode as soon as this one ended, so you could say it kept my attention. But, at the same time, I do not think that this drama needed to be 40 episodes long, there were multiple times when things felt repetitive and unnecessary. Times when I felt things could have been easily avoided or even problems that arose that I felt we had just already seen in a different way. I know that these things just add to the drama itself, but it seemed like a bit much.

Character Development: A big concept of the show focuses on the fact that Tang Xue (Janice Wu) and Li Yubing (Steven Zhang) were childhood friends (using that term lightly). Because of this, you would think that there would be actual clear progress on who they were as children in comparison on who they are as college students and the path of who they are going to be in the future. I am not saying that there was no progress because there was some character development with these two, but it was not as much as I would have hoped seeing on how much this part played in the drama itself. Even towards the end of the show, there was moments when I just did not understand why they were doing the things they did and why they had not further matured, when there was so much time to do so previously. Why act childish at the last moment, when this whole time, you have been fairly mature?

Side Characters: There was quite a lot going on within the show and there was so many side stories and characters, that at times I would forget that a certain person even existed or forget what exactly was going on with a certain character. I think that side couples and characters in general really do play a part in the overall content of a drama, but having too many of them, can at times lessen the value of it all. Bian Cheng, for example, I understand why some may think that he is considered a main character because of all the problems that his character caused, but there were times when I forgot he was even in the show. It may be because he did not get as much screen time as say the hockey team or Tang Xue’s roommates, but his overall character was lacking, it was like he did not have a full story. At least characters like the hockey team brothers or Tang Xue’s roommates had some sort of actual story. Don’t get me wrong, they did still lack because there were times when I felt that things were rushed or didn’t really make sense, but at least with them, they felt more important.

Yu Yan & Mental Illness: I have mixed feelings about the depiction and storyline regarding Yu Yan and his anxiety disorder. Before it was shown as an actual diagnosis, I somewhat assumed that he would eventually breakdown and something would happen, just based on his symptoms depicted as well as my own knowledge on anxiety disorders. I don’t want to say that the way they went about this is incorrect, because quite frankly it’s different for everyone, but at the same time there was problems with it. Anxiety disorders don’t just go away, that’s not really how they work, it takes time for you to heal as a person and get better. Yu Yan’s character was pretty spot on regarding how he would feel and the actual things he would do or not do with this going on. The ringing in the ears, hearing things, yelling at the coach, not getting out of bed or eating, it was depicted well. The healing process was what threw me off a bit, not necessarily having Tang Xue come and help because that does help. It was more that, all the sudden he was magically okay. I understand that this is in fact a drama, so not everything can be done within a short span of time, but really the show was 40 episodes long. So maybe more could have been done in this aspect. Not that everyone needs therapy or medicine to heal, because they don’t, but possibly something like that, that was not just Tang Xue coming over to hang out and ultimately keep him distracted.

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I watched because of Janice and Steven.

This drama has a good start, but the ending seemed to be forced and kind of a disappointment.
The start of this drama gave those sweet, heart fluttering, romance-comedy type of drama's feeling.
The story was well built in the first half of the drama. However, after the second half of the drama, it began to rapidly fall down.

I kind of had high hopes due to Janice Wu and Steven Zhang as the lead. They did have good chemistry in this drama, and well-act. However the second half of the drama's plot kind of ruins everything.

My patience end in the almost last scene of the drama, when LYB did some kind of performance.I really don't get the point.

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Good but a bit frustrating

Plot--The story was mostly pretty good, I'd say especially for the first 30 episodes. The chemistry between the leads was pretty convincing--it made me anxious at first but improved over time. I actually thought the chemistry between Tangxue's "followers" was just as good if not better. In terms of pacing, could have been slightly faster but there was a steady sense of progression. I like romantic dramas where the romance isn't the sole end goal, so I enjoyed the sports stuff a lot. I think the last 10 episodes should have focused more on that.

My main frustration was between ep. 33-36. I didn't think the breakup was a necessary plot point, and while I wouldn't mind as much if it was handled better, I felt that it didn't treat Li Yubing very fairly. Somebody else has written a review that touched on this, but for the first 25 episodes, we are taught that Tangxue hates being lied to. However, when she lies to Li Yubing, it's as if it's his fault and he has to be the one to apologize for not trusting her. Yu yan's mom basically put Tangxue in a position where she had to either lie to her or to Li Yubing, and I don't get why she would lie to him and stood him up several times, it's kind of inexplicable. If she had told the truth and Li Yubing didn't believe her, then it would be his fault, but in this case, I thought Li Yubing reacted pretty reasonably. The hospital scene was pretty touching, I will say, but it frustrated me that they never actually kissed properly after getting back together again. (also, it annoyed me that Li Yubing was always the initiator). Plus there wasn't enough time after getting together again to fully establish the longevity of the relationship.

Bian Cheng was also kind of annoying, and in some ways didn't really make sense. I know false news and cancel culture are big issues on the internet, but a college student who's already been widely discredited and shamed should not really be able to affect a super-popular sports idol's image to the extent he did, no matter how well he writes. I don't think it's bad at all that the antagonist creates major problems for the protagonists, but it didn't seem realistic here.

Characters-- In general, Tangxue is a great FL, I appreciate that she's really independent, smart, and strong. Li Yubing is my favorite character as he matures a lot over the course of the series and shows his emotions, and of course he's pretty badass at hockey. This is what I like most about the show--that it emphasizes this: What should you choose between your dream and love? If you choose the dream, at least you've attained that. If you just choose love, you'll probably wind up with neither. Tangxue and Li Yubing are immensely supportive of each other's dreams and would never let their relationship get in the way of the other's dream. As for the supporting characters, aside from Tangxue's dad and Bian cheng, they're mostly pretty good and realistic, but maybe there were too many of them.

Acting-- acting was on point, especially with Steven Zhang. Janice Wu was good too and showed that she could really express herself in some scenes, but should have done it more in others (especially in the breakup). Other actors were pretty good too.

Music--Songs weren't great but there was at least 1 OST that was pretty good.

Rewatch--probably won't rewatch tbh, wasn't quite satisfying enough.

One thing I kind of appreciate is the feminism that you don't see as much in similar dramas. Tang Xue is very independent, her mother is a doctor, Huanhuan is very career driven, Wei is the best at what she does, philosopher girl is a deep thinker. Yet it's subtle and doesn't get preachy.

Overall: does some things really well and could have done a few things better. If a few simple things were a little different, it could easily have been a 9-10/10. If Tangxue had told the truth about visiting Yu Yan and Li Yubing trusted her, that would have solidified the relationship and given me confidence in it. So, it's just a little frustrating at times.

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THE BEST CHINESE DRAMA OF 2020

THIS MIGHT BE THE LONGEST REVIEW I WAS EVER WRITTEN

I don't even know where to begin in this drama. I want to wait until this was finished airing then watch but I ended up not wait because I had watched so many cute clips from this drama and all of the clips I watch made me fell in love with it, and also because school got cancel for another month, I couldn't sleep without watching a few episodes. This drama has sucked my life out of me. I love it pieces. This drama had made in written taken a lot of notes. I try not to skip a lot of the sense and enjoy it like a normal person. I sometimes or mostly skip when I watch the drama. But this one is something else. This had made me even read the novel, I only read some of it. but still, I neven do that. which means I mush love it so much and also I even re-watch a few episodes again while airing. ( while writing this I have not finished with the drama yet I have three more episodes to go but I still would rate it 10 to this point maybe it will change or maybe still the same I hope to stay the same.) This had me discovered a new actor Steven Zhang who is the main lead. This even made me practice my Chinese so I could read the novel. I thought this drama was the second-best Chinese drama for ROM-COM for 2020. In my opinion, this was Find Yourself but SKATE INTO LOVE IS FIRST PLACES. 堂雪 LOVE THIS NAME. This drama will always stick with me because the most important life lesson that I have learned is that "Never give up on your drama, you might have an accident but you can heal and get back up and start over". I love this drama. ( I was reading the comment, then this thought came to me, thx for comments ) I love everything the couple in this drama, the main leads, the second couple, thrid couple. This show has a quote where I truly will go by today " Dreams will never shine, it's you that shine while cashing your dreams."

The acting in this drama is astonishing. Steven Zhang who play BingBing, the main lead. He is so cute and handsome. Everything actor in here is amazing. I also realize something that is so funny, the second couple in this drama, their bond is way better than the mains. lol, they are the cutest and the best second couple I have ever seen. They got together around 10-20. and they never broke up once. wow.
For the story, I love everything about it. Even there are some scenes I don't like but overall this is a great drama. I know some people might be that 40 is too long and it will drag it a bit but I kinda like it and hate it. The music in this drama is the best because I started even ever it comes out I started to sing too. lol, I love all the ost in this drama. Everyone in this drama like every character is amazing and super funny. I love everyone even the evil one that I hated but yeah. I will definitely re-watch this in a few years or months when I forget or kinda forget everything. I even rewatched it while airing so yeah. I wanted to rate the story a 9.5 but just one scene changes my mind about it, this is my favourite drama ever for Chinese 2020, last year for 2019 was go go squid and I hope there will be more drama like this. I LOVE DENG LUN for his supporting / guest role. That is the best role. This is the best drama.

sorry if they dose not help you, I just wanting to make a review for myself

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I never feel watching 40 episodes of drama could be this fast. This series is full of inspiration, romance and friendship. And not to mention that I literally can’t stop laughing from episode 1 until the end. I seriously can’t stress enough how I love this drama.

Likes:
- All cast really did a great job expressing their character
- Well balance plot with romance, sports, friendships and family
- Their sound effect and editing make this series funnier.

Dislike:
- I love the ML and FL so much but somehow they look way too old to portray 18 y/o student.
-too many side couple. (i still love them, but it’s kinda unnecessary and time consuming)
- *spoiler* petty reason to break up. Ergh

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Story about dream

Really excited finally can watch this drama. Recently I find myself quite adored actress janice wu, never disappointed with her drama.

This drama for me divided into 3 part. First part where they find their [Li Yu Bing (LYB) & Tang Xue (TX)] childhood memories & fall in love with each other. Second part, the lovey-dovey part, which sometimes funny & adorable. Third part, about their dream, reality & how to finally reach it.

This drama tell us the struggle of an athlete, especially when you are in the single person sport like Yu Yan not in the group sport like LYB where you still have your teammate to support you. Part from the struggle as an athlete of course there is their love life. Each couple have their own problem & I feel it quite true to reality.

Couple story:
* LYB & TX: After they became couple, LYB have to face the reality TX dad not agree with their relationship due to childhood story & the concern of a father about LYB choice of career. But heart to heart talk solve this problem & they get both of their parent support 100%.
* Xia Meng Huan (MH) & Liao Zhen Yu (ZY): Their problem is ZY too much stick on to MH & MH realize it & MH suggest ZY to find another thing for ZY to do. Yes couple sometimes too much stick to each other & finally doesn't realize their own dream & only know how to support their couple.
* Zhang Yue Wei (WW) & Jiang Shi Jia (SJ): When your focus only to someone sometimes you forget to notice your surrounding, is there anyone else for us then the one we keep our focus...? Their problem also classic friend into couple, what happen if I tell her/him my feeling, good if they accept us but what will happen if we got rejected...?
* Ye Liu Ying (YLY) & Deng Jian Guo (DJG): When you already find the one suit you no matter what they look like they're the one for you...

What I love about this drama:
- The relationship between TX & LYB not that instant, they tell us stories about how that's happen. And when they together they're so sweet. & also pleased they together not on the end of the series, so we can see the lovey-dovey relationship ^_^
- Love the chemistry between all the couple, LYB & TX, MH & ZY, WW & SJ, Ye Liu Ying (YLY) & Deng Jian Guo (DJG). They even make story about their Coach love story.
- The past story in the end credit, a little bit miss it when they stop make the past story. Very adorable when see LYB act like a little kids when they change the child LYB & TX into their adult self.
- How they instantly make some scene into funny, it's like the writer didn't want us too much linger on some romance or sad scene. After some romance or sad scene they instantly give us funny & sometime even awkward scene. Especially when LYB parent follow him & caught him dating TX, very funny & awkward for the couple. ^_^

Btw for you who still wonder about Xu Feng or Ice god connection from Ashes of love, I can tell you they have no connection except the same name & actor who played it. They even forget Xu Feng at ashes of love is not ICE GOD he is FIRE GOD. But however still happy to see Deng Lun here, his purpose here only to help promote the drama. :)

Overall: This is a drama where each character learns how to grow into their better selves, while not forget to achieve their own dream. Very good & funny drama yet full of meaning. :)

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One of my favorites!

One of my favorites! Loved the skating/hockey part of this as well as the character relationships. The way the actors played their roles also felt natural, which I also really enjoyed. I also appreciated the cameos of Deng Lun and of "Ashes of Love."

Definitely a (mostly) lighthearted rom-com that made me laugh a lot! I've also rewatched this one multiple times and I still enjoy it the same every single time!

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Inspiring

This drama is really inspiring especially for athletes. I think all the actors did a pretty good job. Steven Zhang is such a good actor.Janice wu is really bold. I really liked their childhood flashbacks. It was so funny and steven was so adorable. The music in the drama is also really. I feel that there were too many people having love interest for the leads. Female lead had two men (excluding male lead) wanting to pursue her while male lead also had two other women wanting to be with him. I also think that the drama would've been outstanding if some parts were avoided. overall this drama is romantic and inspiring.

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Great story

Loved the story, it was so cute and really funny! I liked the music, characters, acting... the only thing I didn't like was the breakup and noble idiocy. When that is in a show, it automatically gets a lower grade from me. No matter how good it started. This is definitely worth watching. Definitely worth re-watching... if you skip over episodes 33-38 and half of 39. But I don't recommend that first time watching because you miss A LOT with the story and other characters. When the two leads are together, they are just way too cute. Before their relationship, and during. At first, the male lead is a bit annoying, but as the story goes on, it explains why. I can understand that and why he's mean to the female lead. But he starts to like her pretty quickly in the series, and it becomes really cute.
There are what I call "annoying" characters in some series. The guy/girl that tries to break up the leads. That kind of thing. In this one, there is both, but they're not as bad as some. They annoy me, yes, but there have been worse. Therefore, they don't lower my rating much.

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Skate Into Love is a beautifully written and executed drama that left a deep impression on me. Not only does it showcase three different types of ice sports and demonstrate their uniqueness, it also teaches a lot of very important lessons to take in life. Throughout the forty episodes, each and every character grew a lot as a person, learning new things and making better choices. Personally, I found this a very enjoyable drama that enabled me to learn a lot about ice sports and chasing dreams.
The premise of the drama was very interesting to me. I love watching hate to love dramas because I enjoy seeing how the couple's relationship progresses throughout the drama. Though at some points, the plot dragged quite noticeably, and certain characters got way more screen time than I wished, for the most part there was a lot of content that kept me interested. I'm the type that loves to ship couples, and there was a very intense love pentagon that was super intriguing, and there were so many couples to ship. I loved waiting for the couples to get together and watching all of the fluffiness that came out of it. The directors had a way of making each episode very funny and lighthearted while also squeezing in serious topics like mental health, physical wellbeing, and trust.
Steven Zhang and Janice Wu had undoubtedly amazing chemistry. They played their roles very well and I did not, even for a moment, find myself struggling to believe their roles. The supporting roles were also casted perfectly. From appearance to personality, I felt that each of the characters fit their roles effortlessly. Each character was so well written, carrying their own flaws and quirks that made you either root for them or hope they fell into a very dark hole and never got out :P I understand completely when other people say that some of the characters are annoying. For example, I've seen a lot of complaints about Janice Wu's character, but while I felt some of that as well, I think it was quite realistic. People are hypocritical sometimes, and they do what they think is best for themselves and others. Sometimes it's the wrong decision. While Janice's character was problematic at times, I found that realistic and made me like her more.
The OST was absolutely beautiful. Nothing more needs to be said. It was amazing and appropriate.
I don't really rewatch things just because I don't have the patience for it and I have way too much on my PTW list for my liking, so while it is unlikely for me to rewatch the whole thing but there are many parts that I would love to see again.

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