Falling Into Your Smile (2021)

Sweet, light-hearted

I enjoyed this cdrama a lot. I was watching the newly released raw episodes just because I was eager to know what happened next. It's not like the story was very deep or intense, I was just curious. It's just what I needed after a long day of school or work.
The acting was good, what really irked me were the voiceovers, especially in the Korean ones because they did not match the actors at all, but this dabbing thing is a problem of Chinese production overall.
What really surprised me was the great music. The playlist features stars like Seventeen and WayV, and of course many more artists FROM THE CAST. The music was the best I've heard from a Chinese drama so far.
I would rewatch the drama for the music and sweet moments definitely. There is no gian plottwist without which the drama isn't enjoyable, so that's great.

Overall a very sweet and easy watch.

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One of a kind

Whilest at first glance, the story may not seem that original, in the world of a c-esport-dramas, this story is completely different to others majorly. for example, the two leads in this show are e-sports players whereas in a phenomenon such as Gank your heart or go go squid, its just the male who is the professional e-sports player. There is not a boring moment at all and if your looking for a drama that will give your butterflies, just watch it.
Cast
This show is casted very well. Xu Kai, plays his characters really well and his eyes are just beautiful. whilst there was controversy on cheng xiao's acting, (lack of expressions), i think she played her character very well and thats why we all got so invested in her journey.
i have rewatched this show so many times, i wish i could start to watch it again with no memories of the show so i can get butterflies again.

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Binge-worth fluffy e-sport drama with a bickering main couple

I think I alrady said it all in my title.

The story has nothing special at all. A professional e-sport team hires a girl as their midlaner and the team captain is extremely hot, badass and smart. I think everyone knows what's gonna happen but how it happens is superb.

I loved the FL and the ML, they are both three dimensional characters who are perfect together. I laughed a lot on their hilarious bickering, it was sooooo lifelike.

The sidecarachters are all really likeable and funny (especially Fatty, the team's support). The real antagonist here is social media and fans who can't separete their idol's personal and professional life.

I really like e-sport and gaming dramas because of their settings:
- a main goal to reach: winning the championship
- a lot of interesting sidecharacters: the teammembers and member's of other teams
- easy to create a badass ML who is better then everyone else
- exciting fights

I know, the gaming parts and the portreyal of a professional gamer's life is probably not realistic at all. Even this drama mentioned how hard is to be a pro, because they have a lot of practise (10+ hour a day), just didn't show it. And in my book this is not a problem at all, I wanted to see a fluffy romantic story with some gaming elements and I got what I wanted so I am a happy girl right now.

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Big no for romance fans, try if an e-sports fan. Forced, boring, zero chemistry romance!

To me this is quite overhyped. Overall, "Falling Into Your Smile" falls short for romance enthusiasts, but could be a hit for e-sports fans. The romantic aspect feels forced and lacks chemistry, making it a letdown for those seeking a love story. As someone more inclined towards romance, it proved to be a disappointment.

The series shines in its portrayal of the e-sports world, delving into the lives of pro gamers, their personal struggles, industry dynamics, and fan pressure. Romance serves as a subplot, attempting to add intrigue, but it fails to deliver due to the absence of genuine connection between the leads.

Personally, as a non-e-sports enthusiast, this show may not have been the best choice from the start. Despite high ratings and positive reviews, I found it difficult to connect with the characters. Even after persisting for ten episodes, I resorted to fast-forwarding.

Maybe it's just me, but I find there was no chemistry between the main leads. For me, a crucial element in romance is the slow-burning development of feelings, which gives depth to relationships. Like, why they fell for each other? Yeah there were some situation, events where they came close, but to me, it felt like a forced one. Regrettably, this crucial phase felt pointless and stretched over 20 episodes without generating the expected spark. The confession and first kiss were underwhelming, lacking the emotion one anticipates. The female lead's expressionless acting further detracted from the experience, leaving much to be desired.

The confession was quite interesting, and straightforward and does match the characteristics of the ML though but i wouldn’t mind if it took place in earlier episodes, but After 20 episodes, it felt like a rushed one. And the first kiss!!! OMG, this was the worst forgetful one ever. I would say it's cute if it were any casual one, but it's the FIRST KISS damn it, it suppose to have some emotion associated. What made things worse was the expressionless acting of the FL. Her drastically poor performance was enough to drag the whole thing down. She looks cute but pouting and making her eyes big and wide is the only expression she gives, it was torture to watch her like this. The funny part is the title says “falling into your SMILE”, but she hardly smiles bro!!!

Ironically, though I am not a sports lover, but rather a romance fan, these gaming segments were the only thing that motivated me to keep going. Surprisingly, as a non-sports fan, I found myself more engaged in the game segments. Some matches were genuinely exciting, and the in-game scenes were visually impressive, largely thanks to the graphics.

On the bright side, the series avoids unnecessary misunderstandings and lacks a prominent villain, maintaining a light tone throughout. It does offer a decent dose of friendship and bromance, although depth is lacking in both areas. The show exudes a warm vibe, with some genuinely enjoyable and funny comedic moments. Those inclined towards frequent kisses may find this aspect appealing, though the emotional intensity remains lacking.

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Fell in deep with a chessman and his friends

Read the full review on my blog here: https://bit.ly/3itwnWf

Let’s go back to two summers ago when my obsession was another little e-sports Chinese drama called Go Go Squid. Talk about OBSESSED. Fast forward to the present when another e-sports team is wrecking my life in the best way. I didn’t expect FIYS to be THE drama to captivate me the way it did. Especially with all of the things that annoyed me about the show, which I will get into.

As far as stories go, this one is pretty straightforward. Girl gamer trying to make it pro and prove herself. Along the way she falls in love, some slight obstacles but overall there were no major dramas. Overall, this drama was pure fluff and I was here for it. What captivated me the most, which tends to happen with ensemble casts, the chemistry between the team was really great. The ZGDX team felt like a real team and their interactions were the source of comic relief more often than not. The show had set up some problems that could have happened when Tong Yao joined the team. But they were quickly resolved and completely forgotten about. It was clear, that is not what this show was going to be about. The biggest conflict that I picked up on was how these gaming celebrities dealt with the media and the policing of fans. At one point Lu Si Cheng basically told the world that he’s thankful to his fans but they ain’t about to rule his life. I was like FINALLY, someone talking back to the toxicity of these fans! Wish that happened in real life.

Anyway, let’s talk about our leads for a second. Lu Si Cheng, played by the amazing Xu Kai, captivated me from the beginning. He was presented as your usual cold exterior male lead and became a bowl of mush throughout the series. And I’m a sucker for a male who is subtlety showing his feelings to the female lead through small actions and cryptic messages. He did ALL that. To be honest, I’m surprised his shoulders aren’t hurting from carrying the chemistry of the couple. Yes, chemistry happens between more than one person but Ms. Cheng Xiao had me wanting to smack the shit out of her multiple times. My biggest complaint is how can you have a main character with the name smiling and the bitch NEVER smiles?! But for real, if it wasn’t for all the behind the scene clips and pictures I’ve seen, I would be sure Cheng Xiao was a robot. The only time she came alive was when Lu Si Cheng was obsessively kissing her. And I ain’t mad at it. Xu Kai can give some good lip service.

Aside from the typical romance, the show had a heavy gaming aspect that actually didn’t annoy or bore me to tears. My favorite parts were when they were playing and we got a 3D vantage point of them playing. Another point I really liked about the show was the inclusion of the other teams in the show. We got to see more than just a nuclear view of the show. Our lead even had other relationships with other characters too and it was nice to see different dynamics.

In the end, do I regret falling so deep into this show? Not at all. Was it the best show I’ve seen this year? Again, not at all. However, it was a good time and really opened doors for me to watch more things with these actors and even explore more e-sport dramas. But the biggest gain was Xu Kai now to my list of drama base.

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Wonderful story and great acting

I took a break from drama's for a few months, my first drama after my break was Ancient Love Poetry, it was amazing, after watching i wanted more of Xu Kai lool.. so i decided to watch this drama especially since it had high ratings. I've seen other drama's from Xu Kai but never a modern one, this was my first seeing him in a role like this and my goodness as always, he did not disappoint, i love this drama as well because usually the cold ML is always so mean in a way, but his coldness was followed up with sweetness, he was never mean or aggressive and that was just so satisfying to watch.

I'll give the entire cast a 10/10 tbh, no one annoyed me, everyone did their roles so perfectly, i felt so entertained and invested.

This drama is definitely on the top of my list of cdrama, well modern cdrama, it's literally my favorite modern cdrama, and I don't use that statement loosely, I've seen so many modern cdrama but this drama takes the cake and here is why.

Cast: This drama is filled with so many handsome and beautiful people, and there looks isn't for show, everyone had there own personality, no two were the same, even with so many male actors in it as well. The acting for the ML was amazing, there chemistry was spot on as well. There wasn't any scene where i felt cringe, usually when there is comedic moments its kinda cringey, but it was just so good in this, i laughed and was happy rather than being cringed.

Story: I've only seen go go squid that was about e-sport, and though love 020 had gaming as well i have to say that i did not thin this story was like either of those, it has its own essence. I cannot compare them, nor can i say that it reminds me of either as well, and that why i love this story, it was nice and fresh, it was different. Even the gaming scenes was sooo good to watch, i didn't skip any of it, very entertaining.

Romance/Relationship: What i love most about this drama were all the relationships and bond. The MC started off as team mates, and gradually became good friends, then lovers, that's how i saw there relationship development, as the episodes go on, you can slowly tell when they begun to fall in love. the FL she didn't chase the ML and she wasn't one of those annoying fan girl either, she was pretty cool. The ML his personality was one of those cold man, but he was literally the sweetest ever, he loved his teammates and he loved the FL genuinely, he was never cold and mean, his exterior however was like that, but his personality i love how they made him col with lots of sweetness and not one of those ML who are cold, mean and aggressive, that was different and i love Xu Kai he plays that type of role soo good. the chemistry between the leads was a 10/10, and those kissing scene, phew!! hahah sweetness overload. The friendship of the teammates and closeness as pretty great as well, it was so much fun watching them.

Overall, this drama is a must watch in my opinion, it filled with friendship, love, dreams, hardship and victories.

oh yeah, another thing i loved in this drama was the fact that they showed us a glimpse of how public figures lives are, in regards to there fanbase. How they can be bullied, and how they live there lives knowing they're in the public eyes, as more... you'll see what i mean when you watch it. i love how it was showed in this and how it was dealt with as well and al the remarks from ML regarding fans and idols. it was really great seeing that part of the story as well.

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Smiling or kissing while losing the esports plot

If its an esports romcom for this period, this is really decent. The ML and FL got that chemistry going and there are alot of intimate scenes all of a sudden once they are together. Its to that point that where they behave like a real couple with the kisses.

However the esports scenes in this series is kinda weak and different in class from king's avatar, gank your heart, cross fire etc. Its like no explanations are given for the various heroes and just alot of the 3d animations of the game while they are playing the game. The animations are decent but really I rather watch the acting and facial expressions with the animations in game.

The players in this esports scenes also really act like kids, giving kills for love or getting into fights irl etc. The drama then becomes very childish like and unconvincing.

Happy ending in this series and the relationship drama is low, no flip flopping or frustrating 3rd party and misunderstandings or ntr etc. The FL did well and was convincing thru out as an esports gamer, the same can be said of the ML. Costume and scene set was also on point with the colors and modern futuristic sets.

Personally I wouldnt rewatch it but I did enjoy this series as it is a lighthearted watch with some funny moments.

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Like a shiny new game but as time goes on you eventually end up frustrated and bored

First 20-25 episodes were great and engaging, as someone who likes gaming dramas I was curious to see what this one would bring to the table. Bottom line it didn't bring much. The last about 10 episodes, the writing started falling out and there were random plot lines brought in to create drama which I was not a fan and was got completely bored of. The cracks were definitely showing and the story dragged.

Cheng Xiao is not an actress and it definitely shows in this. Her costars outdo her by a mile, her best friend was an outstanding personality (she was my favorite hands down), xu kai was great, even the teammates I had more laughs with and enjoyed a lot.
And I just wanna say that Cheng Xiao is a beautiful girl but that haircut is NOT IT. I get she's supposed to be a normal girl and not as outstanding in looks but damn when her and xu kai stand next to each other, she looks boring and stiff. They couldn't even dress her up a little more for interviews or events?

Story was fine, I like competition of esports and it's obvious what this drama has to say about idol and fan relationships, especially with the new law in china about fans interacting on the internet. But definitely a downgrade in the last few episodes and totally could've been a 24 ep drama.

Anyways I enjoyed most of it but I would def say it's not on my list of top gaming dramas, definitely would pick king's avatar or gank your heart over this.

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Overrated

I could watch this only becoz of Xu kai. I had to take few breaks before i could finish this. Portrayal and popularity of e-sport was again the subject. There was nothing new about this drama, its the same old same old but has many sweet moments. I would have liked this drama little more if the FL had an ability to show different expressions. Her face was totally a poker face or deadpan. There was a scene in drama where ML and FL are on the either side of the door and FL is trying to talk some sense into the ML and ML comments i can totally see your expression from this side of the door and i thought there are no expressions so yes it wouldn't be hard to imagine.
They could have done a better job with FL she came across as a strong character in the beginning with independent girl but then she was doubting herself, her BF, creating trouble everywhere and wash more of a not cute looking FL. I would say if not for Xu Kai this would have been a full flop at least from where i see.

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You will never regret watching FIYS ❤️

Iam not into games..but now i became interested in what is esport and wanted to play omyogi(but this is my 5th esport drama that j actually watch) And my ultimate hobby is to watch. Ive watch like a hundred drama. And this will be in my top3(not 3rd but one of the top3)). This drama is so addicting ❤️.. This is the only drama in my entire 26years life that i hesitate to watch the last episode instead of looking forward to it. Its hard to let go ?... Every single cast is the perfect fit... Like literally thats the best part in here all the characters are lovable. Still wishing and praying for season 2 or at least a new drama with the same cast ??
Super highly recommended.. 101% ??❤️❤️

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Fluff meets gaming

This drama has allot of sweetness, cute animals and some interesting issues. The characters seem to grasp the notion of consent, the only toxic people are some mild side characters, fans and the media it is pretty low conflict with allot of interesting fun moments great one liners. this drama also deals with some interesting issues so why only 8 stars?

I was actually debating 8,5 but decided to give it 8 stars because well it did not really excite me, do not get me wrong I found myself looking forward towards every episode something in the female leads character bothered me she is not annoying or overly stupid or anything like that but there is something about her that kept me from falling for Smiley ;) the male leads actions where at times odd, being in desperate need of a lesson in communication as well as ownership... but he did redeem himself and had this great charm to him that definitely left me wanting more of him. He also seemed to have had allot of bottled up sexuall frustration seeing once he started kissing he never seemed to want to stop,,,,

When it comes to side characters the second couple was adorable! The the male leads brother was annoying in the beginning but grew on me. A side character named Fatty was way to stereotypical and though he was very sweet there was quite a bit of fat shaming in this drama. Yes that is common in may dramas and yes it bothers me. Fat people are people too and more thaan snack eating punchlines. The teammates where allot of fun and did a great job assisting the couple as well as lighten the mood with some great singing. And then wee have thc pets! Sweet, fluffy adorable pets that definitely stole the show and where allot of fun to watch,

So all in all worth a watch but not WOOOW this is the beast thing I have ever seen...

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Falling Into Your Smile my beloved

This drama omg, what a ride. Let me begin by saying I was SO invested in this cdrama. It’s been a while since I’ve watched a gaming drama (my last being Love O2O) and I was not disappointed.

I did have my doubts going into it, eps 1-2 seemed to really enjoy emphasising ‘omg it’s a GiRL GaMeR????’ with so much sexism from both males AND females. Like funnily enough, a girl can also use a mouse and press keys.

I will also add that there is a lot of secondhand embarrassment you have to endure from the FL at times, mainly in the beginning.

But other than that, this show is so fluffy and wholesome. ZGDX (in fact nearly all the teams) have such strong found family vibes, they support each other and the team means everything to them <33

Plus you get to enjoy the group living together (hello roommates/university vibes) and the team’s priceless reactions to Tong Yao and Si Cheng’s budding romance. Truly one of the best parts of the show

Tong Yao and Si Cheng are one of my new favourite couples now, their chemistry is just on fire. You get to see them dating but not dating for 3/4 of the show until they become a REAL couple and omg, they are adorable. And may I also add, no stupid breakups - so refreshing.

In fact I think it’s safe to say I love nearly every character on this show. Jin Yang and Tong Yao’s friendship is SO pure and honestly goals. Even Jian Yang (Tong Yao’s ex) is SUCH a good guy. He may have been sexist at the beginning but even as he stayed in love with her, he never pressured her or made her uncomfortable. He did try hard for them to get back together in the beginning, but when Tong Yao said that they are well and truly over, he did accept it with grace (heartbreaking as it was for him). Then even past that point, he never held it against her! He defended her against netizens slandering her, was in constant awe of her gaming skills, and just, what a guy. Even during the final episode he was like “:D :D I taught her!! I taught her!! :D” omg I was melting.

But of course, Si Cheng is still number 1 in my heart. One of my new fav male leads! His type is ‘someone who can beat him in gaming’ - we stan. He supported Tong Yao from beginning to end and once they started dating, omg if you thought he was Mr. Hearteyes before, my gosh you won’t even recognise him when they date for real. Seriously, I can’t even remember the last time I saw a boyfriend so PDA <3

On the whole, this show is such a gem and I’ll miss it so very much. I already know that I’ll be rewatching this many times in the future

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