Hidden Love (2023)

Perfectly describes first love

I started this drama twice. The first time I didnt understand why we were spending time with a middle shcool character, and the second time- I could not stop watching. As someone who has never experienced a first love, or even a crush, the writing and acting done in the show managed to portray all the feelings that come along with it in a way that even i ended up feeling them. It felt as if i was expriencing it along with the FL, the innocence and heartaches of a first love. The time the show spent on that part of the story ended up being my favorite part.
But besides that- i believe most of the cast, especially the leads did a really good job; their facial expressions and body language were on point. Specifically in cdramas i think its the most important part of the acting since the actors get dubbed over.
One thing that did bother me though is that sometimes plot points were dealt with too fast- i wont spoil it, but lets just say that there were never any real consequences to anything, and even if there were they were solved very very fast.
I think that was a real waste, since it could've been used to develop the characters and let the audience have a better understanding of them.

In conclusion- if you're looking for a sweet, healing and worth while drama, this is the one for you!

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If you're looking for something cute, light, fluffy and with almost zero conflicts, this is for you.

My review might feel a little harsh for some people, but understand that that is only so because I'm a real fan of the original material, so I had really high expectations for this adaptation! Some of which were met, and others, unfortunately, were not, so each point not met hurt more than usual for me.

Regardless, this is still a really good drama in general. So, if you're here reading this while still not being sure whether you should give this a chance or not, I would like to say: GO FOR IT.

My first encounter with this story was through the manhua adaptation. Chapters came out really slowly (and still do), but I was immediately hooked because, one, the art was absolutely gorgeous and, two, the story was really fluffy and cute. So when the manhua had only the first few chapters, I found out there was a novel and there was already a completed english translation. From that moment on, my husband only saw me again after I had finished binge reading it all! I'm absolutely crazy about this novel.

Having this been said, I think the drama adaptation failed in quite a few points. Before I get straight to them, firstly I would like to state that I don't mean to spread hate in anyway, but still, I gotta express my opinion.

So, the first thing that the drama adaptation did, that, for me, wasn't really well done, was when it decided to change the age gap between the characters by making drama Sang Zhi older then she actually is during some scenes. It's like they kept novel's SZ age mentality (of a 12 year old) and put them on a 17 year old drama SZ. Because of this, I found Zhao Luo Si's acting in the first part of the novel way too childish and unnatural for a supposed 17 year old girl. Had I not been familiar with the novel, I would probably think that teenage SZ was mentally challenged.

Also, some really important little nuances and scenes from the novel, sadly, didn't make it into the drama version. Two that immediately come to mind while I'm writting this is how they changed the scene and reason why SZ decides to stop the pursuit phase and accept DJX. This scene change really affected one of the most important moments for me in the novel, which is the moment DJX shows his real self for the first time to SZ and opens up about his family situation, while being serious and vulnerable. Though the drama did include this last scene, it didn't really have the same emotional impact the novel had.

What's more, for this drama to be perfect to me, I would change Sang Yan's casting. Though I like Victor Ma, his version of Sang Yan didn't really catch the actual character's essence...

On the other hand, I loved the rest of the casting, in special, Zhao Luo Si, who made me cry with her in both airport scenes, she's really a great actress. Her feelings of first and pure love really reached and moved me. She was able to convey adult SZ's spoiled and cute nature really well.

The OST was good and solid. I expect to put at least 3 songs in my playlist.

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Best drama ever

The ML and FL visual are perfect.
Their acting are perfect to move my heart eventhough the story line are simple.
I watched twice lol, so sweet drama and no tension.
Lusi acting always go high another level for each drama.
The best drama so far I watched.
What I don't like is, the drama too short!!


The ML and FL visual are perfect.
Their acting are perfect to move my heart eventhough the story line are simple.
I watched twice lol, so sweet drama and no tension at all.
Lusi acting always go high another level for each drama. Her acting are so natural and her small gestures and aurura can drive you into the story lines feel.
I never know who is Chen Zheyuan till I watch this drama, omg his eyes are so beautiful and can give a different emotions by just staring. He really don't need to do anything lol.
The best drama so far I watched.
What I don't like is, the drama is too short!

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I'm a sucker for a good romance story, and Hidden Love did not disappoint. The story of Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu's forbidden love was heartwarming, sweet, and relatable. I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve over the course of the drama, and I felt like I was right there with them every step of the way.

One of the things I liked most about Hidden Love was the way it dealt with the topic of love. The drama didn't shy away from the challenges of being in love with someone who is not your "type," but it also showed the beauty and power of love. I thought the drama did a great job of portraying the different stages of love, from the initial attraction to the deep, abiding love that can last a lifetime.

Another thing I liked about Hidden Love was the way it explored the theme of friendship. The two leads, Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, are best friends, and their friendship is a major part of the drama. I thought the drama did a great job of showing how friendship can be just as important as love, and how it can help us through tough times.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hidden Love. It's a heartwarming, sweet drama with great characters and a beautiful story. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the BL genre or anyone who loves a good romance story.

Here are some specific things I liked about the show:

* The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable. I felt like I was watching two real people fall in love.
* The story was heartwarming and sweet, but it also dealt with some serious issues. I thought the drama did a great job of balancing the two.
* The characters were relatable and well-developed. I felt like I could understand their motivations and why they made the choices they did.

Here are some things I didn't like as much about the show:

* The pacing was a bit slow at times. I felt the drama could have been more concise without losing any important plot points.
* There were a few plot holes that I didn't quite understand. However, these were minor issues and they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the show.

Overall, I enjoyed Hidden Love and recommend it to fans of the BL genre or anyone who loves a good romance story. It's a heartwarming, sweet drama with great characters and a beautiful story.

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Just love this drama

One of the best drama by Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhenyuan,the chemistry of both actors are great and natural, .ZL acting just superb,such a versatile actress, CZ on the other hand is just improving so well, both are so fine looking..And as for the drama itself, it was refreshing, it gives me a teenage love story way back then during my teenage life..I was so touch of the storyline, no heavy scenes, purely wholesome ..Hats off to the cast and crew of Hidden love, my only wish is that in the future Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhenyuan will have another project, the have such a superb chemistry!❤️❤️❤️

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Simple story, wonderful execution

The story is pretty damn basic and simple, like it has nothing. An adolescent girl has a crush on her older brother's friend and never really moves on from it, rather it grows as she grows older and finally she falls head over heels in love with him and accepts her fate, only to get him to love her back in the end.

So why such a high rating and so much love from everyone? A lot of reasons actually.
1.  Simple story, no melodramatic plot, unnecessary angst, bloodshed, death or anything annoying.
2.  This is one of those very realistic stories where people can relate to the main leads. Also which girl didn't have a massive childhood crush, but never really got him and still would love to see what if it worked out? i personally could relate to the character of sang zhi all too well, that is until she got him to love her. So for me, their relationship is like the part that i could never experience with my crush. It made me happy, i swooned and it brought me so much peace and satisfaction.
3. The characters (except jiang ying) were all loveable. Their relationship dynamics was natural. Main characters had development. They were well written and mature.
4. The acting and visuals. Needless to say zhao lusi is a high traffic actress. And in my opinion she outdid herself in this with all her micro expressions. I was truly impressed  by her performance this time particularly. I felt everything she was feeling, her acting was so perfect this time. Her character wasn't a stupid airheaded crybaby who does dumb shit and behaves like a 3 year old. She is a beauty and chen zheyuan looked like he is straight out of a manhua with his visuals. How can someone look that attractive and sweet and charming all at the same time? His character was the perfect high school crush.
5. No unnecessary misunderstandings, plot fillers with too much spotlight on unimportant secondary characters. The story focused on the main characters.
6. The story was fast paced but editing was not choppy. The screenwriter and production team did a marvelous job at the whole process. With a minimalistic visual theme, it screamed elegance. This proves its high budget.

So despite being a simple drama in one of the most common genres of coming of age, it was soothing, relaxing, relatable and light romantic comedy with a happy ending. It definitely is worth rewatching because of these exact qualities. It is perfect in its own beautiful way. It was a very pleasant and easy to watch show and i would recommend this to any romance lover.

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One of the best drama I've ever watched

Of course I don't watch every dramas that are airing(I don't have enough time and probably this is my last drama this year ), but this one is really great, I just can relate having first crush .... getting butterflies and many things with sang zhi ,
I started watching it after a long exhausting week......it's really refreshing and energetic you'll smile without noticing through the entire series..... I've never finished any cdrama (except "who rules the world") specially xinxia or modern cdramas always get boring after 11-12th episodes
As a hardcore kdrama fan I don't like most of the silly cdramas, I got into it cause of lusi and for a dopamine boost and it's worth watching ..............I'm surprised how I didn't skip a single second!!!!!!
Chen zheyuan and Zhao lusis chemistry is now my favourite....... can't get enough of the series......it will make you curl like worm ........soo much cute and a mature relationship at the same time.......

For the haters who are saying that the ml is pervert then let me tell you, we're seeing this story from sang zhi's perspective so it's normal to fantasize the normal things when your crush do this.....
Don't listen to the haters just go for this masterpiece

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I wish I can rate 11 or higher ?

If you have experienced romantic crash to older guy in your school days, you can relate to FL in this drama. The emotion and feeling of FL are so well described and performed by Lusi. And the chemistry between ML and FL were phenomenal and they made this drama much more fun and meaningful. At the same time, screenwriter, director, all of supporting performers and staff are amazing to complete this perfect love story. Especial actor who played older brother of FL, he was amazing.

Without any doubt, this drama will attract many viewers around the world. It is rated as TV-G in USA Netflix, so young adults can also enjoy it.

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"Moonlight stars in your eyes, never knew the shine would light up my whole life"

AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Trying hard to be coherent because I just finished watching THE MOST AMAZING SHOW EVERRRRRR!!!!

Okay, okay. (Deep breath) So.

Acting, music, cinematography, story, pacing = 10, 10, 10, 10 ,10 ,and more 10.
Honestly, I'm in love. This show is perfection.

Story:
The FL meets the ML when she's 14 years old. He is her older brother's college roommate.
Within moments of meeting him she conns ("cutes") him into pulling a caper with her, to get her out of trouble at school. Endeared, he goes along with her scheme.
They see each other periodically as time goes on. She falls in deep crush with him. He is endeared by her, and treats her very well, like a kind and protective older brother.
When she's a freshman in college they get the chance to spend more time together.
He falls in love. She's still in love. They live happily ever after.

That's the plot summary, without too much detail or spoilers.
(I'll add a more detailed summary with spoilers at the last part of this review.)

There is some deeply emotional content in this story, related to the difficult past of the ML. But it's sad, not toxic. In fact, this show has almost no toxicity (aside from a minor character with very little screen time).
It's hard to call this a "feel-good" romance, due to the emotional (gut wrenching) impact of what the ML has had to overcome. Some of those scenes flattened me. But! The romance itself is very sweet. The family and friends surrounding the ML and FL are sweet. And the ending is definitely sweet. So there's that.

The music is fantastic. Two of the songs are going into my playlist asap.


The pacing of the story was great. I didn't feel bored. The story did not drag. Everything was seamless.

(Kudos to Zhao Lu Si. I saw her in "Dating the Kitchen" where she pulled off a sneaky, sweet, and hilarious character, as well as in "Feel at ease Mr. Ling" where she's a bold, take no prisoners, strong FL. What she gives us here in "Hidden Love" is something completely different from what I'd seen before and she pulls it off to perfection. )


What I loved about the story (beware of spoilers!!!!):

* The brother/sister relationship of the FL with her older brother.
There's nothing new about the antagonism (friendly...mostly lol) between older brother/younger sister. He "bullies" and she takes full advantage, etc.
But this show pulled it off to perfection. They had me on the floor in the first 20 minutes of episode 1 with how they went at each other. Adorable and extremely funny.
The parts where the older brother sticks up for her (90% of those times are on the sly) are heartwarming.
He is very protective of her and cares for her deeply.
I just loved them.

* The non-toxicity of the side characters.
This includes the parents. They handle their concerns regarding the FL/ML romantic relationship in the best possible way. They are such supportive parents. And genuinely good people.
Also, the friends. Both the FL and the ML have a terrific groups of friends.
In particular, the FL has this one college roommate who falls in deep crush with a fellow classmate. Said classmate initially pursues our FL (she rejects him). In other dramas this would have called for the roommate to turn vicious, catty, etc. etc.
She did not. Despite knowing that her crush was crushing on her friend, she continued to be a kind, true friend to our FL and I love that for them both.

There is one toxic side character, from the ML's past. I don't excuse her at all. But an explanation for her behavior is given. The matter is resolved. And her screen time is limited. (Her impact on the ML is significant and their relationship is a very long one, but it's 98% in his past and not shown on-screen.)

*No second male lead or second female lead. The story doesn't call for it so I'm happy we didn't get any interlopers just for added drama.

* How kind the ML and FL are.
They are both genuinely nice, good people.
Their instinct is to help others.
It's just so nice to see good people on screen :))

*How unspoiled the ML and FL are.
His past is beyond heartbreaking. Given what's he's been through , and is still shouldering, it would make sense for him to be cold or uncaring. But he's not. His heart in open and unspoiled.
The FL is the baby of the family, spoiled and cherished by her parents and and older brother. Her upbringing has been comfortable, with no hardships. One might expect her to be self-centred, demanding, or weak. She is none of those things. Her heart is open and true. She is strong in her convictions, and not afraid of working hard to follow them. She is ready to give to others, and make sacrifices. She is a very kind and selfless person. Utterly unspoiled.

*The caring and devotion of the ML and FL to one another.
No matter which part of their story we see, back when she's a young teen up to when they're both adults and dating, these two will go out of their way to care for each other and make the other happy. It could cost them a little, a lot, or nothing. But their first instinct is always to care for the other. It's beautiful to see.

*How the ML treats the FL.
This here is the ultimate. The core of why I adored this show so much. Why it touched me so deeply.
So, when we meet the ML and FL she is 14 years old (a very young 14) and he is 19.
He's an only child, mature beyond his years, who is carrying a very heavy burden- both financial and emotional.
Yet he takes on the "older brother" role as if he were born to it.
He meets this young girl. With one sentence she manages to endear him. So he decides to help her get out of trouble at school, despite the time/effort it costs him or the potential blowback that might fall on him.
Every subsequent time he meets her, he goes out of his way to be nice to her. Giving her little gifts, making sure she is taken care of and comfortable, solving problems that are beyond her, sparing her embarrassment, and encouraging her. He spends thought, heart, time, and money (which he has very little of) on her. Completely selflessly. Waaaay before they ever start dating and he falls in love.
What struck me was how intuitive he was. There were time when he understood her, and took care of her, better than her actual brother did. It was incredible to see, how kind and caring he was, and how innately he understood her.

Then they started dating.
Now, at this point in time, he's out of college, is 24/25 years old, been working for 2 years. In other words, a fully grown adult.
While she is a college freshman, just getting her toes wet.
And he knows this!!!
Consistently, he behaves in ways to make sure that she gets the full experience of youthful "first love". Though he can't actually be her campus sweetheart he promises her (and follows through!) on giving her as many "first young love" moments and milestones as possible.

He is infinitely patient, never demanding, and never patronizing.

He lets her set the pace of their relationship from day one, and he respects her and her choices!

1) He confesses to her, but tells her "let me pursue you", not "let me date you". This gives her the right to say when (and if) they actually become a couple.

2) Initially she is a bit overwhelmed with physical intimacy. As soon as she pulls back he makes sure to stop. She explains that she's nervous. Thereafter he tells her in advance whenever he wants to initiate any contact (even hand-holding) and gets her explicit consent before proceeding. (This stage doesn't last long; she overcomes her nerves pretty quickly, but it just goes to show (again!) how well he understands her, cares for her, and respects her.)

3) She knows how difficult his life has been and how heavy a burden he still carries. More than anything she wants to take care of him and protect him. In an effort to do so, she doesn't share with him two ongoing hardships that she is experiencing. Instead, she tells him everything is fine, in order to spare him. (And in order to prove that she is an adult, capable of handling her own problems.) When he finds out about everything he doesn't rush in to save her, despite desperately wanting to (though he does handle one of the issues that directly relate to his own past). Also, he doesn't blame her for not sharing, or coerce her (emotionally, guilt-tripping, or in any other way) into sharing more in the future. He just requests of her to lean on him more and to give him more of her trust. Very, very respectfully done.

4) He is never condescending. There are many times, in many ways, where we see that he is indeed five years older than her. There is a gap of life experience. Each and every time, he always waits on her, or takes a step back for her- coming down to her level. All the while never for a moment being condescending or superior. (I just love him!)

* The confession at the end of ep 23, and the beginning of ep 24.
They were both crying and I was crying along with them.
As soon as I finished the last episode I went back to rewatch those scenes... twice!
I'm an avid drama watcher (chinese, korean and english) but I seriously cannot recall any other show giving us a confession like this one. The emotional wallop!! I'm still in my feels hours later.

Rewatch value = 1000/10. (Seriously, I just finished 25 episodes of this and I'm ready to start again from 1 right away. I have NEVER had this happen before.)

So, yeah....I love this show.
And I hope you will too <3

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Beautiful little drama

A Lovely warm and uplifting little drama. The Male lead was beautiful. It is the first drama with Lu Si that I thought she looked good in. Her acting has certainly matured ironically, in a youthful role. It was a heart warming story of love and loyalty. It is my First drama with The Male Lead playing Xiang and what a treat that was. He is exquisite. His role was very touchng and honest. He is swoonworthy. A Nice story of a supprtive family unlike the usual tyranny that often exists in Asian Dramas. LuSi's character was wonderful. Her loyalty and committment to Xiang was truly wonderful. Her acting was good and her character was excellent. She moved through the different stages of her life beautifully. Excellent though she was He stole the drama for me. Perfection.

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A girl's manifestation came to life

July 30, 2023

Hidden Love is definitely one of the best released rom-com Chinese drama of the year. The story of Sang Zhi and Jia Xu is so fluffy and cute.

As a a rom-com Chinese drama, I was expecting petty and stupid arguments when the leads get together. But they are so mature to the point where all the little misunderstandings are resolved right away. They have such a healthy communication with each other. I am in awe with how much I am jealous of what they have.

Sang Zhi and Jia Xu's chemistry is just off the chart. It is amazing to think how much the actors can deliver into their character role. I understand the hype that Hidden Love received. They truly deserve it.

All the other side characters are just chef's kiss as well. They brought things to the plot and I didn't see anyone being a waste of time. I never skipped scenes either which is quite rare nowadays. As there are so many dramas putting up filler scenes and sub plots which sole purpose is for them to fill their timeslot and drag the show longer.

As someone who have watched Cdramas for a quite a long time now. I will put Hidden Love with the other "S"-tier fluffy rom-com Cdramas imo like "Put your head on my shoulders". "Perfect. & Casual", "Falling into your smile", and "When we were young".

If you are a sucker for rom-com who hates misunderstanding please give this show the love that it deserves!

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