Hidden Love (2023)

A true hidden love with patience ♡

I didn't know it was base on a true story the first time I was watching it.
After the last episode I encouraged my best friend to watch it by saying "Its details are so touchable that it seems like the writer fell in love just like this and then wrote it down".
I was searching on the Internet about the cast and suddenly I figured out it is a real story! This is one of the biggest strengths of " hidden love" storyline.
I must say this drama made me a Cdrama fan and I'm looking for a drama with this beautiful scenes and chemistry and dialogues between the cast.
I sincerely recommend it.
❥ Watch it with your heart, not just your eyes ❥

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A person who will accept and protect you

I've had the pleasure of indulging in numerous c-dramas, yet this particular one has gripped me like none before. The seamless blend of exceptional acting and a captivating narrative has bestowed upon me an unparalleled connection. This drama's authenticity is its crowning glory, as it presents a tale that resonates naturally, tugging at heartstrings.

As a man, you find yourself yearning for an encounter with someone akin to Zhizhi. Her character embodies qualities that transcend the screen and evoke a desire for such a genuine connection in real life. The profound impact of the characters doesn't end there - their journey serves as an inspiration. For those navigating life's challenges, this drama becomes a compass, pointing towards profound realizations beyond mere affection. It is a guide that emphasizes the significance of assuming responsibility for one's life and choices.

Focusing on the male lead, his journey becomes an uplifting beacon for viewers like myself. Witnessing his strength in confronting adversities resonates deeply, encouraging us to confront our own trials with newfound courage. This drama possesses the remarkable ability to empower, stirring an innate strength to tackle life's hurdles head-on.

In essence, this drama unfurls as a vivid green flag, signifying positivity and promise. It's not solely about love, but a holistic revelation of life's intricacies. The storyline's intricacy and character development are testaments to its brilliance. With every episode, it cultivates a sense of admiration for the creators' dedication to crafting a masterpiece that touches hearts.

Summing it up, this drama isn't just a series—it's a journey. A journey that leaves an indelible mark through its characters, their growth, and the reflection it sparks within us. A journey that encapsulates genuine emotion and life's realities, teaching us to embrace responsibility, endure challenges, and cherish the connections we forge. A journey that resonates far beyond the screen, lingering in thoughts and conversations long after the final scene fades.

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It will be the best drama you have ever watched

Believe me it's the best drama that you will ever watch. The actors chemistry was amazing. The songs are like cherry on the top of cake. Their lyrics , voices music , if you read the English translation of the songs you gonna definitely like it. I'm like 24/7 listening to the osts continuosly. It's addictive. I have already watched this drama 6 times. Imagine how nice it is. I have watched over 40+ Chinese dramas and 20+ Kdramas. This one hitted me different. The emotions these actors have put in the characters have made them alive. You will feel as if it's reality. The best drama forever. Must watch!

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Hidden Love: A Delightful Concoction of Sweetness and Chemistry!

**Hidden Love: A Delightful Concoction of Sweetness and Chemistry!**

"Hidden Love" is an enchanting youth romance drama that effortlessly weaves love, friendship, and personal growth into a captivating storyline. Adapted from the novel of the same name, it revolves around Sang Zhi's secret admiration for her brother's friend, Duan Jiaxu, and the evolution of their relationship. The drama's adherence to the novel's dialogues and its ability to bring the characters to life make it a heartfelt and genuine adaptation.

What sets "Hidden Love" apart is its nuanced character development. Sang Zhi isn't your typical female lead; her gradual and secret development of feelings for Duan Jiaxu adds a touch of realism to the story. Likewise, Duan Jiaxu is portrayed as a kind and supportive male lead, contributing to the authenticity of their relationship.

The drama's balance between romance, family moments, and youthful themes leaves a lasting impact. The talented cast's impeccable comedic timing adds an extra layer of entertainment. While primarily focusing on youth and romance, the drama also delves into deeper emotional themes, contributing to a well-rounded viewing experience.

Chen Zheyuan and Zhao Lusi's performances as Duan Jiaxu and Sang Zhi are nothing short of brilliant. Their chemistry and ability to convey emotions make viewers deeply invested in their journey. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, while the cinematography captures the essence of youth and the characters' intimate moments.

While the drama's green/grey filter in the early episodes may be a minor drawback, the overall execution compensates for it. The soundtrack perfectly complements the narrative, enhancing the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Hidden Love" is a charming youth romance drama that successfully captures the essence of a love journey. With stellar performances, engaging storytelling, and a refreshing take on the genre, it's a must-watch that will leave you smiling, laughing, and swooning. Don't miss out on this delightful gem that offers the perfect blend of sweetness and chemistry!

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So Hidden Love.. OMG, I just finished binging this series and let me tell you, it's EVERYTHING. If you're a sucker for the "crush-to-lovers" trope, then this show is a must-watch. While I was watching it, I had major butterflies in my stomach. It was an emotional roller coaster ride. I mean, I was laughing my head off because of the hilarious banter between the main character and her bro, and then I was screaming into my pillows during those sweet moments between her and her bro's bestie. And don't even get me started on the parts that made me bawl my eyes out; I felt her pain when she thought she missed her chance. But things eventually went down and let's just say it was freaking amazing. I don't wanna give too much away and spoil it for others, so go check it out for yourself!

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It's a good watch if you're mindlessly bored

The drama was kind of dragged out in my opinion..... Like I didn't need 15+ episodes of the FL pining after the ML just for her to reject his advances when he was interested in her...... Also the FL was spoil and selfish and I didn't like how she was unconcerned about everything else in her life besides the ML. Also I thought the acting for the FL was terrible in regard to the intimate scenes between the male and female lead. You could tell that she was uncomfortable being physical with him from her hesitations and facial expressions. Anyways.... like I said if you have absolutely nothing to do you could watch it I guess.

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its simplicity delivered a superb, binge-worthy drama that will leave you smiling and feeling good!

What I like about this series is that it really is a very simple plot line. A young girl's admiration developing into a crush then to a puppy love then the love growing as she matures and eventually getting her happily ever after. I like how the interaction between the characters shows the difference as they grow/mature. The initial stages, the interactions of DJX and SZ are like an older, doting brother taking care and indulging a younger sister. Just like a different version of Sang Yan - SZ's real brother who happens to be his best friend in school. Whereas SY often teases and makes fun of SZ when they are together and is portrayed as being brash and a bit cocky, DJX is the caring, gentle and warmer brother. Though he is indulging her, he makes sure to still teach her and correct her behavior when needed - like when he told SZ to (1) pay attention in class when he helped her by pretending to be her older brother so her parent wouldn't know that her teacher requested another meeting, (2) how she should act when she gets confessed to - study first as she is too young, but to thank the other person for having an interest in her and to either accept or not to hurt him but to politely reject the other person's interest if she does not reciprocate the feeling. Not that SY does not indulge her, SY just has a different love language shown to his sister. When they met again when SZ was in college, you can see how DJX starts seeing SZ as a woman, not just a younger sister. You see him starting to fall in love with the adult SZ. You then get to join their journey from their courtship to how they lay the foundation of their relationship and how it (their relationship) and they (SZ and DJX) grow as individual and together as a couple. In today's society of instant gratification, I especially love how they brought back the art of anticipation during the courtship period. Qian Fei had a point when he asked Jiaxu why he is still decided to pursue his girl when he knows she likes him and they could have gotten together then. I like that they build up the anticipation of them becoming together. The kilig moments in this series is just *chef's kiss*. (KILIG is not misspelled, its a Filipino term that I think best describes the situation in the drama. It refers to the feeling of excitement or elation one gets in various romantic situations like making eye contact with your crush, holds for the first time, your first kiss with someone you are romantically interested in and other situation like that. I may have mucked up the explanation, Google it if you must.) They did great in making their experience in their courtship period very relatable, makes the series more endearing because it somehow reminds you of your own experience - remember the scene when SZ was telling her girls about her and DJX status and ending up giggling with each other and laughing and being silly about it? I was smiling along with them, like its a secret between us sisters!

I am not the biggest Chen Zhe Yuan fan out there but I must say HIS ACTING WAS SUPERB in this series. I've seen his other works and they were good, don't get me wrong. Boy can act, but he would not be the first actor I would have in mind had the character of Duan Jiaxu been explained to me before seeing this drama. As CZY mentioned in their special, this is the first time he is acting as an older brother/senior. I think he really pulled it off. He has shown DJX being playful, teasing SZ and even his friends, being cold to Jiang Ying, being indulgent to young SZ, being cutesy and loving to adult SZ. I love how even his eyes are delivering in this series. If you watch how he looks as SZ from start to finish, you can see how even they way he looks at SZ had changed as their story progressed, especially how his eyes looked when he kisses SZ at the later episodes. I especially like the scene in the airport when SZ confessed she liked him since she was a kid. You can see in his whole facial reaction that DJX was having a whole flashback of (1) what had transpired in that very airport when SZ went there in HS - what SZ said, what he said, how SZ reacted and cried and (2) when he picked up a drunk SZ from a bar and she shared her secret about liking someone. You can see minute changes in his face as realization dawns on him.

Whereas I am not a big fan of CZY, I love, love, love, love, love Zhao Lusi. Other than those that have not been aired yet, I have not see (clips in YT included) only 4 of her works. She is one of my go-to actresses when I want to rewatch a drama. I love how she portrayed SZ in this series. She had shown a different SZ in each stage of the series. From being a young, bratty, spoiled princess to growing up and being a mature young adult. I love how for the most part, she looks timid but she knows how to stand up for herself. I like how they showed in the drama that even when she is in love with DJX she has not lost herself and her priorities.

This is the first time I have come across Victor Ma and I must say, I love his voice. He played Sang Yan so well, I could not imagine another actor playing SY. He and Lusi has such great sibling chemistry. I love that despite being brash and a bit cocky and always teasing and making fun of his sister, he is his number one protector - remember the scene with the bully when SZ injured his leg? and when he picked her up at the airport when SZ went to Yihe in HS? and when he visited Yihe and SZ was getting bullied at the office where she was interning? I absolutely adore that the show still reflected his love language for his sister.

I could go on and on about what I like in this drama and it will make this review waaaay too long. So overall, I love how even though the plot line pretty simple, all of its cast and crew delivered a phenomenal job. I can go on an elaborate episode per episode what I liked about it. Suffice to say, after this drama aired its last episode, it has been a constant repeat whenever I want something on to pass time. I think I've watched this 6-7 times now since it last aired. That's how much I love this.

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Cute and Wholesome

I never thought I would love this but, here I am, a fifty-something mother of three children close to the ages of the main leads. I usually try to stay away from dramas with very young characters, but I love Zhao Lu Si and will watch her in anything. What struck me the most was just how well written this was, how earnestly the screenwriters took up the subject material and didn't turn it into some goofball situation like so many dramas of this kind. Many young women, and even older ones, can relate to this young lady, who idolizes her first love. We all remember that special someone. We laugh with her, cry with her, dream for her and just celebrate her youthful hopefulness.

I love that her ML never minimizes her feelings and doesn't treat her as an annoying little sister. He seems to have a big soft spot in his heart from the beginning even though his feelings turn into something else later on. He is always willing to help her out and most importantly, he gives her his time. How could you not fall for an older guy like that? Because the series falls into the wholesome category, it is suitable for age 14 and over. Victor Ma, however, delivers the sex appeal lacking in the main couple. He has this snarky little smirk that can drive anyone up a wall. The bromance between the male leads is also fun to watch as much as the romance between the FL and ML. Look for Zeng Li who is once again cast as Lu Si's mom. She is a beautiful and talented actress.

Would definitely watch this again.

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It was all I ever wanted from a romance plot

I'm not a big fan of C drama or K drama. I have watched only a few of them during my 6years of following TV shows. So, I almost don't know any Korean or Chinese actors/actresses by name. I'm telling this to make it clear I didn't like “Hidden Love” this much because I'm a fangirl of the cast members or whatever (as some people may assume).
I watched this 2 months ago on my 18th birthday completely by accident. I wanted to cheer myself up on this so called “big day”, and it was recommended on some app, so I started watching it with the expectation of a very ordinary romantic series which is fun for one day or two, and will be forgotten the next week with lots of cliché. HOWEVER, I can tell without a doubt it was one my best experience of watching a series or a movie. It was all I ever wanted from a romance plot. This series is literally a proof that a romance can be engaging and lovable without any stupid unnecessary drama which are only in the story to waste time because the writers don’t have any better ideas. It was pure joy for me.
The plot is pretty simple and not new, but the way it is processed, is absolutely a breath of fresh air.
Although including some cliché, the series broke a lot of norms in romance plots and can be called subversive; The story didn’t include a love triangle; It didn’t have an evil character who would destroy the main leads’ relationship; It didn’t have a bad boy ML who is arrogant about other people’s feelings and depressed and half naked all the time. It didn’t break up the main couple over stupid BS which are unrealistic as hell; It didn’t have unnecessary filler plot only to kill time and have more episodes.
We have a teenage girl, SANGZHI, who’s got a crush on his brother’s friend; she makes every excuse to be around this young man. She does some very stupid things like going to another city all by herself with made up excuse to see him, but at the end she is very realistic about the fact that she can’t be with him and keeps all of her feelings to herself for years (such a big burden for a girl at that age) and moves on which shows her growth despite how hard it can be. When she is actually close to her dream, she acts very mature and careful. quite Opposite from some other female leads, she understands that the male lead can’t be at her service 24/7 (referring to episode 16); instead of nagging or breaking up, she asks about his feelings, make sure if he’s ok, and tries to make him happy and secure.
And there’s our male lead, JIAXU (definitely my new fictional crush lol), who has gone through the worst; He was shammed by everyone for his father’s action; He had to watch his mother slowly dying; He was forced to pay debts at a very young age; but this didn’t turn him to an asshole/bad boy. Instead, it made him more responsible. He is very respectful; He cares about people; He loves to help others. When he becomes sure of his feelings about SANGZHI, He doesn’t hesitate to confess his love for her. And we can’t talk about him without mentioning his flirting ability. It is in another level. Never seen a character being this flirty and respectful at the same time. I know it’s a little cringe, but I want to gush over his appearance for hours. I mean just look at him (SANZHI, sister, you had every right to have a crush on him). His physical look really blesses the eye.
And I adored ML’s performance. His eyes are very expressive. He is surely talented, so is SANGZHI’s actress.
SANZHI and JIAXU as a couple, are definitely one of the best in all kinds of medium I have seen. Their chemistry is out of this world, thanks to the main leads’ acting. The way JIAXU’s actor plays with his eyes and looks at SANGZHI is just amazing (made me want to pause the series and just look at his eyes for minutes). The way they position their bodies shows a deep intimacy and very natural affection. These two will give you gallons butterflies every episode.
Everything about this show, from plot simplicity to actors’ performances and chemistries, really made my 2023 summer. I will remember the time I spent watching it as a memorable birthday “gift”. I will definitely come back to it every once in a while.

P.S. sorry for the bad English. It’s not my first language.

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The cutest slipper commercial in the universe!

The biggest problem with this drama is that the part I wanted to watch starts only at episode 8~. Until then there were quite a few uncomfortable moments, due to some really weird casting and cinematographic choices. The young FL is supposed to be a 14 year old, but the actress playing her is like a second grader in elementary school, her interactions with ML were nothing bad in terms of plot and script, but the suggestive lighting & framing is really really weird at times. (I had a hard time getting past this part tbh)

Every romance drama has some flair & flavor to give a little contrast to all the sugar. This one has very few scenes outside of the leads' personal world, but what little there is, tends to be rather boring, or just plain bad. (concerns of ML's parents, ML's family things, ML's stalker, stalker's boss friend, workplace things)

Another minor gripe I have with the drama is how much FL is treated like a teenage princess in her relationship. This seems to be a recurring theme in cdrama roms these days, but I'm just not a fan.

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So why is it still 8/10?

Well, we watch romantic comedies for the actual romance and that is really absolutely out of this world good in this one. The chemistry, the visuals, the mood, the acting, the red ears, well really everything pertaining to romance (well other than the princess thing) is 10/10 awesome. I always understood why Lusi is touted by many as THE romcom queen, but personally I did not like a single one of her dramas due to various reasons. I feel she is far better in this one than in anything else before & there is some real acting chops here, beyond just being a top of the line comedienne. (and ML of course is the perfect partner)

I too found the brother-sister relationship very amusing & wholesome, but I don't think it's possible to have such a brother in real life. :-) (I'm talking about FL's real blood related brother here of course.)

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Com certeza é meu drama preferido da vida

Tudo nesse drama é memorável e gostoso de acompanhar! Esse é um drama muito inocente e delicado de vários formas. A forma como os sentimentos mudam de acordo com a maturidade e o tempo é lindo de ver, a conexão entre os personargens, a OST também é linda e muito bem inserida. A história do drama é muito boa, mas a forma como ela é contada e como cada detalhe é colocado, é simplesmente incrível.

Eu já tive vontade de vir resenhar outros dramas antes, mas esse aqui me "obrigou" a abrir uma conta aqui, porque eu simplesmente precisava compartilhar que depois de anos e anos assistindo dramas coreanos, japoneses e chineses, esse foi o primeiro e único que me fez reassistir mais de um mesmo episódio três vezes seguidas (vários deles) e amando cada segundo (nunca assisti episódios de um drama em transmissão mais de uma vez, e são poucos os dramas que eu assisti novamente ao longo dos anos, e eu vou com certeza reassistir a esse drama várias vezes na vida, porque ele é amor demais ❤️).

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