So I’m a huge fan of Marcus Chang and "Behind Your Smile" is so far my favorite of his dramas thus far. Here as Zhao Yiting he's as handsome as ever, pained over his family's tragedy, and emotionally flawed as he lives his life in pursuit of vengeance. What's not to love as the guileless Lei Xinyu appears in his life and starts breaking down his walls even as she moves in her own arc of self-discovery that many others had to pay the price for her comfortable life.

One reason I enjoy Taiwanese dramas so much is for their insights into Chinese culture and family life. "Behind Your Smile" in some key scenes re-enforces the importance of filial relationships, defines the three types of love that are key to happiness (family, friendship, and romantic), and explains societal justice vs. righteous justice.

Both Marcus and Eugenie get to really display their emotional chops, especially when Lei Xinyu has enough information to really stand up for herself against all the people who've lied to her. Any Asian actress has to be able to shed a tear at the drop of a hat, but Marcus also had to shed tears of sadness, joy, and regret in between behaving like an uber mensch.

These scenes are just as much a tribute to excellent writing as acting. I especially liked Xiaoyue's soliloquy on the tiger vs. the lamb and how he seeks to protect the lamb, not just attack and maybe his nature is misunderstood. So many of the scenes of confrontation between the brothers, the mothers, etc. were truly gripping.