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virgievirgie
Lost in Dramaland
Great leads chemistry with an interesting premise, but lacks other well-written side stories.
If you are a romance lover, then “Smile Code” is worth checking out. The premise is interesting in depicting a male lead with alexithymia aka emotional blindness. It reminded me of “Love and Redemption” where the female lead is deprived of her six senses. In the case of our male lead, Liang Dai Wen, developed a psychological trait/condition and has difficulties in identifying, understanding and expressing emotions. As you can tell, this poses a great challenge in having romantic relationships.
Gu Yi, female lead, is quite the exact opposite. She is full of life, full of emotions and energy. In fact, it was quite hard and embarrassing to see her ‘throw’ herself in Dai Wen’s direction and being somewhat clingy to him. This girl has the patience and understanding of a goddess, and is in no way deterred from Dai Wen’s coldness and hard words.
If you like opposites attract, this is an interesting watch. Shen Yue and Lin Yi have great chemistry together, even during the earlier episodes when Dai Wen is a robot. Their scenes are cute and feel natural. Throughout the development of their relationship, I believe in them and really root for them. Despite some rough times (and you know there will be due to Dai Wen’s condition), their challenges feel realistic and acceptable. I have to say, the only time I cringed a little is during the few episodes when the ‘robot’ Dai Wen comes out of his shell and starts learning cheesy pick up lines from his assistant, idol dramas and god knows where. Towards the last quarter of the drama, their romance is sweet and fluffy, and I also feel the love they have for each other. Their relationship is healthy and communicative.
The other romances don’t take up too much screen time. Even though I like the setup of the romance between Yu Du Le (Zou Ting Wei) and Guan Xing Xin (Zhang Tian Ai). But unfortunately, the chemistry is lacking. I don’t think Zhang Tian Ai’s acting is matching that of Zou Ting Wei in the more emotional scenes. The more mature couple takes up even less screen, even though they have better chemistry than the other couple. I guess when you have two veteran actors, they make the best of their little screen time. I also like Xu Guan Rui as the ‘third wheel’. To me, he’s dreamy and caring, and really wants what’s best for Gu Yi (professionally and personally). He might display animosity towards Dai Wen, but I chalked that up as he doesn’t know of his situation, therefore, cannot comprehend why Gu Yi never gave up and continues to stick by Dai Wen’s side. Once he knew of the situation, he apologizes and admits his poor behavior. I think it takes character to man up and own his poor actions and words, especially in front of a love rival.
Despite loving the main romance and the reason for a solid rating, the drama is longer than it should be. There are times when the plot is not moving much, and all it does is showing the day-to-day life of the couple and their friends. Don’t expect a business drama, but I do love the mentor/mentee relationship between Gu Yi and her supervisor, Jie Kui Lin.
It also doesn’t have a central focus on stand-up comedy like the recently aired drama “Later, I laughed”. The jokes in “Smile Code” are not as good, and stand-up comedy does not play a very important role in this drama, aside from a place where people gather, and a very minor plot in the end, which I dislike since it’s quite uncharacteristic for the female lead to get in trouble this way. She’s a senior writer/editor, and has been working for years. There’s no way she would fall for such a scheme, especially after consulting with his best friend and boyfriend. But I guess they need her to do so, in order to resolve another situation.
Oh, how can I forget the lovely, sweet and memorable Wang Mei Xia (FL’s mother). Not only do I love the mother/daughter relationship, I also love the friendship between her and Dai Wen. There’s not enough scenes of Mrs. Wang Mei Xia. She’s like sunshine shining on some of the more boring moments.
I would recommend this drama only for those who are fans of the lead couple, cute romance or interested in checking out a drama about alexithymia. Otherwise, “Smile Code” doesn’t have enough meaty and well-written plotlines to keep viewers interested. I did have a mostly enjoyable time binge-watching it.
Completed: 1/3/2025 - Review #533
Gu Yi, female lead, is quite the exact opposite. She is full of life, full of emotions and energy. In fact, it was quite hard and embarrassing to see her ‘throw’ herself in Dai Wen’s direction and being somewhat clingy to him. This girl has the patience and understanding of a goddess, and is in no way deterred from Dai Wen’s coldness and hard words.
If you like opposites attract, this is an interesting watch. Shen Yue and Lin Yi have great chemistry together, even during the earlier episodes when Dai Wen is a robot. Their scenes are cute and feel natural. Throughout the development of their relationship, I believe in them and really root for them. Despite some rough times (and you know there will be due to Dai Wen’s condition), their challenges feel realistic and acceptable. I have to say, the only time I cringed a little is during the few episodes when the ‘robot’ Dai Wen comes out of his shell and starts learning cheesy pick up lines from his assistant, idol dramas and god knows where. Towards the last quarter of the drama, their romance is sweet and fluffy, and I also feel the love they have for each other. Their relationship is healthy and communicative.
The other romances don’t take up too much screen time. Even though I like the setup of the romance between Yu Du Le (Zou Ting Wei) and Guan Xing Xin (Zhang Tian Ai). But unfortunately, the chemistry is lacking. I don’t think Zhang Tian Ai’s acting is matching that of Zou Ting Wei in the more emotional scenes. The more mature couple takes up even less screen, even though they have better chemistry than the other couple. I guess when you have two veteran actors, they make the best of their little screen time. I also like Xu Guan Rui as the ‘third wheel’. To me, he’s dreamy and caring, and really wants what’s best for Gu Yi (professionally and personally). He might display animosity towards Dai Wen, but I chalked that up as he doesn’t know of his situation, therefore, cannot comprehend why Gu Yi never gave up and continues to stick by Dai Wen’s side. Once he knew of the situation, he apologizes and admits his poor behavior. I think it takes character to man up and own his poor actions and words, especially in front of a love rival.
Despite loving the main romance and the reason for a solid rating, the drama is longer than it should be. There are times when the plot is not moving much, and all it does is showing the day-to-day life of the couple and their friends. Don’t expect a business drama, but I do love the mentor/mentee relationship between Gu Yi and her supervisor, Jie Kui Lin.
It also doesn’t have a central focus on stand-up comedy like the recently aired drama “Later, I laughed”. The jokes in “Smile Code” are not as good, and stand-up comedy does not play a very important role in this drama, aside from a place where people gather, and a very minor plot in the end, which I dislike since it’s quite uncharacteristic for the female lead to get in trouble this way. She’s a senior writer/editor, and has been working for years. There’s no way she would fall for such a scheme, especially after consulting with his best friend and boyfriend. But I guess they need her to do so, in order to resolve another situation.
Oh, how can I forget the lovely, sweet and memorable Wang Mei Xia (FL’s mother). Not only do I love the mother/daughter relationship, I also love the friendship between her and Dai Wen. There’s not enough scenes of Mrs. Wang Mei Xia. She’s like sunshine shining on some of the more boring moments.
I would recommend this drama only for those who are fans of the lead couple, cute romance or interested in checking out a drama about alexithymia. Otherwise, “Smile Code” doesn’t have enough meaty and well-written plotlines to keep viewers interested. I did have a mostly enjoyable time binge-watching it.
Completed: 1/3/2025 - Review #533
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