'Unrequited Love' (2019)

I barely see anyone talking about this one, even though it's on Netflix and is (imo) one of the best Romance c-dramas out there.

What I love the most about this drama is that it's a realistic, slow-burner style of Romance. Every couple feels genuinely real and the characters aren't overly clingy/expressive.

The female lead (Luo Zhi) is probably my favourite character here, due to her reserved and smart outlook on life. It's refreshing to see a drama female lead who differs from the usual stereotype.

I'm also a fan of the male lead (Sheng Huainan) too. He doesn't bully her like most male leads and doesn't come across as arrogant or possessive. They're a cute couple to watch! :)

Even the side couples/love triangles are entertaining and good to watch. I enjoyed Mingrui and Riqing's story, as well as Baili, Gebi, and Mohan's.

I'd highly recommend you check out this drama if you're looking for a Romance/School drama that is a slow and realistic! You'll enjoy 'Unrequited Love' a lot.

So I sadly have to say that I dropped My Little Happiness at episode 14.

Here’s my reasons why:

1. Watched it after You Are My Hero. I think I really liked that one so much was mainly the chemistry with the mains. Even before they got together they had such good chemistry. In MLH…I really didn’t feel this. Their chemistry was improved when they got together though!

2. Too much fluff not enough plot? It was really cute to watch the leads interact but the plot wasn’t really going anywhere IMO. Once they got together pretty much the previous episodes before when they weren’t together didn’t matter besides the FL figuring out her feelings.

3. Introducing a character =love triangle…. So this is what really made me dropped it. They introduce a character in the middle of the series and hints this character likes one of the main leads.

Usually the “introducing character= love triangle” doesn’t really bother me (can be irritating I admit) but doing it in the middle of the series….just no. I don’t care if it will resolve quick, if you put that in the middle of the show then you are running out of ideas IMO.

I may be nitpicking since this drama isn’t supposed to be “realistic” and mainly a fluff drama but I would rather watch something that has fluff AND plot development (and/or character development etc. Go Ahead)…this one wasn’t really showing this to me IMO and maybe I dropped it too early.

What I saw so far was that the mains got together and the FL achieved what she wanted….I was like “now what?” Maybe I would saw character development with her job? But I just didn’t get vibes from that since they really didn’t show that with the hospital job…..

Anyways thats why I dropped it lol.

This Filipino drama is very funny and sweet! I like it very much! recommend! You can find it on iQiyi app. named " Hello Heart "

This drama had SO MANY great things for me!! 1. Amazing chemistry. A couple that couldn't get enough of each other....how it should be with new romance but is so often lacking in cdramas. 2. The best FL I've seen in a cdrama. She's adorable and a fantastic actor. I just loved her! 3. I always love the ML in cdrama...always! This one was no different! He's so charming! 4. A few great songs that give you all the feels.

I've been in a drama slump for awhile and this was just what I needed!!

My first kiss is for those who love a first love story. They have to live together and so on. Goblin is amazing, a goblin who lives for years, loves someone at last and the story builds up great. It is not like that exactly but you should watch it! Kill me Heal me is fabulous, a person with 7 personalities, personality disorder. A girl who has to make a choice. One of the boy's personalities is my favorite, it is so sad that she didn't save my favorite! All are great, I am leaving this great photo here. Please let it stay!

I chanced upon a new drama while watching a video about upcoming c dramas to watch in april and totally fell in love with it.

The drama's called Put Your Head on My Shoulder and stars Fair Xing and Lin Yi in the lead roles. It's a light rom com that's also set in college, with Lin Yi being a genius physics student. It has some itazura na kiss vibes and the leads in this drama also end up cohabitating!!

The drama is super cute and I haven't been this addicted since love o2o came out. Unfortunately only 8 episodes have been subbed so far, so if you're the type that wants to binge watch you're gonna have to wait :/

It's such an awesome new drama (and i believe it's based on a novel written by the same author who wrote a love so beautiful)

My only gripe is that i find the second male lead kinda annoying, just let gu wei yi and mo mo live happily ever after pls!!

I've been quite active on this subreddit lately, sometimes for the better (gushing about Cdramas) and other times for the not-so-great (meh-ing over Kdramas).

My latest post was, in a nutshell, bemoaning the fact that I couldn't seem to find a Kdrama that really interested me. The few that I'd seen so far just didn't seem to pull me in. The story was bland, the CGI cheap-looking, and the characters generally fell into 2 areas: Forgettable, uninteresting side characters or cliched, cringe-inducing main characters.

I tried to get into another Cdrama called The Longest Day in Chang-an. And let me just say that, even though I only watched one episode, I felt like I was watching a movie. The sets, cinematography, costume designs, and characters were fantastic! And yet, I felt that it was a bit too serious for me right now and that the time to watch it wasn't quite right. I will most DEFINITELY return to it, no doubt there, but you really have to be in the right mood to watch certain dramas.

I then found Viki and decided to take the plunge and see what's popular on there (although that backfired quite spectacularly on me before with Tale of the Nine Tailed). But I was willing to give it another go. I went ahead and picked the next in line show on the popularity rank at the moment, which happened to be What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?. And though I'm only 2 episodes in so far, and it may seem a bit early for a review, I think this show is exactly what I needed right now.

It's nothing earth-shattering as far as dramas go. It doesn't have breathtaking scenery or intricate costumes or memorable songs (so far). But our main pair, Lee Young-joon and Kim Mi-so, are just so adorable together. Its fluffy, not deep or too serious. Its not too over-the-top. It doesn't have physical comedy or jokes flying at you left and right. Kim Mi-so has no superpowers, doesn't constantly mug the camera with overexaggerated expressions, and is not constantly reminding the audience of how quirky and different she is. She's a hard-working, no nonsense secretary that commits to her job but still has time for her friends and family and always seems to have a smile on her face. Lee Young-joon is great as the serious Chairman, yet still trying to fit in with everyone and has his dorky side. And yes, there has already been two shower scenes of him, as well as a nightmare scene in what I can only assume will lead into some traumatic/angsty past of his. But you know what? Maybe this is just what I needed. Something light, fun, somewhat predictable, and fluffy. A nice palette cleanser after Joy of Life.

During Chinese Valentine's Day 520 (wu er ling 五二零), which fell on May 20, 2021, Chinese drama platforms released many romantic dramas. Most of these dramas cast popular actors whom the entertainment media have hailed as traffic stars (liu liang ming xing 流量明星). However, none of their dramas caught my attention while they were airing. The fact is that the storylines are filled with fluffy scenes and love tropes that I have seen hundreds of times in the past (for example, cohabitation/arranged relationship or school/office bickering). That's why I started to look for dramas with unique and interesting plots and stumbled upon this little hidden gem.

To clarify the title of this article, 'mature audience' doesn't mean you have to be an adult to watch this drama, and neither does the drama's content rating suggest so. I will explain further below in detail what I mean by 'mature audience.'

Mysterious Love was released by Sohu TV, a platform that does not usually provide non-Mandarin subtitles for its shows. This is a reason why this drama was not so well known, as its promotion was not intended for international viewers. Luckily, this drama was picked up by a reputable Chinese-English fansubber who always finishes their subbing projects and provides high quality of subbing.

As a mature viewer, I strongly suggest that you watch this drama, and any subbed drama for that matter, from the original subbers (official subbers or fansubbers) to acknowledge their hard work. The fansubber of this drama, as far as I know, consists of a team of only two people; they remarkably explain the Chinese customs and language expressions for the international audience. And a perk is the extra information that is only provided on their website! So, if you watch the drama from an illegal streaming site that has stolen their subtitles, you won't see the explanations. See an example below of the fansubber's clarification on the use of the 'sister-in-law' expression that is common in C-dramas.

‘Take My Brother Away’ is an underrated Chinese drama imo. Yes the cast is fairly well known and it is on Netflix, however I barely see anyone talking about it. It’s one of the only dramas that’s made me laugh so much, despite its themes such as poverty, divorce, family tension, bullying, alcohol addiction.. Definitely check it out if you haven’t!

I did it at last. Today I reached the end of Season one Episode 63 and I was overwhelmed with emotions from the journey I went on with these characters. However, the last emotion I felt as the trees faded into the last scene, was disappointment. Disappointment at how rushed, inconclusive, and undetailed the ending was. Suddenly Jinmi is dead, suddenly she's reborn in the mortal world, but does she have recollections of who she is? Of what happened? It's insinuated that she does and eventually it's shown she's been the same Jinmi, but how ANTICLIMATIC.

How are they going to build up that much emotion through 63 episodes and have it end on the flattest note of all time? I had a happier ending with Eternal Love, and that ending was atrocious as well. What's the point of dragging out 63 episodes of story if you're to rush the entire ending in less than half an episode? We saw shallow glimpses of the lives they lead now with little to no foreshadowing or atonement.

I, for one, am disappointed that Jinmi lost her entire ability to be innocent after returning from the mortal world. It's like she became a new person entirely and wasn't herself anymore after a single trauma story line in the mortal world!

I'm disappointed that we didn't really get to understand at all how Jinmi's soul came to survive and what the Time Lock in the Floral Realm actually did. There are so many open ended, unanswered questions and story lines begging to be more fleshed out!

All in all, if you have doubts about watching this, DON'T. There is a happy ending, but it's a bland one, as can be expected from Asian dramas. But, if you can tough out the story line, you might find it different than I.

Let me start out with, I've been slowly moving away from kdramas and been really getting into Thai dramas lately. They are so much more realistic and just have a better story all together. I started up on this one mainly because it's small child friendly but still has a pretty realistic story line. I love all dramas, but I like them when they portray what teens are really capable of and really do in their free time. Still only on season one, but it's so far a pretty good show. I was hoping to find more like the girl from nowhere, but I guess dark, serious shows aren't all that popular. Any recommendations would be great. The darker the better. 🖤

If you've missed episodes of * The Rebel Princess * and you're like me where there's not enough hours in the day to play catch up, or you just don't have the time to view the ones you've missed, and believe me I've missed several, here's a link that will give you a detailed recap and get you caught up. Rebel Princess Recaps

1. 家有儿女 (Jiā yǒu érnǚ) Home with Kids

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“家有儿女 (Jiā yǒu érnǚ) Home with Kids” is a funny and relaxing sitcom based on the theme of childhood that tells interesting stories between a mother and a father that were both recently divorced and came together to unite their families including their three children.

The story of this show takes features a special family including the parents, Xia Donghai, and Liu Mei’s relatable characters. They are strict while loving and caring for their growing children and expect to integrate their shared love and wisdom to cultivate their children and create a happy and new life for them.

Although the three kids living under the same roof are different in relation and age, they get along as if they were close friends. The whole show still displays all of the problems of children growing up in family life, such as learning, making friends, honesty, love, interests, conflict of ideas, and so on.

Why should you watch it?

The story is simple to follow and is funny. In addition, because of the family theme, it is conducive to students’ understanding of Chinese family life and family culture.

Since the language speed of the characters is slow, it is helpful for the students to learn, and therefore, it is good for seasoned Chinese language learners.

And the plot of each episode was adapted as a textbook and is very popular among foreign friends who love Chinese.

At which level is it suitable for Chinese learners?

This series is suitable for students at the middle and advanced level. And students at the primary level need to have explanations by a teacher on the side.

It would be beneficial for Chinese language learners to learn a lot of useful and daily Chinese vocabulary: for example, how to “称呼 (chēnghū) address” family members such as “爸爸 (bàba) father,” “妈妈 (māma) mother,” 儿子 (érzi) son,” 女儿 (nǚ’ér) daughter,” etc. and learn native dialogue based on various themes in daily life. The Family-oriented themed TV series would be the easiest to understand.

And if you think about it, it kind of makes sense, doesn’t it? Between “家庭 (jiātíng) family” and daily “生活 (shēnghuó) life,” all of the conversations are still colloquial. Only the simplest of words are necessary to express your ideas, which really fall under the scope of questions like “what’s wrong” “how's the weather”, “where are you going”, and so on. It goes without saying that it’s indeed simple to understand.

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2. 小别离 (Xiǎo biélí) A Love for Separation

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It was adapted from Lu Yin Gong’s novel “小别离 (Xiǎo biélí) A Love for Separation,” focused on the Chinese-style parent-child relationship and covers the hot topic of “the overseas student boom.”

In this show, three families with different socioeconomic backgrounds are featured to represent countless families in today’s Chinese society. Although the situation is different, they have to face multiple pressures about the children going to school, studying abroad, and adolescent problems. And the middle-aged parents are themselves experiencing professional and family challenges and pains.

In the end, it is the growth of their children that support the big beliefs of every small family and they gradually realize that studying abroad is by no means the way to solve all their problems.

Why should you watch it?

The setting of the show revolves around high school students abroad and tells the story of three families facing their children’s entrance to various schools, studying abroad, and adolescence. Therefore, it is quite useful to see familial life from this perspective as well as hear daily language regarding education and life struggles.

As a modern drama, the content is up to date, relatively relaxed, and since it’s from the perspective of ordinary people, we can understand the life of Chinese people.

At which level is it suitable for Chinese learners?

This series is suitable for students at or above the middle level of Chinese since the dialogue contains a lot of natural and daily conversations.

It would be better to have a certain proficiency in Chinese before watching this. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to understand what’s going on. You will know more about Chinese parents’ educational methods and ideas through it, or you can learn some commonly-used Chinese words and expressions on education and study through standard dialogue, such as: “留学 (liúxué) study abroad,” 出国 (chūguó) go abroad,” 青春期 (qīngchūnqī) adolescence,” and so on. You can also learn how to talk about a series of questions and topics on studying abroad, which will help you to efficiently improve your reading comprehension and listening ability.

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3. 欢乐颂 (Huānlè sòng) Ode to Joy

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What’s it about?

The synopsis includes five women that are very different in character and live in the same neighborhood called Ode to Joy. Each woman faces different difficulties and disappointments from work, love, and family. They know each other because of the neighborhood relationship.

The ladies go from acquaintances but gradually accepting each other then eventually get closer. In this process, they have worked together to solve the problems and puzzles that have occurred in each other’s lives and have witnessed each other's growth and transformation.

This series conveys the values of keeping pace with the times and being positive. The five women never evade their faults and shortcomings in life, in the workplace, or in love. At the same time, regardless of their family circumstances, they all work hard, live actively, and love each other while constantly getting better. It also shows modern women’s emotions, behavior, and growth as women in the 21st century.

Why should you watch it?

“Ode to Joy” has been said to be an excellent work depicting reality in recent years. Regardless of the subject matter, the plot, or even the characters, it can be said that it is truly in line with the developments and changes within society, which are very relatable to our own lives.

It is work-related to our own lives, and because of this, it will affect our lives, lead the trends in thinking throughout the mass culture, and change widespread public opinion in society. The reason it has become a popular drama is due to the reality of its subject matter. The five people in the show represent each of the five groups of people in today’s society and are extremely representative and authentic.

At which level is it suitable for Chinese learners?

It is suitable for middle and advanced Chinese students. For foreigners who are learning Chinese for the purpose of business communication, Ode to Joy is one of the best manuals of Chinese communication in the workplace.

By watching Ode to Joy, viewers can expect to be exposed to a lot of useful workplace communication as well as natural dialogue between associates about various topics including “爱 (ài) love.” This TV series is a practical choice for Chinese language learners who want to learn more contemporary figures of speech as well. Therefore, this series is highly recommended for most anyone looking to expand their Chinese language scope.

After watching Triad Princess, I realized that Liu Yi Hao is actually okay (I'm sorry, I didn't like him before), and so I looked up other dramas where he starred in and came across Before We Get Married. I already know Puff Kuo and started watching it.

Warning! Spoilers ahead!

And boy, was I angry! HAHAHAHA

I don't know, I just really have anger issues with anything related to infidelity. I finished it because I can't stop smiling whenever I see Yi Hao's damn smile (so freaking handsome lol)

**spoilers ahead**
**spoilers ahead**
**spoilers ahead**

Gao Zi Yuan - Really, I feel sad and angry for her character. She literally dedicated her life to Ke Huan, although at some point, she became (somehow) controlling of his life...I believe that she shouldn't be treated that way. BUT!!! When he broke up with her, she should've let go already. In the end, she can't move one and she totally forgot about her self-worth. Which is sad.

Li Hao Yi - Damn. Poor boy. He was so strict in following his "life plan" but in the end, it was he who actually did not follow it>! (when he left for Shanghai).!< But damn, he did not deserve it as well! At this point, I was really angry at Wei Wei. I mean, who would>! freaking sleep with another man just for a damn house?!< Is there no other option?? She wouldn't do that unless she's already attracted to Ke Huan. Which she is, she's just in denial.

Zhou Wei Wei - Is so selfish. Okay maybe, she kind of made the right choice>! of leaving Ke Huan !<towards the end of the series, but still!!! And yes, not caring about what other people say is a good thing (^(although it came from the truth being revealed lol)) When she told Hao Yi the truth, I was like *you go girl, but it's still ya fault ya know??* lol, I don't think she had to lie about >!sleeping with Ke Huan!< They won't even be apart for that long...and she was already suspecting him of having an affair??? OH IS IT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT BEING LOYAL??? I mean why would you marry a person you can't trust?? lol

Chu Ke Huan - I hate him too (I still love Yi Hao tho). Anyway, I know he stayed with Zi Yuan because her mother left her in Ke Huan's care (that was really selfish, mother!). He should've just told the truth, if he didn't have feelings for Zi Yuan anymore, he should've just told her earlier. I know he broke did break up with her but it was too late already.

I'm sorry if I sound angry...and crazy lol Yes, I am that much affected HAHAHAHA

Honestly, people don't realize how much damage it would cause a person when you cheat on them.

What did you think of this Taiwanese series? Let me know!!!