Fabulous Drama, Great Actors, Fabulous Chemistry
This is a really fun Drama with wonderful actors with great chemistry. So many people here leaving nasty negative reviews that say more about themselves than the Drama. If you don't like it fine but shut your mouth and don't spoil things for others with your nastiness. What you are leaving is not a Review but a testimony to your own misery and inability to enjoy what is a fine Drama. You don't ike it ? Poor you. They didn't satify your high expectations.? Tragedy! You didn't like it Boo Hoo. Write your own scripts if you don't like this one. What No talent or creativity? just good at Complaining. I love this drama Sad for you that it upsets you so much . Suck it up.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Typical romcom Chinese drama and could have been shorter
In general I like it, there are things I liked and things that I didn’t. It made me smile and laugh, but also annoyed me at time. I also like a drama with multiple couples. I think it’s more interesting then a drama concentrating more on a love triangle, with like the 2 leads and a side or 2 SL with unrequited love. That was here a bit, but not for the entire drama.I didn’t want to start at first because I wasn’t feeling this pairing for the leads. But it wasn’t that bad, they were kinda cute together. The kissing scenes were good, much better outside the drama though. Annoying censorship, they were shorter with not good angles for a lot of them in the drama.
I was annoyed at both of them after her secret was out (how she was using him at first) :
- she was making no efforts and only thinking about work. She lied for so long, she deserved the silence treatment in the beginning. Also, her spending time with Yi Yang was so much annoying, like girl should have told him from the beginning that she’s not interested in him and she should have told him no to hang out (she told him later, but should have done it in the beginning). That guy was so annoying and weird. Bro literally showed up at her parents place and try to get with her went she was already and a relationship, in love with someone else.
- I agree that he had the right to be mad and ignore her, but he still could have let her try to explain too after a while. The breakup was too damn long, both of them incapable of talking was annoying.
The plot was a bit draggy, too many episodes, but still enjoyable. It’s a romcom, you can’t expect much more than that for a plot.
The third couple could have had a better and more interesting story. Their chemistry was amazing, but the misunderstanding and their story kept going in circles before they got together. Since they were already in love at the very beginning of the drama, they should have made them get together sooner, since also all the couples got officially together quite late.
I loved the second couple, I think they were cute. I was looking forward to their scenes, I was patiently waiting for YY to realize is feeling and get jealous.
Anyway too many ongoing dramas, time to pass to another one? but I think I would recommend this drama, not everyone would like it. It can be cliche, cringe and dragging misunderstanding for like all the main couples, but it’s an okay romcom
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First contemporary CDrama, really enjoyed it
Was the story perfect or grounded in reality? No. No, it was not. Not at all. Maybe not even a little.Were some the situations and dialogue cringe? Yes. Certainly.
Was it also a lot of fun to watch? Yes. Yes, it absolutely was.
Listen, this was unserious fun. I watched it for Dylan Wang who seems to have chemistry with walls, cars, all humans, and oftentimes plastic bags. He's amazing. I haven't seen Meteor Garden yet, but it's up next and I'm excited. I hope it's more unserious fun where Dylan Wang demonstrates how to have fantastic chemistry with inanimate and animate objects. I hope he never stops making shows.
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This review may contain spoilers
A very much highs and lows based drama
Only for Love is your classic CEO drama, complete with its share of highs and lows, classic clichés, and a blend of both familiar and unique elements. Reading the novel before fueled my anticipation for the drama, intensified by the cast and behind-the-scenes photos. After seeing the length of the drama (36 episodes), I was convinced that additional content was necessary to fill the narrative, a decision that occasionally led to dragging plotlines, saturated with an excess of frustrating misunderstandings, particularly exacerbated by overused phone-call scenarios (please silence those phones).Despite these occasional pacing issues, the final six episodes managed to redeem the moments of narrative sluggishness, delivering a satisfying viewing experience.
The dynamic between the female and male leads mirrored the novel, with added nuances and deviations, particularly in the later episodes. The uncle's misunderstanding plotline added a humorous twist, contributing to the drama's distinctiveness within its genre.
While the main couple's relationship maintained its novel counterpart, the side characters underwent substantial narrative expansion, at times overwhelming the story with too many subplots. The potential of the two main side couples, Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji, as well as Qin Shiyue and Yu You, showcased promise but suffered from occasional missteps in execution, with one couple becoming excessively irritating and the other progressively improving.
Bi Ruoshan and Guan Ji initially presented a promising dynamic, offering a compelling contrast to the main couple with their intriguing relationship. However, their appeal diminished when Bi Ruoshan's inexplicable anger towards Guan Ji became a source of exasperation, the reason I truly cannot recall. The repetitive nature of scenes where he pursued her grew wearisome, occupying more screen time than warranted until they eventually resolved their relationship issues. On the other hand, the trajectory of Qin Shiyue and Yu You's relationship began on a less impressive note but evolved positively over time. While I did experience a slight cringe at Qin Shiyue's persistence, it didn't bother me to the extent I've observed in others. Overall, they proved to be a satisfactory side couple, and I found their presence on screen neither tiresome nor overbearing.
The second male lead proved to be a debacle. His origin remains a mystery (where did he come from?), and his peculiar behavior raises questions about his presence in the narrative. The extent of his persistence and oddities prompts one to wonder why Zheng Shuyi hasn't sought a restraining order against him. Despite his unwarranted advances and persistent behavior, he oddly remains portrayed as a nice character. Paradoxically, while he doesn't obstruct the main couple directly, his professed love for Zheng Shuyi and his insistence on making her choose him appeared nonsensical.
One positive alteration from the novel was the more lighthearted portrayal of Shi Yan, rendering him a more likable character without compromising his essence.
Regarding the cast, it's undeniable that this drama boasts some prominent names, a factor that may explain the excessive importance given to side characters, even when arguably unnecessary. Specifically focusing on the male and female leads, contrary to prevailing opinions, I found the casting commendable. Bai Lu, a consistently good choice, demonstrated her prowess as an actress and delivered a compelling portrayal of Zheng Shuyi. On the other hand, Wang Hedi's selection appeared somewhat controversial. While I did enjoy his performance, I acknowledge there is room for improvement in acting. That being said, it's challenging to envision anyone else embodying Shi Yan as effectively. He undeniably suited the role well.
The soundtrack, a pleasant surprise, featured a mix of conventional cheesy tunes and standout tracks that captured attention.
In conclusion, "Only for Love" is not without its flaws, there is great room for improving writing and direction. Nevertheless, the delivered product managed to satisfy me, offering a blend of engaging elements that balanced its imperfections.
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what a long long journey…
my very first reason watching this drama is because of Wang Hedi… he is such a feast for my eyes ??Bai Lu is pretty. I’m indeed agree with Shan Yan that she is a fairy?
anyway, the drama is a long journey. for the first and last episodes are interesting, but when you are in 20-ish episodes it was starting to bore me. i almost tempted to skipped this but again Wang Hedi is something to look at.
their lack of communications were making me crazy, either the lead or second lead. their problems can always be solved within minutes if only the are talking ? *sigh*.
overall, it’s actually might be your favorite drama as long as you can stay for the whole episodes.
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Give it a chance!
Was Only For Love a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Was it an original story? No. But was it entertaining? Yes! This is the first chinese drama that I've completed in a while, and I'm happy that I was not intimidated by the reviews/comments. I think the key to enjoying this drama is to come into it with low expectations.There were significant pacing issues and loose ends in my opinion but Bai Lu's performance was captivating. I am no Bai Lu stan, I had only seen her in Love is Sweet (which I did not enjoy); but she really carries this drama on her back with her comedic timing, in what would otherwise be a bland show.
I think this show suffers from trying to do too much. However, if you are looking for a sweet and fluffy drama where you can turn your brain off, give Only for Love a try.
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Good cast, bad story... A waste of potential.
The main selling point in this drama is on Bailu and Dylan Wang's fame.The story is poorly written, I can't believe we still seeing a female lead so dumb, so childish, so annoying, and so clingy from start till the end -- and a CEO who blindly in love with all of her antique. That also didn't fit with their character background story. Zheng Shu Yi supposed to be a smart and successful female reporter, but none of her action nor her words in this drama showing how smart she is. Can she be more sensible, please? FYI, yeah I know the actor and actress were only following the script. Thus, I blame all these to the production team!
The romantic scenes in the last 4-5 episodes kinda okay, with hot kisses and hot bed scenes, but that's it. Unnecessary quarrel and misunderstanding dominated the 30 episodes, and its really tiring to see even though I like both ML and FL. Perhaps, this series might be better if they made it into only 24 episodes, not 36. I hope Dylan Wang and Bailu will be more selective in choosing their next project.
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I'm in love
This is an incredible story. I fell in love with the show.Warning!!! This review contains spoilers!!
Female lead is a finance reporter who's in a committed relationship with her boyfriend since her college days.
She's confident, hardworking, and very, very good at her job. She's beginning to build a name for herself in the finance circle as a great writer with sharp insights into the industry.
One day he life takes a turn as two things happen one after the other: She gets offered an interview by the Male lead, and she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her.
The Male lead is the heir to a large conglomerate. His family is filthy rich. He shook up the financial world when he left his family's firm to start his own investment company several years ago. He's been making strides ever since, distinguishing himself in his own right. But he's very media shy and doesn't often speak with the press. Put all of these things together and you get a very hungry public. The ML reads an interview that the FL wrote and is suitably impressed. He decides to offer her an interview, which she accepts.
Right after their first meeting , the FL sees her ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend. She comes to the mistaken belief that the 'home wrecker' is the niece of the ML. Being hurt and angry, she decides to take her revenge by seducing the ML into falling for her.
I must admit that this idea of hers gave me pause. It doesn't seem in character for the FL to either want to seduce anyone, or to take advantage of an innocent person. We see her at work and with her friends and family--she is smart, kind, patient, and highly ethical. She's also not the flirty type--she's very level-headed and somewhat reserved with men. So the idea that she'd approach a man of her own initiative and play with his feelings is extremely out of character for her. I guess its excused by her heartbreak? Remember, she's been with her ex-boyfriend for many years.
The FL initiates a game of cat and mouse with the ML. She comes up with the most ridiculous ways to get his attention-- from faking a sprained ankle to making a big to-do about an earring she'd lost in his car. They also happen to run into each other in work circles and she takes full advantage of each meeting.
The ML is perfectly aware that she has an angle of some sort. He's no one's fool. Yet, he's intrigued by her so he decides to go along, in a "give her enough rope to hang herself" kind of way.
The dialogue between these two is absolutely glorious. She's trying so hard to be a seductress (she isn't one). And he just loves teasing her and getting a rise out of her. Everything they say is sharp, witty, filled with double meanings. As a viewer you can't help but laugh at loud--I know I did. Kudos to the writers (not sure if it's the script writers or manga author who gets the credit, but regardless). I have never, ever come across such hilarity before and I LOVED EACH AND EVEYRY MINUTE.
The parts where the FL goes over-the-type in a high-school-girl way in order to get closer to the ML would be cringy--if it were real. The point is that none of it is. You can see the FL's innocence by the schemes she uses--they are contrivances that teenage girls use. So it's funny to see her gritting her teeth and pushing herself to go through with the inanity. What's even funnier is that the ML sees through her each and every time. He calls her out on it, but never directly. No, he's way to sly for that. And way too witty. So I just sat back and laughed as I watched them trying to best each other. Like I said...absolutely glorious. You can cut the ML's wit with a knife.
Eventually the ML catches real feelings for the FL. And the FL realizes that she's not chasing the ML for revenge anymore--she's actually fallen for him for real.
They both admire the heck out of each other. She admires his financial acumen and his courage in risking branching out on his own. He admires her sharp intellect, looks, and overall personality.
This would be good news, except...
He knows she's hiding something from him so he won't fully commit to a relationship.
She's terrified that if he finds out why she approached him initially then she'll lose him for good. So she also can't fully commit to him.
This shaky ground of "I like you, but won't commit" is the breeding ground for a lot of misunderstandings.
Add in a niece (not the homewrecker) who's hiding her true identity, parents pushing for blind dates, and the unsolicited romantic pursuit from other parties and you get the endless back-and-forth of a relationship that's constantly wobbling this way and that.
He's desperately waiting for her to come clean, knowing in his heart that he'll give her whatever she wants if she'll only confide in him.
She's desperately afraid that she'll lose him, leading her to lie to him in big and small ways because she's insecure in their relationship.
Things are just about to get better, he's just about ready to give in completely even without knowing what she's hiding, when the truth blows up in their faces.
He finds out that she approached him for revenge, and he's devastated.
She's also devastated. In her mind it's over between them, because there's no way he'll forgive her or want to be with her. She sees her betrayal as the definite end of them.
Meanwhile, all he wants is an apology and her reassurance that her feelings are real--that despite her initial reasons, she did actually fall for him in truth.
So he's waiting for her to approach him and make amends while she's convinced that he hates her and wants nothing to do with her. So when she does approach him, and she apologizes, she doesn't explain. She doesn't reassure him that she does actually have true feelings for him. She only apologizes for the wrong she's done, and focuses on work---arranging to shift upcoming interviews between him and her publication to a different reporter, thus terminating any further contact between them.
She approaches him twice. Both times she apologizes. Both times she ends up focusing on work--not because she doesn't want him or doesn't want to reconcile, but because in her mind it's hopeless and she also feels guilty as hell--believing she doesn't deserve his forgiveness. He, of course, has no clue what's going on in her mind. So he's convinced, going off her actions, that all she cares about is work and that she never did like him for real.
They are both so sad and unhappy. It was really heart-breaking to watch. This show portrays two adults having their hearts broken by the one they love , and the way it's shown is very realistic and touching.
Eventually, the niece (I love that girl!!) encourages her uncle, the ML, to approach the FL one more time--having him be the one to reach out, rather than him continuing to wait for her to initiate contact. Once he does, the FL gains the courage to confess to him, telling him that what had started out as an act became real very quickly. She truly does like him. He forgives her immediately and they get back together.
Even at this point, he continues teasing her. He won't tell her outright that he forgives her, won't tell her outright that they're officially a couple. It's endearing to see how she takes all her courage to be with him, determined to win him over 100% so that he does give her the words, the clear commitment. At one point she tells him that she can't believe how fast he's forgiven her, that she's expecting him to take revenge on her and even the score. His response, and the love he gave her, warmed my heart. The ML truly does love her and all he asks of her is that she love him back.
And they lived happily ever after!!
(There are two additional side couples in the show. The niece and the FL's bff, but I don't really have the patience to go into detail. I don't have any issues with how they were portrayed but none of them caught my heart or interest in the way that the main couple did.)
I adore, adore, adore this show!!
The ML is portrayed as the typical "cold" CEO but you can see his smirks, his wit, his devilishness in everything he says and does. This sets him apart from the stereotypical....miles apart. I absolutely love him.
The FL is so funny and smart. Such a breath of fresh air. I've never seen a heroine quite like her in any show before.
There were no skips for me in this show. Every moment was gold, every moment counted. None of it was boring.
I've already seen it twice, so that should answer any questions about the rewatch value :)
Anyway, if I haven't made it clear yet, GO WATCH THIS SHOW!! It's absolutely amazing.
If you've made it to the end of my long ramble, I thank you for reading and wish you happy watching <3
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So much room for improvement.
I started watching with such high expectations because of the casts but then… the production team could’ve done better. ????It has been awhile since I felt highly annoyed by a female lead in a drama. One time she was flirty and then the other time she seemed to have lost herself. For a character who was in her 20s, she was a little bit too childish when it comes to her relationship. After just a few episodes, I genuinely wished for the male lead to end up with someone else. ??
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A very fun drama to watch. Highly recommended!!
A great acting cast with well potrayed emotions and expressions. Bai lu and Dylan have such a great chemistry. Though the plot is not so unique, the drama is fun to watch and keeps you engaged throughout the drama. The other two couples have their own stories intertwining with the main leads . Its a must watch drama (I have rewatched it twice already)Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Slow But Lovely Series!
Update Below...@6 episodes in...here are the positives: I am invested in the story and I want to know where it is going. I love the cast..some of which should have a lead role themselves and in some cases do. I also adore both leads...and they are terrific together. The mild tension between them is interesting..and I am betting that will heat up as the love story is developed. I am also enjoying the side characters and backstories.
However....if you have read any of my reviews you know .....I can get pretty amped over the series I like. Lol. So why am I not over the moon with this one? I feel as if I should be...it is Dylan Wang, right? But the plot is perhaps the weak link, it is lacking something that would make it utterly captivating.
It could also be that Didi has set the bar pretty high with his convincing performances in period/costume series. The fantasy/historical character roles are in his wheelhouse..and he seems most comfortable in that setting. This is the first modern romance that I have seen him in (thanks to you who have read this review and have recommended The Rational Life) but I confess in this one...I am missing his smile and swagger. This is purposefully done at the directors request..as he is making the point that this is a very serious guy. Notice the glasses, grrr. Lol. And I can't deny that watching a stoic CEO fall to pieces over a girl is lovely .....still they have given him very little range so far. I am hopeful this will change as the story moves along. Fingers are crossed...but full disclosure here...the rating may go up or down. For now it is a recommend.
@14...This series has developed so slowly that some have given up...and I do think some of the nuance in the dialog has been lost in translation. I appreciate the hard work of subtitling ..but it is an imprecise process that requires fine tuning. There was a scene with him ordering her a cake at dinner, after her texting that had a lot of meaning..but no one knew..it was obscured by the translation. So expect that. Also, despite my earlier remarks about the plot, remember this is a veteran screenwriter who deserves props for past successes, so taking a chance that she will surprise us again. Plus even without Didi and Bai Lu...the rest of the cast are so fabulous that there are sweets to savor along the way. ❤️
@17...This ep was my favorite so far. The leads are getting closer and there are tantalizing hints of more to come. I also am enjoying the cast... I like his niece and her potential love interest. Some think her too young at 22 but nah..she is old enough. She is adorable ..but in my view so dang oblivious. She pursues him so relentlessly that I wince with each rejection....but when she finally hesitates he is so disconcerted that he goes looking for her..so go figure...lol.
I also like her best friend, some do not. It is true, she has hard edges and she drinks too much, and despite being the life of the party..she isn't happy. She knows about dating...but nothing about love. She hates feeling vulnerable, so she hides her real self from him, but he is figuring her out anyway. Lol. Ahh have I mentioned how fine he is yet? Wait until you see him in this one...
@28 As expected..this series has had its critics. We could summarize the complaints by a lack of progress..and too much repetition. Those things bother ppl. If a phone call interrupts a private moment once..we say "oh, my" but if it is still happening by the 26th ep..we are saying "you have got to be kidding me" right? So some complaints are valid hence my rating.
@30 Wow, their relationship has long left the rather dry and fake segments we saw early on. Currently their feelings are deep and painful but because they are..that tell us more accurately the true state of their hearts. Often when ppl find it hard to express themselves..it takes a volcanic shake up...to open up. My guess is that the anguish we have seen in 30 was a prelude to a much needed heart to heart. It is coming...I can feel it.
@33-34 Some folks say she is behaving childishly, and I agree, it looks dang childish..from the outside in....but actually it is pretty natural. Shuyi playing, her demand for attention...this is common to lovers. Because when the love is new, emotionally there is a huge swing...so the need to test each other is real. The rush of emotions..causes both lovers to act out of character. Love can turn reasonable ppl into mush!
When he feeds her...(he knows she can feed herself) but he is reassuring her that she is important enough to be babied. Her insistence on attention...is not really the issue...deep down..she is saying...do you love me...really? And when he fixes her hair...he is saying...yes....I really love you! So some very intuitive scriptwriting.
In conclusion: Slower...means gratification is delayed, but it will come. So in a minority here...but I am feeling cocky anyway. Confident that those of us who wait for the final will be satisfied. So let's wait for it and have a party ...
If you have the patience..I think you will enjoy.
@36 Final: Wow..what a wrap up! It was so good. Please be sure to watch the Bonus Episode!
Happy Watching!
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Only for… testar nossa paciência
Esse, sem dúvidas, foi um drama para testar a paciência. Ele começa divertido, e as expectativas criadas pelos vídeos/fotos que rolaram fazem você realmente esperar muito desse cdrama. Contudo, chega um momento em que a expectativa se transforma em frustração.A protagonista começa sendo bem “atirada”, confiante, determinada, mas quando passa a ser correspondida literalmente corre do protagonista. De fato, após o primeiro beijo deles, quando você pensa que vai, não vai é nada.
Se excluíssem uns 10 eps da narrativa, sinceramente, seria bem melhor, especialmente as questões empresariais.
No entanto, não posso dizer que não entrega o que prometeu (ainda que só nos últimos 6/7 episódios).
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