Big no for romance fans, try if an e-sports fan. Forced, boring, zero chemistry romance!

To me this is quite overhyped. Overall, "Falling Into Your Smile" falls short for romance enthusiasts, but could be a hit for e-sports fans. The romantic aspect feels forced and lacks chemistry, making it a letdown for those seeking a love story. As someone more inclined towards romance, it proved to be a disappointment.

The series shines in its portrayal of the e-sports world, delving into the lives of pro gamers, their personal struggles, industry dynamics, and fan pressure. Romance serves as a subplot, attempting to add intrigue, but it fails to deliver due to the absence of genuine connection between the leads.

Personally, as a non-e-sports enthusiast, this show may not have been the best choice from the start. Despite high ratings and positive reviews, I found it difficult to connect with the characters. Even after persisting for ten episodes, I resorted to fast-forwarding.

Maybe it's just me, but I find there was no chemistry between the main leads. For me, a crucial element in romance is the slow-burning development of feelings, which gives depth to relationships. Like, why they fell for each other? Yeah there were some situation, events where they came close, but to me, it felt like a forced one. Regrettably, this crucial phase felt pointless and stretched over 20 episodes without generating the expected spark. The confession and first kiss were underwhelming, lacking the emotion one anticipates. The female lead's expressionless acting further detracted from the experience, leaving much to be desired.

The confession was quite interesting, and straightforward and does match the characteristics of the ML though but i wouldn’t mind if it took place in earlier episodes, but After 20 episodes, it felt like a rushed one. And the first kiss!!! OMG, this was the worst forgetful one ever. I would say it's cute if it were any casual one, but it's the FIRST KISS damn it, it suppose to have some emotion associated. What made things worse was the expressionless acting of the FL. Her drastically poor performance was enough to drag the whole thing down. She looks cute but pouting and making her eyes big and wide is the only expression she gives, it was torture to watch her like this. The funny part is the title says “falling into your SMILE”, but she hardly smiles bro!!!

Ironically, though I am not a sports lover, but rather a romance fan, these gaming segments were the only thing that motivated me to keep going. Surprisingly, as a non-sports fan, I found myself more engaged in the game segments. Some matches were genuinely exciting, and the in-game scenes were visually impressive, largely thanks to the graphics.

On the bright side, the series avoids unnecessary misunderstandings and lacks a prominent villain, maintaining a light tone throughout. It does offer a decent dose of friendship and bromance, although depth is lacking in both areas. The show exudes a warm vibe, with some genuinely enjoyable and funny comedic moments. Those inclined towards frequent kisses may find this aspect appealing, though the emotional intensity remains lacking.

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Excellent Chemistry and Fresh, Mature Storyline

"Here we meet again" delivers an exceptional viewing experience, combining excellent chemistry between the leads and a fresh, mature storyline. The male lead, portrayed by Zhang Bin Bin, impresses with his acting and captivating portrayal of the character Xu Yan Shi. The drama also stands out with its well-developed romance and strong female lead, Xiang Yuan. While there are a few areas that could be improved, the overall experience is enjoyable and entertaining.

Good things:

Male Lead: Zhang Bin Bin's First-Rate Performance
Zhang Bin Bin's portrayal of Xu Yan Shi is commendable, capturing the character's mature and responsible nature while maintaining a charismatic aura. His expressions, reflecting various emotions, are spot-on, making it easy for viewers to connect with the character.

Chemistry between the Leads: A Mature and Engaging Romance
Unlike dramas with communication gaps, "Here we meet again" features a mature chemistry between the leads. They communicate openly, creating an engaging and intriguing storyline. The romantic moments, especially the intense and long-awaited kissing scene in episode 20, leave a lasting impression on viewers. Both leads display genuine enjoyment in their intimate scenes, setting them apart from the typical surprised reactions seen in other dramas.

Romance: A Delightful and Heartwarming Element
The romance in "Drama Title" is a major highlight. The lead characters' love story unfolds with a perfect blend of intensity and tenderness. The kissing scenes are particularly memorable, leaving the audience with butterflies in their stomachs. Moreover, the mutual and mature portrayal of intimate scenes adds depth to the romance.

Strong and Funny Female Lead
In contrast to typical naive female leads, Xiang Yuan stands out as a strong, mature, and humorous character. Her well-rounded personality adds depth to the storyline and captivates the audience.

Admirable Camera Work and Cinematography
The drama's camera work and cinematography are praiseworthy, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Certain scenes are captivatingly captured, making them enjoyable to watch.

Things that could be improved:

Pacing in the Early Episodes
In the initial episodes, there were some unnecessary and dragging parts. While character development is essential, the writers could have trimmed certain portions to maintain a more engaging pace.

A More Satisfying Ending
The drama could have ended on a more delightful note by providing a quick glimpse of the leads' marriage, their journey to parenthood, and the bonding between Xu Yan Shi and his younger brother. These elements, which were underutilized, could have added to the overall satisfaction of the audience.

Conclusion:

"Drama Title" delivers an excellent package with its outstanding chemistry, fresh and mature storyline, and remarkable performances. Zhang Bin Bin's portrayal of Xu Yan Shi stands out as a major highlight, alongside the strong chemistry between the leads. The romance and well-rounded characters make the drama a joy to watch.

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It started well but ended up as a mess!

Things I liked-
1. JCW was enough for me to watch the drama.

2. The sparkled fling between the leads. Though I love slow-burn romance this quick one also seemed interesting and enjoyable. I guess the quick romance is quite unlike in Kdrama and some reviewers I found complained about this. However, I enjoyed the quick start here. They set the plot from the very beginning where both the leads met, so I didn’t find it hasty. Some complained that they slept together too soon. So let me tell you, yes, that's called one one-night stand and if things are mutual then why not enjoy this as a viewer? To me, it was not weird, but rather quite realistic. Being single young adults things like that might happen when you are with a person you have a fling and the whole atmosphere is in the perfect mood. So yeah I didn’t mind it. Also love after sex is not uncommon.

3. Beautiful cinematography! Loved it. How they managed the past with vintage color grading was also cool. Though at the beginning it made me think whether it was in the 90s or something, I gradually liked that. OST! Perfect

4. Couples cute moments!! Absolutely loved their surfing moments in episode 3 and enjoying the rain and yes of course the pretended short marriage time in episode 4. Their chemistry seems real, although things were a little bit complicated then.

5. I liked the character Kyung Joon. Though he didn't get much space but among all the insane personalities he seemed rational and practical. I think I was able to connect to this character most. he deserved more.


Things I did not like much-

1. FL is the red flag! Like they said multiple times in this drama, She Is A Terrible Woman! Yes she is. If I ever ranked the worst FL in dramas, definitely she will make it in the top 3. Her character is super annoying and disturbing! I understand that She was devastated, heartbroken, cheated by BF, and suddenly unemployed. She was escaping from reality but after she met the ML she had her opportunity to start fresh. But NO, she acted like a clueless teenager, became melodramatic, and again decided to run away. Her behavior irritated me. Her reasons are absurd and definitely, she is not my favorite type. She was an OVER Thinking type which I don’t prefer personally. They show us her reasons- but her insecurity is unbearable. She decided to break up just on the first day they got together, still kept things going, and never discussed it with the ML even when they got to know each other and grew feelings for him, she stuck to her insecurity and came up with the absurd way to break up which is disappearing without any single clue! She knew she was wrong but never ever admitted her fault! That's disgusting man.

2. Though it was a fun watch, it lacked the depth and intensity of the characters and their backstory. Even though the episode runtime is relatively short It was a pretty long drama of 17 episodes. So why not put some effort into story building? But there was nothing at all! Like why the ML was so deeply in love with her? We watched many sweet moments but it would be good if we got to see more interaction, like real interactions not just kisses and skinship

3. Things were good up to episode 5 after that they kept dragging. Episodes 6 and 7 were Super boring, you can skip them if you wish, nothing significant actually happens. After that some events take place but it could be shorter. I had to watch at 1.5x speed.

4. After ML finds out the real identity of the FL he tries to make things up but FL continuously refuses him and at this time the show turns into a comedy show! They tried to make things funny, and added humour too. But why? This was a serious issue man! What the FL did made the ML emotionally devastated. He suffered a lot, became alcoholic while finding the right answer. Just put yourself in his shoes. It’s a torture. Then how come they make all these things light after they met each other! That is when the drama lost its charm to me.

5. Till episode 4 there were no significant updates on the other couple's relationship (oh right except that they also shared beds, lol). But they had their own story which we didn’t get to enjoy.

6. Rin Yi and Kyung Joon had their own story where despite having 7 long years of relationship they had untold stories. Their apparently perfect relationship had other sides I would like to see more but it remained just as a side one till the very end. That's disappointing.

7. In the last episode which I believe is the most critical one, rather than warping up the mess they created they just started a new story of Dong Sik and Hae na! What was that!!!

over all, the format was unique though can't say I liked it much. Did I enjoy it? yes, not a bad drama as a one time watch. Will I rewatch it? No, cause there was nothing to enjoy again and again. Not even JCW's kisses!

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Well written, Full on chemistry, Eye Candy ML, Heartache and Yes it's worth watching.

Let me start with the best part of why I loved it so much, It's the ML damn it. He is not only incredibly handsome but also portrayed with charisma that is hard to resist. Despite being initially depicted as a sociopath with arrogance due to his extraordinary genius, viewers will gradually understand the reasons behind his behavior and empathize with him. His complex emotions and intensity make him a character you can't help but root for. As a viewer, you will know why he is behaving, how he is behaving, and you will sympathize with him, not sure about everyone, but this I how I feel at least. He is the kind of person who may not give a warm vibe, not good to everyone but his feelings are so deep and intense.

Unlike many clichéd romances, the chemistry between the main leads in this drama is refreshingly realistic. There are no instant love connections or fated encounters from their childhoods. Instead, their journey towards falling in love is portrayed authentically, allowing viewers to enjoy the gradual development of their feelings. The female lead (FL) is portrayed as innocent yet level-headed, while the ML's genius and arrogance create a balanced dynamic that enhances the storytelling. Overall they complement each other so well. It may sound cliche but yeah I loved this.

Credit must be given to the writer for crafting well-rounded characters who remain consistent throughout the drama. There are no abrupt shifts in character traits or inexplicable actions. Every character's decisions and motivations are adequately explained, keeping the narrative grounded in realism. Even the portrayal of FL's parents maintains a realistic perspective, avoiding forced changes in their viewpoints.

What could be better? The second phase of the drama tends to drag, lacking the excitement and eventfulness of the initial phase. Viewers may have expected a more thrilling storyline during this part of the series, which is a minor disappointment. As a result, a slight deduction of 0.5 points is warranted. However, these issues do not overshadow the drama's overall appeal.

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Keep physics aside and focus on chemistry!

Keep in mind, this is pure fiction, not science fiction—just fiction. Don't seek logic; focus on the emotional journey of the characters. If you're into romance and can overlook scrutinizing every action, give it a try.

The love story beautifully showcases the emotions of the leads. Initially, you'll feel the FL's heartache; her pain and suffocation resonate deeply. It's a profound experience. I fell in love with the ML. His charming aura is refreshingly uncommon in dramas. Unlike the usual quiet, arrogant MLs, Li Z Wei's charisma is uplifting.

The OST is a standout! It'll stay with you.

The plot is engaging but slightly confusing. It oscillates between two sides, tangling and then unfolding. They may have overcomplicated things, making resolution a bit tricky. However, there were no major plot holes or unanswered questions, though the presentation of answers left something to be desired. The rush to the ending was a drawback. Additionally, both the FL and the villain appeared noticeably older for high schoolers.

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Sweet, No melodrama, Villain, or major misunderstanding between the leads

I stumbled upon "You Are My Glory" after watching "Here We Meet Again," and to my delight, found them to be very similar. This review delves into why this drama left a positive impression on me.

Positive Aspects:
One of the standout features of "You Are My Glory" is the authentic chemistry between the main leads. Their natural on-screen interactions were a visual treat, enhanced by Yang Yang's captivating presence. The drama boasts an array of passionate kisses that left a lasting impact.

What I Loved:
This drama excels in avoiding common pitfalls, such as love triangles or misunderstandings between the leads. Both characters maintain open communication, which makes their journey even more endearing. The narrative remains focused on the central couple, with minimal side stories. This streamlined approach resonates with my preference for a story that emphasizes the main characters without excessive melodrama.

Potential Drawbacks:
"You Are My Glory" opts for a straightforward plot without major twists. The story progresses steadily, showcasing the journey from classmates to lovers to a married couple. While this simplicity was refreshing for me, others might find the lack of intricate plot elements tedious. The absence of significant ups and downs, coupled with the leads' accomplishments in their professional lives, could be perceived as less engaging for some viewers.

Conclusion:
In essence, "You Are My Glory" delivers a sweet and genuine romance without the burden of excessive drama or convoluted subplots. For those seeking a healthy and refreshing love story, free from overwhelming stress, this drama is a solid choice. While its plain and straightforward narrative might not appeal to everyone, its focus on the central characters' growth and relationship offers a heartwarming and enjoyable viewing experience.

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Sex is the only content here

Many of the reviews claimed it as mature content, well if you ask for my opinion I will say it depends. Depends on how you define that maturity. If sex is the only parameter then yes it's a mature one. But if you level up maturity as a mental one then it is actually not really mature content. Anyone who just passed their teenage, having a sexual relationship is good enough to understand the content of this show. As the name said, the drama starts with some explicit sexual content, which was sure to shock the viewers I believe. But the rest of the drama is not the same. To be honest I did not really like the first 2 episodes that much but I kept watching on a fast-forward mode also the runtime to not long so it was bearable. After 3rd episode, I found things quite interesting.

Reading previous reviews and comments I became curious as though the rating is pretty good still some of the reviews suggested it might be a waste of time. Well after completing the show I can’t say so actually. It was good for time to pass. There was a story, won’t say a strong one but yes, the story does exist. But for such mature content, character development is very important I believe. But this drama has little to no character development for any of the leads except Mi Na. In her case at least they tried.

The story revolves around two girls, Hee Jae and Mi Na. One is dating another does not want to have a relationship. And both ended up in a reverse scenario. Both their stories are a classic friends-with-benefits relationship that ends up with being an actual couple. While the character development of Mi Na was good enough considering the short runtime, it was trash in the case of Hee Jae.

Let’s start with her breakup. At first, they portrayed Hee Jae as a conservative one, who can not even discuss with her BF her dissatisfaction in sex, faking it for 5 long years! But still holding it because she had strong feelings for her BF. But now she was determined to break up and the reason and the backstory between them were ambiguous. They portrayed Hyeon Woo as a male chauvinist but they put little to no effort to show how slowly the feeling of Hee Jae for Hyeon Woo faded away due to his negligence and carelessness. Even some small flashbacks would be enough but no. Rather, to get along with the Title they emphasize sexual dissatisfaction which seemed very out of logic and confusing at the same time. How the character of Hee Jae started and then how overnight she became someone who is begging to have sex with Chan made things seriously ridiculous and made the character Hee Jae a very very sallow one.

The story between Chan and Hee Jae is basically a story of two people who are out of love, one (FL) wanted to have sex without love and another (ML) wanted to fall in love again. I understand the theme of the show is Female sexual satisfaction but that doesn’t necessarily need to make the FL an easy one, she was portrayed like she will have sex with anyone, by anyone I meant anyone! She was ready to have sex with the guy from a blind date who in the end refused her due to his mother. What the F**K. then she literally stalked Chan everywhere to have sex! This was annoying to me. I understand she never ever had the feeling to have orgasm so desperately seeking for it. So maybe it was me only, but I didn’t like this concept at all. Even when Chan wanted to get close to her, and get to know each other all she was thinking about was Sex, all the time they spent together reading books, campfire, and drinking she just kept asking when they were gonna have sex. It looked like a maniac to me. If I were Chan, I would feel disgusted for sure. Though at the end of episode 6, she did admit it was the mood that aroused her but I didn’t like the sequences before that.

On the other hand, the story of Mi Na was good and enjoyable compared to the other one. Even though it was short, they showed why she is like this, only considers a good sex partner and fears falling. Though a part of hers desperately seeks someone's care. The story between Mi Na and Woo Jae was also good to watch, though a cliche one, you know what is going to happen still you will find it interesting. Even their kissing scenes were enjoyable. The first one is full of lust and 2nd one is full-on emotion. Liked it actually.

The show conveys that satisfactory sex involves more than just physicality. Touch, communication, and emotional connection are highlighted as crucial elements. While the delivery of this message falls short, it remains an enjoyable aspect of the show. The show offers a nuanced perspective on sexual satisfaction. Despite flaws, it provides an engaging viewing experience.

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It had everything but lost the charm.

I completed 32 episodes of this drama but decided to put it on hold, as I doubt I will be able to finish it. Initially, I loved the drama because both the female lead (FL) and male lead (ML) had strong and mature characters, and the storyline was simple yet enjoyable. However, the main issue was that the drama progressed too slowly, lacking enough hooks to keep the audience engaged in every episode. Even skipping some episodes didn't affect the overall plot. Additionally, the side story involving the second male lead (SML) and second female lead (SFL) lost its charm over time, and the writers seemed to be running out of concepts. Despite this, I continued watching due to the chemistry between the ML and FL, which was the only entertaining aspect. However, even their chemistry was not enough to motivate me to complete the drama.

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Stunning Visuals Can't Mask Shallow Plot

I really get confused when it comes to the rating of any Cdrama. I haven't watched many but the majority I found rating should be at least 1.5 points less. this drama is no different. the only good thing here is super sexy Jerry Yan, oh yes also the cinematography. I am halfway, and now keeping it on hold as it's very boring. I will complete it sometime later but now I can't keep it going anymore.

Positive Aspects:

1. Jerry Yan's charismatic performance.
2. Impressive cinematography.
3. Beautiful locations, especially scenes on top of the mountain.

Negative Aspects:

1. Lack of character development.
2. Shallow relationships and lack of depth.
3. Absence of chemistry between the leads.
4. FL's lack of likability and depth.
5. Missing backstory and logic behind character actions.
6. Supporting characters' dullness. (though there aren't any significant ones)
7. There is no intriguing story, just some sexual tension between two leads that runs on for half of the drama.

Overall Assessment:
The drama falls short in various aspects. While it excels in visuals and Jerry Yan's performance, it lacks character development, relationship depth, and chemistry between the leads. The main female character's lack of likability and depth can be attributed to weak writing. The supporting characters also fail to engage the viewer. The drama's potential might have been better realized in a shorter format like a 2-hour movie rather than a series.

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