I started A Love So Beautiful and then stopped after the first fifteen minutes because I tend to dislike dramas where the female lead is not very intelligent. Something kept niggling in my mind, though, so I decided to watch it again. I am so glad I gave it another try! Here are my first impressions and unfiltered thoughts:

She is more than my first impression

I am not a fan of shows that paint the female lead as less intelligent than the male lead, so I almost wrote this one off. However, the charm and hidden talents of our leading lady, Chen Xiao Xi, really won me over. She is determined, loyal, and artistic. She is willing to go after what she wants, even if it is outside of her comfort zone. I was completely smitten with her by the end of the first episode. She has friends that rally around her, and that speaks volumes about her character.

They are a physically mis-matched couple, but that makes them adorable!

I have rarely seen a pairing with this kind of height difference. It just looks like it would not work. Jiang Chen towers over her when they are walking together or standing next to one another, but instead of looking awkward, it adds to their couple appeal!

There are hidden layers here…

Jiang Chen is handsome, extremely tall, and brilliant. From the outside it appears he has everything going for him, but just one episode in and it is obvious he has his own troubles and secrets. I am guessing it is related to his parents, but I will keep watching to find out.

Yay for fangirls!

I love that Chen Xiao Xi is part of a fandom. It always makes me smile when dramas show how friendships can form when people are part of the same fandom. She also gets to share her talents, and I am all for the idea that being a fangirl (or fanboy) can be a vehicle for finding and nurturing the artistic voice.

I want more!

I am not sure why I decided to go back to this one, but I am glad I did. It is not a drama that grabs you with its sweeping scenery and heart-wrenching acting (watch Tribes and Empires for that), but there is a sweetness to this one that just has me smiling. Maybe it is because I have so many heavy dramas on my list right now, but this budding high school romance is making me feel all warm and fuzzy.

So, if you need something a little lighter, or if you want to just enjoy the innocence of youth, I recommend A Love So Beautiful. Of course, please remember I have only watched the first episode. Don’t worry, though–if it goes off the rails, then I will be back to update you!

Are you watching? Comment below and share your thoughts!

Until Next Time…

Kdrama Jen (umm… Cdrama Jen?)

Dramas with a Side of Kim Chi