Binging happened this week and we discovered the Chinese romantic coming of age drama All I Want From Love Is You. Come find out why we want everyone to join us in watching this hidden gem.

#5 Throwing away the tropes

Kmuse: This is probably the most unexpected and most welcomed facet of the drama. We have watched the dumb student falling for the super-hot top student many times, so I was a bit worried when I read the synopsis. I was pleasantly surprised that instead of our heroine being all brawn and no brain, it ended up being that she just focused on different things. And rather than looking down on her, our leading man turned out to be super supportive and all kinds of awesome. Yay for not having to hate the trope you are watching!

Karie the Maknae: We keep making comparisons between this set up and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. Really, though, it’s much different — the girl is strong and more kinesthetically inclined, and the lead guy is super smart and not that great at the athletics, but that’s where the similarities end. I’m loving how he understand how her brain works and helps her realize her potential in the first few episodes.

#4 Spunky Heroines

Kmuse: Gu Xiao Man is a pint-sized bottle of awesomeness. Not only is she tough, loyal, and kind, but she has enough spunk for a hundred leading ladies. Watching her go through life and overcoming hardships is one of my new favorite things.

Karie the Maknae: I love watching Xiao Man be brave. I can tell that it takes some effort on her part, but she does it! She doesn’t let her teasing best friend hold her back and smacks him when he needs it.

#3 A Fun Imagination

Kmuse: One of my favorite aspects of this story is the imaginary world that Gu Xiao Man has created in her head. A fantasy historical where she is the hero, saving all the pretty men and women who pass her way. It is so much fun and I kind of wish that this actress would star in that kind of genre next.

Karie the Maknae: I LOVE THIS. I love that she’s the hero and her scholar plays the prince-in-distress and their interactions as such. It’s a great emphasis on the trope reversal that characterizes this whole drama.

#2 Supportive side characters

Kmuse: These side characters grow on you. For the most part, I want to see them all get their happy ever after at the end of the day. Maybe not the annoying, entitled, female second lead. But every one else deserves to be happy.

Karie the Maknae: I think the side characters are fantastic and just the right amount of obnoxious. PLUS, unlike Strong Woman, there are no poop wine or mafia bosses involved!

#1 Sweet Romance

Kmuse: These two give me all the feels! It is so nice to watch romantic drama that doesn’t have evil conniving characters at every turn. Or, even worse, serial killers. If you want a simple sweet story about finding love without the added angst then this is a great choice!

Karie the Maknae: I love that we know from the start that these two are BOTH crushing on each other, even if they don’t know it yet. The fact that Zuo An THREW THE SAT to stay in China for her slayed me.

There you have it. Our reasons to check out the Chinese rom-com All I Want For Love Is You. If you are too impatient to wait for Viki to finally get it all subbed, then check out the drama on YouTube. It has English subs and is all ready for you to binge.

Til the next drama gem,

The Fangirls

Dramas With a Side of Kimchi