Perfeito e Casual (2020)

A classic 15 year old teenage cliche drama

I watch this drama because of Wei Zhe Ming and stayed because of him too. Too bad that the script writing is not great, despite having a potential to be a unique rom-com drama.

The story:
I feel like the story lacks so many things. Aside from bad character writing, which I am going to discuss later in the review, the story is just too cheesy where it starts to feel unrealistic. For instance, where there are too many "show-off" confrontations where the character defends the loved ones in the "high-school" drama manner. For example, FL's sister has been a hot-topic gossip in her office, claiming that she became the youngest director and have a celebrity love interest because of her cunning behaviour. The FL's sister love interest quickly confront the gossip ladies, but what should have been a romantic-hero moment, the scene felt somewhat cheesy and goosebumps-worthy.
I also don't love the plot, which is very overused in every romantic-comedy drama - rich man poor woman, cold man warm woman, love triangles, misunderstandings, and contract relationship. I'm not trying to compare Chinese and Korean drama (don't get me wrong, both countries dramas has their own goods and bads) but, based on the similar drama about contract marriages - "Because this is my first life", is a good example of classic romantic-comedy with good story-writing. Though the concept of contract-marriages like both BTIMFL and PAC are not very relevant anymore in the real world, BTIMFL still has realistic touches that can be shown in the characters relationships. Meanwhile, PAC had the potential to become like that, but wasted in the end.

The characters:
- I don't like how the FL character's portrayed in this drama. Sure, she's a very nice person, but too nice to the point where she's too dumb. Yes, she was conned not once, but twice by people using the same tactic. Sure, the drama should only be entertainment purposes, but it's just dumb if you look at it. And the way she backed out when the con-man (her cousin) had the potential to put in jail for 10 years. In the end, she didn't even ask for her money back, and it was almost $400k, which is a huge amount of money. Furthermore, it's the compensation money from her dad too, which plus the consideration of her dad's dream to buy a house, that money should've been somewhat special to her. But yeah, I just don't understand the forgiveness when her cousin literally bled her dry.
- The worst character in the drama has to be FL's best friend Gao Zhi Yi (GZY). I thought drama besties are supposed to be lit, but in this case, she doesn't pass the vibe check. The level of her toxicity, I don't even know where to begin. I just felt bad watching FL's other best friend, Lin Nuo (LN), who's also GZY's ex-boyfriend. In the story, Gao Zhi Yi had a string of failed relationships, where she got problematic men only. The sole reason why GZY and LN broke up is because the bitch got bored. Yes, you heard me right, because she was bored. And at the end, she still has the audacity to beg LN back together, aka hellhole. Sure, I can understand people who cannot get out of toxic relationship, I know how hard it is. But in this case, GZY is just too immature, where she CHOSE to enter toxic relationships because it was rather fun - until she realized LN is good to her and for her.
- And Lawyer Meng Ran too, he clearly knows the FL is married, yet he still pursues her. His reasonings are not sincere too - as it's just plain reasoning: because she's kind, cute, hard-working. I'm sorry, but this is coming from a man who literally said FL's not that pretty in the beginning.

The acting:
- Though I admit, I like Wei Zhe Ming because of his acting and looks from "Unforgettable Love", I feel like the characters he portrayed between "Unforgettable Love" and "Perfect and Casual" are far too similar. I should probably critic on his acting in Unforgettable Love instead because that drama came out later than this drama. But all in all, he did a decent job I'd say.
- I feel like Xu Ruo Han still have to work on her acting skills, but considering this is her television drama debut, I'd say she did a pretty decent job. But to critic her acting skills, her expressions can come out as somewhat awkward and flat in certain situations, mostly when she did a "thinking" , or "talking to yourself" scenes.

To conclude, this drama isn't something new. I have to say, this drama is way too similar to "Because This is My First Life" where they had a contract marriage based out of certain circumstances, and also the love triangle with a married woman. However, considering how the drama is how it is, it can be a decent refresher to watchers who are looking for a break from watching some heavy melodrama. I don't recommend it for watchers who got goosebumps on cheesy cliches though.

Leia Mais

This is a very nice and sweet drama to watch. Although the leading couple has good chemistry, it took a little bit too long for the couple to become romantically involved but the relationship’s development was strong and steadfast. Their romantic scenes got better towards the end and it was pleasant to see how they communicated well when dealing with misunderstandings. The saving grace for the leading couple is that they are genuinely warm and caring and they did not stray from their goal of making their relationship work in spite of their differences, which gave this drama a great sense of comfort and affability as they support and love each other. Although there are two other romantic stories among the supporting cast, they did not take over the leading couple’s love evolution. Even though the drama is full of clichés, nothing is overdone or detrimental to the story. Overall, this is a nice and sweet drama to watch. Give it a try, it is entertaining!

Leia Mais

Very light-hearted and sweet story!

First of all, I gave a really high rating which I have never done before, because it's super good and worth watching! I truly enjoyed the entire plot and it wasn't boring throughout! It kept me on my toes as I was super excited and looking forward to every episode! I would say this is the first drama that had made me so hooked into it and I have never felt bored or felt as though there were draggy scenes or unnecessary filters! It all fell into place, I would say!

Moving on, I'm going to talk about the plot and I find it very interesting when I came across it on YouTube. Two different people of different characters and personality collide and fell in love. Like what they say, opposite attracts! And although they were in a typical contractual marriage which is often seen in most dramas, but it turned out really well and unique! They may have typical rivals but it is what made them firmly believe in their love for each other and deeply trust in each other!

Male lead is a cold, emotionless, prodigy professor. His major is statistics if I'm not wrong! He comes off cold at first, but eventually warmed up to the female lead! And, he's super duper nice and always helps the fl whenever she encounters trouble. Most guys would be impatient if they have to handle someone like the fl, but he's the exact opposite and that's what makes them compliment each other!

Female lead is a very optimistic, bubbly, gullible university student and though she may be clumsy and makes trouble sometimes, often giving viewers second-hand embarrassment due to her actions, but she gradually turned into very mature and able to make her own decisions! And most importantly, she trusts the ml wholeheartedly and openly communicates with him which makes them have not much issues!

They may have certain misunderstandings of course, but it is usually cleared up very quickly which is really great and more realistic irl!

Side couples doesn't interfere with the main couple and they have their own fluttering love stories which seems to encounter more love hurdles than the main couple lol.

Basically, the fl's elder sister is in rs with ml's best friend, so imagine them giving each other advices, the interactions between ml and his best friend is more funny lol. And then we have fl's best friend and her other male best friend who are on and off together. But the fl's best friend gives really great relationship advice!

As for the rivals, the first male rival made ml more jealous and more aware of his feelings for fl. Eventually, he took up the courage to confess to her, accompanied by a sweet little kiss which I had been waiting since forever! And also, can I just say how unique it is that a report is generated to test if ml loves fl lol. It's very interesting!

For the next female rival, it didn't felt more like a rival as this time the ml and fl are true to each other and love each other. The fl trusts ml a lot and they are basically impossible to be separated. Their love stayed strong throughout.

For both rivals, they eventually respected the couple's decision to stick together and gave them their blessings in order to see them happy. Really like their mature thinking.

Okay, let's not forget the funny and lovable grandpa who made this relationship happen! If not for him, this contractual marriage wouldn't have happened and this love between them wouldn't have developed! This grandpa is my favorite character after the main leads!

Production doesn't seem low cost as it mostly revolves around the campus, the house and fl's different workplaces. Music is not bad, just a few soundtracks which were kind of blocked by YouTube so i can't really get so engrossed in the songs. Can't complain since I saw the comments and this issue persisted in most platforms.

Outfits for the fl is very limited and repetitive, but it shows the realistic financial situation of her as she is supposed to be poor. Ml has more variations but he wear suits more often, so imagine him looking so hot even with or without his glasses! sorry fangirl moment right here. I think the side couples had more outfits than the fl, but that's because their financial situation is better than her so it's more realistic this way.

Acting for fl is a natural even though she may be a rookie but she portrayed a university student really well. As for ml, he's an experienced actor and he was really smooth too. The entire interactions between them were meant to be awkward and they acted the scenes really well haha. Side couples acting are good too, so it's a bonus.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to watch something to kill your boredom or haven't gotten over an old drama as this drama, though it might let you be invested, but it's definitely more light-hearted with no typical breakups, divorces or sad endings.

And of course, I would definitely watch it again 'cos I love this drama so much myself. After this drama, mr zhang definitely raised my standards for a perfect husband lol. But, this kind of man is pretty much inexistent *cries*

Leia Mais

Refreshing main couple

Plot-wise there's really nothing special about the story of a cold male lead and a bubbly but clumsy female lead who find themselves in a contractual marriage, but something about the way it was executed was very refreshing. There's still some scenes where I personally found the female lead's optimism to be more like naivete, but overall it didn't affect my enjoyment of the show at all because it wasn't stupidity, and I could genuinely just chalk it up to differing worldviews.

In fact, watching this was overall a really fun and light-hearted experience and I know that's mainly due to the absence (mostly) of the miscommunication and sabotaging second female lead trope. There's hints of it, but none of them felt like true dangers to the main couple, who were just so cute together and communicated really well throughout any sort of issues they might've run into. Chinese dramas rarely do this, but when they do it makes for a really happy drama.

With that being said, I kind of wish there were more scenes of the main leads, whether it's discussing their families (which we just seemed to skim the surface of for each) or just showing more friendships. I'd honestly also be okay if we just spent a little more time on their love story and having them get together later.

I know I'd rather have those kinds of scenes than either of the side ships. While I liked some of the side characters individually, I really didn't care for any of the romances between them, and while the main couple was relatively drama free, it felt like the side ships had all the drama but none of the feeling of importance. There were miscommunications and jumping to conclusions and it just all felt very cookie-cutter cdrama second couple.

I know part of the inability to go into depth is that this drama is relatively short compared to other Chinese dramas, but I think it's also the amount of time dedicated to the side characters that could've been spent on going deeper on some issues and themes. Still, this is a fun and light-hearted watch if you want a contemporary rom-com that feels low-stakes.

Leia Mais

SWEEEEET! You just have to get pass the first few episodes when she had a few days of bad luck

Overall, a sweet cdrama! You really just have to get pass the first few episodes. Suck it up!! It'll get better! If you're in a mood for something romance-focused, this is it! Plot is very cliche though, the cohabitation, contractual marriage trope! but if you're like me, I don't really care that much as long as I can get some sweets from it hehe The relationship is relatively healthy, they both know what they want, supported each other, and I like that they didn't give chance for other people to get in their way!! Love that they bring the best out of each other. ML changed his view of the world, not always about statistics! and FL learned how to make decisions for herself!

LIKES:
-Main leads are both gorgeous!
-ML's acting isn't annoying, although it's still a little bit robotic. but it's not as stoic as other MLs.
-Can't believe this is FL's first drama!!!! She's a natural! So gorgeous too!! She's super sunny!
-The sweet moments!!!!
-I like that the leads are secure with one another, they didn't give too much room for doubts and jealousy!
-Love the one scene in the resort where the FL was hiding. Not gonna give it away but when the ML just went for a handshake!!!
-The other character who liked the FL had a lot of improvement after a while! At first it was kind of icky, but towards the end he said something along the lines that he's happy for the leads and they shouldn't bother their relationship anymore! Quite impressive for a cdrama tbh
-The other couple's story are really cute too! Wish they gave the best friends a little more in the ending!

DISLIKES:
-ML's style of clothing! Well.. it's kind of more realistic... but they could've done better.
-How they made the FL a bit dumb in the first few episodes!
-The first few episodes where she's always crying. The voice kinda got annoying.
-Scenes where the FL worked at the law firm. Very icky when you're trying to hit on a married woman, even though it's contractual. You're a lawyer for god's sake.

Leia Mais

I enjoyed it!

So we have seen these types of dramas -- contract marriage -- a lot. Truth be told I watched this drama by chance. I came across it on YouTube and I was shocked it only had 24 episodes. (I'm so used to seeing C-Dramas with over 40 episodes and I aint patient really). It was well directed, fast moving and had a nice happy ending. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to all.

I would not watch it again though, just my opinion.

Xu Ruo Han played her role really well. I enjoyed watching her facial expressions and naivety as Yun Shu. I have also seen the BTS videos and she does look warm, just like what was portrayed in the drama.

Zhang Sinian, on the other hand, described as a 'male god', Oh Yes! He totally nailed it. It was funny watching some scenes where he was totally oblivious.

I loved Sheng Gang Shuai and I would love to see him play more roles, but as the main lead. He will nail it!

Leia Mais

Cute and Sweet

This Cdrama was so cute.

I love how caring the ml was and how naturally cute the fl was.
They also actually look good together, so good casting
It can be a bit slow burn at times, but the reward at the end is definitely worth it.
This is perfect if you want something simple, but cute to watch.
At first, I didn't really like Wei Zheming (Miles Wei) that much when I saw him in You Are My Secret, but now, I really like him
Also, the fl is really pretty in a humble way, which I thought was really great
I love how the love rivals got dealt with efficiently.
The second couple was cute and third couple was a bit unneeded, but they didn't take away anything from the drama.

Leia Mais

I was glad I gave this tropey drama a chance, as I'm not into ISWAK vibes (cold but smart man, warm but clueless woman). But their story was too sweet (without being too saccharine) to pass up. Miles Wei does justice to his character, an upright, socially-awkward and emotionally-stunted university professor. And so hot too boot! Xu Ruo Han manages to portray the naïve, "unfortunate" student without pissing me off, by being too whiney or clingey as other "dumb FLs" ought to come across. Together, they make an adorable couple who navigates through their contractual marriage and growing feelings for each other. Their marriage of convenience is mostly due in part of the ML's grandfather (a great supporting character!) whose dying wish is to see his grandson happily married, and circumstances led to Yun Shu as the chosen wife. Other supporting characters are also well-fleshed out, including the secondary coupling of the ML's Best friend and FL's sister. The love rivals in this drama weren't hateful and even the "villain" of the story (FL's cousin) served as a catalyst to bring the two MCs together. All in all a cute Rom-com that includes steamy kisses.

Leia Mais

Unexpectedly great!

At first I did not expect it to be glorious. The plot is not unique and I thought that the cast was pretty boring and ordinary. To be honest, I did not find the male protagonist attractive enough and the female protagonist was too ordinary. Plus the fact that they were unknown to me. However, the very first part of the story was too interesting to pass up. Thereupon, I was hooked. There was never a dull moment. The emotion portrayed was just right. At this point, I began to understand why these artists were chosen for their characters and my perspective about the artists particularly the male protagonist changed. He is now definitely handsome in my eyes. I also love men who are intellectual and he played his character well enough being intellectual in this story. The musical score is not impressive and forgettable. The costume design could have been better. The direction was pretty great. Overall, I think it is great.

Leia Mais

Thanks to this series I felt like I drunk a one sweet chocolate drink. ;) (now I'm craving for love)

Yes! Just the sweetness that I need. The title says it all. It's Perfect and Casual!

FL and ML relationship is so cute. I keep on smiling and giggling by myself. It makes me jealous. I want a contractual marriage too. Hehe.

Although in reality and in my opinion being in a contractual marriage is still absurd and only works in dramas. I also don't know if the FL is just too nice or too naive. She lived alone during her University days, how come she's so dense. Anyway, the couple complemented each other (naive girl + intelligent guy). Also partly because of her naivety that's why they ended up being in a contract relationship so I can ignore that. Plus she's so cute.

I just noticed that contract relationship is being a cliche in Cdramas as I already watched quite a few. Anyway, we watch series to be entertained. Aren't we? This series did a job well done. The side stories and supporting characters are also commendable.

I was to engrossed in this series I felt like it ended quickly. I will miss the laughs and romance.

Leia Mais

Dolce al punto giusto

A me piacciono i romcom dolci ma non troppo mielosi e questo ha colpito nel segno! I due attori principali insieme sono veramente belli e hanno saputo maturare (insieme e da soli) i loro ruoli. Da una parte il classico personaggio freddo e insensibile che non sa nulla dell'amore, dall'altra una giovane studentessa ignorante della vita e con la mentalità fin troppo buona e ingenua, tanto che a volte la sua stupidità fa veramente ridere. Eppure mi sono ritrovata molto in lei, soprattutto la me del passato. Cosa apprezzata la quasi totalmente mancanza di sad back story di cui facciamo volentieri a meno (è diciamo presente ma non da fastidio e sopratutto viene risolta in poco tempo e bene!). Una delle second lead mi è piaciuta mentre l'altra meh ma non troppo malvagia.
Mi ha meravigliata davvero tanto che per la prima volta nella mia vita ho saputo amare una coppia professore/studentessa, cosa che solitamente mi da proprio fastidio e non riuscivo per nulla ad accettare ma non so perché loro mi hanno fatto passare tutto!
Ciò che non mi è piaciuto è stato che in alcune sequenze c'erano scene in cui un attimo prima l'audio andava in sintonia con le labbra che si muovevano mentre in altre, alcune anche di pochi secondi in mezzo "a quelle normali" erano totalmente fuori sincrono. Ci tengo a precisare che io guardo i drama sempre e solo in lingua originale subtitolati quindi non è stato un problema di doppiaggio.
In secundis, l'evoluzione lavorativa della protagonista fa di molto storcere il naso perché altamente improbabile e a volte sembra una presa in giro, una cavolata.
Però per il resto mi è piaciuto tanto.

Leia Mais