Crush (2021)

Started off well but took a dive and just became plain boring

This drama had great potential, showing a love story between two people with very different backgrounds and ability. This drama starts of showing people with disabilities as competent people worthy of love without ignoring the ableist world we live in as well as taking a pretty good punch at charity work and showcasing disadvantaged children like they where animals at a circus. The female lead seems to be both independent, smart and loving while the male lead is the typical icicle in need of some good defrosting.... so far all good

But then it takes a very odd turn to the posesive, obsessive, toxic... as well as total utter stupidity with a whole lot of stalking rounded up with some pretty blunt ableism. So if it started as a 10 it ended in a 5 thus it gets a 7 star rating.

In other words I probably should have stopped watching this show somewhere around episode 13...

Leia Mais

Short sighted in so many ways.

This started out okay .. nothing too spectacular.
*sigh*

The FL was annoying for the most part.

I'm not quite sure how quickly their relationship managed to escalate to the point of her living with him, it was so rushed and I just didn't understand it.

She basically invites herself into this man's life after she finds out he is her favorite composer.

There's one scene that really bothered me in the absurdity of it.

He - a blind man - is carrying her down a fire escape... come on man, I mean really.

And this is while the FL supposedly had measles (yet had NO telling symptoms other than a cough and fever for like a day).

We're then bombarded with vaccine propaganda for an episode or two.

I despised the FL mother, wretched character and almost unbelievable.

She came all the way there to move her daughter back home b/c she found out she was dating a blind guy.

Then her constant bickering and complaining is what led to the dad's collapse, not the daughter.

How in the heckle and jeckle did the ML recover from blindness that we're first told is not recoverable?

This was a huge thing at first .. then we learn he can see a small distance in front of his face - once again we're told he can never recover.

Did the writers just forget all about the level of blindness he had?

His attitude was a big turn off .. he clearly felt sorry for himself and made it seem like he grew up in an orphanage when he only stayed there for a year.

The FL had serious mental issues we were not made aware of until the end.

They could have trimmed a lot of the fat out and threw that in there instead.

Maybe then things would've made a bit more sense .. or maybe not

Not sure where this was supposed to go, but I'm guessing it fell grossly short of it's final destination.

The music was nothing spectacular .. there was some piano music that I think was supposed to give off a nostalgic or romantic vibe, but creepy is all I can think of when I hear it.

Leia Mais

Executed Excellently

Yes, yes ,yes!!! CRUSH love this dram to the maxim.

Firstly, I love the crazy sweet chemistry between the main ML and FL (who is this ML?, my goodness out of the blue just fell in love with him hahahaha) , his acting is really good.

Storyline/ Acting/ Music
The storyline is nothing new but I like the angle the writer's took on how the ML lead had a disability and how the writer's did not make him the usual cold handsome male lead chasing after the FL, but it was the opposite, great combination with the second leads , they are not boring as per other C drama's I have watched before. The writer's did an excellent job. I love the
music they compiled good music that goes well with each episode, the acting is so good, you will not get bored, every episode is exciting.

Overall
I was waiting for this drama for the longest time, and I have no regrets thus far. The drama was well executed.

Leia Mais

"We don't need to be sympathized. We ask for equality."

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Su Nianqin says.

I admit, though I stan Lin Yanjun, I was not that confident in his acting skills cause he's just an amateur but after watching the 8 episodes of CRUSH, I must say, he did great. I was awed at his performance. For someone who's a first timer, he's nailing it. Acting like blind is not easy. He needed to attend a lot of workshops to perfect his role and I wanna salute him cause everything is worth it. For Wan Peng, she's always been great for me. Personally, I think this is my favorite character of Wan Peng. Sang Wuyan is very unpredictable. She has a lot traits and Wan Peng is doing a good job especially when it comes to shifting of emotions. The playful side of Sang Wuyan is just natural and overwhelming.

This drama just exceeded my expectations. You see, I've read the novel and I actually memorized everything inside the novel and so watching the drama is just a bonus.

The scenery, the osts, the timing and the flow of the story is just an A for me. And also, the filterless ambiance is what beautifies the drama. Y'all everyone shall agree with me. The ambiance is just so natural. It feels I am watching 90s movies with a touch modern contemporary arts. The nature-like effects that the production team used is very comforting.

I wanna commend also the exchanges of dialogues from the casts. It amazes me every time Su Nianqin says something that could definitely bring you back to reality.

And one thing is for sure, the message that the drama wants to convey is very clear.

Disabled people don't need sympathy nor empathy, what they need is equality and too bad, the society couldn't give that to them.

Leia Mais

A seemingly innocent drama that deals with issues with the mind.

this drama is like a box of chocolates that 1 piece has wassabi filling inside.
if you want to watch a not so typical drama that talks about serious issues watch this.
i am appalled by how ridiculous the sounds and ambience for this drama.
it is supposed to be a musically inclined drama but the bgm feels like it was supposed to be a thriller
and mystery drama .
the sound at the background when they are kissing is ridiculous. bells .. ting ting ting tong..
it is a creepy sound.
the female lead has the perfect natural smile . you can see her beauty is not medically produced since her side teeth is not that well developed. it is almost crooked to a point which even made me more fall in love with her.. though she kinda needs to learn how to kiss beautifully and naturally. so far janice wu is the only one who has a more natural kiss as i have seen.
i have nothing to say to the male lead.. he pulled off the icy , aloof , problematic blind dude.
that cheng yi scene really put me off in thousand levels up there . idk
supposedly chinese drama are light but this drama went deep down there.
this is a must watch drama. watch it 1 time in your life.

Leia Mais

A drama which is too cute

The couple has lots of cute scenes....this story tells a good meaning and showed that FL knowing he is blind fell in live with him . The female lead never showed her concerns of him being blind and treated him as normal guy.
The plot is fully based on the main leads....so there is less number scenes of supporting actors/actress. Personally at the last episode, i wanted to know about the characters and what to happened to them. And i felt that some scenes needed more explanation or have more dialogues or there should next scene relarion to that especially when the scene was related to supporting characters.But its okay...
All the people in this series did a good job. The acting was really good. They did their best. The music in this drama is so good...its actually soothing to hear them.

The ML has unique personality that i have seen very less in other drama. The FL acting and her cuteness just keeps you too smile everytime. Bt i must say that scenes are perfect...ik i said there could have been more scenes of some parts but it was perfect for its duration. I felt that in some parts they just gave the basic info but thats enough so im not that bugged about it. I have finished the drama easily and i had fun watching it.

The plot has a good storyline and it was engaging....if someone doesnt like cheesiness then some scenes will be like overloaded for you but its cute. I got shocked that chen yindied....and all the while i thought she was alive until wei hao told su nian qian. Damn that was a shocker. The part that lagged was they could have shown wu yan overcoming and or talking about chen yin and letting go of her something like that. But we can assume that she got healed.

So concluding it that its worth it...24 eps you will be able to enjoy it and its worth to watch too.
I hope you also like it!!

Leia Mais

Like fine wine, it steals into your veins, slowly,

Like fine wine Crush steals lowly and stealthily into your veins till you dont even realise you are drunk...At the end of Episode 24, I watched Evan Lin and Wan Peng walk into the sunset, with a feeling of regret, that the story was over.
Does that mean this was a great watch-- Not all throughout. Parts of it were really random-- you didnt know where they were running with the story and felt frustrated. But the good parts were so beautiful that the bad parts can be forgiven.

Like a lot of reviewers said it didnt feel like a C-drama ( which itself is a great compliment). This could be called a drama of characters not of situations.. The characters themselves were so multi-layered, with their back stories never fully revealed, that they provided the thrill and drama. The psychological explanation presented by FL and her friend was very deep and though provoking. Kudos to the writers. One can see they were inspired by the best of American cinema-- the homage to the classics like Silver Lining playbook, A beautiful mind, Sleepless in Seattle were quite interesting. These are much loved classics and as an American I feel proud that these works have inspired others. But there is a catch in such direct inspiration from universally loved movies like Nash's biography or Silver Lining Playbook-- the contrast between the maturity, depth and honesty of those works with the show become immediately apparent. Therefore it kind of leaves a funny after-taste

The two outstanding elements are the music and the acting. The music was modern and lyrical. Absolutely first rate even for a non Chinese viewer. Great replay value for the music especially the ballads sung by Evan Lin.
Acting of everyone was very good but special mention of Evan Lin for a wonderfully nuanced portrayal of a slightly autistic legally blind man with a burdened soul. Wan Peng was good but not brilliant. I may be forgiven for saying that the gamine charm of Wan Peng in school/ college student roles does not translate to mature roles.... Her dialogue delivery was slightly bland and expressionless, voice modulation very lacking, and her styling was AWFUL. Her hair was so badly styled and she was wearing clothes 3 sizes larger than her petite frame. Okay we realise she was playing an 'au naturelle' girl, but she doesnt have to dress up like an academic in her late 60s dressed in comfortable over-large tweed coats brought from a yard sale . Give the girl a break!
In contrast Evan Lin was dressed beautifully, sharp suits and nicely fitted shirts. And as they repeated a million times, he really does have pretty eyes.
One thing that distressed me how they made Wan Peng parrot how her character wasnt good enough for Evan Lin's character. Smart people dont look at looks only but at the whole package and the ML got a great deal of love and acceptance fromthe FL at a time when he didnt have anyone by his side.... Somehow reiterating how her looks didnt match up to his -- robbed the drama of the kind of liberal values it started off with.

Leia Mais

Unique

Plot is quite logical with few plot holes and unnecessary scenes in the later part of the story. Don’t know what happened to the actress playing the role of Cheng Yin, maybe her failure to commit till the end of the show lead to the death of Cheng Yin and Wu Yan, longing for her friend, became mentally ill with schizophrenia. Also, the other 2 friends moving to the suburb with the female lead is a bit unnecessary. Moreover, it is a bit unrealistic of the male lead to learn the Chinese characters and business related subjects within 3 years. Other than that, the plot is interesting with great chemistry and is quite detailed in depicting the life of a blind. They even made sure the hairstyles and clothes of the casts are different after 3 years, depicting adulthood.

Casts are extremely good looking and I am satisfied with the male lead’s acting, considering it’s his first time acting.

Music is really well composed, especially the 2 background musics. One that depicts cute and funny scene, the other that depicts chemistry and skin ship. However, they have so few songs that they kept repeating the same 5 songs many times within an episode that they wrongly associate the songs to the scenes towards the end.

Leia Mais

#BLINDNESS IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED?

Now I know why this drama gained positive feedbacks, it is undoubtedly one of the best modern drama I've invested my time so far. Wan Peng proved again that she is a versatile actress and the chemistry she had with Lin Yan Jun here unnecessary need a second thought for me to fall hard to them. Lin Yan Jun as well played so well who's having an impaired vision with stern face all the time but became abnormal lovesick after.😅 Whenever their ost played along especially "Meeting You" which both of them sings together, "Forever Shine For Me" sing by him, and "As I Believe", I cannot help to voice out my side comment of how good they are in singing. Every lines of the songs are completely meaningful and made me stirred as if it was meant for me (way atik besh😊). Lin Yan Jun's voice can easily captured every girls attention and of course raise my hand😍. At first, it was the female lead who persistently pursue the male lead, and bravely show her deep affection even though he countlessly ignored her and treat very coldly. She's so vocal and true to herself which melted away his cold heart and break the walls he build to distance himself from anyone. Indeed, goodness and sincerity conquers all😉. Anyway, the home they started together become more colorful and livelier when they finally had their adorable daughter. Beyond satisfactory for me and gonna rate this 10/10❤.

Leia Mais

Beautifully romantic

Absolutely LOVED this drama. It was so romantic, and the music was outstanding, from the melancholy cello instrumental to ‘Forever Shine’ sung by ML, Evan Lin. I highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed. It just has a wonderfully dreamy, romantic feel to it.

In every drama that I’ve seen Wan Peng (FL), I’ve liked her immensely. The characters she plays aren’t too cutesy (so they don’t get on your nerves after 24+ episodes), and they behave in a mature, straight-forward fashion – just like an ordinary girl/woman. In Crush, her character was certainly persistent as she pursed ML in the 1st half of the drama but not annoyingly pushy. She simply didn’t let his cold attitude deter her, and her persistence paid off as he finally, as he says later, ‘allowed’ himself to fall in love with her. Even when she was acting emotionally/irrationally during their break-up, she was still likeable. Her reaction was a ‘real’ reaction – you could imagine a real woman making the same decisions she made under the circumstances.

As for ML (Evan Lin), I’ve found a new Chinese actor to fan-girl…even though I’m far past the age of being a ‘girl’. He’s not handsome; he’s beautiful, and he does a good job of looking ‘other worldly’ when he’s playing the blind portion of this character. He looks like he belongs in a serene, ethereal garden. Sort of untouchable. He looks even hotter in those glasses. It’s so romantic when he’s carrying FL down the stairs even though he’s blind! And he manages to get her all the way to the hospital too! Yes, his character is insecure and needy (especially when he finally allows himself to ‘need’ FL), and he does morph into the domineering, somewhat obsessive CEO during the 2nd half of the drama, but his behavior is still believable. Honestly, he sort of has to become the obsessive CEO since FL freezes him out when they meet again. His character certainly has its flaws, but you love him anyway. At least, I did.

The break-up. This, too, was believable, and to me, both characters were to blame. Both were dealing with sick fathers and external pressures so there was a lot of emotion flying around and they made rash decisions and statements. There shouldn’t have been a break-up because they loved each other, but circumstances and overcharged emotions sort of forced it upon them. Once everyone calmed down, they should have gotten back together again, but it took three years for that to happen. I do think FL didn’t need to treat ML so coolly when they met again, but I suppose it was a defense mechanism. I’m glad ML took the initiative to pursue her; I guess it was a reversal of their first meeting where she pursued him despite his coolness. I loved how, to him, they’d been engaged for three years despite their separation.

The parents. ML had a complicated family, but they really didn’t factor into his romance with FL – other than his dad’s illness adding to the emotional break up and how his mother’s death shaped his worldview In other words, they didn’t actively interfere. FL’s dad was the typical kind Chinese dad but ends up dying. FL’s mom, however, played a large role in ML’s insecurities. First half of the drama, mom was the typical control freak Chinese parent – trying to direct FL’s career choices and basically, telling ML he was a burden to FL because of his disability. So unkind and insensitive and really discriminatory. By 2nd half, mom had mellowed and was all for their relationship. Mom’s initial opinion of ML is one of the reasons he went through with eye surgery and accepted the role of CEO; he wanted to prove that he wasn’t a burden.

I did think it odd that ML's 'aunt' was counseling FL on why ML responded or act as he did - I thought FL was the psychologist. Shouldn't she have been able to figure that out herself? Also, shouldn't she (or someone) have realized that she needed counseling in regards to her dead roommate? Until ML showed up, it seemed like everyone was fine with her hallucinations - at least, no one was actively urged her to get counseling. The hallucination thing was sort of creepy, and I really don't know why it was added.

The second couple – I wasn’t interested in them or their band (although their song was pretty cool!). I really wish C-dramas would stop spending so much time on second or third couples. It distracts from the MC, and for me, I’m usually bored with the relationship and fast forward through it. There’s nothing wrong with having other couples but spend less time on them. K-dramas have figured out how to do this; C-dramas haven’t…although ‘Poisoned Love’ does a fairly decent job of balancing MC & 2nd couple.

The music was wonderful! Loved this soundtrack. I love it when MLs sing some of the music.

Like I said before, I loved this drama because of its romance, its music and its characters. I highly recommend it.

Leia Mais

This is undoubtedly the best modern Chinese drama this year!

Everything about this drama was just perfect and addicting. This drama got me hooked from the beginning because it has a very unique, heartwarming, and realistic story. It was beautifully written, fascinating, and well-executed. It wasn't even sluggish or rushed in any way. This is the only drama this year that gives me goosebumps and too many butterflies! Su Nianqin and Sang Wuyan's love story is so beautiful and unforgettable; I love how they overcome different obstacles in life and never give up on one other until the end. This is unlike any other Chinese drama I've seen this year because it keeps me anticipating for the next episode, and every subject and scene adds to the drama's beauty; the umbrella scene under a privet tree, the little oranges, the braille couple watch, the subway scene, and Go pro scenes are just a few examples. All of it is something that you will always remember.
I also admire how this drama deals with real-life and societal issues, and sensitive subjects such as visual impairment, autism, paranoia, depression, family issues, life-altering decisions, and pursuing dreams. All of these elements have been cleverly incorporated into the show by the writer. ❤

Nowadays, when a normal person sees a blind person, he/she usually feels pity for him because they are unable to perceive the world and are thus handicapped. However, as seen in this drama, even blind people can live normally in society; it's only that they view things through their ears and nose. This drama gives us a message that "People with impairments don't want our sympathy; all they want is to be treated equally." ❤

In terms of acting abilities, Lin Yanjun and Wan Peng both nailed it! Wan Peng never disappoints with her acting performance; she consistently gives her best in all of her dramas. Her iconic facial expressions, switching of emotions, and ad-libs were always on point.
Her character as Sang Wuyan is one of the best characters I've seen in drama land. She's positive, cheerful, and too good to be true because she forgives and accepts everyone's inferiorities and imperfections. She's the type of character that can give everything just for love. I love her so much. And speaking of Lin Yanjun, he is such a big surprise! Who would have thought that this is his first-ever drama as the main lead? Like I've said before, he did such an impressive job as a newbie.
It's not simple to act blind, but this guy did an excellent job of capturing the feelings, expressions, and movements of a blind man. Wow, just wow! This man is going to be huge. 👏

For chemistry, I've never felt so single until the perfect match "Su Nianqin and Sang Wuyan" couple came into my life. They acted so naturally like every move, dialogue, kiss, hug, and holding hands, were all in harmony. They are one of those rare couples that don't need any skinship or a lot of kisses to see the strong chemistry. I know most reasons why people can't easily let go of this drama is because of them. This is one of the toughest challenges I've encountered in my life as a cdrama fan, it's not easy to get out of this! I am now begging the drama directors and producers to cast them again in a drama. 😭

I just wanna commend the cinematography in this drama. The switching and movements of the camera, and every detail of the shots, were just perfect. It feels like watching a classic movie. The OSTs were addicting and mesmerizing too. Every music was meticulously chosen and perfectly suited the scenes in which it was used. There isn't a single song in the OST that I hate. ❤

Overall, this drama is perfect in all aspects; the story, characters, acting, chemistry between the leads, music, and cinematography. This is the first time in my life that I had so much attachment to a drama. I guess it would take a lot of months before I finally move on.
So guys! Don't hesitate to watch this drama. Highly recommended! You will not be disappointed. ❤

Leia Mais