You Are My Destiny (2020)

Same old story with a new twist

This is like the fourth out of five adaptation that I have watched and so dar I would say it's in my top three. I don't know why but I really really love watching the same drama from different adaptations.

Ever since I hear that China was doing a remake of this classic drama, I was really happy but then I got into a full korean mode that I didn't bother watching dramas from other countries. But I'm really happy that when I got my mood back for a chinese drama this was my top choice. I love how they somewhat modernize the story.

I also love that since this classic drama has been made into different adaptations throughout the years, they changed the story a bit. For someone who has watched different versions of this drama over and over again, it's really nice to see that I'm still looking forward to what will happen in the next episode.

However, one thing that I've noticed is that one of the most important scenes in the whole drama was the "tragic car accident" however, in this version I felt like it was a bit anticlimactic. It didn't have that raw emotion that I was looking for (I think the korean version really nailed this part). Maybe I got my expectations really high but I was looking for a bit more emotion.

I really liked this drama but I think after the accident part it gradually went downhill. I wished to see more of Dylan and Elaine's story in Hungary. I also hoped that they would've banked on this to make Xiyi more jealous. I don't know maybe it's just me.

Also, I would've loved to see the a cute relationship between the ML and FL's mom. Just like the one in the korean version (ya know since he grew up without a mom). What I loved in this version is the aunt and the cousin were really nice to the FL. They were genuinely like a family.

Anyway, this version was not really bad. It was a cute one. A bit different from the others but nevertheless it was a good one. Not regretting watching it.

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A Vast Improvement from the Previous Versions

This version was way better than the previous versions which looked extremely dated and where the leads weren’t drunk but just accidentally slept together because it was a dark room and they for whatever reason thought they were sleeping with their significant others. That was pretty contrived and thus unbelievable. At least in this one the leads ended up in bed together due to an excess of alcohol. That made a lot more sense than the previous versions.

Though Jiaxin was way too timid and naive, I really liked all the scenes between her and XiYi on the cruise ship and how the relationship evolved from there.

The story with Anna was ridiculous all the way around. From her suddenly abandoning her planned cruise with her boyfriend literally right before the ship left the dock. To him not telling her one word about his betrayal for more than four months, and the worst part her still wanting him after the betrayal. Honestly I don’t see how they still had a relationship after she abandoned him on the cruise ship. Being that Anna was a confident woman who already had a career abroad, I can’t imagine that she’d realistically still want to marry XiYi after learning he not only slept with another woman, but got that woman pregnant and married her. No matter the circumstances and her choices that precipitated those circumstances that led to the betrayal. It was ridiculous that she’d still want him after what he’d done.

Though I liked XiYi, he was an ass for cheating and an even bigger ass for not immediately confessing the truth to Anna. I liked Jiaxin but her constant long face over not having a future with XiYi got old pretty fast. In the beginning the dude DID NOT love her and was only with her because she was pregnant. I don’t think she thought through the consequences of staying pregnant . She just wanted to keep it because she wanted it but then when the reality set in she saw that the situation was a burden on everyone, which caused her unhappiness.

Also, the angst of the last 10 episodes could’ve been avoided by simple communication. Though there was some insecurity there, XiYi and Jiaxin were in a good place by episode 24. They were doing romantic things together, affectionate with each other on a regular basis and sleeping together. They were living like a real married couple. It made no sense that she would runoff in unreasonable anger after suddenly getting divorce papers from XiYi saying she’d have to give up all rights to their kid when he’d told her a couple of episodes before she’d be able to see the kid anytime she wanted. If she’d simply calmed down and realized how illogical the situation was, then showed XiYi the papers and confronted him like an adult it would’ve saved a lot of angst.

Also, I thought she was stupid for cooking for Anna when the latter lost her memory, then still being friendly with her after this woman told her that she was going to take back XiYi. What was even more ridiculous is Anna ended up at Jiaxin and XiYi’s wedding as a guest at the end of the series. This woman lied , destroying their relationship for three years and indirectly caused Jiaxin’s miscarriage and she was invited to the wedding? I don’t think so. I don’t care if she was Dylan’s sister. She had no right to be there after the trouble she’d caused.

The actors were great and had strong chemistry. The secondary couple worked as did the friends and family members. The story started to get repetitive and boring the last few episodes. With XiYi constantly running after Jiaxin and her repeatedly rejecting him, the exact same way, same words and all, along with Anna vowing to get XiYi back, a man who didn’t want her at all. It got tiring. In fact, towards the end of the series I started to to really despise Anna. I already didn’t care for her anyway after her prior antics but I hated her by the end of the series. And I began to get sick of Jiaxin and XiYi running after her.

Despite all the ridiculousness and annoying characters , this series was entertaining. Would I watch it again? Maybe certain parts but not the series as a whole.

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"Insanity- doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results"

The development of this story is simply crazy!
I don't understand why anyone would go through all that abuse and still choose to be with that toxic person who tortured them! Dylan was 10000000x times better than the ml. The ml literally deceived both the fl and Anna. I mean imagine coming back from abroad and suddenly learning that your longtime bf has not only cheated on you, but also has a wife and a child. Disclaimer this does NOT mean that I'm excusing any of the sh*t that Anna did, cuz she's a horrible human being and what she did is simply terrible.But still, all I'm saying is that the ml tortured mentally the fl (just imagine having to see a whole a*s portrait of your husband's gf everyday hanging on your bedroom wall, not to mention the other stuff that went down) and deceived Anna. No matter how much of a bad person she is what the ml did to his gf is not right. Her horrible actions do not justify the sketchy attitude of the ml! He could have easily broken up with her as soon as he got married or at least flown to meet with her and explain the situation, but he did neither of those things! He could have at least video-called her and told her everything, but NOPE. He didn't do that either! Instead he chose to basically be with both of the girls at the same time, like a coward. Even at the very beginning when Anna left the cruise he could have simply broken up with her, since he couldn't take all the moving that she had to do. She was chasing after her dream, which I find admirable, if he couldn't take it he should have simply told her!
Then we have the fl who for some reason can't seem to move on from the toxic as hell ml. I'm not gonna lie, Dylan was so so SO much better than literally every other character. He seemed like the only sane person in the whole drama (even the grandma and fl's master- both of which I loved- should've stuck to their own devices and left the fl and ml alone rather than trying to get them back together). Even if the ml wasn't that horrible towards the fl I still cannot fathom why anyone would choose to be with someone so immature. The fact that he literally couldn't own up to the situation that happened and instead wanted to have one's cake and eat it too seems how incredibly immature he is. And I'm not talking about a playful, slightly childish, but harmless behaviour. I'm talking full on immature, egoistic and irresponsible (very much harmful) behaviour... None of the sh*t that went down would have happened had he talked it out with the involved parties. He literally had MONTHS(!) to find the courage and spill the beans to his gf!
Though I believe Dylan was a better choice that the ml, I think the best possible ending would include a single Fl, who's willing to spend time and energy to grow as a person! Not as a distraction from her problems but as a legitimate way of caring for one's self! She should get professional help so as to move on and truly love herself, which she clearly does not!

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This was my first time seeing the leads Liang Jie and Xing Zhao Lin in a drama but I've heard good things about them. So I tried watching this adaptation. I've seen the first two by the way: Taiwanese and Korean.

STORY:
Nothing new about the story here. It's just the names of the characters like Chen Jiang Xin (Liang Jie) and Wang Xi Yi (Xing Xhao Lin) that differ, I guess. They had the same formula: female lead gets pregnant while mistakenly in a cruise ship and they get married while the male lead had a girlfriend who ditched him in favor of her career as a ballerina. Female lead is a pushover at the start with her sticky notes and all that and the male lead at first just keeps the pretense of marriage to appease his grandmother. No surprises there, actually. The female lead's family is still there but I think the only difference is rather than Jiang Xin having 2 sisters, they only gave her 1 sister and the other character that's supposed to be her sister that would fall in love with Wang Xi Yi's assistant is her best friend in this adaptation. What I noticed though is this adaptation is bit more serious than the others. There were funny moments, yes. But in this adaptation the girlfriend is a bit more clingy? Plus they only got back together at the end? Meaning the last 30 mins of this drama that I didn't get to enjoy a bit of their married life like the past adaptations. That's my only issue I guess.

ACTING/CAST:
The rumors were true. Liang Jie and Xing Zhao Lin both have chemistry. And not just chemistry but explosive chemistry. I'm not sure if them being paired together for the 3rd time is a factor to that working relationship but damn they were so natural in this drama that I would think they were dating or married. Nevertheless, I didn't question their chemistry. Maybe I'm going to watch their first 2 dramas. The other cast were also perfect for their roles.

MUSIC:
Finally, one of those CDramas in which I loved the OST. It had this recall I was looking for. The kind where when I would listen to it, I would be reminded of the drama or certain scenes in the drama.

REWATCH VALUE:
Yes. If just for the chemistry, yes.

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The thing is in this story, it would be so so much more enjoyable if u stop urself for thinking about morals. IF Wang Xi Yi was honest with his girlfriend it would have been rly rly good. He should call her and properly explain and broke up.

For the whole time i feel uncomfortable becuz if Wang Xi Yi is rly a good man why did he not come clean to his gf when he accidentally slept with Chen Jia Xin. I do not blame Chen Jia Xin when she accidentally slept with a random man she just met on the cruise (i mean, damn girl! the guy is so hot!) but Wang Xi Yi never rly break up with his gf and yet he slept with another woman.
And with all the thing that happen, getting married to Chen Jia Xia, i do not see the guilt nor see him coming clean to his gf who is aboard who he is STILL in a relationship with. If he is not loyal then at least he could be honest. I know everyone like the female lead and the male lead but that does not mean what Wang Xi Yi did is excusable, try putting urself into is gf shoes....Urghhh. Once i consider this point, i truly do not like this type of plot line, its like ur worldview is only one sided. Also, the male lead family, the grandmother, all this time i can't believe she never know her grandson has a gf. So she is demanding marriage to Chen jia xin even when she knew he's with Shi Anna( which she should know cause he has been with his gf for a long time before) why is she demanding marriage to some random girl? Isnt this kinda harsh? So the legit girlfriend unknowingly became the misstress while none of the audience did not think there something wrong with this? just bad taste for me.

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Fresh and natural take of a cult classic - CHEMISTRY THRU THE ROOF

I just finished this drama and I must say that it is better than what you’d expect with all the negative comments I’ve been reading about.

First, CHEMISTRY between JiaXin (Liang Jie) and Xiyi (Xing Zhao Lin) is as STRONG AS EVER! Fans of the ZhaoJie ship will not be disappointed as our fave onscreen couple is still delivering all the giddy feeling we felt in The Eternal Love 1 & 2. I’d also say that I love ZhaoJie’s chemistry more than the recent pairing of Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara because ZhaoJie had a more natural and fresh chemistry while the Jang’s had a very “practiced/too perfect” chemistry.

Second, this Chinese version is the more realistic and natural “feeling” storyline with no over the top acting/scenarios (looking at you Korean version) or super jerk ML (Taiwanse version). I also liked that they gave more episodes to hash out how the ML grew to love our FL and vice versa. For FTLY fans, give this version a chance as the cinematography and OST is very refreshing.

What I didn’t like is they spent little time in the reconciliation part which felt like ripping a band aid so fast, you couldn’t even feel the sting before you blow on the wound. I cried buckets at the ending but the resolution didn’t have as big impact as in the Taiwanese version. The ending also didn’t have as much as fan service as the Korean version which had like 4 episodes of fan service.

Lastly, to those who’d never watched the original Taiwanese version and the Korean version, yes the whole premise of this show is about LOVE THAT STARTED with a one night stand. Yes there is cheating in different degrees based on which version you’re watching. If you don’t like any show with cheating involved and you’re close minded about that, then you will never like this show. Move on and not waste your time leaving a negative comment. IMHO you should rate a show based on its merit storywise, chemistry, cinematography, ost, etc and not because of some preconceived bias against certain topics.

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Well develop story compared to other versions but rushed ending

Reason to like this drama:
The reason I got into Cdrama most of their shows have great character development and th story flow is on point. This series is no different. The character development is well made and outlined. If you compare this to the other versions e.g. Taiwan and Korean the love story in this version isn't a "sudden" or a rush occurrence. The flow of how the characters fell in love and the overall attitude of the people around them are more realistic than the other versions which is why I like this version more.
The Mediocre things about the drama: the acting for me is alright. It wasn't bad but not award winning either. The most heart wrenching scene didn't impact me as much as the other versions did. Not sure if it was the acting or the way the director portrayed the whole scene that it didn't impact me so much.
Disappointing things about the drama: the ending feels rushed. The way the ML and FL found out the truth about their misunderstanding was just "meh". That was the most annoying thing for me - it was simply an unrealistic scene. Like no confrontation, no realistic portrayal of such a huge revelation and most all the 2nd FL suddenly just accepted that she can't force love whereby for the past 3 years she has been selfish and greedy. She didn't had an ounce of guilt to what she did and the outcome of her actions and in a second she had a changed of heart?!
The 1st 24episodes are the most well developed and well written for me hence I sat down and watch it without hitting the 10 second fast forward button.

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Well my short review.
I have to say I was not expecting the main lead to be so kind and just. Often this trope, Romance with a rich CEO, is filled with high handedness and cold demeanor but not this CEO. He is considerate, kind and just in ways that the genre has not been in the past. I have noticed that over the last year or two there has been a shift from melodrama to sweet romances that start with unexpected meetings and eventually lead to happy endings though a series of destined events. The characters seem more trusting and truthful as well. I for one am loving this new trope. The villains have become so much bolder and offensive too... cheating on your gf in her room?! Its pretty sleezy. But in this case a great way to bring about our characters destiny. Here, our ML comes to the rescue of our FL in a situation that pretty much sucks. He does everything right and ends up finding himself on the receiving end of a number of coincidences that seal his fate. I can't wait to see how he brings himself to accept it! Well quite a few episodes in... I dont know if I am liking the way ML approaches his problem but I continue liking how quick he is to come to the FL rescue or comfort when she is struggling. I absolutely cant stand that he is waiting to meet Anna in person to tell her what happened... it feels like a bit cowardly. I full on felt the mothers anguish as she walked in daughters bedroom and I am looking forward to seeing how they overcome this problem.

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EXTREME SPOILER!!! That ending though....

As terrible as it sounds, I preferred Jiaxin during the last few good happy episodes, maybe around 15-24. She wasnt getting dragged around the office, she had a purpose, she was still that sweet, happy, innocent, caring, young sticky note girl, but was now she getting treated better at work. After the tragedy happens, she turns stubborn and honestly annoying. She claims to be more mature than before, but she never gave Xiyi a chance to explain himself out. That is what really bothered me, no one at all let Xiyi speak about how he FELT! Not to mention, she never even tried to understand his feelings, does she not realize it was his child too? Anyways you literally get 11 episodes of them going back and forth. In some episodes they almost make up and then in the next one, Jiaxin literally pushes him away. It's always her pushing him away. I literally wanted Xiyi to give up on her because I was that frustrated with her actions, but I still remained on watching it because I wanted to see the ending, yk the ORIGINAL ENDING. The ending was terrible! you get 11 sad, exhausting, cat and mouse chase episodes, and THEN 10 mins worth of happiness. They get married and basically go on a boat together. Thats it. I expected them to finally be happy and have a child of their own again like in the original version, but nope. I would've been satisfied if it was one episode, not 10 mins. Overall, honestly loved it, but the last episodes threw me off a lot! I enjoyed the couple so much and that is why I am upset over the ending.

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I resisted watching this show for a while because of some of the reviews. I had watched only the Korean version "Fated to Love You" and I REALLY ENJOYED it, so I was not sure if I would like the Chinese version.

Ultimately, I caved after watching the trailer a few times and was drawn in by the amazing chemistry between the ML and FL. I have not seen "Eternal Love", so this is my first time seeing Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie act together. They complement each other so well, and I loved the scenes with them together. Not just the romantic ones, but also the ones filled with heartache and anger; all tugging at my heartstrings. For me, the rewatch value of this show is high because of their moments together.

Before anything else, I have to comment on the music track. It is simply well-done! Every song was great and perfectly suited the scenes. The way each piece was incorporated into the scene just elevated the mood of the moment. I particularly like the duet that was sung by Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie.

Even though this show is a remake and stayed true to the general theme of the original, the screenwriter incorporated enough plot twists to enable the show to stand on its own. Other than knowing the dramatic turns that were coming up and preparing my heart for them, I did not find myself comparing this version to the Korean one much.

I thought the pace of the show was good even though some reviewers thought it was draggy towards the end. Would I have preferred more sizzling episodes of them finally getting together and being all lovey-dovey? Absolutely!!! However, I personally enjoyed watching the push-pull relationship between Wang Xi Yi and Chen Jia Xin. How the story evolved and ended felt right to me, and the actions of the two leads totally relatable. The personal development of these two characters was a delight to watch.

True, a couple of episodes like episode 34 were kind of painful, and I did skip through the scenes about Shi Anna' back story. As much as I loved staring at gorgeous Dylan, I also skipped scenes about her in general. Anna was such a limpet, and I had no interest in her at all. The rest of the characters though, were awesome! Grandma (Xi Yi's grandmother) and Lin Xi Shi (Jia Xin's mother) were such fantastic role models, showing wisdom and strength and both so protective of the couple. I also found the progression of the secondary couple, An Son and Si Qi, entertaining. Xi Yi's aunt and cousin went through some personal growth as well, and they were actually quite nice in this version.

Acting-wise, the cast did well. Both Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie portrayed their characters well, although I think Xing Zhao Lin did a better job of emoting via his facial expressions. His look of determination after he's decided on something for example, was so endearing.

Overall, I would recommend this show, and while it is probably not easy, I think people should try to avoid comparing it to the other versions. It is really a great show to watch!

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Draggy and very disappointing ending

Story is okay at first, somehow sweet and cliché, then the main conflict comes in, and is finished after 10 EPISODES. Very draggy and finished in a VERY VERY RUSHED MANNER. The conflict's end and their marriage packed in a whole 1 45-minute episode. I would rather watch a drama which has more conflicts but eacb conflict finished within 2/3 eps, 5 eps is still acceptable, but 10 Episodes? A definite no. And it ends right after the conflict without enough sweet scenes to compensate the watchers.

I don't regret watching this drama tho. The acting and the cast are chosen correctly. The chemistry is there, and they can act. Xing Zhaolin and Liang Jie's acting saved it. The sweet and funny Ansen and Liu Siqi also made it more enjoyable remembering in the 2008 version Ansen doesn't have a loveline(in fact i enjoy this couple more than the main cp). Ost is very good, especially the ending ost 命中注定 by Della丁噹, it keeps spinning around in my head.

I don't plan to rewatch it and I prefer the original one, cause although the story is more absurd and cliché, but the story isn't as draggy as the 2020 remake. I'd rather watch more refreshing and lighthearted ones.

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A perfect blend of OG Taiwanese Dramas and new Chinese Dramas

Having heard a lot of frustration and mixed reviews about the last 10 episodes or so of this drama, I was honestly preparing myself for it to be pretty bad, but I honestly really enjoyed it, and asides from maybe the ending being rushed, I agree with the majority of the writing choices.

Being already a fan of Liang Jie and Xing Zhao Lin, I was super excited to see their chemistry here, and they definitely don't disappoint. They're so natural around each other, and it was very touching to see their characters' relationship develop over time. The beginning was fast paced, comedic, and super enjoyable to watch. The various mishaps, while sometimes cringey, were super fun to watch nonetheless. Honestly, compared with many other modern day romantic cdramas, Jia Xin and Xi Yi are both more complex than what appears on the surface, and I think the situations these characters went through really shows their development and growth. While I was definitely frustrated with both at times, you really can't help but still love them, root for them, and ultimately understand where they're coming from/why they do what they do.

The relationship b/w Jia Xin and her mom was beautiful, and same goes for her relationship with Xi Yi's grandma. The supporting characters (namely Anson + Siqi) were fun to watch, but definitely didn't go through as much development. Some characters were pretty much forgotten about completely (Xiyi's aunt + brother). Some characters didn't really develop at all lol (Dylan, Anna). But nonetheless, I still enjoyed watching them all.

I think what hits me the most is the storyline between Ximi and the 3 year time jump. It definitely gave me My Lucky Star feels, and made me cry like a baby. I was so so impressed by the main leads' acting, and despite never experiencing something like what they did, I was so touched. It brought the dramatic writing of mid-2000s Taiwanese dramas and updated it to appeal to the modern-day cdrama watcher. It gave me both a sense of nostalgia without being as over the top/cringey as older dramas haha.

Like others have mentioned, the last episode was definitely rushed, and the leads only got back together within like the last 5 minutes. I feel like a lot of cdramas nowadays have the tendency to do this. I would've loved for them to go visit Ximi's room together, or just spend more time together rather than rushing straight into their wedding.

I already miss their chemistry, so even though I don't like historical dramas, I might actually watch The Eternal Love now!

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