We Started Dating From Marriage (2020)

A nice twist to the 'Overbearing CEO' trope

Love, love the female lead! Not only was she smart, confident, sassy, and influential, Lu Fang Ning was also attractive, and I lusted over her outfits. Her character was the first to draw me in and kept me vested in the show, and the presence of Ling Rui, the male lead, enhanced my watching experience. Zhou Yu Tong and Simon Gong have great chemistry, and they look so good together. This is the first time I watched Zhou Yu Tong, and she has the air of a female lead. Simon Gong has improved a lot since his role in the Love Equations. He emoted well and portrayed the brilliant, calm, reserved but charismatic Ling Rui perfectly. The two leads complemented each other so well, and it was endearing to see their consideration and care for each other as their love deepened.

I enjoyed the character development for the leads, and interestingly, there was a role reversal towards the end. What I appreciate was that Fang Ning did not lose her spunk. She was calmer and more matured but did not lose her fighting spirit despite having suffered adversities. Ling Rui, on the other hand, charmingly became more overbearing and demanding, motivated by his fear of losing Fang Ning again. I liked how he strategized and anticipated Fang Ning's moves so that he can compel her to stay with him, but he did it so smoothly and in a non-creepy way.

The supporting characters were precisely that, nothing more but to keep the story flowing. Most were likable, though, and the whole cast had a great rapport with each other. It was interesting to see Ling Rui living and surrounded by three female relatives. Fang Ning's family story was heart-breaking but provided an opportunity for a heart-warming ending. I did not suffer the second lead syndrome, but I did sympathize with Lu Yi Yao. He would have been a good match for Fang Ning, and I can picture them as a power couple in the business.

The show was well-written, and the comedy was on point with amusing soliloquies from the leads and the creative scenes when their imaginations ran wild.

Another plus point was the OST - so effectively used in the poignant scenes, and each song evoked the right mood and heightened my watching pleasure.

Why I could not rate it a perfect 10:

1) I detested the second female lead character. In a show that featured a strong female lead, I did not understand why there had to be a character so simpering, self-absorbed, and totally unworldly wise. She was so into romance novels, blinded by the thought of romance instead of acknowledging actual feelings. She did redeem herself a little towards the end, but I fast-forwarded through most of her scenes.
2) There were some plot holes, and some scenes felt "shallow" like there should have been more development of those storylines.
3) Lu Yi Yao's sudden change of affection to the second female lead - I didn't see the chemistry, nor did I see any reason for that transition other than his fear of aging.

Overall, a recommended watch for the amazing leads, good dialogue, well-delivered comedy, and sweet romance.

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Fun, but stupid

The Good:
⌲ The excellent chemistry between the leads (far better than in Love Equations)
⌲ The acting is relatively good across the board.
⌲ The fluff is great & there is A LOT of it.
⌲ The whole pursuing the man thing was a lot of fun most of the time.
⌲ The top tier comedy before the timeskip (It's been consistently funny)
⌲ The love triangle is very tame & fizzles out in time.
⌲ Fun cohabitation
⌲ The contract marriage trope works great in this one.

The Neutral:
⌲ The half brother's ambitions (Seems like due to censorship all that buildup has been for nought, his story has gotten axed & he had only appeared for like a minute after the timeskip)
⌲ The childhood connection (I've seen far worse)
⌲ As cute as their kid was, I've seen better Chinese child actors.
⌲ The side couples

The Bad:
⌲ Episodes 22,23 and 24 are utter garbage.
⌲ The separation due to noble reasons
⌲ The redemption arks are the worst. (father, stepmom, GaoE - neither of these make sense)
⌲ I'm sick and tired of practicing doctor leads needing to go aboard just when they are about to start enjoying life.
⌲ There is not a whole lot of plot, but it's incredibly dumb at times.
⌲ Simon (bad acting, super weird stuff before the timeskip)
⌲ Lu Fang Ning chickening out felt horrible to me. (At one point ML gave up resisting in anger, but..)

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Should have been a 24 episode drama

The drama started out well and if it would have ended on 2/3 of its length - it would have been such a better watch. The story had way too many tropes for sub-plots which it could have easily done without.
The good things were:
FL acted really well and had a great comic timing. She and the kid were the only characters who made the last 1/3 a little bearable.
ML is cute and definitely a treat to look at, but FL stole the show for sure.
The female friendship was a treat to watch. I kept expecting someone to backstab/plot and I was pleasantly surprised.

My issues with the drama:
I have a short attention span and the drama has to be really good to hold my attention. The last 10 episodes I had to see while fast forwarding. There was too much going on, a lot of open ends to be closed and there were some very unnecessary revenges, trauma and redemptions happening. I personally don't think that arc was required. All this unnecessary chaos took time away from showing growth of the characters. Second lead essentially woke up one day to realize he didn't treat the second FL right and got her back after minimal pursuing. There is also a 6 year leap which essentially solved all problems on its own without portraying any actual growth.

My recommendation
It's a decent watch with some fast forwading involved. However, it is definitely not rewatch worthy.

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SPICY SWEET ADULT RELATIONSHIP

Begin Again is one of the most adult drama ever watched, ever existed, a true masterpiece. Spicy, charming, passionate, intriguing, true to its heart. Everyone saying a nonsense "lack of logic", i think they are lacking empathy.
Reversed clichè, well- developed clichès, reversed stereotypes and critic about stereotypes and sexism.
Every man should be like Ling Rui, every woman should be like Lu Fangning. They are both strong in their own way.
I liked Lu Yiyao and Cai Siyu story, but i can't stand Yiyao despite the good actor.
The second part of the story, yes, it's true that maybe it can lack logic, but think about it. A woman, or better a human being, can they act rationally when they are attacked and stabbed + backstabbed in their work and emotionally? I don't think so.
Spicy atmosphere and flirting is quite the routine in the drama, together with family dynamic and intrigues.
Every character is well developed throughout the whole drama.
Gong Jun and Zhou Yutong are really fit for the role and they act in a very comfortable and natural way, with a very strong and on-point chemistry.
This drama shows how destiny can wait if it's true love, that true love has no meaning if it's too easy to achieve. That sometimes we can be blinded by desire and will, not to be able to recognise what our cherished people can wish for us.
It's a very mature drama, not easy to understand, you have to use brain and understand it, with all its mature topic.
I suggest Begin Again to every person looking for a passionate love story.
10/10 hands down.

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One of the best in terms of Arranged Marriage Drama.

Yay finally finished this one and what a long ride!!!
Here are the things that made me love this drama:
- The first ep is really catchy.
- Love their chemistry hehe and there's a lot of lovey dovey scenes.
- One of the dramas that made me cry.
- I love how Zhou Yu Tong nails her character as the bossy FL and funny at the same time.
- Simon Gong is handsome ♥
- The side couples are cute hehe.
- The ending was long and lovely.
- Lastly the OST are good (Both Leads also sang one of the OST which i found so lovely)
There are some point in the drama that it was quite slow but still its super worth to watch. If you're a fan of this kind of dramas then this is a must watch for you.
Special mention to my friend who suggested this to me haha i wouldn't discover this drama because of her :D.
Will definitely give it a rewatch hehe so i need to Begin Again xD.

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How to destroy an initially good idea...

Although many reviewers had fun, I thought the second half of the show was bad.

This show is obviously an illustration of the old British saying, "It is said, that a woman's heart is like a needle in the bottom of the sea."

FL is completely out of character. Whoever has such a "loving woman" at his side no longer needs enemies. She has literally blown up the great love and the two families right along with it. Families, are in Asia still much more important, than with us in the west. This woman takes no prisoners.

Why does she destroy her families and ML without need? Yes, why?!

One can hardly believe her reason for separation. In order to relieve the ML she only had to go with him to Germany, her career as a businesswoman was over anyway. Happy holydays in Heidelberg!

Even later, FL has many absurd reasons to maintain the separation and withhold the son from the father, Ling Rui. With poor, pretextual excuses. From this we can conclude: the FL was doing quite well, there was no pressure of suffering that would have motivated her to return. Only her business interest finally causes her to return home.

From episode 25 on, the fun was over! But it was clear that FL and ML had to be brought together again. That's what the writers are there for, they'll do it, even if the rind cracks.

It is clear that the authors would not shy away from any kind of remorse kitsch. This is absolutely necessary to make the unpleasant aftertaste of breaking the infamous FL forgotten. The word "sorry," for example, is now on the index in my book.

I guess any relationship would be over after such experiences and after 6 long nasty years. The injuries caused by FL's lack of character and baseness should damage any trust forever. Who wouldn't break up with her? But then the embracing forgiveness by the authors takes hold.

Still, the mood - at least mine - is gone. The lovey-dovey talk, the professions of love in the rest of the event now seem unbelievable. Really a pity , because the tough business woman of the first half was believable and sympathetic in her straightforwardness.

During the second half, you just wait for FL's lapses, even a Love Afair with the childish Shen Zhuo would be believable for her. And let's keep quiet about the finale with Gao Er Fan, the ghost sister and all the sugar coating and marriage proposal the second. Let's hope she doesn't sneak away again, secretly.

But OK, don't panic, it's just show and a lot was nice too. The actors are much better than the plot of the drama, the second half of which really belongs in the trash bin. And of course: the FL is very attractive! (ML too).

Sorry for the harsh review. English subs could be better!

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a whole meal

This could've easily been a normal 24 episode drama, but no...they extended the timeline and gave it a complete ending. love it. The chemistry and acting is soo on point. Even the casting is on point (I'd believe if FL and her sister are blood related irl..but what are the chances). Also the character development is pretty great as well...nothing exaggerated or unreasonable. I don't know what else to say. I would recommend this to everyone.
Music and production is on point too. The only reason why rewatch isn't as high as the other stars is because I don't rewatch things that often. And like I said before, this could've easily been a 24 episode drama that I'd still recommend, but the last few episodes after the time skip really bring everything together.

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Enjoyable and Worth Watching

This is a nice easy to watch romcom about a contract marriage. I've seen a few Simon Gong dramas to notice that his acting has improved a lot and he has shown versatility in tackling a more mature role as Dr. Ling Rui in this drama. My first time watching the FL, I think she did a good job playing the role of successful domineering CEO Lu Fang Ning. A strong female lead is very encouraging. Another surprise here is Garvey Jin's good comedic performance as Simon. I liked how some of the second leads started as antagonists then ended up as good guys. It was fun to see how Lu Fang Ning and Tang Ping Ping evolved from being enemies to close friends and how straight-faced cold Simon loosened up to pursue Cai Si Yu. The other supporting cast were also likable and who can forget the adorable Lu You You! I admit there were some draggy parts, for me it was somewhere in the middle before leading up to the time skip. I quite enjoyed the rest of the episodes post time skip, they were more light hearted. I liked the cinematography, editing, locations, wardrobes though I deducted some rating points for little things like make up style which I'm not a fan of and few forgivable plot holes. I found this drama refreshing having some unique spin on common storylines and tropes. Overall, enjoyable and worth watching.

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The type of cliche drama that you'd want to rewatch all over again

A 10/10 for me. Some parts were cliche, but they did it so well I can't complain. FL really did a great job in acting. I really love the actress' speaking voice and her acting. ML was a bit lacking in the acting aspect, but I think it's because of the character he's portraying. Plot twist was a bit predictable, but I'm glad everything was resolved. And I so loved episode 26 onwards.

But honestly, the number 1 reason why I stayed and why I loved this so much is because of Gong Jun. Man's handsome as hell. That's also why rewatch value is a 10, but I'd only rewatch from episodes 25 onwards.

Again, eye candy Gong Jun is worth it.

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I simply done with this kind of trope

I just watch this drama out of boredom. This kind of trope should be ban or completely removed in cdrama because it is so common. Most of the modern cdrama nowadays has this trope and im just tired of it.The storyline is so common and you can predict what will happen next. The acting of the Female Lead was good but not that good, she needs to improve some of her facial expressions because sometimes it does not fit on the scenario she was playing and also GongJun acting's is like a wooden stick that does not know how to use his eyes and face to give us more emotions and shows what the character feels at the moment. He is just a pretty boy that knows how to properly kiss. If you want some sugar then watch it but this drama is definitely not for me.

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This is probably one of my favorite contemporary Chinese dramas. I stumbled upon this drama accidentally and I never looked back. I've seen Gong Jun in another drama and I know that he is really good plus his eyes are expressive so I was curious especially with the plot.

STORY:
Lu Fang Ning (Zu Yu Tong) is a domineering CEO. What I liked about her character is that she is head strong, decisive, and doesn't care what anyone thinks. She does what she does and no one can stop her. We need these kinds of female leads in a Chinese dramas to be honest. I'm tired of the damsel in distress and domineering CEO plot. Anyway, she meets the male lead Ling Rui (Gong Jun) who is a doctor and concocts a plan of having him as her husband due to family pressure that she should be married and she should start a family. She chooses him because he's suitable and he's also pretty handsome. It was really hilarious seeing the female lead court the male lead. Of course in all marriage in name plots the leads eventually fall in love. What's new there? I especially love Fang Ning's friends, Su Yu and especially Tang Ping who is too clingy. They added color and fun to the plot. Though my favorite part of this drama is the 6 year time jump and when their son was added to the mix. We can see a reverse in roles perhaps? Ling Rui being domineering and Fang Ning being timid due to guilt. The ending is very satisfying that I didn't think too much of it being 35 episodes long. I wanted more and luckily they had 4 extra episodes which made my heart soar.

ACTING/CAST:
I already knew what Gong Jun was capable of but damn his chemistry with Zhou Yu Tong is off the charts. I loved watching their characters interact with one another and I especially love how natural they are. Me watching the behind the scenes footage doesn't help either. They were too natural it was like they were close friends. Or more than that. Or I don't know. I really, really like how they act together and I hope they get to have another drama together. I also had no problem with the other casts. Whoever casted this drama deserves a raise.

MUSIC:
There was one song that I really liked. And I'm grateful for OSTs that are good. It adds color to the story.

REWATCH VALUE:
Yes. And I recommend this drama as well. Yes, I've seen this for 3 times and I'm proud of it. lol

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In my top 3 best romcom of 2020! Luv the mainleads chems! RECOMMENDED!

Highlights:
- Liking how it’s the opposite of the most common drama characters (this one the rich dominating CEO is the woman n the “kinda normal” character is the guy)... they r both really goodlooking n so well matched…The chemistry is superb!
- There r character development for the mainleads n the other casts… even people u hate at first, they end up being ok people n in good terms with everybody... super happy ending kinda story…
- The kid actor is just super adorable!
- I like it plotwise… it’s not like a unique plot, it’s a contract marriage turn to real luv, but it’s definitely an entertaining watch, almost no boring moments, I rarely skipped scenes in this! which I do usually a lot for too boring/angsty parts in the drama… maybe there r some a bit too cringy moments for some people, but they r ok for me coz I just like the mainleads acting together, so natural... n I’ve watched their other dramas, IMO they r each other’s best partner so far...

Things I’m not too fond of:
- It took 6 years for them to reunite? It’s just too long to leave someone u luv like that, esp if u don’t even have a good enough reason to separate in the first place… she could’ve just gone with him to Germany since she gave up the company anyway… plus he deserves to know about his kid, he missed the first 5years of his life! I know they use this to make a big must have problem in a drama so they can have the last 10eps fixing that or there will be no important plot... plus they might wanna use a kid that’s big enough to act super cute n smart, so that time gap is explainable... n yes like I said before, Lu Youyou is just so cute, so his presence is just worth the time gap!
- The cliche “they knew each other from childhood” plot… though in this drama it’s kinda needed, since it’s the big reason for him to say yes to the contract marriage in the first place…

Overall it’s in my top 3 best romcom of 2020... Highly recommended! They have only 1 major break up! Yeah I know it’s a huge one, but still compared to some dramas that give soooo many breakup moments, this is an ok one... plus eventhough they got separated 6years in eps24, but on air aspect for us as watchers, by the next episode they already have an encounter again,so it’s not like we gotta wait for a few eps of them not meeting each other... especially for romcom lovers, this is a MUST WATCH!

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