When old love is rekindled amidst complex family relationships, 'Joy of Love' (偏偏宠爱), a 2023 Chinese family drama, tells the story of Zhong Ling, a single mother who must take her sick son back to the city she left six years ago, and reunites with her ex-boyfriend Han Donglai. This series not only explores a love triangle but also delves into family relationships, friendship, and forgiveness.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Zhong Ling (played by Song Meina), a young cartoonist, has to take her son Ke Le (Li Yichen), who has diabetes, back to the city she left six years ago after breaking up with Han Donglai (Wang Haoxuan). Unexpectedly, Ke Le gets lost and accidentally meets Han Donglai, who looks like the old photo of his mother. Ke Le mistakes Han Donglai for his father and is taken back to his workplace, causing the two to meet again in an awkward and chaotic situation.
Their relationship slowly develops amidst many obstacles, including Ke Le's illness, jealousy from former close friend Chu Mo (Qin Zimo), who becomes a superstar, and the return of Lin Xiaxi (Ma Qiuzi), a young girl who has secretly loved Han Donglai for a long time and schemes to win him over and take revenge. The series unfolds with the key questions: 'Who is Ke Le's real father?' and 'Will old love return this time?'
Acting and Characters
The three lead actors perform excellently. Song Meina as Zhong Ling convincingly portrays a strong, gentle mother with inner conflicts. Wang Haoxuan plays Han Donglai, a warm and jealous father, with charm. The chemistry between them is clear and makes the audience root for them. Li Yichen as Ke Le is a cute, playful boy who is mature beyond his years due to managing his diabetes. The child actor performs naturally and is the heart of the story.
Supporting characters like Chu Mo (Qin Zimo) and Lin Xiaxi (Ma Qiuzi) have clear roles, not just extras, with their own conflicts and motivations. Although Lin Xiaxi's actions sometimes seem exaggerated, they add tension to the story.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The series is directed by a team skilled in family dramas. The overall flow is smooth, not drawn out, with well-paced cuts between present and past. The visuals are beautiful, especially the small-town scenes that feel warm and nostalgic. The background music enhances the mood in key scenes, especially the theme song sung by the lead actors, helping the audience connect with the story.
Editorial Analysis
'Joy of Love' is more than a typical romantic drama. It talks about healing for both the main characters and those around them. The reunion of Zhong Ling and Han Donglai is not just about the heart but also about confronting a painful past and forgiving oneself and others. The series' strength lies in balancing drama and family warmth, the natural development of the father-son relationship, and accurately and interestingly addressing childhood diabetes. However, some episodes may have drawn-out plots or exaggerated supporting characters, but overall, it's an enjoyable series that leaves viewers with a smile.
Verdict
'Joy of Love' is a warm and engaging series. For those who like family stories mixed with romance, this series will make you smile and be touched by the love between parents and child, while also offering insights about forgiveness and new beginnings. It's heartwarming and perfect for a relaxing holiday.
👍 Pros
- +Excellent chemistry between lead actors, heartwarming to watch
- +Script focuses on family and healing
- +Child actor performs well and naturally
- +Beautiful visuals, music matches the mood
👎 Cons
- −Some parts are slow-paced and drawn out
- −Some supporting characters (Lin Xiaxi) are over-the-top
Top Cast
FAQ
The series airs on Youku and can be watched with Thai dubbing or subtitles on WeTV and iQIYI.
The series has a total of 20 episodes, ending in one season.
It is suitable for those who like warm family dramas with light drama, love, and complex relationships, not focused on action or thrills.
There are a fair number of romantic scenes, but they are sweet and warm, not explicit, suitable for all ages.
