Drama Digest
Finding love is complex, and no one understands this more than Xie Qiao, who leaves her hometown for a foreign country to find love. After many ups and downs, she returns home to fulfill her dreams. She ends up meeting Qin Zhun after a blind date. Qin Zhun is a Chinese-American man. Finding herself in the rare position of being in love at age 35, she quits her job and leaves with the man she loves. When she reaches LA, she realizes that her fiancee is not who he seems. Xie Qiao finds herself in a weird situation where she is unable to let go of Qin Zhun and accept the truth. She does not know where to go next. Luckily, a restaurant owned by the name of Tian Er Mai helps her through her rough patch. She decides to stay in America and find a job. She soon begins to get her life together as she unboxes her emotional baggage. But she soon realizes that her lover has always been beside her. Watch this drama to see how Xie Qiao finds herself in a foreign place and how she ends up finding love.
The Feel-Good Part
The drama is an excellent look at love in a foreign land. It is a realistic look at how love takes us to places we are not usually comfortable. The real choices, emotions, and interactions aid in the greatness of the drama. Another significant aspect of the drama is the chemistry between each character. In scenes where the chemistry seems lacking, it seems justified, and in moments where the chemistry is on point, it helps in understanding how well the characters have grown together and progressed. Our main character, in particular, can build a great emotional connection with the people around her even in instances where that feeling is not reciprocated. Visually, while the drama is pretty standard, it looks excellent and there are moments where everything is framed beautifully.
The Disappointing Factor
The biggest issue with the drama is that there are several moments where it feels very standard and uninspired. There are cliche moments that do not build on the emotional complexity of the drama and seem just to be present for the sole purpose of fitting into the standard drama format. Another issue with the drama is that while, in most cases, the decisions and emotional reactions feel justified, there are instances where they are incredibly frustrating. There is also a problem with the show having multiple couples as it removes focus on the main couple and does not lead anywhere. However, the addition of extra couples is a welcome addition.
In-Depth Analysis
The show looks at the complications of love, especially love in a foreign place. It is not easy to start over, especially when you have to do it in an area that gives without support. While it does come across as standard, the beauty of this show comes from its ability to deliver intense emotions, especially when those moments are often clouded in melodrama.
Star Power
Our lead role is Xie Qiao, played by Faye Yu. Faye Yu is an integral part of the show and does deliver some great moments, especially in her interactions with her two primary love interests, Qin Zhun played by David Chen, and Tian Er Mai, played by Jiang Wu. Faye Yu stars in dramas and movies such as The Murderer and the Craven, This Young Master’s Sword, Ce Ma Xiao Xi Feng, We Konf, Wish You Were Here, Eternal Beloved, and A Thousand Years of Good Prayers. David Chen stars in The Legend of the Jade Sword, Hello Joann, Dong Men Si Shao, Fly to the Venus, Closed Doors Village, and West Town Girls. Jiang Wu stars in A Splendid Life in Beijing, The Literati in Troubled Times, Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties, A Beautiful New World, The Robbers, and Lee’s Adventure. Our other three leading roles are Xiao Yu Shan, Duan Mu Ting Ting, and Tian Xiao Mai, played by Li Nai Wen, Tan Bing Yan, and Wang Yi Nan. Each of them adds an extra element of greatness to the show, with some great performances. We also have significant supporting roles from Feng Bai, Ren Wei, Liu Li Li, Yu Dong Jiang, and many more.
Overall Opinion
While the drama seems pretty standard, it does allow viewers to enjoy some deep emotions and great acting performances. If you enjoy romantic dramas, then you will enjoy The Way Love Begins.
