A Place for Romance: Paranormal | Fantasy | Futuristic | Contemporary | Historical | Suspense | & Asian Dramas

1.27.2021

Watching Wednesday: The Evolution of Our Love

So before then, I’ll try to solve my problem. 
And you try to find someone better than me. 
(translated by Viki volunteers, ep 28)

Evolution of Our Love 
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Chinese Drama
Cast: Zhang Ruo Yun, Zhang Tian Ai
Rated: PG-13
Year Released: 2018
Synopsis from Viki
Watch HERE | No subscription required
Love isn’t always found in the places you expect it.

Ai Ruo Man (Zhang Tian Ai) is a successful career woman. But her strong personality and independent nature chases men away in her personal life.

Lu Fei (Zhang Ruo Yun) is a gentle, easy-going man who loves to cook, clean and tend to his garden. Women appreciate his kind spirit, but not enough to date or marry him.

Ai Ruo Man and Lu Fei have been best friends for the past 15 years. As they both enter their 30s, can they help each other find the mate of their dreams?

“The Evolution of Our Love” is a 2018 Chinese drama series directed by An Zhu Jian.


My first introduction to this story was with the Kdrama version "The Time We Were Not in Love" that was released in 2015. 

Anyway, I came across a review that claimed the Korean make (or remake) was a bastardized version of this Chinese drama. And I did quite enjoy the Kdrama. So, being thoroughly intrigued, I smashed that play button on “The Evolution of Our Love”.

And found that that reviewer was ever so right!

Not only is the story unfolded over 40 episodes, whereas the Kdrama was condensed down to 16 (and even then managed to feel drawn out in the middle), this take goes beyond the relationship. While it spans deeper into the layers of their friendship, this version revolves more so around the lead male and his hang ups while also delving into the long held one sided love the female protagonist endures for her crush. Knowing that pain and being able to mirror it onto her best friend when she finally realizes Lu Fei’s feelings was one of the best expressed details of this version. Episode 24(?) alone had me fighting back the tears. Don’t even get me started on episode 38. 

Highly recommend both versions!

Side note: The original story, from what I gathered, comes from Taiwan in a 2011 drama entitled, "In Time With You". It was remade again in 2019 in Japan with the same name, "In Time With You" but also known as “I Don’t Love You Yet.” A truly beautiful sentiment. I have, as of now, watched and enjoyed all versions of this story. This version from China remains my favorite. 



:: WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS ::

No comments: