Dazzling

Dazzling is an endearing slice of life youth drama set in the fictional coastal town of Zhazhating.

 

Staring Guan Xiao Tongm and Li Yun Rui, the show features a slow, slow, slow burn romance between a fish out of water city girl and an outwardly cold but inwardly devoted country boy.

 

Throughout the majority of its 30 episodes, Dazzling is a low angst healing watch. While serious and dramatic events do take place, the show remains light with an optimistic, almost fairy tale lens. If you are in need of comfort, Dazzling is the drama for you.

 

Comparisons have been made to Speed and Love and there are many similarities. Unsurprising, perhaps, as the original novel for both dramas was written by Shi Jiu Yuan.

 

For me, Dazzling is the more successful show. I also preferred Dazzling’s FL, Qing Ye. Guan Xiao Tongm injects such life into this character. Initially a little unlikeable, she soon becomes the heart of the community and the show. (I totally understood some of her initial reservations about living in Zhazhating. I would have struggled with those bathroom critters too!)

 

Meanwhile, Li Yun Rui is mesmerising to watch. His is a quiet, internal performance portraying Xing Wu, a young man who has had a challenging start in life. Li Yun Rui and Guan Xiao Tongm have great chemistry and, thankfully, their “cousin” dynamic is dealt with efficiently (they are not blood relations).

 

Meanwhile, I very much enjoyed Xing Wu and Qing Ye’s relationship with Xing Wu’s mother, Li Lan Fang, and grandmother, Zhou Gui Mei (Nina Paw). Beautifully portrayed by Gao Lu, Li Lan Fang was a standout character for me – she goes on such an interesting and inspiring journey, supported by her ride or die friends. 

 

Indeed, I loved Dazzling’s focus on friendships and community. The drama lost a lot of its heart when the story moved to Beijing, and I felt relieved every time the story returned to Zhazhating.

 

Dazzling is not a perfect drama (what is?). Close to the end, it makes a narrative choice that feels unnecessary and and frustrating frustrating (particularly for anyone watching the show while it was still “on air”). The drama’s pacing dropped and the story stalled.

 

However, thankfully, the show’s last two episodes saved the day and the ending felt cute and satisfying.