Will Love In Spring- Drama Review
A Drama That Blends Love, Life, and Loss
When it comes to romance dramas, most viewers expect a mix of light-hearted banter, heartfelt connections, and an ultimate happily-ever-after. Will Love In Spring (春色寄情人) offers all of that—but with a unique, heavier twist. This 21-episode drama explores the intersection of love, ambition, and the ever-present shadow of life’s fragility, creating a story that’s both touching and thought-provoking. Here's an in-depth look at the synopsis, key moments, and what makes this drama stand out (or stumble) in the world of romance dramas.
The Premise: A Love Rekindled Amid Life's Challenges
At the heart of Will Love In Spring lies the story of Zhuang Jie, a career-driven medical device salesperson aiming for success in Shanghai. After a failed relationship and a minor surgery, she takes a break in her hometown, Nanping, where she unexpectedly reconnects with her former schoolmate, Mai Dong.
Years ago, their lives were marked by tragedy—Zhuang Jie lost her father and part of her right leg in an accident, while Mai Dong coped with his parents’ divorce and the accompanying gossip. Their time together as teenagers was brief yet impactful, leaving an indelible mark on both of them.
When they meet again, Zhuang Jie is a confident, carefree woman masking her vulnerabilities, while Mai Dong is a somber embalmer with a serious demeanor. Sparks fly as their past connections resurface, but lingering insecurities, differing ambitions, and unspoken fears threaten to keep them apart.
A Journey of Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery
Will Love In Spring stands out for its willingness to delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The drama doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, weaving a narrative that balances romance with reflections on life, death, and personal growth.
When Did They Get Together?
Their romance unfolds slowly, marked by moments of hesitation and miscommunication. Zhuang Jie impulsively kisses Mai Dong in Episode 5 before returning to Shanghai, but her ambition keeps her from fully committing. The turning point comes when Zhuang Jie returns to Nanping after her stepfather's sudden death. Their shared grief brings them closer, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation and deepening intimacy by Episode 17.
However, the road to love is far from smooth. From quarrels over Zhuang Jie’s career-first mentality to Mai Dong’s struggles with emotional vulnerability, the couple’s journey is a realistic portrayal of how past traumas and present fears can complicate even the strongest connections.
The Ending (Spoilers Ahead!)
The drama concludes on a bittersweet yet optimistic note. After a six-month separation, Zhuang Jie returns to Nanping for work, and the couple reconciles, acknowledging their mutual love. Mai Dong’s near-misunderstanding—mistaking a corpse for Zhuang Jie—forces both to confront the fear of losing each other. While they embark on a long-distance relationship, the drama emphasizes that their love is grounded in acceptance and mutual respect, even as Zhuang Jie’s ambitions keep her tied to the city.
What Worked: Chemistry, Realism, and Depth
Flawed but Relatable Characters
One of the drama’s strongest suits is its realistic depiction of flawed characters. Zhuang Jie’s cheerful, flirtatious demeanor hides her insecurities stemming from her disability, while Mai Dong’s stoicism masks his guilt and fear of abandonment. These imperfections make their journey more poignant and relatable, even if their behavior occasionally frustrates viewers.
Strong Acting and Chemistry
Li Xian and Zhou Yu Tong deliver standout performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, with every glance, argument, and moment of intimacy feeling genuine. Zhou Yu Tong’s ability to balance Zhuang Jie’s playful exterior with her inner turmoil is particularly commendable, while Li Xian’s reserved portrayal of Mai Dong perfectly captures the character’s emotional struggles.
Unique Themes and Mature Storytelling
Unlike typical romance dramas, Will Love In Spring incorporates thought-provoking discussions about life and death. As an embalmer, Mai Dong’s work adds a somber yet meaningful backdrop to the love story, reminding viewers of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the present.
What Could Have Been Better: Pacing and Resolution
Heavy Themes vs. Romantic Vibes
While the drama’s exploration of life and death adds depth, it also detracts from the romantic atmosphere. The frequent somber discussions and scenes set in the funeral parlor make it hard to fully immerse in the love story, especially for viewers seeking lighter fare.
Repetitive Conflicts
The couple’s frequent quarrels, though realistic, can feel excessive in such a short drama. While the arguments serve to flesh out their issues, the lack of resolution on key topics—such as Zhuang Jie’s career ambitions versus Mai Dong’s hometown roots—leaves the ending feeling incomplete.
A Wishy-Washy Ending
The conclusion, though heartwarming, doesn’t address the core conflict of their differing life goals. The couple’s decision to live in the moment feels more like a temporary reprieve than a long-term resolution, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.
DramaZen's Opinion
My Verdict as a Fan – A Unique and Emotional Romance Drama
As a fan of Will Love In Spring, what stood out to me the most was how different it felt from the typical romance dramas I’ve seen. The short length was definitely a plus—at just 21 episodes, it felt digestible and didn’t overstay its welcome. However, I can’t deny that the heavy theme of death paired with a love story was a lot to take in. While it’s refreshing to see a drama tackle such a meaningful topic, there were moments when I found it hard to stay fully engaged.
For those who appreciate the somber reflections on life and death and the lessons they bring, this drama will likely strike a deeper chord. For me, though, some of those scenes felt slow and emotionally draining. On the other hand, the romance is where this drama truly shines. The chemistry between the leads was heartfelt and satisfying, bringing warmth and depth to the story. Zhuang Jie’s disability added another layer of uniqueness, making the drama stand out in a genre that can often feel repetitive.
That said, I found the frequent quarrels between the leads a bit frustrating. While they made the story more realistic, I personally wish the romance had been more wholesome and uplifting to balance the darker themes. A sweeter, more positive love story could have added some much-needed lightness to the overall narrative, which at times felt overwhelmingly forlorn.
The ending also left me feeling slightly unsatisfied. While it was heartwarming to see the couple reconcile, it didn’t fully address the core conflict of their differing life goals. This lack of resolution felt like a missed opportunity, leaving the story somewhat incomplete in my eyes.
Overall, I’d rate Will Love In Spring a 7.5/10. While it’s not entirely my cup of tea, I can see why many would find this story touching and meaningful. It’s a beautifully acted, emotionally heavy drama that offers a unique take on love, life, and loss. If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking and serious, this one is worth a watch.
