Almost Lover (2022)
A heartfelt Chinese drama of love, friendship, and second chances. Explore the intricacies of the heart in this captivating series.
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Info
| Original Title | 谁都知道我爱你 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 36 |
| Duration | 45 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2022 |
| First Air Date | October 26, 2022 |
| Last Air Date | November 24, 2022 |
| Broadcast Day | wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday, sunday |
| Network | iQiyi |
Trailer
Synopsis
He Xiao Ran is the MC of a late-night radio show. But events that tainted the last few years of her life as a student still haunt her. She secretly loved Xiao Shang Qi , a close male friend. But instead of ending up with him, she had to watch on helplessly as he pursued his dreams of love with another woman – their mutual friend Chen Fei Er. She was forced to endure the heartbreak of watching the man she loved begin a relationship with her close friend. And for the sake of the friendships she valued, she kept her feelings under lock and key. But her past comes back to bite her eight years later when Xiao Shang Qi comes to town after spending a long time abroad.
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Editor's Review
A Tale of Friendship, Love, and Second Chances
Almost Lover, a Chinese drama, weaves a delicate tapestry of emotions, exploring the complexities of friendship, unrequited love, and the possibility of redemption. Set against the backdrop of a late-night radio show, the series delves into the lives of its characters, revealing their shared history and the lingering echoes of the past.
The Premise:
He Xiao Ran, our protagonist, hosts the radio show, her soothing voice reaching out to listeners in the quiet hours. But beneath her composed exterior lies a heart still haunted by memories. Eight years ago, she silently loved Xiao Shang Qi, her close male friend. Yet fate conspired against her, and he chose another woman—Chen Fei Er—as his love. Xiao Shang Qi’s pursuit of happiness left Xiao Ran heartbroken, and she retreated, leaving behind her unspoken feelings.
Fast forward to the present: Xiao Shang Qi returns after years abroad, tasked with reviving a struggling hotel. Their paths intersect once more, and Xiao Shang Qi confesses that he never stopped thinking of her. Is it too late for reconciliation? Can they rewrite their shared history, turning back the clock on a love that should have been?
Themes and Relationships:
Almost Lover excels in portraying the intricate dynamics of friendship. The trio—Xiao Ran, Xiao Shang Qi, and Chen Fei Er—shares a past marked by unspoken emotions. Their bonds are both fragile and enduring, shaped by youthful dreams and heartaches. As Xiao Ran navigates her new life as a radio DJ, she forms a close-knit bond with her co-workers, emphasizing the importance of companionship and mutual support.
The drama also explores the theme of second chances. Xiao Shang Qi’s return offers hope—a chance to mend what was broken. His determination to right past wrongs adds depth to the narrative. As viewers, we witness the delicate dance between forgiveness and longing, wondering if love can bloom anew.
Review:
Almost Lover treads a fine line between realism and sentimentality. While some moments veer toward clichés, the drama grounds itself in authentic portrayals. The on-again/off-again romance between Xiao Ran and Xiao Shang Qi feels genuine, influenced by external pressures such as career ambitions and parental disapproval. Their love isn’t perfect, but it’s relatable—a reflection of life’s imperfections.
The lack of a clear background story in the initial episodes may confuse viewers, but patience reveals hidden layers. The parallel between past and present friendships—the trio’s evolution—adds depth. The drama’s emotional subtlety invites introspection, leaving us pondering our own relationships.
In the end, Almost Lover delivers a solid happy ending, wrapping up loose threads and leaving us with a sense of closure. It reminds us that love, like friendship, is a journey—one that transcends time and circumstances.
Whether you’re drawn to heartfelt dramas or seek a quiet slice of life, Almost Lover invites you to explore the intricacies of the heart. As Xiao Shang Qi and Xiao Ran rediscover each other, we’re reminded that sometimes, love deserves a second chance.