LayarHijau – The drama Speed and Love, starring Esther Yu and He Yu, was initially scheduled to premiere on November 10, 2025. However, iQiyi abruptly postponed its release, a move that sparked protests from Esther Yu’s fans.
The drama eventually premiered without prior notice on December 12. Although it trended on Weibo on its first day, its initial rankings were far from impressive. At the time, Speed and Love placed 17th among dramas airing on iQiyi, with a heat index of 6,487 points. According to Maoyan data, the drama ranked 13th.
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As time went on, however, Speed and Love steadily climbed the charts. Within just three days, it surged to the No. 1 position on Maoyan. From Sunday (December 14) to Monday (December 15), the drama held onto the top spot. On Tuesday (December 16), it slipped to second place, with Sniper Butterfly reclaiming the No. 1 position.
Audience and media responses across China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have been mixed. Several outlets, including Upmedia, World Journal, and Sohu Entertainment News, have highlighted various aspects of the drama.
On the positive side, Taiwanese media outlet Upmedia praised the drama’s cinematography. Speed and Love is directed by Yu Zhongzhong, known for his work on Mary Me, or Not. Through distinctive lighting techniques and camera angles, the director effectively accentuates Esther Yu’s beauty.
Many viewers commended the director for capturing a different side of the actress. The frequent shifts between wide and close-up shots also create an immersive experience, particularly in scenes where He Yu is seen giving Esther Yu a ride on his motorcycle.
“The clever use of cinematic language adds emotional depth to the drama,” one viewer commented. Another praised the director, saying, “The director of Speed and Love is highly skilled. Taiwanese directors really are the best when it comes to idol dramas.”
Meanwhile, China’s Sohu Entertainment News focused on how the drama builds the relationship and chemistry between the characters played by Esther Yu and He Yu.
One of the key elements highlighted in the drama is the sense of taboo surrounding the two main characters, who grew up together as brother and sister despite having no blood relation, before reuniting and falling in love.
However, the outlet pointed out that from the very beginning, both the male and female leads appear to express themselves as if they are already a couple upon meeting. The conflict stemming from the taboo of their sibling-like relationship is seen as being handled rather superficially. Some viewers feel the drama rushes into romance too quickly, without first naturally portraying the transition from a pseudo-sibling relationship to that of romantic partners.
Meanwhile, media outlets such as World Journal have criticized Esther Yu’s performance, arguing that it does not differ significantly from her previous roles, including those in Love Between Fairy and Devil, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, and Ski Into Love, particularly in terms of vocal delivery and facial expressions. This criticism stands in contrast to the praise she received for her performance in My Journey to You, where her distinct voice and personality were seen as evidence of her ability to portray a wider range of characters.
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