Diamond Lover

"Diamond Lover" is a captivating Chinese television series aired on Zhejiang TV in 2015 and 2016. At its core, it revolves around themes of love, self-acceptance, rediscovery, and the complexities of human relationships. Incorporating a blend of drama, romance and comedy while peeling back layers of social classes, the series from Mainland China, is a delightful addition to the global viewership.

The show orbits around the central character, Mi Duo, who has always felt overshadowed due to her size and lack of conventional beauty. However, she embraces a joyful spirit and a heart that never fails to see the best in people. She lives a simple life, working as an ordinary woman in a jewelry company. The real twist arrives as she meets the cynical CEO of the company, Xiao Liang - the youngest "Diamond King" in the industry and one of the most eligible bachelors in the economic hemisphere. This meeting sets off a chain of events that changes Mi Duo's life in ways she could never have imagined.

"Diamond Lover" deftly portrays the love story between the plus-sized Mi Duo and the luxury-obsessed Xiao Liang, as they navigate through the tumultuous waves of affection, misunderstanding, growth, and transformation. Xiao Liang, despite being surrounded by wealth and opulence, appears emotionally distant, entrapped in the walls of luxury he has created for himself. Fascinatingly, it's Mi Duo, with her radiant personality and cheerful realism, who manages to knock these walls down, inspiring a change in Xiao Liang as well.

The progress of the show takes the audience on a rollercoaster. As Mi Duo becomes the subject of a mysterious car accident, she loses her memory. She is misidentified and undergoes plastic surgery,thus, transforming her into a beautiful woman who is far removed from her former self. The story continues to delve into how she encounters her past love interest, Xiao Liang, once again, spiralling the dynamic of the story into unfamiliar territories.

An added dynamic comes from the supporting character Gao Wen, who complicates matters further. As Xiao Liang's close assistant and friend who secretly harbours feelings for him, her character pitches in a mix of love triangles and deeper interpersonal clashes, adding yet another layer of complexity.

"Diamond Lover" is more than just a romantic comedy. It offers viewers delightful insight into a wide range of human dynamics, from workplace politics to family relationships. It paints a vivid picture of two uniquely different worldviews colliding, ultimately demonstrating that love can catalyze the most profound transformation in individuals.

Furthermore, the series garners acclaim for the performance of its ensemble cast. The character arcs, especially Mi Duo's, are intriguing and well-handled, allowing viewers an intimate look into their developing personas. Rain, the South Korean pop star in the role of Xiao Liang, effortlessly portrays the maturation and transformation of a cold and aloof CEO into a man who cherishes love and sincerity above all else. Similarly, Tiffany Tang brings a wonderful depth to her character, Mi Duo, excellently showcasing her gradual transformation and making her journey easily relatable to the viewers.

"Diamond Lover" is not only fanciful in its storyline but also stands out for its production value. The quality of cinematography flawlessly captures the luxury and opulence of Xiao Liang's world while contrasting it with the simplicity of Mi Duo's life, thereby further enriching the themes explored throughout the series.

In sum, "Diamond Lover" is an engaging blend of romance, comedy, drama, and personal discovery. It's a series that offers an insightful journey of change catalyzed by love and the strength found in embracing one's true identity, which separates it from the archetypical rom-com show. With its gripping plot twists, poignant performances, and high production values, "Diamond Lover" is certainly a must-watch for those who enjoy romantic dramas with a rich narrative depth.