Donghua, or Chinese animation, has been steadily gaining international attention with its beautiful art styles, complex narratives, and unique cultural flair. One of the newer gems in the world of donghua is “How Dare You” — a refreshing blend of romance, humor, and character-driven storytelling. Produced by iQIYI and animated by ASK Animation Studio, this donghua has roots in a popular Chinese web novel, making it rich with emotional layers and mature character development.
In this article, I’ll take you through a full review of “How Dare You,” share my personal thoughts, and include some trusted references to give you a complete picture!
Story Overview
“How Dare You” tells the story of two seemingly incompatible individuals whose lives get intertwined through a series of unexpected and humorous events.
At the center of the story are Lin Qing, a spirited yet often misunderstood young woman, and Mo Chen, a cold, calculating businessman. Their relationship starts off with comedic misunderstandings but slowly develops into a deep, heartfelt connection.
What sets this story apart is its pacing: the romance is slow-burn, letting the characters develop individually and together. It’s not rushed, and every emotional payoff feels earned.
Official Synopsis (translated):
“A spark from a chance encounter ignites a fire neither was prepared for. In the game of pride and love, who will surrender first?” — Source: iQIYI official page
Animation and Art Style
The first thing you’ll notice in “How Dare You” is its gorgeous animation quality. ASK Animation Studio has done a phenomenal job bringing the novel’s imagery to life.
Character designs are elegant yet expressive, the backgrounds are detailed, and the color palettes shift beautifully to match the emotional tones of each scene.
The animation of emotional subtleties — such as a flicker of hesitation or a quick smile — feels particularly well-done, making the characters feel incredibly real.
Fun Fact:
The art director, Zhang Wei, stated in an interview that their goal was to “combine traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern animation techniques to create a unique visual experience.” — Animation Weekly
Soundtrack and Voice Acting
No great romance donghua is complete without a stunning soundtrack — and “How Dare You” delivers just that.
The opening theme is a soulful ballad that captures the bittersweet longing of the characters. Meanwhile, the background scores elevate dramatic moments without ever feeling intrusive.
Voice actors Jiang Guangtao (as Mo Chen) and Xu Jiaqi (as Lin Qing) bring a natural, heartfelt delivery to their roles. The chemistry between them feels authentic, adding even more depth to the storytelling.
Characters and Development
One of the strongest aspects of “How Dare You” is how character-driven it is.
- Lin Qing is not your typical damsel in distress. She’s independent, strong-willed, and refreshingly honest about her feelings.
- Mo Chen could easily have been a typical cold CEO archetype, but the show peels back his layers, revealing vulnerability, regret, and a yearning for genuine connection.
Their personal growth is shown over the series, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding over mere attraction.
Quote:
“True love is not about finding the perfect person, but about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” — Popular line from episode 8.
Themes and Messages
“How Dare You” isn’t just a romance — it’s also about pride, vulnerability, trust, and the fear of being hurt.
It reminds viewers that building a relationship requires effort from both sides. It’s not a fairy tale, but a heartfelt journey filled with ups and downs.
The series also subtly touches on social class differences and family expectations, which are common real-life issues in China, making the story feel grounded and relatable even internationally.
Creator, Studio, and Origin
- Creator (Original Novel): Mo Xi
- Studio: ASK Animation Studio
- Distributor: iQIYI
- Original Story Source: Chinese Web Novel titled “Nǐ Gǎn” (你敢)
Personal Opinion
Personally, I found “How Dare You” to be an emotional roller coaster in the best possible way. Unlike many formulaic romance series, this one invests in its characters and lets their relationship develop naturally.
I particularly enjoyed how Lin Qing was written — as someone who isn’t perfect but fights for her happiness. Also, the humor throughout kept the story from becoming overly melodramatic.
There were a few slower episodes mid-season, but they ultimately contributed to the depth of the story rather than dragging it down.
If you love romance with genuine emotional stakes and beautiful animation, you definitely should not miss this donghua!
Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
“How Dare You” successfully combines stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and heartfelt emotion into a beautiful romantic journey. It’s a must-watch for any donghua fan, especially if you crave well-developed relationships and meaningful character arcs.