Great Friendships and Bromance and Character Development
Completed - 1/27/2022 - 8.75 rounding up to 9.0It's rare to see a C-drama with basically no romance, idols, or big name actors to have such a high MDL rating (8.8 at the time of this review). I have gone back-and-forth many times whether I want to watch this, since it's not really my type of drama. But the overwhelming positive reviews convinced me and I am glad I gave in. This is an excellent teen drama and not just about the game of Go, but of strong friendships, bromances and most importantly, our main lead's growth as a person.
Shi Guang (ML)'s character development is what I like best in this drama. We were first introduced to a 9-year old who is quite cute and smart. That little young actor is such a smartass that I can't help but laugh at and with him. He is actually quite mature of his age, when he sees through what Chu Ying wants from him, and that it might not be the road that he wants or is ready for. Throughout the drama, our ML has gone through enormous ups and downs. I actually find him quite annoying in the beginning as a teenager. The drama does a really good job in helping us see Shi Guang's thoughts and feelings, and the way he reacts to different situations, with the guidance of Chu Ying and his many friends. After finishing this drama and looking back at how annoying Shi Guang used to be, it's amazing how much I have grown to like him and the person he has become.
Shi Guang & Chu Ying have a great mentor/mentee relationship, in addition to being very close friends. Sometimes, it feels like Chu Ying is the father figure we never saw. It's fascinating when Chu Ying is teaching Shi Guang about chess playing, but it's also hilarious seeing how Chu Ying adapts to modern world technology and slangs so well. On the other hand, Shi Guang and Yu Liang have an 8-year rivalry. I really enjoy seeing the respective journeys of these frenemies. They have such an interesting dynamic throughout the drama. Shi Guang is really one lucky guy. He has some REALLY good friends in this drama, in addition to Chu Ying and Yu Liang. He has many supportive and caring friends in high school and in the chess club. These friends stick with him throughout his career as an amateur chess player to become a pro chess player. It's also quite amazing that I did not find any of his friends irritating or annoying.
The pacing of this drama is done well. I actually wanted more episodes to follow ML's professional career and international competitions. I don't think I've ever said that about a C-drama. I really enjoy the portrayal of the challenges in each step of ML's career. He's growing and achieving successes, and then, reality brings him back down to earth, and he has to face a new set of challenges. This makes the drama more believable, as we know even though ML could be a genius, he can't be an international champion just like that. The ups and downs in his career contribute to his personal growth. However, I do feel that the last couple episodes were a little slower and a little too much moping around. I understand why, but I don't think the drama ended strongly. Maybe that's why I wanted more episodes as it seems unfinished.
Another aspect I like about this drama is how all the actors look like real teenagers and young adults. Especially during the high school scenes, I feel like the kids are really teenagers and not actors pretending to be teenagers. They look like 'normal' people. They are not full of make-up or wearing fashionable clothing. Additionally, I like Chu Ying's transparent look. It gives a very fantasy-like feel to his existence, and that he's not just another person hanging out with ML. He is just so funny. He looks so much more handsome in ancient times without makeup though.
As someone who doesn't know anything about the game of Go. I have to say that the drama does not intend to teach me about the game. I am often lost and confused with all the moves, though they seem fascinating.
Overall, I really enjoy this drama. My gut might tell me that this is not a slam dunk 9-10 rating, but it's really quite good.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Worth the time
Simply one of the best adaptations I've seen in a while---and I've seen a lot. Both of Shi Guang's actors are both quite effective in pulling us into having an empathetic relationship with the character, be it in his shameless moments, the happy times or the sad. All throughout the series, we are made to feel emotionally invested in a board game (most of us don't even understand), and in secondary characters (we usually give a damn about). Yet it works, it works splendidly. In a way, we also became Chu Ying, we became a third party viewer of happenings where we have no physical control of, an entity that could see the bird's eye view.That was why once Chu Ying had to say his goodbyes, the accumulation of memories for the past episodes came crushing in and gave us tear-inducing scene. We shared what he had. Like how Chu Ying was just one part of his life, we realized we have the same position as well, but the time spent together becomes memorable enough.
At the end of the drama series, we don't have the climatic battle moment we tend to see in other sports drama, but we got a glimpse at the beginning of Shi Guang's road to being a pro.
Hikaru no Go is now one of my all-time favorite dramas. Watching it was worth my time. Thank you to all actors, staff and production crew. This was ride.
Was this review helpful to you?
I do, so, adore a show that knows what it is and just breathes life into the space its meant to fill. The story is based on a manga of the same name and its souce material is definitely apparent. It feels like a sports anime in its narrative beats and pacing. We have an assortment of stock characters: our scrappy outsider savant protagonist, our rival who drives him to succeed, a handful of supportive friends, a prickly mentor, etc.
The show, however, doesn’t ever rest on its tropes or its archetypes. The story hits familiar narrative beats but stakes are real, victories feel earned, defeats are crushing; there are no shortcuts or hand-waving through the plot.The main characters are fully realized and fleshed out and portrayed wonderfully by their cast. They are flawed, prone to mistakes, sometimes selfish, sometimes selfless, earnest in their desires and often falling short of them, which is to say they feel human in the best sense of the term.
At the heart of the story is Shi Guang, who winds up bound to the spirit of an Ancient Chinese Go master, Chu Ying. The master proceeds to continue his love of Go by both playing vicariously through Shi Guang and by teaching him. Through him, young Shi Guang winds up crossing paths with Yu Liang, also a talented Go player, and the interaction creates a rivalry between them that spans years.
These two relationships, that of Shi Guang and his mentor, and Shi Guang and his rival are the fuel that move Shi Guang through the story as he comes of age and learns to find his own place in the world. Both relationships are portrayed with such nuance and skill, rendered with a loving care that would put most romances to shame. The relationships are never static, and are multi-layered and complex.
At times Chu Ying is Shi Guang’s best friend, sometimes a pouty child needing to be mollified, or his stern teacher expecting the best. Through all these the genuine love these two feel for one another is palpable. What binds them is more than just a shared love of a game, but a genuine affection and care for one another. They can build each other up and break each other’s hearts.
The relationship with Yu Liang is more tense, obviously, but is wonderful in that it demonstrates how competition and a rivalry can at one level foster personal growth, but also create its own intense form of intimacy, unique in its nature. While it is possible to see their relationship through a romantic/bl lens, and it is fun to do so, the show leaves room for interpretations on that point which feels like the right choice for them.
When we leave them there is still so much life for them to live, so much ahead of them. Apart from that is a gaggle of delightful and compelling side characters and relationships. There really is so much to love about this show. At 36 episodes it never felt like it dragged on too long, it never felt drawn out or overwrought. When trying to find a fault I’m left wanting.
Was this review helpful to you?
Why did I wait so long to watch this gem!?
It's because I couldn't imagine being interested in a series about a game I know nothing about. How shortsighted of me! If I hadn't heard AvenueX speak so highly of it in one of her videos, I really might never have experienced the overwhelming delight that watching this became.Given that I did not know the background information of the story, I had nothing to measure it against or compare it to. I had the pleasure of being unexpectedly delighted from start to finish on every single aspect of it (even the sobbing for an entire day part as it neared the end). I feel like I received several years' worth of free therapy through those incredibly poignant and heart wrenching episodes. Honestly I will need a few weeks, maybe months, to fully integrate the deeper meaning and wisdom behind their individual and collective journeys.
The fact that I'm from NA and watching very much as an outsider to the culture and backdrop of these shows has truly been the most incredible journey and education on so many levels I don't even recognize myself any longer(8 months into watching Chinese series). I deeply appreciate the perspectives, family dynamics, emotional landscapes and rich history I am beginning to discover. So much more than a distraction or escape, it has become a much needed expansion on what has been my very limited awareness of a fascinating culture. I found that watching Hikaru no Go brought me immediately through the discomfort of knowing nothing about the game Go and proceeded to effortlessly and wholeheartedly capture my interest and imagination. It was so brilliantly executed and completely relatable on every level that I felt I had been warmly ushered into a good friend's home, offered the most comfortable chair, a glass of good wine and then spent the rest of the night having the best heart to heart imaginable. This series went far beyond entertainment for me. It was skillful mentorship on how to be a passionate and brave human being. There really aren't enough words in the dictionary to properly express my appreciation for Hikaru no Go, so I will close with encouraging those who have not experienced it yet to go ahead and give it a try. I feel it is well worth watching and though a completely different style than my all time favourite so far, Nirvana In Fire, it sits solidly right next to that masterpiece!
Deep gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this remarkable story to life!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
All around pleasant to watch
While I have no background knowledge of the game Go (except from Reply 1988) nor of manga, the drama effectively showed the journey of one’s unfounded passion. Accidentally discovered, reluctantly learned followed by relentless pursuit which ended with success beyond the conventional definition. It was interspersed with endearing characters and events that shaped the lead’s character. This was the ride that engaged me throughout, it was emotional at times but quite satisfying.I truly enjoyed how Yu Liang and Shi Guang’s odd relationship exposed the worst and yet brought out the best in both of them. While the close interaction didn’t happen till the last episode you can feel their connection from their very first meeting. Yu Liang acted tough and aloof on the outside but you can feel his loneliness and longing for someone who can understand him. I also love Hong He, who wouldn’t want a friend like him? Loyal, thoughtful, considerate, loving, altruistic. I just want to hug him tight. His acting in particular was phenomenal! In fact all the actors including the club teachers were so good.
What I did not like was how slow it was in the first 20 episodes but I understand why it has to be done that way, it was needed in the story. The drama picked up after that but really climaxed for me in the last 6 episodes. There is so much to be said but in the end I would recommend this drama if you are looking for a slow burn, feel good, no romance slice of life genre. Go enthusiasts would likely find action here as I heard they actually hired professional Go players to make realistic plays.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Memorable watch even for fans of the manga/anime
Hikaru no Go is one of my favourite animes of all-time, so this review will focus heavily on a comparison to the Studio Pierrot version with English subs. Major spoilers ahead.This is a great adaptation and worth watching. It stays true to the source themes and intent, while introducing new interpretations and "localization" to suit the Chinese context. Some plot lines (~20%) are altered. The relative importance of various characters + their relationships are also different. However, it's well done and this drama stands commendably on its own.
Positives
- More pragmatic than the original anime; you can see the conflict between idealism and having to live in the real world, and how this weighs on characters' decision-making
- Much funnier than expected... I couldn't help but laugh out loud in many scenes
- Beautiful use of (what I presume are) Chinese philosophies or proverbs to illustrate key messages i.e. not being aware of the situation will lead to certain defeat; these added depth and clarity to the more open-ended / subtle / context-heavy Japanese style
- Solid acting, music, production value
- Heartwarming and deep relationships between side characters, that don't just revolve around Hikaru (Shi Guang)
- Closing song a very nice nod to the anime!
Negatives
- Loose ends: Waya (Hong He) leaving professional Go remains seemingly unresolved. One of my favourite ending scenes in the anime is of Touya Meijin (Yu Xiao Yang) sitting in front of a Go board with one stone placed, as if waiting for an invisible opponent. After telling Shi Guang he wanted another match with Sai (Chu Ling), they show no resolution of this request. A bit strange.
- Akira (Yu Liang) does not "discover" that Chu Ling (the infamous online Go player) is in Shi Guang's playing; this omission was a critical oversight as it established the pair's long history together, and illustrated how well Yu Liang was the only one who truly understood Shi Guang. Similarly, Shi Guang never confides in Yu Liang about Chu Ling even when they're training for pair Go, but strangely tells Kawai-san (Cao Xu).
- Shi Guang calling out the move that would've allowed Yu Xiao Yang to win the game against Chu Ling is labeled as "the Divine Move" in this drama; I personally believe this explicit assignment is philosophically inconsistent with the idea of the Divine Move in the first place.
- The opening where Hong Kong returns to China in 1997 felt overly political, although it is a powerful way to instantly create the nostalgic feeling of a bygone era.
- Certain arcs are less exciting: the online Go fever, use of unconventional openings i.e. Tengen by Yashiro (used by a heavily adapted Mu Qing Chun) and subsequently, how little is shown on Shi Guang's gusto and creativity in responding.
Neutral / Others
- Characters are less selfish, especially Chu Ling and Shi Guang; there are also fewer morally grey depictions.
- Tone of bromance between Shi Guang and Yu Liang is muted for much of the series, but is suddenly 10x in the finale.
- When Isumi (Sheng Yi Lang) visits Shi Guang after training in Japan, this production team decided to let Shi Guang have his "a-ha" moment alone, instead of during his replay with Sheng Yi Lang.
- The period of Shi Guang's depression and angst post Chu Ling's departure is significantly shorter, which is probably a good thing.
- Chu Ling leaves in the original anime because he finally realizes the purpose of his life and the nature of Go; however, since he apparently did not commit suicide in this series and was brought to the modern world by a supernova explosion, the timing of his departure is no longer tied to his personal enlightenment; this creates a slight disconnect.
All in all, this was a beautiful drama. Please watch it and see for yourself~
Was this review helpful to you?
Highly Recommended to people who like friendship and teenage growth
Just Finished it yesterday ... I will admit I was reluctant to watch it because of the game itself ,, I know nothing about Chinese go and it doesn't interest me much but what kept me watching is the human growth in this drama ... it's well written ,,, How young boy grows into a wonderful teenager with lots of love to his passion and to his friends ,,, the final six episodes were it's peek ,,, the most amazing six episodes of the whole drama ,,, an emotional rollercoaster but an amazing one ,, Highly recommend itWas this review helpful to you?
A very heartwarming and relatable watch
This drama is PHENOMENAL! Went into this expecting nothing since I don't know the actors or anything about the drama. It just popped up in my YT recommendation while I was watching another cdrama. I definitely did not expect this to become one of my all time favorite Chinese dramas (and I've watched quite a lot already). The poster was quite uninviting and the general description of the drama did not really help. But I still gave it a try cos why not, I'll just drop it after watching 1 or 2 episodes if I don't like it, like manyyyyyy other c-dramas lmao.BUT after just the first episode I was sold. The story is so interesting. I have not seen any other drama like this. It realistically portrayed how people come and go in our life, especially the different people in each stage of our life. Sometimes in order to move forward with our lives, we don't get to spend much time with our close friends and we get to have new friends in that new stage of our life. But still, we don't forget that relationship and connection we have with our friends from the past and the present. I just love how this was portrayed in the different stages of Shi Guang's journey.
The acting of Lu Siyu (young Shi Guang) was what really prompted me to continue watching this drama. And the cast after they grew up, Hu Xuan Xu and Hao Fu Shen, made me even more crazy for the drama. Each of the actors played their parts well, and none of them disappointed me. Each character also has their own side story which is very realistic in a way that each of us experiences different things and reacts differently to situations. I never knew Zhang Chao before this drama, I only knew that his face is familiar as I've seen him in other dramas but that's it. But after this drama, I will definitely look forward to his future projects since I love his acting in this drama. Same goes for the other actors who really amazed me (aherm Hu Xuan Xu).
The cast, the script, the production, everything is really done super well. JUST WATCH IT! You will not regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
AMAZING, ONE OF THE BEST DRAMAS I EVER SEEN
Everything in this drama was perfect, the story, the characters, the cinematography, the way everything was portrayed. I'm not related to the manga or anime, but looking at what the fans of the original manga/anime have said, it was an amazing live adaptation, the acting was so good, and the cast was perfect, one of the things I enjoyed the most was to see the development and growth of the characters, the strong relationship between the main ones. the goodbye of chu ying was for me the best and most emotional scene of the series, and the chemistry between shi guang and yu liang was perfect, the last few episodes were the best in the whole series.
I really love Hong he :'( he was an amazing character and one of the best, I really love everything about this. hikaru no go is a really good drama, a must watch, this made me so happy and I really felt everything, the true love and passion for something, the hard work to reach your goals and dreams, the true friendship/love for others and many more beautiful things that they left in me, I really enjoyed this drama, it's really worth to watch, trust me, you will love this.
I cried 5 times watching this, I miss chu ying and now I feel like it was too short I NEED MORE OF THEM I FINISH IT JUST YESTERDAY AND I MISS THEM SO MUCH. CHU YING PLEASE COME BACK :(
I'm not really good at English so if there's any mistake hehe
Was this review helpful to you?
Lessons in life
I'm having second thoughts watching it but I was so thankful that I watched it. Full of encouragement and realization in life. So touching and will definitely enlighten you how you have to keep moving forward despite struggle in life. Will make you realize how blessed you are and appreciate what you have and be thankful and grab every opportunity. It might not happen as you wanted or as you plan it because it might turned out way much better. This series is very touching I love the story because it's very detailed and was able to show how it all started and will let you know the emotions of each and every character where coming from. Sometimes we might not be able to fully understand our friends or family where they coming from if they feel like giving up or discouraged. Whatever it is do not give up on your loved ones no matter what.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
worth your time, WHOLESOME & REALISTIC, non cringe
This drama is totally underrated amongst the international viewers. At first I was confused as to why the title sounded japanese but the drama was chinese, did not realise it was an adaptation A GOOD ONE THOUGH AHH (most adaptations are a no for me). Many dramas that I've watched were mainly romance focused because I don't seem to get interested in non-romance dramas but this is just *chefs kiss* SO GOOD. I accidentally stumbled on it and have zero regrets! I usually can't stand dramas that are based around some type of activity e.g sports or cooking, because most make it dramatic and unrealistic, but I will have to say they did not dramatise "go" in a way where it is cringe. There was multiple satisfying character developments and you will just feel so moved as to how the characters change as if you were the one watching over them (sounds weird ik). What I did not expect was the tint of bromance, BUT I'LL TAKE IT. I highly rec this drama to anyone, I almost dropped the drama but stayed to see the protagonist grow, phew luckily I stayed or i might've missed out on this masterpiece. I am looking forward to each of the actors future works too, well going to wait patiently.HOWEVER: HUGE SPOILER ALERT
THE ONLY ISSUE I HAVE WITH THE PLOT OVERALL is
Similar to others, I understood why Hong He wanted to quit playing Go, but I did not expect it to be forever? In the end nothing was shown much bout him. I expected for him to maybe have a few years break from Go then he would return to it after his family issue was sorted out, but nothing was cleared up. He was one of my favourite characters too which was SAD, LIKE WHY. I still wanted to know if he ended up with the girl or had a happy ending at least, I can't bare to imagine him having a sad ending, after knowing that he is the type of character that would act happy even though he is not. UGH
Was this review helpful to you?
So far best live-action adaptation of an anime I've ever seen
I'm so damn happy about this adaptation of Hikaru no Go. I hadn't much hope at first, but I'm so glad that I watched this, even if the story differs from the original plot in the last part of the show, it's written well and I enjoyed every bit of it.I must admit that maybe I grew more affectionate to these characters than the originals in the manga; I just fell in love with them, especially Hong He and Chu Ying.
Hong He was really a pleasant surprise, I absolutely loved every moment he was on screen, he made me laugh and cry and I just wanted to have him as best-friend. The actor did an incredible job playing Hong He, my attention just gravitated towards him unconsciously, really. I think he is probably my favorite character of the entire drama.
And what can I say about Chu Ying? The actor absolutely captured the very essence of his character and I loved him as much I was fond of Sai in the manga, he's just adorable. I was so entertained by his and Shi Guang's interactions, it was a joy to watch their friendship grow and develop; also episodes 32-33 made me crying non-stop, I was devastated, even if I knew That was coming.
I want to make a honorable mention to Fang Xu, for some reason, be it here or in the manga, his character never stop to amuse me and the actor did really a great job handling him. His brotherly relationship with Yu Liang never failed to make me smile and his growth was the one I appreciated more.
To be fair, every actor did a splendid job and I think that why the adaptation did turn out so well: everyone understood their character and made him alive. The script was written well and it was coherent, the music fitted just fine to the scene and the flow of the story didn't appear disconnected at all. Also I'm also really impressed by the special effect for Chu Ying, they really did a good job.
In conclusion, I recommend this to anyone, it's really worth your time! It's the first drama about sport that I've seen that is so well made, I just loved it.
Was this review helpful to you?
