A River Runs through It

finished in 3 days: addictive!!!

Let me tell you.. I finished this drama in 3 days. It was so addictive.

I love coming of age stories but it is really hard to find a good one.
Is this show perfect? Absolutely not.
Is it worth watching for 36 episodes? Absolutely yes.

Plot: we follow the lives of a bunch of teen Agers across high school, university and into adulthood.
The thing that makes this drama stand out is that it feels way more realistic than other ones especially when it comes to the romantic aspect of life.

If I have to make it short, the leit motiv of this drama is "you might be in love with someone but he is already in love with someone else, but ehy... Keep holding on".

All the characters are somewhat intertwined in some kind of "one sided love" and it feels so real.

The script gave each of them same personal battle. We experience love at first side, love that stems from friendship, betrayal, unsure love etc.. the whole umbrella. This gives you the chance to empatize with all the characters at some level.

Friendship is a solid presence throughout the drama. This people are always there for each other no matter their personal circumstances or contrasting feelings and that was so well done and sweet to watch.

Family dynamics are a part of the drama but don't play a huge roll. The are somewhat more relevant in the "high school" days but less present later on.

The characters are well written except for some secondary characters that are just there to be the occuring "room mate" or "university collegue".

The actors did all a fantastic job, especially the main duo. These guys just make you laugh, cry, sight.. wonderful.

The highlight of the show? Definitely lu suyi. This poor guy. You cannot not fall for him. He is the greenest flag you'll ever see. I felt his pain so many times. He never give up his love even when the odds where all against him.

The female lead was lovely. Often in this teenager drama they dumm down the female protagonist but here she is resilient, a good friend, has a strong will power and genuily funny without that "cute but dummy" stereotype. Sure, she is not academically gifted like 90% of this kind of characters but she makes up with other qualities.

I loved the fact that no guy in the main group is toxic or a tsundere. Really refreshing.

This drama is pretty long and some dynamics start to feel a bit repetitive at the end but to my surprise I didn't find any episode to be boring.
Sure I skipped some parts related to some couple but that was just me trying to find out about the main trio.

Complaints?

Expected maybe more high school episodes. They end pretty quickly.

The passing of time is not really done well.
It is hard sometimes to know how much time has passed. Even though their attention to details like the technology available at a certain given time.

University wise: they did very little study. Especially the main guy which is supposed to be a medical student.🤣
University life was pretty lacking. It seems like they were mainly hanging out with each other and focusing on their personal love story.

Adult episodes: they are literally 3. I would have liked to see more of how they adjusted to life outside of school. Sure they tell us what they were up to but it felt a bit lacking.

This is definitely worth to watch.

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realistic take on youth

i will never ever recommend watching this to anyone looking for a fairytale romance.
story and characters: this is a slice of life. it is about youth. a very realistic portrayal of life and love, loss and separation, reunion and complex attachments that happens to most of us. it is highly relatable to many viewers. many may not like the fl because she spent over half the drama pining for the 2ml, who was busy with his own love life. but in reality we all probably know someone like the fl and 2ml, and maybe even a toned down version of the ml. obviously guys like ml are very rare, thats why this is a drama not a documentary.
we often come across someone who is in love with their best friend but never confesses and thinks they are oblivious to their love, but in fact they choose to stay oblivious to keep a precious friendship because of their own strictly platonic feelings. so many people really cant see the good things right in front of them because their heart blinds them to only see what it wants, and its not until late that they finally realize the true worth of things. how often do we see couples breaking up because of their ex coming back? there are also couples really in love but that love isnt enough to sustain their relationship and end up in a push and pull situation, thus breaking up and patching up again and again only to have an ugly separation, and possibly leaves one of them in lifelong regret. some people find everlasting love again after a messy breakup, some people don't move on even after a long time after breakup, some people give in to their regrets but never move on from that one love, some get back with their ex partners to ultimately breakup again with them and finally find their soulmate in someone else, some fall in love and get blind to others and after a long time subconsciously grow to love someone else that they have always relied on, some only just love one person forever and silently stay by their side doing everything for them selflessly just for their happiness. some of them get their happily ever after, some don't. some get their first love as their life partner, some don't get their beloved ever. this is real youth. this is what real people go through. this is what arrti portrayed through 6 characters who grow up and mature over time. growing up means separation, people go their own ways to build their lives, down the line we reconnect with some, while some are lost permanently. also lets not forget that the premise is set in pre 2000s which progresses to early 2000s during which most of the plot happens., so communication through internet wasn't exactly the best. another important part is that, i couldn't bring myself to hate any of the characters, be it lin you or huang jun.
acting: the acting was great actually. my first time watching wang ruichang as ml and this proved that he very well deserves more ml roles. 2nd time watched hu yixuan as fl and she honestly delivered her part well.
production: i wonder where they managed to find such rural looking settings that are actually fitting of pre 2000s society. they also found some pretty scenic locations too. also that song that xiaoju sang for cheng lang was my favourite ost. overall pretty decent production.
one complain is the ending. an ending like that? awful. i get that it was a happy ending but we deserved some more scenes of that.
i am not really into youth dramas, because of mostly the airheaded fls who speak in a baby voice, rich vs poor, love triangle cliches. and i most definitely never watched a slice of life before. so i am impressed by this one as it is my first time. i regret not watching this sooner. but maybe if i had watched it before, i wouldn't have appreciated it as much as i do now, since now i understand the story on a personal level. meaningful friendships, mature characters, and a realistic storyline. overall a good watch for sure.

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mixed up feelings?.

I'm reaching my most favorite cdrama even tho I cried, stressed, and so many mixed feels it was hard watching it but last time it took me 1 week and a half to finish it cause of each episodes but im glad it was an happy ending for lu shiyi and xia xiaoju but cheng lang kind of Deserves better since he didn't get to have the love of his life.

I also thought about this like a enemies to lovers + slow burn cause it took long enough for xiaoju to know that shiyi loved here since he did bully her to cover up his feelings and even brought that shell clip even if he said it's ugly including his mom was teasing him about that but anyways.

the whole drama is basically a hs/college Sweetheart since they were all friends back in year 3 but there was so many good and bad things happening its like a mess and loop but shiyi has always been jealous when xiaoju mentions cheng lang or smth other than that or like the couple moment so just breaks the moment anyways.

but I wouldn't say enemies cause I would also say rivals since it's like their competitive over stuff and I love seeing their rival moments I just still think that why did she take so long to notice that lu shiyi liked her? like I'm always fed up with that feeling.

note: (srry if you dont understand my review)

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A Good Drama About Life and Youth

Keeping the love plot line aside this drama did justise to other aspects of a youth. From school life to being an actual adult, it showed a glimpse of all the important elements a young adult faces in their life at least once.

The story line covered a lot of characters and each character had their own story to tell. There was a lot of heartbreaking things but a beautiful endto complete their own stories. This drama is actually a slice of life kind of drama which actually portrays real life things and not fairytale love.

To me the love triangle between the main leads wasn't the best part and when the third person finally went from their lives (love angle way) their own misunderstandings came in way, THIS WAS THE ONLY THING which did not satisfy me. Also the screen time for the two leads being in love was also very less. I wish we had more of them dating and something but anyways.

The drama is a worth a watch if you have nothing to binge, the sweet moments of these friends and the cute bikering of the main leads will keep you going. Overall it was a fun watch.

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This is a story of monkey love and/or crush and friendship. I enjoyed watching coming of age stories like this. I love watching the character grows and move on in their life. This drama feels more realistic, as we all have that monkey love when we were in school and some grow out of it, some keep it until graduation. Who we ended up with is usually not the one we have the crush with. I like the relationship and chemistry between Xia Xiao Ju and Lu Shi Yi. I think the best kind of romantic relationship is being with your best friend, since you don't have to pretend to be someone else when you're with him. Shi Yi started off like a jerk, but he grew on me and he really cared about Xiao Ju. He just has his own way of showing it. I was rooting for Xiao Ju to be with Shi Yi and not Cheng Lang. The supporting characters are also interesting. It breaks my heart when Huang Jun sang that last song to Le Tao. I can feel their pain and sadness. Lin You is my least favorite character. She is annoying with that annoying voice. I can't stand it whenever she appears on my screen. Unfortunately I was not one that skips scene. Her voice seemed fake and dubbed. Overall, I really like this drama. It is light, heartwarming, and there are many funny moments.

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Mixed feelings about this one(MUST READ)

I have watched a lot of cdramas but this one was just like not vibing and not above my expectations.... you know what i mean. I was expecting more but it turns to be sand and happy at the same time. Now it's time to review it.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

I just don't know why lu shiyi is treated as a second lead even though he was the main lead.

There is a girl who is a transfree student and there is this boy who studies in her school also he lives nearby her house so his parents and her parents are friends. There is a second lead also who also lives nearby their house , their parents are friends too. The script was actually not that good because like lu shiyi did not had that much moments with the FL but second lead had so why we are calling him a second lead then make him the main lead.

There is this girl also who is bsf of the FL and she is going marry their close friend later. They all four took admission into the same college and all four got in. Their college life is just happening and lu shiyi realised his feelings her thr FL but she is already fallen for the second lead. One day lu shiyi confesses his feelings and they decide to date for a long time and see that it will whether work out or not between them being in a relationship.

They didn't work out but they got married later. I don't remember clearly because i watched this drama in November 2024 and i am reviewing it in june 2025 so it's been a long time.

WHY DID I CUT MARKS IN WHICH THINGS?LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS.

1. STORY: I already told you but that was just a little story of the drama now this is my FINAL REVIEW ON THIS DRAMA. First of all, the reason i wanna give that lu shiyi is treated as a second lead even though he was rhe main lead. Second of all, he did not have much moments with FL. Third, that the drama was very fast everything was happening so fsst ACCORDING TO ME. Fourth, the FL had too much breakdowns about the second lead not liking him and he was just hurting her. Fifth, in the marriage or before the marriage it looked like she was forced to get married with lu shiyi. Rest of the things were good like rest of the story was good somethings were going happy they were having moments when they came to college. 5/10 As you can see above.

2. ACTING/CASTING: Even though the story was not that good but the acting and casting were no doubt. 10/10 As you can see above

3. OST: I don't notice and listen to OSTs much but as far i see and listen to it was 8.5/10.

4. REWATCH VALUE: As i explained the story i don't i will be able to watch it again and ruin my mood but it was not that bad some good things also happened. But the rewatch value is 2/10.

It is completely up to you that you should watch it or not. I just gave my opinion.

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This entire drama was a misunderstanding

I rarely write reviews, and when I do it's for an insanely good drama or actual hell. I guess this drama wasn't really hell, but it was definitely the purgatory. If you like the misunderstanding trope, you will like this drama, because every single "dramatic" thing that happened was a misunderstanding.
The actors definitely did a great job, I applaud to them all, some are new for me, but some I've seen in previous dramas.
The main characters ( including Letao and Cheng Lang and their "significant others) had a relatively developed story. There were definitely some specific problems, like Letao choosing not to tell XiaoJu who she was marrying until the day before??? Shiyi never being seen studying despite majoring in MEDICINE. And then choosing to propose at LeTao's wedding, without ever actually being with XiaoJu. Although being in love with her for nearly ten years might account for that. Everyone in the drama switched their partner at least once, but Shiyi tied himself to Xiaoju and never let go. I swear the writers ex boyfriend must have been called Shiyi or something similar, which is why they chose to torture him until quite literally THE LAST EPISODE.
I might have enjoyed it more if the sole focus wasn't just on their love lives, but on what it actually feels like to be a student, because if you are or if you ever were one, you would know that it's not as bright and free as they were.
I have to admit, I did finish it quickly, and it isn't a necessarily bad drama, it just wasn't really executed correctly, so it tires you out and makes itself very predictable.

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Started Strong, Ended Awkwardly

I don’t usually write reviews for youth dramas because most of them follow the same formula and rarely leave a lasting impression. But The River Flows Through It stood out, at least in the beginning. It had something special until it peaked too early and left me wondering, “Then what?”

From the start, I was hooked. The story felt fresh, and I was genuinely curious to see how the relationships would develop. It was clear from the beginning that the leads were heading toward an enemies-to-lovers arc, but that predictability did not take away from the fun. Their chemistry felt real, and their growth as characters was believable.

The high school segment, which focused on their senior year, was especially well-paced. It allowed just enough time to connect with the characters and watch their friendships deepen. Moments like the summer trip were thoughtful and well-developed. But after they graduated, the story started to unravel.

Around episode 30, things lost momentum. The pacing became noticeably rushed. While their freshman year in college still had some decent moments, like Xia Xiaoju’s two-day trip and the group competition, everything after that felt increasingly hurried. Summer breaks, which previously felt like meaningful pauses in the story, suddenly passed in a blink.

Each college year flew by faster than the last. By the time senior year ended, I found myself thinking, “Wait, what just happened?” The story continued moving forward, but the emotional depth was gone.

Some viewers have criticized the writing, but I actually thought it was decent until graduation. Even with the faster pace, the writing held up for a while. But once Lu Shiyi left and Xiaoju tried to reach out to him, things started to feel off. It didn’t make sense that he would ignore her completely. Based on everything we had seen of his character, he would have responded. His silence felt out of character.

Then there was the whole situation with Shen Dou. It did not make sense for Lu Shiyi to be dating her when he clearly still had feelings for Xiaoju. That just wasn’t who he was. Yet, when he returned, he was still with Shen Dou and teasing Xiaoju as if nothing had changed. It felt inconsistent and, honestly, disappointing.

Another odd moment was when Cheng Lang saw Lin You with a random white guy. Given her backstory, it seemed far more likely she would have ended up with Yuan An Cheng instead. That sudden shift felt forced and left me wondering if the writer was trying to manufacture drama without respecting the characters’ established relationships.

Finally, the ending scene where Shiyi and Xiaoju kissed at their friend’s wedding felt completely out of place. It wasn’t romantic or satisfying; it just felt rude.

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Perfect drama until episode 27

This is my first review ever.
I loved the first part and if it continued like that, I could have said it would be my favorite drama ever.
Good characters, I liked the family relationships, the friendship, but the thing I loved the most in the whole drama was... Lu shi yi.
He was just perfect. Excellent acting, handsome, funny, chill, caring.
I really enjoyed their interactions and the little gestures he did for xiaoju. They were too funny and seemed so happy, perfect.
Many complain about Xiaoju's one-sided love that lasted so long but I didn't find it excessive. It's difficult to go move on. For me it was fine, but then... starting from episode 28 things went not so well...
Xiaoju and dadou were always joking and loved each other in their own way, but after the confession xiaoju starts to be really cruel with him.
It didn't seem like her behavior to me. She has completely changed and their friendship has completely fallen apart and been forgotten... Their story could have been better. He leave for so many year and they should have clarified first, talked about the past, developed their relationship... but no... why not get married...

Speaking of other things... why did chenglan have to go through all that? Why break his heart? Such a pure soul deserved better.
Tao tao... we were all happy for baobao but it didn't make much sense. He was just there to make us happy.

it would be great RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT SEASON 2. They could start with luShiyi's departure and delve into the long years spent away. What did he do. What happened. maybe he thinks about her. opens the jar of stars. I think he will continue to talk to Chenglan. maybe they're talking about her. I think he came back a few times to say hello to his parents, but maybe they never saw each other And the panic she felt. Every little thing reminded her of him. How they start their working careers. and then the return. their journey and wedding. they clarify the misunderstandings of the past. them talking and reflecting on past and present feelings. and their life as a couple accompanied by their usual moments. he keeps teasing her. would be great. Taotao e baobao love story. it could also be seen as a separate drama even by the people who haven't watch ARRTI1, but we would love it. even if the actors are now of a certain age it would be fantastic. if only there was a way to contact them

In conclusion, It's still a good drama. It made me happy, laugh and cry, would I watch it again? Probably yes, but I really want that xiaojun and lushiyi can have the ending they deserved.

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A Bittersweet Journey of Growing Up!

This drama is funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly realistic. I love how it shows that life doesn’t always unfold the way we hope, yet we still find ways to grow and make things work. It’s refreshing that it isn’t the usual love-triangle chaos—there’s so much more depth, friendship, and personal growth woven into the story.

One YouTube comment perfectly captures the essence:
“Everyone is running towards each other without realizing someone’s running behind them too.”
This line beautifully reflects the youthful confusion, misaligned timing, and bittersweet innocence that define the drama and connect perfectly with its title, A River Runs Through It.

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Perfect drama in friendship aspect and worst in romantic aspect

The first 10 to 15 eps were the best part of this drama where we see the characters going through different challenges in life somewhat realistic. Like the characters were actually shown studying before their exams and training before their sports meet. Their friendship also grew naturally while they hung out together and spent a lot of time together. The friendship aspect of this drama is very well written and well portrayed, whenever 1 person goes through difficult times, everyone would do their part to help him/her not just their romantic interest which was a new thing to witness.
The drama started to fall apart and become unrealistic when it became romance focused. It seemed like the characters were more mature in high school than in college. I loved Xiaoju in the beginning of this drama but when her crush for Cheng Lang lasted for 27 episodes, it became nnoying ngl. While Shiyi was always there for her, helped her and supported her in every possible way she still was stuck on Cheng Lang even after he started dating Lin You which was so upsetting. Their love triangle didn't work in any way for me. Also even after the time skip of 2 years she still felt uncomfortable around Lin You, like why??? Even after 2 years she still failed to recognize Shiyi's love for her. At first it was understandable that she couldn't see Shiyi in romantic sight as he was always fought with her, called her ugly, etc. But even when he changed his behaviour (carrying her bag, always saying encouragung words, always following her in her trips to support her) she still never saw him as mire than friend? Are you serious? Until the end it felt like only Shiyi was the one who actually loved her. They quarelled with each other throughout their life but 1 day when he said she doesn't dance well she suddenly became the most offended person in the entire world and also called him crazy for confessing. Ep 30 to 36 were so hard to watch. Shiyi was always the one who apologised first for even the smallest things and always approached her first whenever there was a misunderstanding. They were literally friends for 5 - 6 years but even the slightest misunderstanding would separate them. What was the point of having the friendship for so long if you can't communicate when needed. Shiyi definitely deserved a better girl than Xiaoju. Whenever he went to confess she always brought up her own feelings and didn't even give him soace to confess not to mention her change of behavior after Shiyi confessed. She was always mean to him and push him away and never talked after the misunderstandings even though Shiyi tried his best to sort them out. Shiyi literally chased her throughout the series but when it was her turn to chase him (after he went abroad) she just gave up without even confirming whether he was with someone or not.
I didn't get the point of Tao hiding her relationship with Bao from Xiaoju for so long. Also why did Shiyi visit so many spots in the name of proposing if he was going to do it in his friend's wedding?? Also it was a bummer that we didn't even get a glimpse of Xiaoju and Shiyi as couple after putting Shiyi through so many heartbreaks and suffering.

Overall this drama is great for you if you like the youth based and friendship focused dramas. Friendship was the only good thing in the drama. If you're looking for romance then you should probably find another drama.

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Still one of my favourite dramas after so many

I can really relate to this story being around the same age as them. Parent's pressure. being the oldest and always having to give in. unsure of what I want to study and do. Family problems to deal with at home. The joy friends bring you. The support you get from the most unexpected people. The process of growing and exploring.

To be honest the love plot of this drama reminds me of True beauty except Shiyi, who I thought was the 2nd lead at first, gets a happy ending with the FML.

And I just realised how many love plots there were.
- Unrequited love
- Love at first sight
- Bickering couple (Kind of enemies to lovers)
- Cheating, heart break
- letting go of each other for the better
- Perusing
- Childhood friends to Strangers to Lovers

This drama is just almost perfect. I just wished there was maybe 2 or 3 more episodes since the ending seemed quite rushed. This dramas is still one of the best out there pulling me out of my c drama slump.

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