One of the most beautiful and memorable story
Just finished watching this series today, damn I really loved it I feel kinda empty now am done with it. The female lead character is the most lovable person have ever seen in a drama, if such a person exist in real life she would definitely be my role model. This drama would be one of the best Chinese drama have watched. It was a roller coaster of different emotions, I genuinely cried during the sad part, and I smiled also during the good part. I look forward to this writer new dramas he/she definitely deserves an award for this drama, I also look forward to the female lead and the male lead dramas. I loved the second couples too. I really wished it did not end. I feel sad the characters ain't real but fictional, I feel sad I won't get to see them more. I would recommend this to everyone who gets to read my review.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Karma is a bitch... but the romance is slow burn
Production and acting were very well done. Costume and styles were fantastic- very modern and chic and Qi Lan pulled it off. Dylan Wang- much better than Meteor Garden.This drama focused more on the strong, independent woman having to deal with manipulative and backstabbing superiors as well as office politics. So it’s catered towards a more matured audience. But in the end, like I said- karma’s a bitch! ;) The romance and chemistry was somewhat lacking for me, their kissing scenes were disappointing too lol.
Best character was Qi Xiao’s mum! That woman was not only supportive, she was SO WISE, and the pearls of wisdom given to her son and thereafter to Shen Ruoxin’s mum was spot on! Kudos to the writers for that gem! I also particularly liked the part where both leads were explaining to Shen Rouxin’s mum why they liked each other. Their words were so poetic and meaningful.
I did however SKIP A LOT! Yes unfortunately, because it was boring and predictable. It got really draggy somewhere between episodes 10-21... then it picked up again. Side characters had depth in their relationships, but I just found it dull. If you’re into romance and chemistry, don’t bother with this one. He only confessed his love in episode 27!! Hahaha.... slow burn romance. After that also not much action lol. :):)
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A pleasant suprise.
As always my score is based on the enjoyment l received watchingthis drama, I have no skills as a reviewer but I must say I am a fan of slower developing shows, it gives time for the characters to be well defined in the earlier episodes by which time we are accepting them as a part of our viewing life; this drama is a good example.
The ML's executed their roles exceedingly well and were totally believable. The story line was believable and an enjoyable part of the overall story. The OST was pleasing and for the most part fitted well with the story line. The characters I felt were well developed and whilst I am not a resident of China provided a realistic view of the interactions between families, business colleagues and friends .
As you may have gathered I enjoyed this as much as "Go Ahead and PYHOMS " both of which captivated me.
Worth rewatching some time in the future.
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A heartfelt rom-com that hits you right in the feels
As someone who is closer to 30 than she is 20, on the cusp of what society views as my last years of "female youth", I found The Rational Life to be very relatable and fun to watch. The drama is a realistic portrayal and intersection of the aspirations, worries and frustrations of life in a big city for women trying to pave their own way in their life and career, bright-eyed university graduates grasping for their foothold in the world and ageing parents wanting what they truly think is best for their kids. It explores the perspectives of three different generations, their views on career, marriage, having children and what it means to be happy, and what it takes to meet in the middle.Dylan Wang (as Qi Xiao) and Qin Lan (as Shen Ruo Xin) are exceptional in their acting and super cute in this drama. Their chemistry is very natural and befitting of their relationship which develops throughout the show. Their banter is what I live for.
I also love the supporting cast and each of their individual stories. Each character was well written and alive - they had their own motivations and concerns and didn't just exist for the main couple. Pan Hong (as Shen Ruo Xin's mum) is truly captivating and frightening at the same time - there were times where I couldn't decide if I hated her but in the end I understood her burden as a single mother.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching The Rational Life and give it a 8.5/10 but will add a bonus 0.5 points for Dylan Wang's acting, emotional confessions and general adorableness (so 9/10 in total). Never thought I'll be attracted to a guy that is several years younger than me (nor did Shen Ruo Xin haha) but Dylan Wang was truly outstanding in this role. I guess The Rational Life teaches us that love is irrational but it somehow it all just makes sense.
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Dramatically realistic.
This drama has all the components of every typical office drama; the mean boss, the mean rival, office rival and of course the dirty office tricks used against the main leads. But somehow even when it sounded cliche, the story line does make you roll eyes.Both Dylan and QL did a great job bringing out their character but the chemistry was a bit lacking. Don’t expect to see a lot of knight in shining armor scenes or even kiss scenes, there won’t be a lot of it. But if you’re in it for the strong independent woman vibes, then go ahead, start episode 1.
I think this drama is made for those who enjoy realistic kind of story, you’d definitely come out with another little outlook in life after watching this as the lines are so inspirational. Really teaches you the importance of good communication. There were barely any annoying misunderstandings, proving a drama can actually go without those.
I’d usually skip a lot when it comes to work or office scenes, but this time, I barely did and it was quiet satisfying when the main leads actually overcomes the dirty old tricks from the rival.
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"if it not for me, i do not want it but if it for me, i would try to achieve it" - ruoxin
A nice drama about how the woman can survive in their career and love. I like how consistent ruoxin character and she always stand by herself eventhough she can be fragile sometimes.Qi xiao is really mature for his age and his family lead him became a nice guy.He know what he wants and never hesistant to do something he wants.
This drama show every one had their own struggle and how we must be counter with many difficulty in our life. I like really like determination of ruoxin and she know what the best for her.
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RuoXin is the Best FL
What I loved about this series is the FL Ruoxin played phenomenally by Qin Lan. This is the first series I've seen with Qin Lan but she nailed this part through and through.Ruoxin is someone to aspire to be. She is a successful woman in her 30's who knows what she wants and won't settle for less. She never waivered in her beliefs and I loved that about her. When things got hard she worked harder to make them better and never threw people under the bus even though her boss and his minions were doing everthing in their power to discredit her.
Ruoxin's relationship with Qi Xiao was good and they built towards a common goal to love each other as they are even though society has issues with an older woman and younger man.
I really hated that RuoXin's first boss Mr. Lui and his lackey Mr. Ruan didnt get the comeuppance I was hoping for. Aside from that a really good series from beginning til end even if some parts lagged amd several characters incluidng RuoXin's mom, Mr. Yu and Mr Xu got ob my nerves. Mr Xu did redeem himself though so I appreaciated his character towards the end.
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wang hedi is the cutest
I didn't expect this drama to be one of those cliche office romance dramas. surely, I wasn't keen of office romance dramas, but this one's different. I wholeheartedly fell in love with wang hedi. I mean, who wouldn't love seeing a cute intern standing beside his boss and making sure she's okay every day? I really really can't move on from his character. Although I do think the drama is a bit draggy at some point and doesn't make much sense, I still liked it nonetheless. The romance between them is genuine. I rarely support couples with large age gaps, but they made a cute couple. I skipped sone parts near the ending, but that's about it. I'd gladly recommend this to my friends, but definitely not one of those dramas I'd consider rewatching.Was this review helpful to you?
Can never go wrong with Qin Lan
Disclaimer: I’m a huge Qin Lan 姐 fan and I watched The Rational Life (TRL) right after We Are All Alone (WA3).Also a heads up. They get together really late in the show (eps 20+) but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. One, you get to cut the unnecessary misunderstandings. Two, they squeeze all the lovey dovey moments in the last few episodes. The buildup however is rather long and torturous.
Honestly when I read the synopsis, I was skeptical about how it’d turn out because the storyline sounds very typical and I’ve never watched any of Dylan’s shows. Also, how dragged out is a jiejie’s love story going to be over 35 episodes? It must be so lame and boring to have to watch through the perennial younger, lower-earning male partner issues over 35 episodes.
But I was wrong. First, I must say you will never go wrong with Qin Lan. She did WA3 so perfectly and this was no any less. She plays this rational (no pun intended), single, career-woman who is caught between office politics but she plays her politics well. Her expressions and 100% on point. You can see that she is a true professional actress and not just an idol + pretty face. Also side note, I love her calm voice. It’s probably the calmest tv voice I’ve ever come across.
Then her chemistry with Dylan. It’s impeccable. He plays this young, bashful but intelligent assistant who tries to protect and cover her from the mean office politics. And guess what? They actually make a really good couple! Their age gap in real life is 19 years. Their age gap in show is 10 years. Honestly, they only look 5 years apart to me. Qin Lan is ageless. Their scenes together are so sweet. I love watching how he takes the initiative all the time but as Ruoxin started accepting the fact that he is her boyfriend, she started taking the initiative and flirting with him herself.
I just gotta say though, Ruoxin’s mother is really psychotic. I wanted to smash my head every time she comes on screen. But I suppose that means the actress who plays her did a good job then.
As for the side character and stories, I honestly skipped them all because I’m really here just for Qin Lan. But I get that the side stories explore important societal issues, such as couples who cannot agree on whether to have a baby, couples with financial and career disparities.
Honorary mention is Boss Xu. As much as his character instilled a lot of fear and jealousy in me for chasing after Ruoxin and being arrogant about it, the actor who played him is really good.
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Noona romance done right
story and characters: the drama is centred around a 33, soon to be 34, female lead who needs to navigate a difficult click based office politics while also facing pressure from her mother due to her age to get married quickly. The romance plot line is between her and a younger by 12 years assistant. I liked how she is portrayed as a strong but feminine female lead that doesn’t need to completely abandon what is considered traditionally feminine. She has ambitions but I like how she says that she only wants to advance her career as far as her abilities take her (that’s not to say she is not competent, she is really competent) but she knows when to step back and put other, more important to her, things first. She is very rational through the end. The male lead is cute and youthful but mature and provides exactly what she lacks. He is very kind, loyal above all else and likes to take care of people. She is also very loyal and takes care of people although for her this aspect is especially prominent in her work life. Overall they complement each other well.
There are two romantic subplots between the ML’s best friend and a female coworker of theirs and the FL’s best friend and her husband. I didn’t care much for the first and was partial to the second.
The first relationship is centred around a guy fearing to start a relationship amidst professional uncertainty and seemingly fruitless struggle to achieve his dreams which would then force him to leave Shanghai and settle for a safe and stable yet unfulfilling and boring (in his eyes) life in the suburbs.
The second romantic subplot deals with a couple coming to an agreement before marriage about their future way of life only to discover a few years later that their needs and wants have changed and they need to choose again whether they should stay together with one side settling for the sake of the other or they should part in order to satisfy both of their wishes separately. Overall I found the second romantic subplot more appealing mainly because they deal with more profound issues and issues that are slightly more relevant to me, while the first romantic subplot also seemingly had an interesting theme but was a little boring for me.
In general I think many Chinese contemporary dramas tend to spend too much time on subplots and supporting characters which leads to the main romantic relationships not being as flashed out as they could have been or to too much background noise (as I call it, which is basically everything that is unnecessary for the progression of the general plot). This Drama also has this sin although I gather many would still enjoy this show despite or because of it.
There is also a plot line revolving around the mothers of the two leads which in the case of this drama, was a breath of fresh air and one of the best portrayal of parents and different parents in CDramas that I can remember. They had very different personalities and you could see so much of them in their children. While one mother was always in support of her child the other was always in opposition but the parents’ motivations were always grounded and relatable. The had a fantastic dynamic together and it was enjoyable to watch.
Acting: the acting was great. I have no complaints about anyone. Dylan Wang truly acted the character’s age which is another aspect I liked.
Music: nothing memorable on that front.
Rewatch Value: Chinese dramas are long and while this drama was fun there was nothing so memorable as to require a rewatch (which I couldn’t say for “You Are My Glory’).
To sum this up, I would give ”The Rational Life” a solid 8. This drama truly lived up to it’s name and was wholly rational till the end and while I did get bored at times and maybe skipped trough some moments it was worth the time spent.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's somewhere between almost boring and enjoyable.
The Good:-The noona romance was great, at least when it finally started.
-The chemistry between the leads
-ML's airhead mom
-A "strong independent woman" character that actually works.
-The 12 years younger ML
-Non romance focused Asian office dramas almost always suck, this one is not great or anything, but better than anything else I've seen in an office focused cdrama.
-Even though there are quite a few nonsensical things, most of the time the show is pretty down to earth.
The Neutral:
-FL's low key horrifying mom
-The show has been extremely slow, borderline boring most of the time.
-The whole show is an advertisement for the electric car business. (It's not addressed, where the electricity comes from to charge them, just that they are AMAZING)
The Bad:
-The preschooler level solution that solved all the office problems in ep28.
-The juvenile & universally petty villains
-The invader in the last few episodes
-It took 3 forevers for the romance to start.
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