very disapointed
was extremely disappointed in this show. While I had high hopes going in, it quickly became clear that My Generation sends a harmful and outdated message — especially to younger viewers.The portrayal of the female lead constantly chasing after a man who shows little to no interest was frustrating and, frankly, embarrassing. It reinforces the idea that a woman's worth is tied to male validation, which is not only untrue but damaging. Young girls need to see strong, independent characters who understand that there's more to life than pursuing someone who is clearly not reciprocating.
In 2025, we should be promoting self-respect, ambition, and emotional maturity — not desperation masked as romance. Disappointing and out of touch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Had promise and lost step
First I must comment the soundtrack for OG is better than the series. The songs are catchy and the main two are played many times thus they stick in your head.This series started with good intentions and then fizzled and then picked back up. It spend way too much time on the ML going 'missing' that I don't know why the FL bothered. Everyone has challeneges in life and the ML seemed to feel he had to suffer on his own to 'protect' those he loved yet wound up hurting them more. I think of all the WASTED years that went by where a simple, 'Hope you are well, thinking about you' would have went a long way.
The start of the series the parents were shown having key roles in their childrens lives and then at High School and beyond faded to the background, which I guess is how life goes. I wish the ML found closure with the parents who are gone in the second half of the series.
This series also wasted the friends relationships and played minor roles. the FL best friends (girl) and (boy) clearly have for each other and never took the step to at least tell each other. Again wasted years loving someone. Maybe they decide to just stay platonic. The other cirlce of friends are never explored other than cameos at times.
Overall it is worth a watch, just know the middle episodes are frustrating as it doesn't connect to the start and the (happy) ending episodes, the wrap up seemed rushed considering the time spent on the 'apart' portions.
I guess the series does show the years of growth as you enter adulthood and have real ife to deal with. ML took responsibility for his family and put his own happiness (and education) on hold. Many people deal with similar situations.
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Just FL having no backbone
I was really looking forward to this drama especially since we would get to be seeing ZLH and ZJM tgt again but the story was just not it for me. Her being so hung up on a boy she knew for a little over 6 months and throwing basically her whole life away for him was just dissapointing to see. I am not disregarding his struggles and what not but i don't get why she's so stuck on a boy who dropped her not once but twice. But the biggest problem and might i say the downfall of the whole series, was the episode cut. The story would've been so much better had show been 40 episodes as planned. Bc of the episode cut everything felt empty and rushed. It seemed like we were missing so much. To close off, all i could say is this show had crazy potential it just didnt reach the expectations i hadWas this review helpful to you?
Disappointed me, although i was excited for this drama.
The problem with this drama is the portrayal of characters and predictable plotlines, the male lead's character unlikable and the female lead's character attachment to him baffling.Male Lead's character lacking in integrity and decisiveness, making him difficult to sympathize with, even considering his difficult family situation.
The drama relies on common tropes and lacks fresh twists, particularly in its portrayal of youth and school life, there is also a lack of balance and depth in the writing, particularly in the portrayal of the female lead character.
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amazingly beautiful love story
A brilliant show, Cdrama modern, 2025, 24eps x 45mins ea. = 18hrs watchtime. The two leads, Zhao Jin Mai, as Cherry (Lin Qi Le), and Zhang Ling He, as her true love Jiang Qiao Xi, give the performances of their careers so far. I recommend this whole-heartedly for both its romance and for the nostalgia of its main backstory which mostly runs from '96 through 2000.However you will be as immediately captivated as I was by the first episode in which the child actress who represents the young Cherry dominates the scene and the adult leads do not appear at all. No cutesy first-love-flashback, the anchor for the life-time love of Cherry and Qiao Xi is seen clearly. A perfectly and swiftly established full portrait of childhood, which should have felt sentimental, but stayed close enough to reality to be sincere yet still fun.
The cinematography, from the opening home village section, all the way through the high school scenes, the college scenes and the scenes in Hong Kong, is carefully tailored to each set of episodes; filters, spaces, perspectives all are unique and perfect. I dont know Hong Kong, but I have a sneaking feeling that the elephant in the room for the street scenes is that region's cinematic history/style. Michael Tone and Carmen Lee show up as family in Hong Kong and there are some cute meta-jokes
The soundtrack is full of songs that create a nostalgic feeling; their lyrics often run point-counter-point to the narrative, uplifting action-only sequences to poetry.
Zhao Min Lai comes into her own in this role. Her portrayal of Cherry's courageous fidelity circles back through puppy love to the steadfastness of childhood, as she (Cherry) becomes an adult right in front of our eyes. Working as an actress since the age of 10, ZML has accomplished what many child actors havent, to become an adult artist, flexible, sincere and skilled. May she never be restricted to costume dramas again!
Zhang Ling He also takes risks as he moves into less-stylized roles of moderns. As the youth Qiao Xi, ZLH's portrayal of hesitancy and fear will not surprise you, but his performance of the almost adult QX is powerful and meticulous. Great balance of vulnerability with strength. His work with Zhao is way beyond the Princess Royal (obviously!), they both are courageous with their talents.
To be honest, the saccharine opening credits almost put me off watching, but this drama is so wonderful that I even became fond of them in the end.
ps. Just some amazing things -- What is the gift for a boys maturity?, Cherry asks QiaoXi. A full kitchenware set, says he, in my dreams I cook you countless meals.
Cherry, as a child and the leader of her gang, being hastily pulled back to earth by her buddies when she stands on a high ridge and declares she can fly! There couldnt be a better metaphor (or more beautiful visually) for why her friends are an essential part of Cherry's groundedness.
pps. It is confusing to read reviews referring to Cherry/Lin Qi Le as Ying Tao. The reviewers are confusing a different heroine (Ying Tao) from the novel which is the basis for the drama, with the actual character (Qi Le) in the drama itself.
ppps. Maybe we should have a romance vs. true love label? The ability to accept the childlike part of your lover is a crucial basis for a long-term relationship and part of the fundamental trust that we label as true love.
Many people have expressed their dislike of this story, saying that it was not romantic enough for them. There is nothing wrong with a well-choreographed kiss with good music just before the trials and tribulations of a romance show, and hot interactions/glances/quarrels etc early on. I crave that sort of show as much as anyone else, just not all the time.
However, this is not that show, and it is still a wonderful depiction of true love, and I would place the difference squarely in its depiction of trust.
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This review may contain spoilers
don't use your western lense
ZJM(FL) I don't think she does many cheesy easy urban dramas. This drama is heavy not as heavy as stand by me but a little heavier than Amidst a Snowstorm of Love and if you not ready for the emotional toll then skip it but do they have some great quotes and themes to inspire and motivate...YES.First major theme-running away from problems will not solve anything but create more problems. ML dad and him move away from ML mom cause she needs to do work but there are hints she might have been having an emotional brekadown and didn't want the ML during that time.
Second or simultaneously theme- you can't replace one thing for another. you can't replace a child with one you lost, you next child is not the same as your first. A rabbit is not a cat.
Third theme that is more underlying-get therapy,
Fourth theme- have friends to support you during the hard times. For example, the ML mom had no friends (obsessed and crazy) but ML's dad had friends so he is way more adjusted than the wife/mother of ML. The friend group shows how having true friends help you get through the rough times. and can push your forward.
Biggest Theme- parental projection which is when a parent projects their own, often unfulfilled, needs, beliefs, or desires onto their child, essentially trying to live vicariously through them. Or A child raised with parental projection may feel pressured to conform to their parent's expectations, rather than forming their own opinions and beliefs. This movie is saying that this type of parenting is not good. We see that most of the friend groups family give them the choice to choose their own life but the ML family does not, instead it is what the ML mother wants.
Other reviews that it is toxic relationship- not really, somehow the FL feels it is her job to help all people who came from her hometown you are made to understand this very early and then in later episodes when the parents are talking. You learn about it in the stories, she is liked because she is the one always helping others. In the first or second episode when they are kids the ML grabs the FL arm and keeps her from falling and we later learn in later episodes helps her in math. I think this was to let the viewers know this is why ML and Fl were so connected. The ML helped her as well. During the show the families always talk about the FL and how she was always helping the other kids and bringing a smile to everyone. Uncle Wang who was always down because didn't have job or couldn't keep steady work. The lottery she one was not really a lot of money but it was enough to make a splurge. Once again the FL was spending it on everyone else and not her self. The ML also points this out, how she is always thinking of others. I understand the ML for "ghosting" her during his worse time and feel embarrassed. I have done the same thing, because is so hard to be vulnerable and raw in front of people who knew you when your were great but I know being vulnerable and real with your friends is the best way to heal. I think that is the last theme. Falling doesn't mean you have to stay at the bottom forever. You can get back up again especially if you have the right people in your corner.
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what do you look for in youth drama?
when i look for a youth drama i want to see a good mix of romance and the situations arise at that young age and the consequences of your actions. where most cdrama don't touch upon the latter this was different.i was hooked from the first episode to the last. it's not draggy it doesn't feel cringe and there are no blinding plot holes.
1. story- as an avid watcher of Youth dramas this was very refreshing for me it actually deals with the problems of youth like arrogance, innocence, high school embarrassments and first love and heartbreak but what's different in this was it showed the not so fun parts with great deal od empathy for the characters like financial struggles , regret, failure especially in academic life and losing your dreams. I genuinely felt so refreshed seeing it.
2. Romance - I'm a sucker for aa childhood sweetheart romance. and i personally like characters like the main leads especially the girl. Someone who doesn't wait for the other to take the first step she can take the initiative on her own. someone said in a review it's a wrong message to send to girls but i love to see anyone chase after the other if they're worth it for them no matter the gender.
3. Uniqueness - one thing about cdrama you see is the characters all have good life ahead no matter what situation was previously. this drama is more realistic in that sense it shows that sometimes things just doesn't work out. the universe doesn't care if you're a gifted genius or genuinely a good person sometimes bad things happen just because and you have to do your best.
this drama in my opinion gives out very good messages likr not taking opportunities lightly and not letting your insecurity and perfectionism get in the way of happiness you deserve as a human and you're not a failure just cuz you didn't accomplish your dreams . I highly recommend it.
this is my first review and it's only my opinion. sometimes different things touch you in different ways and this did it for me.
there are some cons like: i wish the turn around of the ml was done in a different way but that would have taken a few more episodes and i didn't see any actual apology from either of his parents (but thats honestly very accurate for Asian parents lol)
Honestly I'm glad i didn't check out the reviews when i started this series. it's ironic that I'm writing one after reading the negative reviews... BYE
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A Slow Burn Story
A well-crafted youth drama that focuses on friendship, growth, and the emotional complexity of teenage years. Rather than relying heavily on romance, it leans into the connections between the characters and the impact of their environment. The cast delivers strong performances across the board, with Yingtao and Qiaoxi’s storyline standing out for its emotional depth. The strained mother-son dynamic supplies tension, and the changing dynamics of the ensemble keep the show afoot. Gloomily dark at moments, but the final episodes package everything together in sincerity and heart.Was this review helpful to you?
Why This Drama Deserves More Credit: Embrace Individuality and Enjoy the Story
I am not sure why this drama has received so many negative reviews honestly, it’s one of a kind. I came across a comment that mentioned it is not a drama for young girls who take inspiration from other dramas, and I can’t help but think: It’s true that a lot of young girls might take inspiration from dramas, especially when it comes to relationships, fashion, or even life goals. But, here's the thing dramas are meant to be entertainment, not blueprints for real life. If we only ever “took inspiration” from what we see on screen, we’d miss out on creating our own unique stories.Now, about the drama itself it's not your typical colorful, cliché-filled show with romantic kisses. But it's definitely worth a watch at least once. The actors did an amazing job, especially compared to "Always Home." Sure, school dramas might follow a similar structure, but this one keeps things interesting without feeling repetitive. Everyone has their own taste, but I really don’t think this drama deserves as much hate as it’s getting especially compared to other shows. If it’s not your thing, then just drop it, but I would absolutely recommend giving it a shot!
You can ask me if I will be like YingTao and I will not be but Love doesn't just need to be in a format it can vary between different people/scenarios/etc. If what I think I am doing is Love I will respect others way of Love as well unless it is physical/mental abuse. Watch a TAMIL MOVIE (INDIAN) - Vaaranam Aayiram and you will love it.
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Lacking in so many ways unfortunately
Great lead actors and we were all excited since the princess royal but this wasn’t the best next script for them. I understand the director would have wanted the storyline told in a slow way though it lacked depth, emotions, direction and a hook to keep audiences interested. The story itself was extremely weak, some dramas may drag a little but at least the characters lines give us some insight or emotion to make it feel like the viewers didn’t waste their time. This drama gave nothing. Which also baffles me. There could have been many ways to project the importance of a relationship or friendships overtime without soooo many scenes dragging endlessly without meaning to them. It took me several months to finally push through this drama and I ended up forwarding so much just to get it off my list. Huge disappointment. Goes to the bottom of my list. I hope these two actors get to work together with a better script in the future.Was this review helpful to you?
What a major disappointment
The minute this show was announced I was excited. Two top stars, yes please. Oh boy was I wrong. Too long. Bad writing.Skippable in so many parts.
This show was not it. All that attempt in the last episode to redeem evil and toxic hateful characters, one of which contributed to the complete mess ML ended up in with her abuse, I’m sorry but no CDRAMA LAND, its not and never will be ok.
The redeeming qualities of this drama are the side characters. What a wonderful friend group. The community of the supportive adults. Love seeing this as bad parenting is usually the norm. Script tries real hard to make you hate ML, and his turn around was unnaturally fast. What a big disappointment this was. Glad its over.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great Cast, Wasted on a Weak Plot
I have to admit, as much as I’m a huge fan of Zhang Linghe, I need to stay objective—this drama just isn’t it. 😩 He truly deserves a project with better writing and direction.At first, I was excited, but Our Generation quickly turned into a disappointment. I can’t tell if it’s because TikTok spoiled too many scenes or simply because the storyline itself is poorly written. The plot becomes weaker with every episode, making it hard to stay engaged.
The casting, however, is excellent. Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai both deliver strong performances, but even their talent can’t save a storyline that’s overly predictable and full of clichés. There are so many other dramas out there that feel far more worth watching.
Overall:
⭐ 5/10 – A drama with a great cast, but dragged down by bad writing and an uninspired, predictable plot.
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