This Could’ve Been the Next Go Ahead… If Only They Didn’t Cut It
I wish they didn’t have to cut so many scenes. After episode 17, the editing got really choppy and so many important moments were just gone. I’m glad that unlike the novel, all the friends actually stayed in touch here, but yeah… a lot of loopholes popped up because they had to shrink it from 44 episodes to 24. Honestly, it had the potential to be the best slice-of-life drama after Go Ahead, but all that cutting made the ML’s impact way less than it should’ve been.When I was watching the show, I honestly did not like the ML at all. But after reading the novel and finally understanding where he was coming from… I ended up loving both him and the FL, and seeing how they were meant for each other. Both actors killed it – loved them. The rest of the cast was great too. The songs? So good. Cinematography? Gorgeous. I just wish the editing hadn’t been so rushed, because then we wouldn’t have had random fillers instead of those important, heart-hitting scenes.
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The kind of series I would rewatch for angst feeling
This drama was full of stressful scenes yet memorable and have lots of meaningful moments. What I liked about the characters is Ying Tao, I desire to have a friend like her, she's the kind of person who would be there for you through ups and downs and uplift you when you're about to give up. This series taught us to cherish our youth, before we face the adulthood. Years have gone by so fast, and the rest will be adulthood so take risks before it's over. It taught to us to be brave and speak what's in our heart. Yingtao's wisdom was such a fresh air, something that wake us up in the darkness full of uncertainty, she's the one who will remind you to stand on your ground and have faith in yourself. I'll definitely rewatch some of the scenes, especially the stairs scene in HK. Overall, this drama was full of childhood moments that makes you want to reminisce your childhood memories especially the heartwarming ost that's nostalgic.Was this review helpful to you?
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toxic man/ obsessed woman
so to start, I love these types of dramas. I have watched all from go ahead to exclusive fairytale to love in a galaxy!The story started of strong , I loved the build up 🆙 of the friendships each special in their own right. The overarching family issues and how they impacted those relationships. These stories were well developed and served to move the story along as well give character development. The actors played their roles really well and gave depth and dimension to the characters.
The issue for me was- I did not understand the ML’s struggle or thought process I would say from when he decided to quit math! I was further confused by the FL who seemed to have unwavering loyalty and love for a ML who does not seem to care about her. All the decisions he made were not thought out, did not consider the FL feelings and always were selfish! This is not to diminish his experience of abuse., because i can see how parenting played a significant role-
FL in many ways since childhood was able to show love to the ML and also to her friends. At no point in the drama was I convinced that the ML loved her too! I haven’t read the book and understand that the ML experiences are more fleshed out but I can only judge from what I see. She could have loved him as friend, because explain to me how one can just leave after a declaration that of love and a first kiss! No communication for two years. The dumped FL then spends years talking to herself justifying her obsession instead of pursuing healthy reciprocal relationships. All the while hurting her friends along the way.
In all honesty this was an enjoyable drama but I hated the fact that I found myself rooting for the SML/mr pilot and couldn’t understand why he didn’t get the girl. The drama gave me no redemption/healing journey for the ML as to why he deserved a happy ending.
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Pure Love. Too Pure.
This was a pretty good coming-of-age drama and everything felt kind of relatable (ntm on Zhang Ling He's face card, I haven't experienced that yet). Here are a few points I would love to point out:1. Jiang Qiao Xi's realistic character. I've read comments about being mad at him, and I think it shouldn't be that deep. He can be annoying due to his sudden decisions, but he didn't hurt the female lead just because he wanted to. He had his downs, but he really made up for it. His reasons were so easy to understand (though I won't justify it wholeheartedly), as he didn't get the love he deserved from his family, but his development made him love him even more.
2. This drama really made me nostalgic. I love how I can relate to this, as my childhood was pretty much the same—especially neighbors being close to us, some even our relatives. Their neighborhood was so healthy and I love them so much 😭
3. Lin Ying Tao's love was honestly not that heroic for me, as what others have mentioned. If I was in her position and saw that my love—or even my friend—had been in a bad situation for like, all his life? I would do the same. It honestly wasn't as severe as I've read from the reviews. Or maybe I had just watched dramas where the FL sacrificed more than what the FL did in this drama???
Overall, I love this so much. The soundtracks were literally perfect—especially that one where a child was singing. It really gave off the feeling of youth and having childhood friends you can rely on. I LOVE IT SO MUCH! 3rd drama for this couple please 🙏🏻
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Yingtao is One-in-a-Million
First off all, don't let the low-score reviews deter you from trying out this show, they are generally from people who reviewed it prematurely without even completing.The drama sells to you a coming-of-age story of both Yingtao and Qiaoxi, childhood friends who later become separated a couple of times due to varying life circumstances but eventually find their way back to each other (yes a HE!).
Along the way though, are many obstacles our main couple have to overcome - be it emotional abused turned trauma, or just... life. Throughout the childhood, high school and uni arc the script and editing gives viewers Yingtao's POV, so many of Qiaoxi's decisions and actions (or lack thereof) become puzzling and is one of the reasons many dropped the show, accusing him of becoming cowardly and undeserving of her love.
But to be fair, the editing had cut many important contextual scenes (yes ZLH filmed those alr but were not spared from post-production) that can give viewers further insight to his personality shaped by prolonged emotional abuse and pressure from his family. In the novel, this aspect was thoroughly fleshed out so readers were able to better understand his train of thoughts and dilemma during his low points.
Despite this though, I think ZJM and ZLH both did so so well in portraying their characters - the faithful, hopeful, positive and courageous Yingtao and the overthinking, emotionally inept Qiaoxi who only has her as his life's hope. Say what you want about them but this couple truly understand each other best, even more than us viewers. So please quit with those 'red flags' and 'obsessed' shallow accusations. We get to see Yingtao confronting Qiaoxi's self-deprecating nature and how he comes to love himself and place his identity in the right places.
The last 4-6 episodes were really beautiful and are a must-watch, i feel they rounded off the story really well. While some details and plot were changed from the novel, it is still a beautiful story of friendship, hope and arden love.
If you're looking for a fluffy, easy, fast-paced drama then this might disappint you. But if you're strong enough to go through the angst, take enough effort to understand the characters then you'll be rewarded with some fluff and a beautiful end to their story.
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1Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai Shine in a Beautiful Coming of Age Story
Our Generation is everything I hoped for and more. From the acting to the storyline, it delivers a heartfelt slice of life journey that beautifully balances youth, friendship, family struggles, and slow burn romance. I waited so long for this drama, and it didn’t disappoint. If you love realistic coming of age stories with heartfelt romance and stellar acting, this one’s worth every minute.Zhang Linghe’s micro-acting is simply phenomenal. You can see every emotion in Jiang Qiaoxi’s eyes, like when he was happy to see Yingtao again but had to pretend otherwise, only to run around looking for her moments later because he was so worried. These subtle yet powerful moments are what make his portrayal so real and sweet. Zhao Jinmai is equally outstanding. Yingtao feels like a breath of fresh air, resilient, kind, and unafraid to stand by her values, especially when it comes to protecting her friends. Their chemistry is natural and heartwarming, from the adorable blush moments to the emotional shower scene that had me crying with Cherry.
I also love the dynamic with the side characters like Duchang and Cai Fangyuan, though I admit I get them mixed up in stills sometimes (both are so good-looking 😍). Ye Yun’s storyline, particularly her relationship with her father, is incredibly moving. When she realises how much he cares for her despite his struggles, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
The drama does a brilliant job at layering its characters with depth. For example, Jiang Qiaoxi being shown underwater felt like a metaphor for how suffocated he feels under his mother’s strict control. His mother’s behaviour is frustrating (sometimes downright infuriating), but it’s clear she’s projecting her own unresolved pain onto him. It makes his relationship with Yingtao even more special, she brings warmth and colour to his life.
Unlike many dramas where the male lead does all the chasing, I love how Our Generation flips this dynamic. Yingtao actively pursues her feelings, showing courage and sincerity, which feels refreshing. Their love story isn’t built on grand gestures but on trust, memories, and quiet moments, the little things, like how he wants to treat her the way his cousin treats his wife.
The episodes fly by, which shows how much I enjoy them. Some moments are funny (like the ep 2 jumpscare when JQX just appears behind her 😂), while others are deeply emotional. Episodes like 9, 15, and 21 stand out as my favourites for their emotional depth and romantic tension. Ep 21 especially was perfection, the angst, the heart to heart conversations, and their growth as a couple made me cry and smile at the same time. The wedding scene where they talk to their younger selves was such a beautiful and symbolic ending, telling us that no matter what hardships you face, you will find your happiness and the person who will stand with you.
Our Generation is a touching story of growing up, love, and healing. It’s not just about romance; it’s about family dynamics, self discovery, and finding light during difficult times. Sure, some people expected a rom-com and were disappointed, but this slice of life gem is special in its own way. From its relatable high school setting (love that the cast actually looks their age!) to its emotional arcs, it’s a drama that lingers with you.
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inspiring example how to stay true to yourself
In my eyes this drama is amazing… it is perfect… there is only one downside which irritates me very much… the MLs mother… (every screetime with her makes me want … I mean come on… does this mother love fame and prestige more than her own son… her pushing him into even illness for a stupid paper which has no value compared to the wellbeing of a human…) besides that it’s so beautiful and heartwarming and an inspiring example how to stay true to yourself… I cannot wait to see how the love story develops furthermore! The young Qile is so amazing, I have never seen a child actor being so genuine and full of emotions and conveying everything so strong, she’s going to become an amazing actress as an adult too (I really hope to see many more movies/tv shows with her). I love all characters they are all so deep and round… besides the mother… which I utmostly disklike!Was this review helpful to you?
Hide & Seek
So what's so great about ml that the fl like?What did he do for fl to be this head over heels?
Boy leaves her town when she was a kid and she doesn't see him again, but he promises to come back.
He doesn't. She writes to him, no responds for years.
She goes to see what's up with him at his new town, but he acts like he doesn't know her?
Ok now Cherry got the most loving parents. Right? Yes. You would think this girl would know how to pick a guy who treats her special right? No. She's super crazy for the guy who doesn't really stand up for himself and her.
Not the type of guy to pick, but sadly she's crazy about him.
Yes, I know ml got family issues, still he should stop giving fl false hope.
The side characters can be annoying, but the advice they kept giving fl was great.
Too bad she didn't take it.
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This drama really disappointed me.
It started off strong, a classic childhood friends to lovers, and then when they meet up again, he acts like he doesn't know her, and therefore Lin Yingtao chooses to ignore him, but when he reveals why he acted the way he did, and they make up, suddenly they're in love? They haven't seen each other for 8 years, and when they get over the hardships, they're in love? We didn't get to see actual scenes of them spending time together and falling in love. Jiang Qiaoxi, the main character, has had as much screentime as the side ones. And now he's off to Hong Kong, ignoring Lin Yingtao ''because he doesn't want to hurt her''. Boy you're hurting her more by doing this. Just communicate with her, and you can resolve it together. It's such a shame that this elite cast is wasted on a poor storyline, especially after The Princess Royal, which set high standards.Was this review helpful to you?
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Frustrating, but an okay drama.
Spoilers ahead!Okay, this drama was interesting to say the least. It had great potential in the beginning until they graduated high school. After that the writers messed everything up. At first the FL is very head strong, the leader of their little pack, and over all a strong character who doesn’t take no for an answer. Towards the middle and end of the drama the writers completely switched her character into a weak, man pleasing, idiot, who would do anything for a man that ghosted her for years on more than one occasion (granted the first time wasn’t the ML’s fault).
The ML Qiao Xi… lord there’s a lot to say about him. First off both his acting and Cherry’s acting is PHENOMENAL! Don’t get that twisted. But lord have mercy it’s so frustrating how spineless that man is! Communication is key to ALL relationships and if there was ANY communication in this drama then this show would have had a higher score all in itself! He’s so so so sooooo cute, but damn. It comes to a point where two people are just having to fight so hard that it’s not even worth the stress and emotional damage for the relationship anymore. Also Qiao Xi is mentally not okay and I hate he never got the professional help he truly needed.
Now the main leads romance is very sweet when it does start, but it’s not enough to make you forget everything that happened along the way, do with that what you will, but I’d be mentally prepared to be upset, frustrated, and confused before watching this drama. Also it drags a LOT!
I don’t regret watching this at all, and I don’t think people should be rating this drama anything lower than a 5, but it could have been done sooo much better. The writers fumbled hard! Especially with how good the actors genuinely are!!!
I suggest everyone watch it at least once.
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Tough crowd - It’s exactly an early 2000’d show. Love it
All these comments about it being toxic and how she doesn’t choose herself make me think we haven’t been watching the same Cdrama.FL loved her friendships more than life and since childhood had an unbreakable bond with ML. The lack of love and affection he got from his own family bond the two leads closer and connects them through childhood. It’s FLs story and her absolute certainty that this is her person. Most people can’t stick through the hardships and understand the true mental impacts ML character had that resulted in so much of his behaviors. Not saying it’s right or wrong but it is a true representation of a time where technology wasn’t so available. Letters and ghosting felt so different than anything we experience now. If you really watch this show and get up in the 2000s where there was still a stillness in the world and I you’ll adore this drama. I loved both of these leads in the Princess Royal and loved them both for different reasons in this one.
No folks this isn’t your self sufficient heroine here. Her story is fueled by her absolute certainty in her love
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"That kind of devotion, it was unrestrained."
“Our Generation” is a heartfelt and beautifully filmed story, but can be a bit of a gloomy watch.It follows a group of childhood friends nearing the end of high school as they navigate crushes, rivalries, and family strife.
Zhao Jin Mai plays Lin Ying Tao (“Cherry”), a lively young woman who’s a bit of a troublemaker and feels things intensely. Even after years apart, she can’t forget her childhood companion, Jiang Qiao Xi.
Qiao Xi is a top student who’s considered a prodigy, but he's also reserved and not the most emotionally intelligent. With an unhappy family life and a controlling, emotionally abusive mother, the only time he ever smiles is around Cherry.
The two had a deep bond as children, but when they reunite in high school, they have to fight hard to rekindle their friendship — first against misunderstandings, then against people actively trying to keep them apart and unexpected circumstances.
Both actors do a fine job portraying the transition from teens to young adults. They deliver a palpable chemistry as friends who clearly adore each other but aren’t quite sure how to express it. Zhang Ling He in particular gives a nuanced performance — his Qiao Xi has a sadness and maturity that gives the character a magnetic presence. It’s a shame they spend much of the series apart.
I was expecting a sweet coming-of-age story from the trailer, but there ended up being more heartbreak than I anticipated. However, the relationship between the leads is a beautiful one characterized by an unrestrained devotion (as one of their classmates puts it) that endures through hardship to a happy ending. This kind of deep and unwavering commitment at such a young age might not be very realistic, but it makes for good fiction.
So many dramas feature miscommunication or people saying things they don’t mean, and while there’s some of that here, “Our Generation” also has a number of extended conversations where characters talk through their problems and properly express their emotions, especially in the last several episodes. It’s refreshing, and some of the best dialogue I’ve encountered in a drama.
With the right expectations for what kind of story you’re getting into, it’s a worthwhile watch — aside from good writing and performances, the series also features some nice music and is filmed in a warm, nostalgic color palette.
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