Overdone Perpetually Sad and Withdrawn ML
Overdone perpetually sad and withdrawn ML (but wait, he has his reasons *cue eye roll*) and FL that cares too much and forgives too easily. Not enough groveling (at least not where i stopped watching) plus the fact that they are so young and understandably immature makes it that much harder to watch. Not to mention the very hands off way everyone (his father especially) is towards how his mom behaves was driving me crazy.The cast was good, (especially the first debuters) and I generally enjoy the leads but this storh was not it.
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2This review may contain spoilers
A Beautiful Heartwarming Journey of Love and Growth
My review is based purely on the drama.I did not read the novel.
Our Generation is an adaptation of the novel, Ying Tao Hu Po (Cherry Amber) by Yun Zhu. It is a story of enduring friendships, family, love, and growth in pursuit of dreams and self-knowledge. It centers around a girl named Ying Tao (Cherry) and her friendship with Jiang Qiao Xi, Yu Qiao, Qin Ye Yun, Du Shang, and Cai Fang Yuan. They call themselves the Qunshan gang. Ying Tao forms a special bond with Qiaoxi, and their story is one of young love that grows beyond time and overcomes adversities. Our Generation is a beautiful emotional journey that shows how the characters share experiences and traverse through societal expectations and the challenges of their personal lives to find themselves.
⊰FORMAT⊱
The drama begins with an introduction of the young characters primarily through the eyes of Ying Tao in episode1. By episode 2, the drama uses a time skip to the high school years. The high school years end around ep 15 and move into the college years, ending with their adult years in ep 24. Throughout the drama, flashbacks are used to inform or highlight the connections between the past and present. The flashbacks add significance to the theme of growth beyond time. Pay close attention to dialogue and expressions as everything in this drama holds significant meaning.
⊰CHARACTERS ⊱
🍒Ying Tao is a bubbly, kind, empathetic, and resilient girl who is the center of the Qunshan gang. As Yu Qiao once told her, "It is not you who needs us, it is we who need you." Perhaps her positive nature and confidence come from growing up in a loving home with wonderful parents who love her. She isn't afraid to face conflicts. Her outgoing, positive nature is the sugar coating to her tough backbone. She does not give up. This aspect of Ying Tao's personality remains constant throughout her growth. She has a wonderful sense of empathy for others, and she will take the initiative to help those she feels are in need. Her friendship within the Qunshan gang endures the changes through time. And her bond with Qiaoxi grows from friendship to one of love. Ying Tao's realization of her goals to become a teacher who uses her strength to help her students know themselves embodies the themes of Our Generation. This innate aspect of her character makes it easy to understand why she was drawn to help young Jiang Qiaoxi.
❤️🩹Jiang Qiao Xi is introduced as a quiet and subdued child who was a brilliant student and a math prodigy in episode 1. He comes from a family with a tragic history. His older brother died. His parents treated him as a substitute son. His mother sets high expectations for him because she wants him to fulfill her dreams of what her late son should have achieved. He had to wear black because that was his brother's favorite color. He was never allowed to be himself. But when he meets the young Ying Tao, she tells him his name is special after she discovers his parents chose it randomly with no thought for its meaning. She make him feel he is Jiang Qiao Xi. She brings light and warmth into his life. She is his "hero." But Qiaoxi is a flawed character due to the mental abuse from his mother.
A significant quote from Jiang Qiao Xi that describes his character flaws:
"Back then I thought life was just a cage. For my freedom, for the people I loved, I kept searching for the key.
I was so sure... I am that smart, so I can pick every lock.
Now I see, the world is not only full of notable cages...but with countless invisible confinements.
In front of those, I am a fool.
I will not pull the people I love into those cages with me. "
✈️Yu Qiao is Ying Tao's close friend who stood out apart from the rest of the Qunshan gang. Even though Yu Qiao has special feelings for Ying Tao, he never puts his needs before hers. He admires her for her kindness and courage. He knows she can take care of herself. He once said, " She can make a rock look innocent." I liked his character so much that I hoped until the end that he would be happy. It is satisfying that he succeeds in his goal to be a pilot.
💘Ye Yun is Cherry's best friend. She works hard to help her crippled father in his business, and she appears mature and level-headed. Even though Ye Yun acts as if she doesn't need anyone, Ying Tao never gives up when Ye Yun pushes her away. She sees her struggles and wants to make her happy. She softens Ye Yun with her persistent friendship. When Yu Qiao signs up Ying Tao for the cheerleading team, she objects until she sees Ye Yun sitting apart from the rest of the team. This experience of teamwork in facing adversities strengthens their friendship. Ye Yun has feelings for Yu Qiao, but it was never reciprocated. However, the drama leaves us with some hope that these two will one day become more than friends.
🍒FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP🍒
Ying Tao's parents are supportive and caring. This contrasts Qiaoxi's parents and the reason Qiaoxi often eats meals and spends time at her home. The families from Qunshan support each other. They share each other's burdens.
The friendship between Ying Tao, Qiaoxi, Yu Qiao, Ye Yun, Cai Fang Yuan, Du Shang is heartwarming. They will run to help each other and even give up a birthday wish to the one who needs it most. One scene that stands out for me is when Qiaoxi made red scarves for all of them, and when his mother came to take him away, they all stood with the red scarves around their necks in a clear sign of solidarity. How wonderful for Qiaoxi to turn around to see this sight. While the drama makes it clear that Du Shang and Cai Fang Yuan are equal in friendship with the rest, their characters were not as developed as Yu Qiao and Ye Yun. I would have liked to have seen more of them.
🍒💕🍒YING TAO & JIANG QIAO XI🍒💕🍒
The romance between Ying Tao and Qiaoxi develops during high school. I will highlight some significant moments to show that there is a gradual development in their romance. Every episode adds some meaning to their relationship. Their first meeting in high school in episode 2 begins with a misunderstanding. Even though the misunderstanding is not cleared up until ep 6, there were many moments in between showing they cared for each other. In episode 6, after Qioaxi chases Ying Tao's bus to talk her about the misunderstanding. The drama hints at Qiaoxi's dream of a future with Ying Tao when he tells her he wants to live up to his promises to her the way his cousin in Hong Kong keeps all his promises to his wife. He doesn't want to get her hopes up when he is not free to follow through on his promise. And yet he contradicts himself by showing his desire to get close to her. Qiaoxi's explanation for his behavior is simply, "Heart over head."
A pivotal moment that highlights the romance is in episode 9 when Qiaoxi sees Ying Tao at her cheerleading performance. He stands apart from the crowd with eyes fixed on Ying Tao. This is one of my favorite scenes because of Zhang Ling He's portrayal of a love-struck young man...the stare, the smiles, the look of pure delight...makes it clear he is in love with Ying Tao. He made me smile. But personal struggles get in the way and by the end of high school, which takes place in episode 15, Ying Tao and Qiaoxi reach the turning point of their relationship. They confess to each other and Qiaoxi tells her his dreams of their future together. Then he disappears. While some might dislike his actions for not being honest with her, I saw the struggle within him as if he wished his words were true. It was clear he did not want to leave her. While some criticized the drama for not revealing his reasons for leaving, I felt Zhang Ling He's acting was enough to show how much his character wanted to stay and how deeply he loved Ying Tao. I felt too sad knowing Qiaoxi was going through something he did not want Ying Tao to know. His last vision of her before he leaves is one of happiness.
Ying Tao and Qiaoxi meet again in episode 19 when she goes to find him in Hong Kong. He tries to make her leave, feeling he is not worthy of her. Jin Mai put everything of Ying Tao into her acting. This is where we see the empathy and courage of her character. Her performance, especially her speech in episode 21, is one I have watched multiple times. She makes it clear that Ying Tao understands Qiaoxi. Jin Mai put enough anger into her performance without overacting. She tempers anger with empathy and love. Ying Tao does not back down and tells Qiaoxi, "I fought like hell to get here. I am not leaving!" The last 5 episodes of Our Generation culminate in a beautiful outpouring of love, trust, and acceptance. Zhang Ling He's emotional performance as he struggles to resist his need to be with Ying Tao is one that stands apart from his previous roles. Qiaoxi appears tired and defeated as if hanging on to the last thread of resistance. There are glimpses or yearning between the facades of stubborn resistance. There is also humor and witty dialogue. The scenes are so beautiful, I watch on slow speed to catch every single word and expression. I will not spoil it for you with the details, except to say they are emotional yet funny.
🍒💕💍THE ENDING🍒💍💞
Our Generation has a happy ending. The wedding scene is beautiful and creative. However, I wish they had included the family and friends. I felt as if I ate the whipped topping of a delicious piece of cake and didn't eat the rest of it. I know the family and friends are present, but we don't get to see them. The final episode shows their life together as a couple and their relationship with parents and friends. It also includes their careers and accomplishments of their goals. Our Generation is one I will watch again and again. I found myself rewatching scenes and pausing to absorb the dialogue and emotions. Our Generation was a beautiful and heart-warming journey of love, family, and friendship.
🍒SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM YING TAO🍒
"Once I decide to love you, I'll love you forever.
Even if you become extraordinary, I will not love you anymore
Even if you remain ordinary, I will not love you any less."
" Jiang Qiaoxi, do you really think you won that battle with your mother as child?
That was a superficial victory. You've always wanted us to love you as you truly are,
But do you ever know your true self? Do you accept and love that person?
You just want to add a halo around your true self so you feel worthy of love.
This is the toxic root of yourself."
"You pushed me away and still, I don't hate you.
Because I know deep down, you wanted to come to me and be there for me." 🥰
❤️🩹SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM JIANG QIAO XI❤️🩹
"I know I'll never be perfect in my lifetime
But don't you see, Ying Tao? I just don't want you to suffer with me."
"Ying Tao, all these years I've been trying so hard to prove that I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
Back then I had good grades, I gave up math and forfeited my guaranteed admission.
Even resorted to extreme methods to prove I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
But just now when I heard you say my name...I realized I existed all along."
🍒❤️🩹 HE CARRIED HER ON HIS BACK🍒❤️🩹
Qiaoxi: Ying Tao, I can hardly keep my life together. How can I be there for you?
Ying Tao: That's why I came. Jiang Qiaoxi, don't be scared, I found you!
🎶FAVORITE OST- GROWTH BEYOND TIME (excerpt)🎶
...You're the key to who I am
Accompany me to become myself
...Silent dreams are calling
You're the key to all I've dreamed
Accompany you to become yourself
...The story takes root and loneliness melts away in warm embrace;
I've always been here....💞
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This review may contain spoilers
this show is a heartfelt letter of family struggles
ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCE-YOUTH DRAMASThis show is a tear-jerker, and I definitely know that by the end of the drama, I will cry in some parts. It showed not only one side of family struggles but also covered some of what it's like: we have a perfect family like Qi Le's whose parents have deep-rooted relationship with their daughter, a single father like Ye Yun's who still works despite his broken leg, an abusive partner like Du Shang's father, and a family with a broken bond like Qiao Xi. It covered not only one scenario of a family but also showed how different situation of parenting affects their child's growth, and I think that it's part of the reason why it's entitled 'Our generation.'
Starting as a child in the first episode, Qi Le grew up to be a very jolly girl, as having a parent who is always willing to support her gave her the comfort of connecting easily with others. On the other hand, Qiao Xi, having the opposite kind of family, forced him to be a quiet and timid child. As Qi Le shone her personality on him, it wasn't hard to develop some feelings towards her. And I think that this is a very natural feeling to have as a child, since having 'crushes' is something we can't avoid going through the teen phase, especially when you adore someone very much for a specific reason, like Qiao Xi's adoration for Qi Le's positive personality.
One thing that I love about this drama so far is how it shows not only the main character's family struggle but also the other supporting characters, like Du Shang and Ye Yun. Despite the drama only airing halfway, it already built up so many emotions towards the group, and how all of their relationship turned out to be like meeting again.
Our generation is definitely one of the best youth romance dramas out there, especially with the pacing of the story. It's so balanced and every episode was well crafted. I could barely see anything negative about it to point out. From family drama, to romance, and even the supporting characters are so good that they are not only existing there to shine the main characters, but they have their very own personalities.
CHARACTER ANALYSIS:
(will only mention the characters that impacted me most)
1. Lin Qi Le - a very positive character from the start until the updated episode. She is the type that I believe most people would like to have in life, as a friend or as a person. She's honestly one of the greenest flag female lead in dramas - always positive and never lost hope with Qiao Xi. When most of the female leads separate after their partner tell them something to lose hope, Yingtao is someone who would always find a reason not to let go, and that's part of the reason why I can't blame Qiao Xi for loving her so much. She's such a gem.
2. Qiao Xi - He is a very well-rounded character and has shown huge progress halfway through the show. Starting off as a very timid boy who is scared of going against his parents, he will become someone who can finally stand on his feet. He used Qi Le's positive attitude as a drive to change himself for the better. And I think that his growth is one of the beautiful things I have seen so far. He clearly wasn't happy with what he did, and giving up on something he is not happy to do, but was forced to take action, requires so much courage. It took him years to finally step out of the shadow and tell them how he actually felt during those times they forced an expectation on him that he didn't want to achieve. Honestly, during the separation arc, I felt so bad for him having to struggle so much - and I can't really blame him for losing confidence that he can't even stand to see Yingtao, but then I'm glad that Yingtao was able to guide him back home again.
3. Qin Ye Yun (Qi Le's female friend) - to be honest, I really thought that she hates Qi Le since the beginning, as Qi Le mentioned having to dislike her, but then at the end, it was them being closer than the others. Growing up, Ye Yun has been with her father, who takes care of her and vice versa. Among all of the characters, she is so far the most emotionally mature that I have seen, very emotionally mature compared to the others. She was able to keep her romantic feelings in check, not blaming others for having the center of attention instead of her, or for putting the responsibility on the guy he liked just because she developed a feeling. Another thing about Ye Yun was her love towards her father, that she is selfless enough to even consider stopping going to school just so she can help provide for her father, and I think that's rare to see someone who is selfless enough willing to risk their future just to provide. And I am not saying that everyone should be this kind of person, but for a daughter who has only been with her father all her life, it is a very tender feeling to know that your child loves you that much.
4. Hong Fei (Qiao Xi's mother) - she loves someone who isn't there anymore and left someone who was there all along. Every mother can definitely relate to the loss of a child they have given birth to, and erasing that memory is so hard to do that it always stays there, no matter how much you try to remove it. Her trauma was too scarred that it affected Qiao Xi, but that's not enough reason to actually force him into something he is not. She may not be a perfect mother, and to be honest, she is too far away from being a perfect mother. But, hopefully, as the story progresses, she will eventually change her mind and become less selfish instead of pushing her expectations towards her son. As Qi Le said, Qiao Xi needs a mother, not mathematics.
ACTING ANALYSIS:
1. Zhao Jin Mai as Qi Le - this is the first time I have ever watched her drama as a main role, and I would say that her acting is astounding. I have tried watching her other dramas before, but could never try to continue the next episode. This one, however, is a different deal. It feels like Qi Le and Jin Mai are just one person, no acting.
2. Zhang Ling He as Qiao Xi - as always, he could never disappoint me. May it be fierce-looking, crying scenes, happy scenes, or even the saddest scenes, his facial expressions would always exceed expectations. He has a very expressive face that makes it hard not to smile when he smiles. Playing as Qiao Xi, however, he does kind of look older than what year 10 is usually like, or that might be because I'm too used to seeing his face in historical roles. But then, even his voice sounds too deep and mature for someone to be underage. Acting-wise, he did it effortlessly well.
Overall, this drama has a great coming-of-age story that encompasses different family bonds. If you are into dramas like 'Go Ahead,' this is a type that you would definitely love. There are no boring scenarios in every episode that won't tempt you to skip some scenes. Character-wise, everyone seems dynamic except for the female lead so far, so it's quite fun to see the build-up of the story. Acting-wise, it's not cringeworthy or underwhelming, as they have outperformed, even with the supporting roles. This is definitely a must-try to watch as a youth drama, and I would love to see you put in a review about it as well.
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Love, Acceptance and Mental Illness
I’ve seen a lot of comments about how the FL should have given up on the ML from the very beginning because he “ghosted” her. If they had paid attention to the FL as a child, she had an incredible sense of the pain other people endured, and choosing to stick by them. She was different from others in her outlook on life, it’s experienced and its difficulties and always reached out to those who were hurting.The man from her town who was a salesman (remember the cow poem?), her frienemy who was actually her best friend, the boys who were misfits in their own way were also taken under her wing. Her gift of being able to see under the masks of false bravado people wore and love them through their difficulties was always part of her character, and it didn’t change when she grew up.
She could see through the ML’s stoic and all of behavior and enticed him out of his shell with acceptance and love. She genuinely cared about him, even as a child.
The ML was riddled with PTSD along with physical and emotional abuse from his mother, and had no support from his father. No child should have to endure that kind of emotional torture and manipulation.
She may not have known what the names of the things he endured were called, but she saw the real person underneath his hide and seek behavior.
When an animal is hurt or in pain, it will seek out a remote and place to be alone to heal. Tgis is what the ML did, and not only that, he didn’t want his mess to affect the FL, and tried to keep her away despite his desire to get closer to her.
They lived each other. Obe found themselves unworthy of love, and the other knew love and acceptance were the cure.
Every single human being on the planet has issues. Judging a person with mental health problems and kicking them to the curb when they need kindness and help only exacerbates their problems. Are the creeps out there that should be blocked and never looked at again? Yes. But you can’t throw everyone with those tendencies of hiding from people under the bus because of them.
This story was a prime example of what kindness, patience and love can do for someone who has been traumatized and abused. I found it heartwarming and encouraging.
The cycle of hating one’s self by believing the lies you are fed, and craving the closeness and companionship of someone who knows you and loves you despite your pain is real..
Be kind. Use discernment between the real creeps, and those who have been so beaten down by life that they have no hope and feel there is no future.
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Our Generation is not your typical coming-of-age drama.
It portrays real life where the female lead and male lead stumble through youth, facing struggles in their own unique.It feels authentic and there’s nothing wrong with the female lead pursuing the male lead as she’s simply being honest with her heart and following it.
The friendships in the story are also portrayed warmly and meaningfully.
Don’t be discouraged by the low rating on MDL. If you’re curious, watch it yourself and form your own opinion , not based on what others say, but on how the drama makes you feel.
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adorable second chance romance with a girlboss FL and princess ML
truth to be told i went in expecting pure fluff and nothing else, i was surprised with the angst but i still ate it up tbhthis drama is so much more than a romance and i loved it
what i liked:
-the fl is easily one of the best written ever. My girls is smart, courageous, strong willed and knows what she wants. I know some may view her as obsessive or weird which is crazy to me bcz all i see is a girl who has a heart of gold and a lot of love to share. Her love for qiaoxi is one of the purest ever, we got girl competing with sang yan (TFF) in the yearning game.
truth is, although the way she cares for qiaoxi is very special obviously, we see she is like that to everyone she loves, for example when we see her with yeyun, the way she does everything in her zpower to win her friend back over, its beautiful, we really see her values there.
i believe there is nothing embarrassing over fighting for someone you truly love.
-the ml is really one of the good-er complex male leads. zlh is a great actor so he really brought him to life, it is to be understood that bro has been through serious trauma, imagine growing up in the shadow of someone who died.
his indecisiveness, cold frontier, all made sense.
His actions and feelings were valid, and his genuine effort to make up for them was nice.
-i liked that this drama wasn't ONLY a romance, in the start they focused on her friend group and the other members in the Qunshan squad, i found that adorable. in particular yeyun's character, her relationship with her dad was heartwarming and it made me cry.
-the cinematography was beautiful, really made every shot feel alive.
-another thing that i loved, yingtao's ''behavior'' wasn't glossed over in the drama,
everyone around showed concern over her with the qioaxi thing, some warned her, other discouraged her, almost the same as the negative reviews here, despite that her actions were true to the character that she is
the letters, the pining during the school years, it wasn't cringe at all imo. That was typical teenage girl behavior, the random bickering and helping her friend, thats what teenage girls are like and they portrayed that in yingtao perfectly.
If she wasn't the way she was, qiaoxi would've never gathered the strength to break free of his mothers hold, she really is his hero.
what i didnt like:
-the pacing was a little off at times,
a lot of things did not make sense to me and at the end i felt there were somethings missing. The main leads got good closure BUT the side characters that were significant to the plot at the start kinda jst disappeared at the end.
the pacing was either too slow or too fast at times, when it was too slow i got bored during the middle, and when it was too fast i felt nothing was being explained in the way that i hoped.
we didnt get to see more into the other squad members life/professions when at the start it felt like they would.
overall:
its a great nonetheless,
watch if you're in the mood for a angst second chance romance where the fl chases the ml.
if u can ignore the choppy pacing and enjoy the drama for what it is, it's for you.
8.5/10
would recommend
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Its a very cute youth drama...
I do my reviews on just my opinion you don't have to agree.First I am going to mention the kids that played all the main actors as children I found them so adorable and they did so well at portraying their characters. I think they deserve to be mentioned though I understand some may not agree.
Jiang Qiao Xi
I am a Zhang Ling He fan and again I don't think he disappoints in this drama. Some of his facial expressions especially the one where he looks at Cherry in the gym I found just so cute. I love watching him no matter what he does. I do think that they could of showed more of him. I was a little disappointed there and that they should of went more in depth of his character. It just left a lot of people thinking he was the bad guy and he wasn't. He had just been through a lot since he was a kid and was struggling on figuring himself out. It was obvious how much he loved Cherry which is why he didn't want to bring her down with him. I also love the chemistry between Zhang Ling He and Zhao Jin Mai, and they could of done more with it but this is a youth drama and you just kind of expect that. Still all that being said still loved Zhang Ling He in this so much.
Lin Ying Tao (Cherry)
I loved her character just everything about her. This girl proved to be so strong even in the worst moments for her even when she was a child. She remains true to her bond and feelings for Jiang Qiao Xi and she never wavers even when friends tell her to move on. She really was his little hero and it was so cute. Zhao Jin Mai I am becoming a fan of hers with the more dramas I watch of hers (two of them being with Zhang Ling He). This drama also mainly just focuses on her so I am glad I like her acting. I even really loved the little girl who played her, but if you like her or Zhang Ling He it really gets you through this drama. I just wanted to see more of their interactions.
The Story
I will say the story as a whole does leave something lacking. Which is why I didn't rate this higher. They really could of done more with Jiang Qiao Xi so you could understand him more but they didn't. It also felt like they focused on things that really were not important to the story of Cherry and Jiang Qiao Xi. I also don't understand the hate for Yu Qiao. I really liked the actor who played him and thought he was such a good friend for Cherry to have. Even though he had feelings for Cherry he understood where she stood with her feelings for Jiang Qiao Xi and he wasn't selfish. So I also didn't mind that they did focus a lot on him. I just feel like they could of done more with it. There was just something really missing when I got to the end of it. I just really wanted something more, but for Zhang Ling He and Zhao Jin Mai I think it is worth the watch I don't think they disappoint at all.
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All sort of Asian Emotions perfectly blended ; A story of growth & Friendship
"Our Generation" is a very heartwarming story of a few 90s children growing up with time.The drama shows their journey from the start of the Millennium,when they were 9 years old,in the mountains of the small town Qunshan.Four childhood friends,who grew up in that neighborhood together, had a brief encounter with Jiang Qiaoxi,who had moved to Qunshan for a short time but later went back to the Provincial City.However, They All met again together in 2006, in their high school Era ; &The story starts to unfold. In the high school arc,the viewers see the extent of Jiang Qiaoxi's Mom's character, how abusively controlling she has been to her son in his whole life.She is one of the worst Moms ever portrayed in cdramas..At this point,Jiang Qiaoxi had always had a long-term goal in his life: to escape his home, the city, and his past of living as a substitute of his late brother in his own family.
3rd arc comes with Our Qunshan squads being in their young adulthood,when they are 20 years old,all in their different Majors in universities,some abroad & some in different cities.This arc is what Romance lovers will be particularly looking forward to,as the main leads finally got together after so much ups & downs in their life.
The 4th arc continues from the 3rd arc & shows their gradual growth towards adulthood. When i was reading the novel for the first time,The Ending chapters gave me so much warmth & comfort,seeing them gradually reaching 30s, & the bond of their families still as strong as ever, the Friendships even stronger.
[Special Mention : The childhood arc,although It lasted only one episode,My Applause for these Child actors who performed Sooo in-depth & incredibly well ]
Tbh i cried each & every episode till now, even if It's not a drama with a heavy plot.I'm a late 90s kid,but i could relate with a lot of things the leads were going through..The emotional depth of the story & characters are on point, the actors were almost perfect portraying that depth as well.In the End, It becomes a story of courage & independence,of family & parents,and education, and most importantly, of LOVE.
As I'm Someone who hold my friends in high regard,just like Lin yingtao...i can ensure you, if you are someone who values friendship above everything else,& chase the people you care about, Chase & care them as much as you chase your dreams & goals,this drama is for you.Their journey of 30 years will tear you up,& their happy ending will make you immensely happy & content.
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Female Lead love Story
I actually loved this show. I don’t get the hate and I don’t understand why people are dropping it. If the female lead was a guy I am sure people will hail him for being so romantic. Sometimes the woman is the hero and she needs to save the prince. That is what happened here! She loved him enough for him to love himself. If you want a woman centric story. This is it!! No male hero here, she did all the work for both of them.The only reason this is not a 10 is because I agree that Zhang Linghe looked a little too old for the role. But the acting was great!!!! From everyone involved.
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This review may contain spoilers
A really good youth/slice of life/romance drama
The drama mainly centers around teen/highschool friendship, rather romance (since they're pretty young most of the drama lol). I really liked YT and QX's storyline with the "right person wrong time" trope- they're so cute tgt. At some points it started to get a little out of hand though- like wydm he ghosted her for how many years and they reconnected like it was nothing (well not really but ygm) and wdym it happened TWICE. Like come on now... where's the resentment, the anger, like how come YT was so understanding. I feel like YT could've held a larger grudge. But its a drama so I get it.Some characters pmo (mainly QX's MOM OMG) but it played a huge role in the overall plot so its ok. The girl friend (YY) in the first few episodes also pmo but its wtv- her character development was... okay idk actually she was still pmo towards the end when she didn't want to tell YT that QX was in HK- but she I liked her in terms of her romance line (or lack thereof) with YQ.
Took off a few points for the plot just because I didn't like the time skip to when QX was in HK. Felt like it was way too sudden.
I really liked ZJM and ZLH in this drama. Loved how big of a contrast this is (modern drama) to the princess royal (historical).
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This review may contain spoilers
A Surprisingly Deep and Emotional Journey
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Be Loved
You don’t need to be perfect to be with the person you love. When you meet the one, their presence alone can make your flaws feel seen, accepted—and ultimately, healed.
I started this series with low expectations, assuming it would be another light, predictable youth romance drama. What caught my interest was the male lead, whom I’ve only seen in period dramas. I was curious to see how his performance would translate in a modern setting. This was also my first time seeing the female lead and most of the supporting cast—and I must say, the FL truly shines here. She commands the screen with strength and subtlety.
What sets this drama apart is its fresh take on the “prince and commoner” trope. For once, it’s the heroine who rescues the prince—not the other way around. On the surface, the male lead has it all: wealth, looks, intelligence. But behind the charm is a man running from the shadows of his past—burdens, secrets, and emotional scars he can’t escape.
The story unfolds slowly, and at times the pacing may test your patience. But the payoff is worth it. The pivotal scene for me was their reunion in Hong Kong. Everything came together there—the setting, cinematography, musical scoring, and screenplay were perfectly aligned. It was raw, moving, and unforgettable. That moment encapsulated the glaring contrast between the character’s public image and his private struggles. We witness the painful descent of someone once on a pedestal, now completely shattered. And yet, that fall carries deep emotional weight and meaning.
Some say beauty is a curse—but for him, it’s his brilliant mind that’s both a gift and a burden. His intelligence, once a shield, becomes a source of pain. He thought he had all the answers—but life proved otherwise. It takes his “princess” to help him face reality, and in doing so, find redemption.
The final episodes are the true highlight. The acting, especially during the emotional climax, is powerful and deeply affecting. If you stick with it, the journey is rewarding—messy, emotional, at times frustrating, but honest and real.
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Plot and Main Themes
The drama follows the story of Lin Qi Le, a vibrant young woman who grew up in a small town surrounded by love and joy, and Jiang Qiao Xi, a genius with a troubled and traumatic family life. The plot unfolds over the years, showing the characters' maturation and the challenges of their relationship.
The central themes of the series are:
Maturity: The plot depicts the protagonists' journey from youth to adulthood, addressing choices, mistakes, and personal growth.
Youth and Dreams: The series explores the aspirations and challenges typical of this stage of life, such as career choices, first loves, and the search for a place in the world.
Trauma and Mental Health: Jiang Qiao Xi's story is a crucial point, addressing how childhood trauma affects adulthood and the protagonist's role in "saving" him.
Emotional Dependence: One of the most debated points is Lin Qi Le's emotional dependence, which she sacrifices her own life to help her beloved, sparking discussions about what constitutes a healthy relationship.
Family Relationships: The drama contrasts the families of the two protagonists, showing the difference between the unconditional support of Lin Qi Le's parents and the pressure and abuse suffered by Jiang Qiao Xi.
Strengths and Weaknesses (Review)
The drama is praised for its emotional depth and the compelling performances of Zhao Jin Mai and Zhang Ling He. Many fans are moved by the protagonists' love story and the happy ending. The couple's chemistry is one of the biggest highlights, and the series is seen as a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles and dedication.
However, the drama has also been the target of criticism:
Slow Pace: Some viewers found the development of the romance too drawn-out, especially the part where the protagonist "chases" her beloved for years.
Emotional Dependence: The theme of Lin Qi Le's addiction is considered problematic by some, who question her decision to sacrifice her own life for love.
Low Screen Time for Supporting Characters: The friendship between the characters is a positive point, but many felt the friends' stories lacked greater depth.
Overall, Our Generation is a drama that divides opinions, but its emotional impact is undeniable. If you enjoy dramas with coming-of-age stories, overcoming trauma, and intense romance, it's worth giving it a try. The series is perfect for those who enjoy a deep plot and easily engage with the characters' journeys.
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