Our Generation

it doesn’t deserve the low ranking

when a drama has lower than a 8.0 on this app, i get hesitant whether it’s worth watching. this drama however was definitely a punch bag or whatsoever? i didn’t watch it last year cause it had bad reviews and people were complaining in the comments. i really don’t get it at all?

It was such a great youthful drama with deeper themes that were portrayed beautifully. Making decisions and taking responsibilities for those decisions, i was actually baffled how they handled that in the drama.

We always see a blindly in love ML who cannot let go of the FL and if was also great to see the opposite!

I just love how lovely and lovefull everyone in the town is. Such emotionally rich people are always pleasing to watch for me.

I think jiang qiao xi his story was so interesting. it will stick with me for i wile, i didn’t expect this drama to hit me as much as i thought i would.

i’ve seen quite a lot of cdramas and i think there are a lot overrated but this one isn’t for sure.. i would highly recommend it.

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this show is a heartfelt letter of family struggles

ONE OF THE BEST ROMANCE-YOUTH DRAMAS

This 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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DONT KEEP HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Today is 23rd july 2025 and i have watch 17 episodes still 7 more to go. But so far the story is strong but, after she starts her college it started getting boring and dragged. The male lead is out of the scene, but female lead still wants to know where he is. And also in ep 17 her frnds see a post of male lead [jian qiaoxi] on some social media platform, and we still dont know if they tell her or not. Where i got bored was the last 2 episodes, so boring its about the friends she makes in college. It just didnt sit with me well. She is a yearner but he dosent care. Idk something is so wrong about this. But still she is a lover girl and im here for it!!! Lets see what happens.

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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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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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Sometimes, the hardest journey isn't finding your place in the world—it's finding yourself.

*Our Generation* is, at its heart, a story of self-discovery. The male lead grows up trapped in the shadow of his late brother, carrying expectations that were never truly his own. Every decision is shaped by the life others wanted him to live, leaving little room to ask a simple yet important question: *Who am I?* It is only after meeting the female lead that he slowly begins to explore his own interests, make his own choices, and discover the person he was always meant to become.

But this story isn't just his.

It's equally the story of the female lead, whose unwavering optimism becomes the light that guides those around her. She doesn't promise that life will be easy or that the future won't be frightening. Instead, she teaches that there's no point in fearing tomorrow before it arrives. Face today's challenges, and when tomorrow brings new ones, you'll face those too.

What touched me most was her persistence. She never gave up on him. She waited when he couldn't move forward, chased after him when he chose to run away, and time and time again pulled him out of the darkness created by grief, guilt, and circumstances beyond his control. She wasn't there to save him by solving his problems—she simply believed in him until he found the strength to believe in himself.

*Our Generation* is a beautiful reminder that sometimes all it takes is one person who sees the real you—not the version shaped by expectations—to help you rediscover your own path. It's a story about healing, growth, and learning that life isn't about living in someone else's shadow, but about finding the courage to step into your own light.

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Slow and repetitve

The drama started off at a slow pace, focusing on the characters' childhoods—which was sweet and nostalgic in its own way. Things picked up once the main leads reunited, but the storyline began to feel repetitive, especially with the male lead constantly disappearing without much explanation. His mother’s overbearing and controlling behavior also became quite frustrating to watch.

By the time I reached the final few episodes, the pacing dragged enough that I ended up fast-forwarding through much of it. Certain plotlines felt unresolved, particularly the relationship between Yu Qiao and Qin Ye Yun, as well as the main lead’s dynamic with his parents. A more thoughtful closure would’ve really helped those arcs feel more complete.

That said, I genuinely appreciated the portrayal of friendship throughout the series. It’s rare to see a group of childhood friends stay connected so deeply, even after years of no contact, reconnecting in high school, and managing to maintain that bond while pursuing their separate paths in university. That enduring connection was definitely one of the drama’s strongest points.

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