This review may contain spoilers
An enjoyable watch that had the potential to be more
Since I finished my three favorite dramas of 2024, Tender Light, Lovely Runner, & Will Love In Spring, I had been struggling to find a drama to really hook me in the way those three did. After watching the first episode of this drama, I felt relatively confident that this drama would end up being that for me. For a while I could see it. I loved the leads (mainly the FL, but the ML had a special place in my heart as well), and the rest of the main friend group. I found myself growing quite attached to them and their individual stories. Now you’re probably wondering, what changed? The pacing did.I noticed around episode 13 that the writing started to lack of a better word, rush the story. Up until this point, the story felt gradual and the ending arcs felt clear. Before I continue, there is one thing I want to talk about. This drama was initially slated for 40 episodes. Take what I say next with a grain of salt, because I obviously wasn’t a part of the production crew. I believe that decision to remove those 16 episodes was made at the very least after the script was already written and after the drama was finished filming.
Around episode 15, the drama adapted the “tell don’t show approach” where a lot of important plot lines were simply just told to us. The best example being the portrayal of Jiang Qiao Xi’s life after going to Hong Kong. Before I continue, I going to state something that I imagine will be somewhat of an unpopular opinion; I was fine with the fact that Lin Tao (Cherry) chose to go after him. I think she has proven her dedication to him time and time again so I wasn’t surprised and accepted even though I wish she made him suffer a little bit. I’m just a petty person but she isn’t, so it was a decision I was okay with.
The problem though, without receiving full context of what was happening in Jiang Qiao Xi’s life, it made both their “confrontation” and eventual reunion not hit as hard as I know it would have. If we had those extra 16 episodes, with in depth perspective of both of our leads (EPESPECIALLY Jiang Qiao Xi’s since he was the one who chose to leave) of how hard the 2 year separation was for them, and also dual narration, I think it would’ve given this drama SO much more emotional depth.
I think the main thing for me that disappoints me the most about this drama is that I could see what it would’ve looked like if it was at its full potential. I know that obviously things happened behind the scenes that determined the removal of the other 16 episodes, and I don’t blame the writers for this. As I said earlier, I do truly believe that the script for the show was written before that decision was made. but as someone who truly does love the art of storytelling there’s just something about untapped in potential that just pains my spirit.
At the end of the day, I can only go off of what we were given. Overall, I did enjoy this drama. I can’t say I’d 100% recommended it, but I think it’s at least worth checking out.
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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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A Story of 90s born Pollyanna
Story : The script is incoherent to it's ''marketed'' theme.Youth Growth Drama
Slice of Life
Love Story
The real youth growth drama have parallel growth script, here all are just the background characters.They will pop up when growth of FL character need them.
Slice of life : In reality, the story ended at Ep 15(99.99%). If it would happen becuz of so called Love and never ending chasing of FL, the story ended in Ep 20.Ep 21-24 will only occur in a dream, not in real life becuz the bed ridden patient can't get normal life in night, you never win lottery, mental health issues and financial problems not disappeared in just few days becuz of you fall in love with someone.
Love Story : Everyone in the drama(FL herself )said FL(Prince) is saving ML (princess) trapped in the tower. The Eugene save Rapunzel from Mother Gothel. Classic Disney's love story.
For me,it is ''I dream of Jeannie ''.
FL is supernatural being ,she can do anything with a blink of eye yet she is endlessly serving ML with neverending so called Love.
Acting and casting : Acting of all casts are decent, they do their best with the script given to them.
Music and bgm : OSTs are good individually but in most of the scenes, bgm can't bring emotion and didn't match with scenes .
Overall, it is good watch if you like this genre, casts, stunning choreography, acting chops ,fairy tales and dramatic Bollywood style 1st person shot of FL and ML.
If you expect the logical story of millennials generation with solid script,it is not for you.
Have a nice day everyone 😊
Love you 💗🤗💗
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1However, 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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A journey of personal growth
When the future is uncertain, when your parents write your future by locking you away in a cage, when friendships grow stronger despite time and adversity, when life manages to bring you to your knees, when running away is the only choice, when home is the embrace of the person you love most, despite the fear of loving them because you don’t feel good enough. When a drama, through its tenderness and the skill of its actors, manages to portray exactly the difficulties one faces whilst growing up, then we can say that the drama in question has succeeded brilliantly in its aim, and it is impossible not to recommend watching it.Was this review helpful to you?
Not worth watching at all totally different from novel
This drama is totally different from novelNovel is far more batter and intresting drama is fucking irriting i like the actress thats i watching this other wise they twist the whole story this is frustrating for novel reader's only the name remain same otherwise totally different novel is cute not cringe drama is all about fucking friends and they deliberately trying to create love triangle.
There is nothing like in novel
Only lead actor's are good
Rest of supporting cast is annoying most important if you had read the novel i recommend don't watch it you will be disappointe
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Blunt storyline and misfit cast pairing for main lead
When I came across the drama, i thought it will be a good one since it encompasses the areas of friendship, growth and relationships. The first few episodes was going well but suddenly it's jst becomes too stretched and i could barely hooked on to further episodes since it becames too cliche.I didn't like the female lead being so Air headed, letting her life revolves around a guy's decision and really got annoyed when she literally pushed herself to be in the ml situation when even he himself is navigating to move forward.
I feel like the main lead was too old for the pairing and the raw essence of childhood and teen was missing. His character overall I'll say lacked a lot of development since it was too one subject minded.
The drama itself was too long and the plot development was terrible and wasn't smthng i was literally hooked to watch.
Really disappointed
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bad story great acting
سریال خوشگلیه مخصوصا قسمتای اولش.بازیا هم واقعااا خوبن و اصلا مصنوعی نیست.
ولی نویسندگیش تو نیمه دوم سریال واقعا ناامیدکننده بود. حیف شد یه جورایی
نمیدونم اینکه میگن قرار بوده ۴۰ قسمت باشه بعد ۲۴ قسمت شده درسته یا نه. اگر اینجوری بوده احتمالا برای همین یه سری صحنههای بیفایده داره. البته که با این نویسندگی و این قصه خداروشکر که ۴۰ قسمتی نبود
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“Not perfect in pacing, but perfect in emotions.”
Our Generation is a warm and emotional coming-of-age drama that takes us through the lives of Cherry (Lin Qi Le) and Jiang Qiao Xi — from their childhood innocence to the struggles of growing up and falling in love.The early episodes showing their childhood are especially touching, making you feel like you’re growing up with them. The drama captures the sweetness of first love, the comfort of friendship, and the bittersweet pain of separation.
What makes it special is its nostalgic, slice-of-life tone — it doesn’t rely on big twists, but instead on small, heartfelt moments that feel real. The acting of the child and young leads leaves a lasting impact, and the atmosphere is warm and relatable.
On the downside, the romantic chemistry between the leads feels a little weak, and the pacing sometimes suffers because the story was cut down to 24 episodes. Some moments feel rushed, especially in the later part of the show.
👉 Final Verdict: Our Generation is not a perfect drama, but it’s a heartfelt one. If you enjoy stories about youth, friendship, and first love with a nostalgic touch, this is a beautiful watch that stays with you.
✨ Our Generation isn’t about dramatic twists or grand romance — it’s about the quiet, simple moments that shape who we are. It reminds us of childhood laughter, bittersweet first love, and the friendships that guide us through growing up.
While the pacing feels a bit rushed and the romance chemistry isn’t always strong, the drama shines with its warmth, nostalgia, and emotional depth.
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Simple, Soft & Beautiful ?
Our Generation is the kind of drama that doesn’t try too hard, yet leaves a strong impact. It’s simple, calming, and very relatable.The story flows naturally, and the characters feel real—like people you actually know. What stands out the most is the mature and gentle relationships, with no unnecessary drama.
The visuals are soft and aesthetic, perfectly matching the peaceful vibe of the show. It’s the kind of drama you watch to relax and feel comforted.
Overall, a beautiful and heartwarming watch that stays with you 💙
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Left me stunned and questioning my life
This show left my stunned and questioning my own life. I cried so much. All the characters were written well and the actors did a great job. Their love story is kinda epic and I love show roles were kinda switched. He became the "princess" and she was the "hero". And the music was great. I also loved the second male lead and I want to see good things for him. It pained me how good he was.Was this review helpful to you?
A must watch series
Was kinda hesitating to watch this series at first and I'm glad that I got to watch this masterpiece. As someone who's a fan of angsty dramas this is a 10/10. I really love the emotional depth of the characters as well as their chemistry. It made me fall in love with the two of them. This is also the drama that made me watch The Princess Royal. So far, this series has been added to my comfort series. The ending might be rush but this is definitely worth to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
