A visually appealing advertisement for rural living
Don't get me wrong - I loved the drama, but honestly could not rate it higher than 5.Example Love 020.
Living life in a virtual fantasy land created by some software freaks was appealing to the youth of our generation?
20-30 billion views for that sad, desperate, robotic drama that was poorly made and even more poorly acted? Is this where Mother Earth was heading?
I was so heart broken. Not only that such a terrible show was made but in fact viewers loved it.
Then comes along Meet Yourself.
I was absolutely ecstatic!! Thank you c- drama for taking the courage to go against the tide and making a visually enthralling drama.
Going back to basics, friendships, good old moral values, delightful traditional crafts, cooking, relationships- just purely innocent and refreshing.
Smartly made to show that there was financial viability as well despite living rurally.
The village was picture perfect - so naturally aesthetic that I would want to pack my bags and relocate there.
So why the low rating?
Because they made it like a commercial, an advertisement by the government of the country to lure youth into moving away from city life.
And because this may not get the 20-30billion views that it rightfully deserves.
They needed to spice it up quite a bit.
Firstly reduce the torturous 40 episodes to 16 or 20.
Then add some intensity to the chemistry. The romance was like tepid tap water. It was not slow burn, just slow death. Boringggg. And I've seen this ML in a previous drama where the romance was sizzling.
I wish this beautiful drama would get 50 billion views, so please spice it and spike it so the entire world would want to move to Yunnan.
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haven't finished yet but def in my top 5
this is SUCH a comfort drama. everything about this couple is a green forest. there's very minimal angst and the chemistry is so good. i love hongdou so much. she's so soft spoken but so intelligent and doesn't take bs from anyone. the music matches perfectly, too. idk why but zhiyao and hongdou's song makes me wanna cry everytime it plays hahahaWas this review helpful to you?
An Incomplete Drama
Question: Are there plans to finish this drama?While I agree wholeheartedly with the praise heaped on this drama (I have watched it 3 times and am now in my 4th),
I am painfully aware of some very serious omissions:
I was truly shocked when episode 40 turned out to be the final episode. The drama was nowhere
near finished at the end of ep40.
1. A'Yao never asked Dou to marry him.
2. Dou never stated she wants to marry A'Yao.
2. In fact, they never got married.
3. In fact, No fewer than 3 times did Dou expressly threaten to divorce A'Yao if he displeased her.
Q: Would they have had children?
Q: If so, what would happen to their relationship under the pressure of raising children?
I do indeed love this show, but it is only a down-payment on a drama, it is not a complete drama.
Question: Are there plans to finish the drama?
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Cozy Slice of Life
I’m not usually a big fan of slice of life dramas, but I love this one. It could be because I’m in my 40s and the themes resonate, but I’m enjoying it.Story: It begins with a sad episode and slowly eases into a cozy story. It isn’t fast paced at all but I find that if I skip anything I miss great moments.
Acting: I love Li Xian and Liu Yifei. It’s easy to believe that they’re just playing themselves sometimes. Li Xian is a bit goofy which is kind of cute. The grannies are often scene stealers.
Obviously we aren’t far in but I think if you’re looking for a good cozy watch with a feel good story this is it. If you want fast paced, this is not it. I will probably rewatch this one if it ends well.
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Meandering show that goes nowhere
I started off really like this show, the first 2 eps hit hard and made me cry alot, when something happens to a specific character.The FL then takes a long trip to Yunnan and stays thre for awhile, the entire drama is just basically about her life in yunnan and the various characters' lives in Yunnan.
Yup. That's about it.
I went into this knowing this was a slice of life drama, but even in typical SOL dramas, something happens. Something usuallyhappens to th emain character to make them rethink life. Here? When that character passes on, I expect the FL to actually grief properly and that changes the whole outlook of her life etc. However, whatever happened in those first 2 chapters were never quite addressed again, and the rest of the drama goes on a completely different tangent. There was no huge conflict arcs - nada. Just nothing to look forward to. Ended up dropping this after taking 6 months to finish 13 episodes. I ff-ed to some of the later episodes - and it was the same-ish kinda tone - with small things happening to different characters, but I come off feeling like I didn't miss anything.
Some pros:
- Nice-ish scenery
- Good acting from most of the cast. I really like Damai's character and her story arc
- Every character has a "problem" in their life they needa solve
- Nice food scenes
- Promoted the yunnan food/culture sufficiently
Cons:
- This drama was wayyyy too long for something that had almost nothing happening. 25 episodes would have been enough
- Boring sets. Yunnan has amazing scenery but you barely see it here, the characters are just confined to the same old sets
- Boring music/OST - the same song plays over and over again for emotive scenes
- Too many characters. It's like an ensemble cast honestly. There are some characters i wasn't interested in, so the focus on their storylines bored me
- The romance was too slow burn and I felt that they should have stayed friends. Absolutely no chemistry between Li Xian and Liu Yifei that when they did get together, I couldn't buy it and didn't find it romantic
- LYF's acting is just meh. She goes around yunnan in perfectly-coiffed hair and thick makeup and red lipstick - seriously, woman. you are in yunnan on a supposed break, you can chill abit on the dressing up. She looked so out of place alongside other characters who were more naturally made-up. When I see things like that in the drama, where the lead is clearly dressed better than the other characters, it just shows me that the actor/production/both want to make the particular lead stand out. I get it, but do it via the storyline or the acting, and not the aesthetics please, it just looks so out of place. And yes back to her acting - she half-whispers most of her lines I have no idea why when everyone else is speaking at a normal tone, and has no emotions at all. I couldn't get into her character at all and Hongdou came off haughty/dismissive many times to different people. There were several scenes where she was thinking about her friend and it was obviously a sad scene, but there were no emotions on her face, nothing. It just takes me out.
- Li Xian is fine but I felt his acting here was abit forced. I've seen him in many other dramas and really enjoy his versatility
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loksyutnya keren, alurnya keren, castsnya keren
Nonton ini dibikin jatuh cinta sama karakter-karakternya yang sangat-sangat relatable. Setiap episodenya punya ritme yang pas, jadi nggak bosan2 banget atau ngerasa kelamaan.Yang paling aku suka tuh alurnya yang ringan dan lokasinya yang nyegarin. Bener2 kaya diajak liburan bareng, wisata bareng, kulineran bareng wkwk dan dramanya jg punya keseimbangan yang sempurna antara humor, romansa, konflik.
Ni drama ga ada antagonisnya, jadi ga yang dramatis gitu. Terus akting castsnya ok, chemistry mereka jg ok, aku kaya ngeliat orang lagi ngobrol biasa, kaya lagi offcam.
Overall, ini drachin yang paling bagusvyang pernah aku tonton. Rekomendasi banget buat siapa aja yang cari tontonan ringan tapi menghibur, sempurna buat ditonton maraton. Dikasi S2 jg masih bagus sih ini.
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achievment unlocked - congrats you created group therapy clinic!!!
its slowpace drama in which every character got some personal problem.But miraculously if you gather alot people with such problems at one place ...
congrats you created group therapy clinic!!!
Its alot alike to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, BUT I would say its not comedy... it specialises on vibe and healing and human relations including romance.
plot - FL is city woman, workaholic working in hotel. Cause of tragic situation she got emotionally drained.
She leaves resign work and leaves city for small village in search for peace and quiet life to regenerate her injuries.
genre - healing vibe, countryside, human relationships, romance
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Exquisite
Despite its flaws, this is one of my top five C-dramas. A story of finding yourself in the midst of heartbreak. It centers on a young woman who experienced deep heartbreak and went on a long term vacation at a sleepy town in rural China.Plot: Slow paced in every sense of the word. This drama is character-driven and the romance is one of the most slow-burn you'll ever see. So this drama might not be everyone's cup of tea. But joining the FL in her path to healing and bonding with her newfound friends makes it all worth it.
Cast: Known in the West as the actress who played Mulan, Crystal showcases her superb acting skills in this drama. Her soft-voice and gentle demeanor matches this drama's atmosphere to a T. She's so talented. Fans will also recognize the ML as the protagonist in Go Go Squid. Xian is also a perfect fit since he doesn't have top model looks, making him a good fit as a likeable everyman who is devoted to his small town and fights for his ideals while trying to woo the FL in relatable ways.
The support cast have backstories that are for the most part endearing and engaging, but I could have done without the guitarist You Yu Hu and the ML's colleague, Xiao. A divorced single mom, Xiao is short fused and no-nonsense, so it was hard to understand why this professional woman was once married to a guy who is so mellow, introverted and simple-minded. I know opposite attracts but without any backstory the contrast between the two is jarring. She also shuns another potential suitor but there's little explanation behind her choices, making her character too one-dimensional.
However, my biggest peeve goes to the lazy and aimless guitarist Hu, a kind of a starving-artist stereotype who was the butt of all jokes. A character for comedic relief is understandable, but the guy was the target of so many put-downs that, as a male viewer, it got very annoying after a while. As icing on the cake, he had to be "rescued" in a scene by an older woman. In short, saying he was a wimp is a big understatement. They laid it down too thick with this character, so I skipped most of his story arc.
Final Thoughts: There is another concern about the script that few people talk about, but it needs to be said. The leads were both in their 30s. I believe the FL was already 30 when she met the ML and the drama makes it very clear that she is focused on building her career in the upcoming years. Similar to You Are My Glory, you get the sense that if the couple starts a family, it will be well into their mid-30s, at the onset of a geriatric pregnancy, and the challenges that it entails. No drama I've seen, whether in the East or the West, shows couples even remotely talking about this matter. It would serve the impressionable young adults who watch these dramas to see this important topic at least mentioned when couples plan for the future and decide whether to bear children or not.
All that aside, Meet Yourself is so highly rewatchable since it deftly weaves together wise teachings with inspirational stories about the power of friendship and community as we find our meaning, healing and thirsting for life. You'll fall in love with the sweet grandma, the chatty townswomen, and the charming backdrop and slow pace of life in rural China. I hope to see more dramas that explore more regions outside the big cities and shows more of the vibrant and diverse landscape of East Asian culture.
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A Love Letter to Slow Living: Yunnan’s Scenery and Quiet Narrative in Meet Yourself
In a world that celebrates the hustle, 'Meet Yourself' invites us to do the unthinkable: to stop, breathe, and simply be. It is more than just a drama; it is a cinematic sanctuary for the weary soul.1. Narrative: Deconstruction of Rhythm and Authenticity of Conflict
Meet Yourself stands out through a calm, humanistic, and grounded storytelling approach, presenting slices of daily life that resonate with the reality of viewers especially those experiencing emotional exhaustion due to the pressures of modern living.
Rhythm and the Antithesis of Modernity: The plot develops slowly yet consistently, providing space for the audience to reflect. The writers boldly adopt a slow pace, featuring silent scenes without dialogue such as cooking or taking a leisurely walk as integral parts of the narrative process. This serves as an antithesis to the tendency of modern dramas to be fast-paced and sensational.
Authenticity of Conflict: Conflict is not built through extreme antagonism, but rather through humane issues such as loss, anxiety about the future, and the economic constraints of village life.
Healthy Relationship: The relationship between Xu Hongdou and Xie Zhiyao represents a mature bond where both individuals respect each other's private space. This portrays a healthy relationship dynamic that is rare yet powerful in contemporary Chinese dramas.
2. Cast Performance: Depth of Character and Subtle Acting
The quality of acting is a primary strength that supports the entire narrative:
Liu Yifei (Xu Hongdou): Delivers a very subtle and controlled performance. She utilizes blank stares, silent pauses, and slight smiles as mediums to express grief, making Hongdou’s burden of loss feel tangible without the need for excessive emotion.
Li Xian (Xie Zhiyao): Successfully sheds his "idol" image to transform into a convincing local youth. His relaxed body language and use of local dialect build an authentic impression, as if the character truly grew up and lived in Yun Miao Village.
Wu Yanshu (Xie A-nai): Provides a significant emotional contribution. Her role as the grandmother brings a warmth that anchors the narrative and serves as a symbolic representation of "home."
Supporting Cast: The residents of Youfeng Xiaoyuan are written with fully realized character dimensions. They are not mere plot fillers but individuals with their own life journeys and personal conflicts, enriching the community theme.
3. Audio-Visual Aesthetics: Synergy of Nature and Music
Technically, Meet Yourself is a cinematic achievement where the natural visuals of Dali, Yunnan, function not just as a backdrop, but as a storytelling subject.
Musical Minimalism: The music is subtle and harmonious. The compositions are dominated by acoustic guitar, soft piano, and folk instruments that blend naturally with environmental sounds like the wind, the lake's ripples, and birdsong.
Audio Therapy: The opening theme, "Go to a Windy Place" by Yisa Yu, provides a calming effect with its poetic lyrics.
The Power of Silence: The director understands when silence is more meaningful than a musical score, allowing the actors' expressions to speak for themselves.
4. Rewatch Value: Emotional Security
Meet Yourself possesses a very high rewatch value because it does not rely on plot twists or intense conflict.
Sense of Security: The absence of major tragedies provides emotional safety (low stress), making it ideal to revisit without psychological burden.
Hidden Details: Upon rewatching, viewers can discover micro-expressions and visual details that were previously missed due to the slow pace.
Mood Booster: The drama functions as a way to "return" to Yun Miao Village to rest from the exhaustion of daily reality. The combination of a warm story and soothing visuals makes it a comfort show with strong, sustainable rewatchability.
Conclusion
Overall, Meet Yourself is not merely an entertainment product, but a cultural text reflecting the modern society's need for a pause, human connection, and psychological healing. Through its slow narrative, subtle acting, harmonious audio-visual aesthetics, and high rewatch value, this drama offers a cinematic experience that is both calming and reflective. As such, Meet Yourself can be viewed as one of the most complete representations of the slow living philosophy in contemporary Chinese drama, highly recommended for anyone wishing to momentarily step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to enjoy a story that is warm, humane, and deeply meaningful.
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Healing
The last 15 minutes made me so inexplicably sad and made me cry, I don’t know why🥹. This show was really comforting and served as a means to let go of some of my feelings, which makes me appreciate this gem a lot. Liu Yi Fei is incredibly natural in her acting in this show, she easily conveyed any emotions and really touched me with her performance. Li Xian: I only know him from some clips of “Go Go Squid”, and in those he looked rather stiff, so I didn’t know what to expect. He quickly proved to be very charming, fun and expressive (key word: eye acting😏) on screen, and I enjoyed all the interactions his character had.I think the show had too many sub-plots though. Too many stories to be told, and at one point I started losing interest and only cared about Hong Dou, granny, A’Yao, and the girl trio (girl friendships 🥰🐥🍓🌸🌷🌞🌈💜💕❣️), basically anything that involved our main leads.
The OST and cinematography were also simply sublime and so pretty!
Overall, a beautiful healing series that goes right into your heart with a dash of romance!
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A light hearted drama
Firstly the story starts off with Xu Hong dou,the female protagonist,being depressed with the demise of her best friend and then decides to go on a trip to Yunnan, where she makes new friends and her life changes forever.What attracted me the most in this drama is it's cinematography.The locales were scenic,very relaxing and pleasing to the eyes!!
Liu Yifei as Xu Hong Dou is apt for the role.
Li Xian as the male lead was good in his acting.All their friends were good.
The friendship development between all of them was nice .
This drama also teaches us to never lose hope in life,also find your place of peace and happiness and always follow your heart.
Particularly I liked the character of Granny Xie and her bonding with her grandson Xie Zhi Yao.
The music and background also are nice.
Overall a worth watching drama.Watch it for a relaxing change in your busy life.
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A healing drama
This drama is really good. Good casts, good storyline, good scenery. It is moving and touching and tells a lot about life that we can learn. The female lead is good, the male lead is a bit better and more natural. The relationship between villagers, friends, the sense of community, everything blends well together.Was this review helpful to you?
