Plausible reasons why the rating wasn't higher
First of all, the intro music is fantastic, it makes me want to listen to smooth jazz.The biggest missteps the writers made for the international market are as follows:
- The ex-husband wasn't punished for committing adulty
his power, meddling, and rightness made me angry because his role just did not make sense
Xiao Zhan- I love him, love him, love him... I loved his character, but he lacked the power to defend himself and her, why? I expected him to have the strength to kick the ex-husband to the curb... with words... isn't this 2021?
We watch movies to escape, but when the subject matter of divorce, younger man older woman, and self employment is beautifully written only 75%, the rest of the world who enjoy Chinese drama would say, WTF happened to the other 25%?
So, as much as I loved watching, Sunshine by myside, I was constantly screaming, why, why did the writer make him or her say such idiotic lines.
That's why the rating was only 8. Your mistake was in giving the ex-husband more power then the hero and heroin, and you forgot your international audiance.
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Any other couple in this series has better chemistrie then ML & FL...
Kinda fluffy story, not that many anoying missunderstandings but their chemistrie.. awfull...If you like slow (as in realy fuc... slow - do not except them to become a couple until the very end...) burning romances.. without that many anoying side characters (except that Teacher Yang.. uff), this will do. Do not except to see any intimicy (except for hugging... Every side couple does feel more like a couple than ML/FL... Gosch, even their kisses are more realistic than ML/FL).
Overall, ok'ish to watch if you have have enough time.
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Best show ever!!!!
The chemistry between Jian Bing and Sheng Yang is absolutely electric. Watching them grow and evolve not just individually but together has been a touching and heartfelt journey that mirrors real life in the most poetic way possible！A beautiful exploration of love and personal growth, this show deftly portrays the magic that can occur when two people meet at the right time in their lives, ready to heal and grow together.This show does a brilliant job of capturing the nuances of modern relationships.Was this review helpful to you?
Lukewarm, but not bad
This story felt quite realistic, to some extent. Most of the characters are like people one could know.It's not an interesting story, though. I can't think of anything that would set it apart... it's not dramatic, it's not funny, there's barely any "romance", there aren't any moments that stand out as having been specially entertaining. It's not a bad show, the best way to describe it is "lukewarm". It's comfortable to watch it - easy to follow, and the pace is slow.
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Underrated jewel
Has been sometime since I had the urge to write a review, but this series deserves one.To me the plot itself wasn’t anything new or way above , but the actors did such a wonderful job.
Because in this age gape stories, the ML is usually super jealous, or too immature, and always have that bunch of stupid and annoying superficial “misunderstandings “ that makes me feel sick, but this show doesn’t have that.
The ML has a good character, seems like down to earth but of course does some noise things but I like his acting.
The FL to me was the real gem of this serie. Always steady, calm, racional, passionate and logic.
Even her way of speaking and demeanor made the scenes realistic.
Themes like poverty, family and many aspects of life were well explored to me and the support roles also did a pretty good job.
My evaluation is high because I really could feel many of the emotions that they wanted to convert, so If you’re in doubt, I suggest you give this serie a chance.
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I wanted to love this more but could not.
The leads had great chemistry I wanted to see more of them maturing into their roles and into their relationship. Instead, there were fillers of so many other couples and stories that was unnecessary. The best friend of the male lead and Pan I was fine with them, I enjoyed them on screen. The relationship with the parents and son I enjoyed. The ex-husband and best friend's romance went on way too long, the mother and father bickering went on too long for me also, the sister of the FL, the professor etc. wayyyyy too much screen time for that group. I ended up fast forwarding in many areas due to these relationships lacking strength or interest to the show and realized that I didn't even miss anything critical or of value to the characters. The show dragged and it could have been done in less scenes. Hated the advice the mom gave about the son not matching the FL, what a way to tell someone they are not good enough or the person they like is out of their league and to give up, that part hurt a bit. The end no kiss, a hug, not after all my precious hours of watching till 1am and I have work; it drove me to come here and comment. There was a great opportunity to make this a better show, and it just became OK; instead of great, fantastic, lets add this to top 10 list, let me tell a friend they have to watch. I will keep this one to myself.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Reflection on generational differences
Most of the comments I read about this drama point the lack of a true romance between the two leads. But I think that their love story is not so much the focus of the script. Instead it is a very good reflection on sexism and the role of genders in contemporary society. This is especially true if we take into consideration how all the male characters are written and the stark differences between the older and younger generations. Lao Xue and Fang laoshi are two faces of the same medal, they aren’t complete scumbags, both of them are genuinely convinced that what they do is in the best interest of the woman they love, but neither of them are actually aware of how deeply sexism is rooted into their mindset. Their controlling behaviour is out of line and upsetting, but they both don’t understand what they’re doing wrong. Lao Xue believes that he wronged his ex-wife by cheating on her, the real unforgivable thing about him is that he can’t see her as a whole person and he can’t respect her autonomy both in life and at work. Fang laoshi thinks of himself as a dependable caring man, but he actually never put much effort to see and get to know the person he likes. What he does is forcing his presence on her.The younger generation is represented by the three young men Sheng Yang, Song Chen and Hao Junjie. All three of them show a completely different attitude towards the female characters. They never try to force, manipulate or gaslight their love interests. They act like companions, growing along them.
As for Jian Bing supposed coldness towards Sheng Yang, I think that the way she acted was actually very mindful of his feelings. She didn’t rush into a relationship she wasn’t ready for, risking to hurt both Shang Yang and her feelings in the process. She took her time, made sure she was ready to commit and then accepted him fully in her life. And she told as much to Shang Yang’s mother. she is such a well written character with a lot of depth. But I think she is more relatable to a more mature audience.
All in all it was a very enjoyable show, the photography was very beautiful and I have screenshot many scenes because I liked the light so much. I’m an illustrator and I especially loved how they actually showed all of Shang Yang and Jian Bing’s works. Art itself can be considered one of the main characters of this drama.
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Finding your own sunshine
"Sunshine By My Side" is a beautifully nuanced drama that I rated 9/10. What truly resonated with me was its thoughtful and authentic portrayal of womanhood in all its forms—girlhood, teenage years, young adulthood, and motherhood. The drama explores the evolving roles of women in society, highlighting how they perceive themselves and how they are viewed through the lenses of other women and men.One of the most refreshing aspects of the drama is the journey of the female lead, an almost 40-year-old successful woman who seemingly has everything—career success, stability, and societal recognition. Yet, beneath this exterior, there is a poignant exploration of the idea that fulfillment is more than just professional achievements. It’s about emotional connections, self-discovery, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. Watching her navigate through this phase with grace and vulnerability was both inspiring and deeply relatable.
The drama also delves into the intricate relationships between women across generations and social roles. Whether it’s the innocent aspirations of girlhood, the uncertainties of teenage years, or the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with motherhood, each stage is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. The interactions between female characters—whether as friends, colleagues, or family—offer a profound look at solidarity, competition, and mutual understanding that women experience throughout their lives.
Another strength of "Sunshine By My Side" is how it challenges societal expectations and the pressures placed upon women. The drama doesn’t shy away from exploring the subtle biases and stereotypes women face in the workplace, in relationships, and even within themselves. It presents a compelling narrative that questions the traditional definitions of success and happiness, encouraging viewers to embrace the complexity of womanhood without judgment.
Moreover, the contrast between how women are perceived through their own gaze versus how they are viewed by others adds layers to the storytelling. The drama provides a refreshing take on self-acceptance, resilience, and the courage to redefine one’s life at any stage.
In conclusion, "Sunshine By My Side" is a profound and emotionally rich drama that offers a deeply moving perspective on the multifaceted nature of being a woman. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a drama that goes beyond romance and delves into the essence of personal growth, societal expectations, and the quiet strength of women navigating life’s complexities."
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This is not for me...especially the Main Romance
I don’t usually write a review of a dropped drama, but I figured this could be helpful to others who feel the same way. Is this a horrible drama? No, not really. But it’s not enough to keep me wanting to continue on and there are elements I don’t enjoy that are central to the plot.Disclaimer:
I am a romance lover. Romance (whether it is a main plot or subplot) can make or break a drama for me. If I love the main romance, I can overlook some flaws.
Not always a fan of noona romance (older woman/younger man). I want to give this drama a chance because of Xiao Zhan. The only other noona romance I can think of that’s similar and I liked is “The Rational Life”. But I watched that years ago, and I might not like it as much if I were to watch it today.
Let’s start with what I Like:
Strong Female Leads - Stories about women in their 30s can be inconsistent. Dramas claim they are independent and mature, but their actions tell a different story. However, Jian Bing (FL) and Liang Shan Shan (2FL) prove to be the minority. Through their actions, thoughts and feelings within the first 18 episodes that I watched, they are truly mature and independent. They don’t rely on men to provide them with happiness. They live for themselves and are professional when at work.
Acting - There’s really nothing for me to pick on in terms of acting. From what I’ve seen so far, the main and supporting cast deliver good performances. I was especially impressed with the veteran performance from ML’s parents when they were having a big argument. I bet that sequence was done in one shot as the way they yell at each other seems so real.
Make-up - It’s lovely to see a drama without white filters, strong backlighting or white thick foundation on the actors' faces. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Xiao Zhao look so ‘real’. Everyone just looks normal and in character.
That’s all I can think of. And now with the negatives and why I can’t continue on.
Main Romance - As I mentioned, the main romance can make or break a drama for me. Unfortunately, this romance is giving me similar vibes as “Go Go Squid 2”, another drama I dropped. Sheng Yan (ML) is a mature 26-year old at work. He was professional and knows enough to keep his mouth shut and to Fake It Till he Makes it (<-- a little plug of another drama who has an excellent romance LOL). However, when it comes to love, he is a little puppy, always following FL around. And because FL is such a mature woman, his puppy eyes stop being cute after the first few episodes. I dropped “Go Go Squid 2” for this same reason. I like an unrequited love, but for that to last so long, when ML is a mature adult at work, seems off to me. I like a slow burn romance, but not when I don’t feel any romantic chemistry between the leads and when they are so different in the stages of their lives. They seem more like sister/brother or mentor/mentee to me. Maybe the romance develops into something beautiful in the second half of the drama, but at ep 18, it is not motivating me to continue on.
Plot - The pace is also quite slow. 36 episodes are way too long. There isn’t much happening in the first 18 episodes, and nothing different. I do appreciate the story of a female (and badass) director. Everything that happened is predictable. I don’t think this is supposed to be a slice-of-life drama, thus, I expect more from the plot. Are there touching moments? Yes. Is it well-acted? Yes. Does it make me hit the “play” button next? No. As a binge watcher, this is a big indicator of when the drama is not for me.
This review is super subjective and I am sure many love this drama. To me, I was expecting more and it didn’t deliver. It’s not a bad drama, just not enough for me to continue on when there are too many other dramas waiting for me.
Completed: 9/30/2023 - Review #360
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a lil sunshine who beings joy and happiness?
first of all i just want to say thank you to the whole crew who made this work come to life.this drama is healing as it brings joy to one's life and all the actors made their characters come to life, and especially Xiao zhan. while watching Sunshine by myside i feel like i am watching xz's daily life, before he had joined the entertainment industry, interpreting himself and he NAILED IT. he is a hardworking young man who is trying to achieve great things by working very hard. ❤
So far, i just mobe everything about this series and cant wait for the rest of the episodes ( even tho i wish there were 100 eps of it)
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Well written
I struggled with this until I realised it was a Jane Austen story in modern clothes! A woman wants to make her own choices for her own reasons and everyone in her circle feels perfectly entitled to share their opinion about it. The opinions and judgments show the insecurities of the different characters, who are beautifully and carefully developed. I found many layers to this drama and found it shone a bright light on the viewer’s own inconsistencies and shortcomings by highlighting the behaviours of the characters. I’m glad now that I didn’t give up and could grow somewhat along with the characters although in the beginning a few of them were maddening. I would suggest watching this in close proximity to “The Rational Life” which has similar themes, or even with a Jane Austen such as “Persuasion” where everyone chips in their opinion and influence whether or not it is welcome or qualified. I found this show quite deep from a feminist perspective. To really understand the heroine, you need to watch to the very end. Your patience will be rewarded.Was this review helpful to you?
Série "slice-of-life" and "old FL / Young ML" but with Xiao Zhan (＾◡＾)❤❤
The series follows the daily life (work, family, friends, events), in a subtle and quite realistic way, of our two heroes. One (FL) is an established advertising director who must deal with divorce and its consequences. The ML is a young designer, admirer of the FL, who is trying to make a career and have his talent recognized.They form bonds, fall in love, and must face obstacles, linked in particular to their age gap of 10 years.
PROS:
+ Xiao Zhan ♡ლ(-༗‿༗-)ლ♡ of course, handsome, moving, so talented that he IS his character!!
+ I really like the character of the FL, mature, decisive, vulnerable but who faces all hardships the life give her. [[I divorced after a long marriage, and the story is very well written, enough for me to recognize myself in this character]].
+ The 2ary characters are well developed. Everyone has their own temperament, their history, their goals, their dreams.
+ The life of urban employees is well described, in subtle details: working conditions, pressure from customers, transport, shopping, meals, meetings, etc.
+ The narration is fast, modern and the OSTs are well suited to the emotions.
CONS:
- I regret that the SMS are not translated, because they have an importance in the story.
- the character of Sheng Fan's mother is excessive, poorly constructed psychologically: overprotective (OK, it's partly the result of the one-child policy), 50 years old but with the soul of a little girl, opposes the his son's relationship for ridiculous reasons, etc. No Western child would put up with being under the thumb of their parents at 26 like this...
- unlike other reviewers, I cannot perceive the charisma of Professor Fang's character, narrow, rigid, full of quirks and OCD.
=> It's a beautiful, comforting series, about perseverance, family, human's connections...
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Série """slice-of-life" et "old FL / Young ML" mais avec Xiao Zhan ( ＾◡＾)❤❤
La série suit la vie quotidienne (travail, famille, amis, évènements), de façon subtile et assez réaliste, de nos 2 héros. L'une (la FL) est une réalisatrice de pub, confirmée, qui doit faire face au divorce et à ses conséquences. Le ML est un jeune designer, admirateur de la FL, qui essaie de faire carrière et faire reconnaitre son talent.
Ils tissent des liens, tombent amoureux, et doivent affronter les obstacles, liés notamment à leur age gap de 10 ans.
PROS:
+ Xiao Zhan ( ＾◡＾)❤❤ bien sûr, beau, émouvant, tellement talentueux qu'il EST son personnage !!
+ J'aime le personnage de la FL, mature, décisive, vulnérable mais qui fait face. [[j'ai divorcé après un long mariage, et l'histoire est très bien écrite, assez pour que je me reconnaisse dans ce personnage]].
+ Les personnages 2aires sont bien développés. Chacun a son tempérament, son histoire, ses objectifs, ses rêves.
+ La vie des salariés citadins est bien décrite, en détails subtiles : les conditions de travail, la pression des clients, les transports, les courses, les repas, les rencontres,...
+ La narration est rapide, actuelle et les OST sont bien adaptés aux émotions à transmettre.
CONS:
- je regrette que les SMS ne soient pas traduits, car ils ont une importance dans l'histoire.
- le personnage de la mère de Sheng Fan est excessif, mal construit psychologiquement : surprotectrice (OK, c'est en partie le résultat de la politique de l'enfant unique), 50 ans mais une âme de midinette, s'oppose à la relation de son fils pour des raisons ridicules, etc. Aucun enfant occidental ne supporterait d'être sous la coupe de ses parents à 26 ans de cette façon ...
- contrairement à d'autres reviewers, je n'arrive pas à percevoir le charisme du personnage du professeur Fang, étriqué, rigoureux, plein de manies et de TOC.
=> C'est une belle série, réconfortante, sur la persévérance, la famille, les liens...
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